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Fantastic food from around the world!
With today being valentines day, it is said there is no better way to the heart than via the stomach. There is also no better way to get to sample and experience a country’s culture than through its food. With that in mind, below are four traditional regional delights for travellers, volunteers or culinary enthusiasts to try while abroad.
Fiji - Fijian Curry
Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific, formed of more than 300 Islands. Fresh fruit, vegetables and fish combined with a rich mosaic of foreign influences, from Europe, India and China have meant Fijian cuisine has developed a unique and complex nature. A product of this blend is a Fijian Curry, a tasty mix of fresh ingredients combined with foreign influence. Imagine an idyllic setting, near beautiful beaches with friendly locals and excellent food and one can understand why Fiji is considered a paradise.
Chef William Anatooskin has a recipe you can try at home and stated how his passion for the dish came about: “I developed this recipe after spending two months of holiday time in Fiji. Fell in love with the Indian style of cooking. The Chefs would not give me details as to how they made their recipes, except to tell me, add a little of this and a little of that to suit your taste.”
Argentina – Beef Steak
Argentina is famed for its Beef and one dish in particular, grilled steak. Argentina apparently has the world’s second highest consumption rate of beef, with yearly consumption at 55 kg per head!!! Some of the finest cuts of beef, from cattle raised on high quality pastures means Argentinean Steak is known and imitated throughout the world, however, nothing compares to tasting the real thing.
Argentinean Steak is traditionally cooked over a charcoal flame, or asado, and served with a wider selection of grilled meats, salads and relishes.
Malawi – Nsima
Malawi is a landlocked country in south-eastern Africa, known as the “warm heart of Africa.” Despite its natural riches, Malawi remains a poor country, where the majority of people grow their own food in small gardens. This farming style has meant Malawian cuisine is very traditional and rich in carbohydrates to provide energy for a hard day’s work.
The staple of this diet is the ubiquitous nsima. Nsima is made from ground corn, and usually served with relishes, or side dishes, often consisting of meat and vegetables. Nsima is enjoyed by some Malawians for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Together with Nsima, Malawi is a huge exporter of some of the finest Tea, so be sure to try a traditional tea with your meal.
Vietnam – Pho
Vietnam is home to some of the most biologically diverse jungles, rivers and national parks in the world. With the differences in latitude, there is a marked variety in the Vietnamese climate from place to place. This gives rise to a host of different culinary styles, however, rice and noodles remain the most popular dishes of Vietnam. The most famous of which is Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, closely tied to the city of Hanoi. Pho is traditionally served in a bowl with a specific cut of white rice noodles in clear beef broth, with slim cuts of beef. There are an infinite number of variations featuring tendons, tripe, meatballs, chicken, additional garnishes or seasoned according to differing tastes.
Pho has recently seen a huge rise in popularity in Western cities as a number of Vietnamese restaurants have opened, however, for a truly authentic experience it is best to head to the bustling street stalls in Hanoi and try it for yourself.
