FOODIES' CORNER - Top 5 Food Cultures

Top 5 Food Cultures



Experience unique local food culture as you go travelling

BREAKFAST IN SYDNEY

It is not easy to outline what a typical Sydney breakfast would be. Thanks to the city being a multicultural one.That said transiting by a typical cafe in the morning time, you are sure to come across people enjoying their morning cuppa with whatever they fancy .The Bills outlets have been the iconic breakfast stop in Sydney since many years and Chef Bill Granger swears that Australians are the undisputed king of breakfasts. undisputed king of breakfasts.Granger became famous for his creamy and light scrambled organic eggs, served with crusty sourdough toast, which are now a staple on his menu. Structured by Ramsey Choker and coffee guru Jack Hanna, The Grounds by Alexandria is another popular breakfast haunt. The dining expanse inside is split into dual sections, one with a sight of the roasters and the kitchen; the other livelier and lighter with visions onto the veranda and a straight line of vision to the focal coffee counter.

AFTERNOON TEA IN LONDON

This ritual of tea time remains an iconic meal replete with dainty cakes and sandwiches served on a china cake stand and accompanied by a varied choice of teas from across the world.The delightful afternoon tea will certainly not disappoint you wherever you have it in London. The scones come along with the true clotted cream, which anywhere else is just whipped cream. For generations, afternoon tea has become an essential part of any visit to St James's Restaurant on 181 Piccadilly as it serves the best afternoon tea in London, housed on the fourth floor at the famed Fortnum & Masons.

APERITIVO IN MILAN

Aperitivo is a quintessential Milanese experience: Italy's answer to happy hours! This ritual takes place early evening when locals and tourists alike crease around Milan's most popular restaurants and bars for a concoction and light bites. Mandarin Oriental's bar has become a hot spot for the same as it is accessible from Via Monte di Pietà, besides its main entrance. The mood in the here evolves from relaxed daytime oasis to vibrant nightspot as the hours pass by .Adopt the Italian approach and nibble lightly as you savour the flavours leaving enough room so as to not skip dinner as a meal at its Bistrot runs the gamut from tasty antipasti to extremely delicious desserts...and of course undeniably spectacular fine wines which have made Italy prominent the world over.

STREET FOOD IN BANGKOK

For treating yourself to getting real Thai food the best option is to dine off the streets. You will discover a stream of street food stalls which can actually combine to make a full meal. Most of the sidewalk operations offer a wide selection of curries, soups, salads and desserts in huge pots and trays. From them, one is able to get some fine, home cooked food freshly prepared for tourists.Interestingly, even at the fresh produce market or at the famed floating markets, you will find stalls preparing freshly cooked `Som Tam' (raw papaya salad) to `Satay'. The tiny round coconut pancakes they make on the boats at the Floating Market, which are passed over on a little `boat' made with banana leaf, is still warm as it melts in your mouth. It is sweet and decadent to the core!

HAWKER MARKETS IN SINGAPORE

A visit to Singapore is incomplete without visiting the hawker markets as there can be no better way to sample authentic local favourites without forking out too much moolah. Most of the these centres or markets are open air, yet offer shelters whilst letting you enjoy the food even if it's raining. Go to `Maxwell', just next to China Town. Try the tumblers of refreshing and sweet sugar cane juice and chai tow kway (fried carrot cake) in both black and white versions. Try some congee, paper roast chicken, duck noodle soup and the famed `Kaya toast' with half boiled egg.`Milo Dinosaur' is basically an icy malted drink, which is another must-try .

Rupali Dean is a food writer based out of Delhi



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