CULINARY TRAILS OF THE WORLD
THE
WORLD ON A PLATE
World’s
top culinary destinations for food connoisseurs to indulge in.
Working on a culinary special has taken its toll on our waistlines but after sorting out the best from the lot, we bring to you some of the most delicious destinations to head out to and satisfy the gourmand in you. Indulge in world famous gelato while strolling past the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy or share your table with other hungry travellers at one of the food stalls in Thailand and enjoy that lemon grass flavoured red snapper or crunch on some toasted spiders. Make your ears pop with spicy beef chilli in Mexico or tame your taste buds with a bubble tea while touring Taiwan. We agree with George Bernard Shaw who so simply put it, ‘There is no love sincerer than the love of food’. So get ready to fit into some looser pants after following ET-Travel’s culinary trip with this issue.
Turkey
WHY: Turkish cuisine can well be called a fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Start the day with some kahvalt (breakfast or before coffee as the original translation means) with Çay (Turkish tea), Menemen, made of tomatoes, egg, onions and olive oil. While Kebabs are popular at both street stalls and restaurants, some Turkish specialities to try out include Meze, Dolma (stuffed dumplings), Kiymali Fasulye (beans with ground meat), Cobra (soup) and Simit (sesame covered bread). For those with a sweet tooth, try Baklava or Helva.
WHY: Turkish cuisine can well be called a fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Start the day with some kahvalt (breakfast or before coffee as the original translation means) with Çay (Turkish tea), Menemen, made of tomatoes, egg, onions and olive oil. While Kebabs are popular at both street stalls and restaurants, some Turkish specialities to try out include Meze, Dolma (stuffed dumplings), Kiymali Fasulye (beans with ground meat), Cobra (soup) and Simit (sesame covered bread). For those with a sweet tooth, try Baklava or Helva.
Mexico
WHY: Like its culture, Mexican food is colourful and varied in flavour and spices. A number of spices and herbs are used in Mexican cooking, making these dishes more enjoyable to the Indian palate. Some dishes to try out include Tlayudas (open tortillas with toppings), Pozole (soup/stew), Ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices, served with corn and veggies) and for the more daring, try roasted grasshoppers called Chapulines.
The Mayans are responsible for giving chocolate its name and it is used in various sauces and desserts. Sip on a chilli spiked hot chocolate while there.
WHY: Like its culture, Mexican food is colourful and varied in flavour and spices. A number of spices and herbs are used in Mexican cooking, making these dishes more enjoyable to the Indian palate. Some dishes to try out include Tlayudas (open tortillas with toppings), Pozole (soup/stew), Ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices, served with corn and veggies) and for the more daring, try roasted grasshoppers called Chapulines.
The Mayans are responsible for giving chocolate its name and it is used in various sauces and desserts. Sip on a chilli spiked hot chocolate while there.
Italy
WHY: We’re talking about a country of pleasure seekers… and food is right up there on the top of their pleasure list. It is said that Italian cuisine is as varied as its regions. San Daniele del Friuli ham from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Risotto and Tiramisu from Veneto, Pizza from Naples and Pasta Alla Carbonara from Liazi are just some of the various dishes that are region specific. After you’ve indulged your taste buds in Italy’s delicacies don’t forget to end your meal with a cup of Espresso or if that’s too strong for you, sip on a Bicerin — that’s a mocha for you.
WHY: We’re talking about a country of pleasure seekers… and food is right up there on the top of their pleasure list. It is said that Italian cuisine is as varied as its regions. San Daniele del Friuli ham from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Risotto and Tiramisu from Veneto, Pizza from Naples and Pasta Alla Carbonara from Liazi are just some of the various dishes that are region specific. After you’ve indulged your taste buds in Italy’s delicacies don’t forget to end your meal with a cup of Espresso or if that’s too strong for you, sip on a Bicerin — that’s a mocha for you.
Taiwan
WHY: Taiwan may not be everyone’s dish of choice but the country has a unique cuisine worth mentioning. Mild flavoured, would best describe Taiwanese food, which has strong Japanese and Chinese influences. Try the Grass Jelly and Dragon Whisker candy, President’s Fish, named after Chang Kai Shek, buttery Sun Cakes and Iron Eggs. Like most east Asian countries, Taiwan has many street food stalls but not much choice for the veg diner. Go prepared to use chopsticks!
Thailand
WHY: Thailand is known as one of the best culinary destinations
in the world with most travellers recommending the street food vendors over the
five star variety. Dishes are served most often with a basic fish sauce (Nam
Pla) or a larger variety of sauces that work to heighten or complement the base
flavours. Som Tam, Nam Tok Mu, Tom Yam Kung and Massaman curry made it to the
“World’s 50 most delicious foods”, compiled in 2011, with Massaman curry taking
first place on the list.
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