They say there is no love more sincere than a love of food. Being creatures whose mouths instinctively water at the smell of nice food, this statement is not easy to argue with. This is why as a traveller, you can take advantage of the wide range of foods available in different destinations across the world.
As much as people love vacations, the most interesting part of a holiday is that trip to somewhere new. This is why 30% of workers, for example, are reportedly willing to accept a lower wage if business trips are among the work benefits offered. A change of environment is as good as a rest and, as we know, not many people will pass up the opportunity for a bit of relaxation.
Food tourism offers not just a change of scenery but allows you to get a sense of the place you are visiting by tasting their foods and learning about their culinary customs and cultures. If you do not know where to start organising your travels, here are some insights to get you started.
With millions of different cultures from which to choose, there is no limit to the types of foods available for you around the globe. Below is a list of just three of our 3 favourite foods from around the world:
1. Hainanese chicken rice
This is a dish of seasoned rice and poached chicken, usually served with chilli sauce and presented with cucumber garnishes. It is said to be an adaptation of the Hainanese dish Wenchang chicken, originally made by immigrants from Hainan, Southern China.
This dish is currently considered to be one of Singapore’s national dishes, although it is also present in other areas throughout Southeast Asia, specifically in Malaysia where it is a staple food.
The sight of Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore stores is common, and for good reason. Although deceptively simple, the taste of chicken has been stretched to the extent that it hits the sweet tooth every time.
2. Sushi
Sushi is a Japanese dish that is already pretty famous in the western world, and justifiably so. It is prepared using vinegared rice with some salt and sugar, and a variety of other ingredients. These may include vegetables, seafood, and even tropical fruits.
Although the styles of preparation and presentation could vary widely, one constant ingredient is ‘sushi rice’, also known as sumeshi or shari. Shari is traditionally made from medium-grained white rice but can also be prepared using short-grained or brown rice. The accompanying ingredients are often seafood such as tuna, salmon, yellowtail, eel, and squid. These are, however, not key ingredients – as many sushi dishes are vegetarian.
This Japanese cuisine is well worth its fame. Although it can be found in every country these days, if you know where to look, what better place is there to experience it than its home?
3. Neapolitan pizza
If a list was to be made of the foods people love worldwide, you would be sure to see pizza making numerous appearances. Originating in Italy, Neapolitan pizza or the Naples style pizza is made using tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Not just any tomatoes are used, however. It is made using either Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio or Marzano tomatoes.
If you happen to make a trip to Italy, you will have the opportunity to witness the art of pizza making in person, which has been included in the country’s cultural heritage by UNESCO.
With this short guide, you have a sneak peek of what to expect when you visit the three countries whose foods have been discussed. Taste is, however, always subjective. To determine which countries in the world have the best foods, you will have to make your own trip!
