I think this is an uncharted, unexplored territory for me. Also I am codo lol so don't spend much. Plus shy and introverted. So don't go out much. Plus forever loner...anyhoo...
Point being. I have decided to go and explore foreign cuisine. Burmese, Sri Lankan, Abyssinian, Sri Lankan, Polish, Portuguese, Mozambique, Laos, Scottish, Hawaiian, Peruvian...
Problem in America is they are mostly fusion. For instance there is this place called "Rusty Monk" that is Belgian, but serves burger.
This is to share your experience with foreign cuisine. Funny when I search foreign cuisines near me... frikkin IHOP comes up.
Most foreign cuisine to some extend get infused to meet the local mass demographic. Chinese food in Bangladesh (which I enjoy) has had to make changes so it is well received and nothing like what their authentic food is like. Same with Indian curry shops in UK, which you would hardly get to see Bangladeshis/Indians going as it is sweet and very mildly spiced for the Western palette.
However there are places in the UK where you can sample authentic food these days as compared to 10 years ago.
Malaysian: Being in Asia the types of food I have tried is very tasty. Their beef rendang is quite hot which is my favourite. Satays tend to be decent. Nasi lemak which is their national dish looks nice and tastes quite good. But overall I find their food quite heavy as they use alot of coconut. I have this type of food once a year.
Thai Cuisine: I prefer this type of food as it doesnt feel heavy and quite refreshing. Their soups like Tom Yum is a must for me and clears my head. I also like their Pad Thai noodles which at good restaraunts comes in an egg nest. Their fish dishes are also amazingly good too. Their fried tempuras and satays are nice. The best thing is no matter what kind of restaurant you visit is the hospitality.
Japanese: in the UK one is restricted to Sushi. I kind of enjoy this but more as a snack. My favourite is California rolls with fried Onion (Beresta) on top.
Pakistani: Among the Sub continent countries , they are the most authentic in the UK as their customer base is more for the ethnic people and the new generation of English eaters who have a better tolerance for spicy food. Their currys are really good, naan breads are nice and they make the best lamb chops.
Italian: Pizzas made in restaurants are really nice. Also certain pastas are a league above to the ones made at home or supermarket versions. Their sea food dishes are really tasty with nice sauces. I prefer this among all the European cuisine.
British: Fish and chips. I lived on this for a week when I came to the UK. Its really nice if you buy it from an authentic one. Other than this there is nothing really nice about British food.
Lebanese: This is my favourite type of cuisine after Bangladeshi. They are normally generous with portions where you visit. The grilled meat is very well spiced.
Turkish: I dont like the kebabs here as they were little less spiced compared to Lebanese. Their version of the falfael isnt nice compared to Lebanese. However their pizza (pide) is really nice.
Iranian: Their food is decent but very rice based. Their kebabs are similar to Pakistani food. The special theme in most Iranian restaraunts is that usually the bread/naan maker will be visible for customers.
I was in mexico couple of months back and the taco i had there tasted worse than taco bell tacos. I rather have the food cart tacos at jackson heights by the subway station. At least prepped with clean water.
Authentic is over rated. You want a dish that taste good -so fusion is where its at.
I think rather than authentic dish, the unique dishes shoudl be experienced..
for example, for peruvian dish.. one should try alpaca. I don't think it's available in United states in peruvian restaurant. I could be wrong however as I didn't really venture out to necessarily look for it. I try to keep it halal most of the time but do not mind non-halal.
Originally Posted by iDumb
I was in mexico couple of months back and the taco i had there tasted worse than taco bell tacos. I rather have the food cart tacos at jackson heights by the subway station. At least prepped with clean water.
Authentic is over rated. You want a dish that taste good -so fusion is where its at.
Although we had some minor disagreements, you are a very favorite poster of mine. If you come to Mexico or near California please do not hesitate to contact me any way. Get my number from BK.
Everyone, thanks for sharing. I will still need to reread adam's post. Looks interesting.
Originally Posted by iDumb
I think rather than authentic dish, the unique dishes shoudl be experienced..
for example, for peruvian dish.. one should try alpaca. I don't think it's available in United states in peruvian restaurant. I could be wrong however as I didn't really venture out to necessarily look for it. I try to keep it halal most of the time but do not mind non-halal.
I will check it out. There is like on five minutes away from home.
Originally Posted by Zeeshan
I really want experience like this. Except for the gross fried eel part.
The vlogger has got to have the most punchable face I've ever seen.
Bali is very interesting. Their culture is very similar to ours, and one that is distinctly different than the rest of Indonesia. On top of that, they seem to be Hindu-majority in a country that is the largest Muslim population in the world. Curious how that all came about. Also they eat with their hand, unlike the rest of Indonesia.
+++
Another country that eats with their hand is Myanmar. They also eat paan and wear lungi. I know we are neighbors, but I always thought Burma would be closer to Thailand/Laos, but the similarities are uncanny.
I'm not a dessert person, but was recently introduced to the following during our trip to Australia this year. There were 2 weddings and associated parties, resulting in a lot of food.
(1) Tiramisu, a popular Italian dessert. It is made of ladyfinger biscuits dipped in coffee, layered with a mixture of eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa. It's served cold and doesn't fill you much, So, you can intake a lot.
One of my SIL whom I met first on this tour made it few times on the wedding occasions. I really enjoyed it although I tried it long b4. Now, my wife started making it after coming back home. Makes me
(2) Crème Brûlée, perhaps a French dessert. Usually, a vanilla-based custard topped with a hard/burnt caramel, often decorated with passion fruits; very similar to Caramel Pudding (home pudding that's often made in BAN). It's served at room temperature. It's also not that filling.
I guess it's very popular in Australia, at least to the Bangladeshis I met. It wasn't that special to me as my mom (v. good cook but not specialized in desserts except 'pithas') often used to make it and still continues to do so. It's so easy that even I dared to attempt it few times...
Originally Posted by aklemalp
Gyros are meant to take home and eat; I have never had it to stay together, always the sauce and the meat would spill out.
That is why you order every item separate and put it together yourself. As much needed.
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Had some lovely Moroccon food a couple of weeks ago. Had a mutton tagine and the whole experience is nice. Funnily it was in Spain. The tagine itself is so lovely to see.The place inside was designed similar to that of a Moroccon hut. Apparently Turkeys' Erdogan was also a patron at this restaurant too.