Saturday, September 1, 2018

FOODIES CORNER.... Dining with the Locals


Dining with the Locals

The promise of a deeper and more engaging experience beyond a usual holiday is through experiential and shared learning by breaking bread together!

BREAKFAST WITH THE IRISH
The true blue Irish Bed & Breakfast experience is the prospect to halt with an Irish family and submerge in their traditions and culture. To get the most out of a holiday in Ireland, meet the locals of the Emerald Isle (living in value secure accommodation is a bright idea). A typical Irish breakfast is cooked and is large, comprising the black and white pudding, bacon, sausages, eggs, Butter stir fried potatoes and vegetables, served with Soda bread, a glass of fresh orange juice and strong cups of Lyons or Barry tea! So to enjoy this and learn more about the culture, staying in a b&b is the best bet and there are many to choose from across the country!

AN EMIRATI EXPERIENCE
Maitha Esa’s programme is a great understanding into how an Emirati family lives at home. She is a delightful host; the evening begins with Arabic coffee and ‘Khanfaroosh’, a sweet- smelling hotcake, with flavours of saffron and cardamom. Interestingly the coffee keeps pouring, until you shake the cup to signal that you have had your fill. This is followed by conversation on the culture, clothes and you are free to answer any questions. On offer at dinner is decadent Chicken Machboos which is quite similar to our pulao and is had with yogurt and chilli sauce. At the end of the meal you are served ‘Sulaimani Chai’, essentially a sweetened black tea infused with spices. Dessert could vary from various kinds of traditional thin pastry, which has been soaked in sugar based syrup and layered with a creamy cheese filling known as ‘Kunafeh’ to dates and even Baklava.

MEET THE DANES
Danes are celebrated as one of the cheeriest people in the world, accrediting this standing to the Danish concept of ‘hygge’. Copenhagen itself is acclaimed as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world for its New Nordic cuisine. Meeting The Danes at their home for a traditional meal is the best way to experience this with a concept created and founded in 2001 by Annette Waeber. The best part is when you register; they try and match you up with a family of the similar age group so dinner is fun too! The meal starts with a refreshing spritzer and appetizers. It comprises the likes of farm fresh salad, seasoned peppers followed by a cooked roasted chicken with vegetables on the side and fresh strawberries with cream to end the meal. It’s a good idea to do this on your first day so you can get some local tips for making the most of this Danish city.

Rupali Dean is a food writer based out of New Delhi
ET 23 AUG18

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