One way to get a feel for a new country is to sample the local cuisine. And if an adventurous traveller is exploring their own continent, this is a brilliant idea – the dishes here are at least somewhat similar to what they’re used to at home.
But Asian or African dishes are like placing a bet at a $5 deposit casino. A tourist might stumble upon an incredible delicacy, or they might end up with a gastrointestinal nightmare and a trip to the local hospital. So, what should one try in each place to get maximum enjoyment and zero problems? We’ve created a unique guide.
Europe, Italy – Risotto alla Milanese
European cuisine is probably the safest – it’s hard to find dishes here that would be impossible to eat. However, even here surprises can happen, such as veal offal or fermented cheeses, whose aroma can throw one off balance just as much as a loss at a $5 deposit casino. Therefore, for those who want to experience Europe in general, and Italy in particular, through taste, there is Risotto alla Milanese – an atmospheric yet safe dish.
This risotto is made with Arborio rice. The grains are slowly simmered in a stock with butter, Parmesan cheese and saffron. The result is a golden dish with an incredible aroma and a delicate, creamy flavour. Such a dish fits perfectly into a quiet family evening, highlights the Italian emphasis on quality ingredients, and allows visitors to become a local connoisseur of a well-prepared dinner for a single evening.
Asia, Japan – Ramen
Although Eurasia is a single continent, the Asian half of the mainland is incredibly different from the European half. What can be said about an island that has historically survived on seafood? Japanese cuisine attracts every tourist precisely because of its exoticism, yet trying natto or raw fish with unusual textures is often like playing the lottery at a $5 deposit casino. The safest option to begin such a culinary journey is ramen.
To make this soup, a rich meat stock is simmered for hours on end. Then local noodles, separately cooked pork, boiled eggs, seaweed and vegetables are added. The recipe varies slightly in every region of the country, but the general principle remains the same. The result is a rich meaty flavour, with vegetables and seaweed acting as natural spices, and the whole dish perfectly captures the Japanese obsession with process and detail.
Africa, Morocco – Chicken Tagine
There is a stereotype that African folk cuisine is all about beetles, worms and other rather unpleasant sources of protein. But this is far from the truth. The local flavour lies in unusual textures and incredibly hot spices. Tasting the food here is like hitting the jackpot at a $5 deposit casino. Even the most innocuous-looking dish can set the taste buds alight with a fiery kick from red chilli or an unusual sauce.
The best way to start exploring the local cuisine is with chicken cooked in a special clay Tagine dish, hence the name. The poultry is stewed with lemon, olives, cumin, cinnamon and saffron, and the Tagine’s special lid helps to perfectly preserve the aroma. The result is a sweetish, tangy flavour – vibrant, yet without an overwhelming kick. What’s more, the dish perfectly showcases the diversity and interweaving of local cultures.
America, Mexico – Tacos al Pastor
This time, the region’s reputation is fully justified – there really are plenty of spicy dishes here due to the local cult of adding chilli peppers to literally everything. Soups, porridges, stewed vegetables – here, everyone strives to make everything as spicy as possible. People whose taste buds are accustomed to fiery food will definitely appreciate this flavour. For everyone else, it’s better to play it safe at a $5 deposit casino and choose the mildest option in the local cuisine – tacos.
This dish caught on here quite quickly, though it was brought over by Lebanese migrants, who taught the locals how to cook meat on a vertical grill. The pork for the tacos is marinated in spices and pineapple juice, then fried; golden slices of meat are cut off and added to a corn tortilla, topped with onions and herbs. It’s juicy, aromatic, and lets people feel the local vibe – street food here is at the heart of social life.
Australia & Oceania – Meat Pie
This region boasts a huge variety of exotic fruits and seafood, so even Asia might envy its gastronomic diversity. However, blind tasting of unusual delicacies can even be dangerous, especially for people with allergies. It’s better to try one’s luck at a $5 deposit casino, especially as the local cuisine has far more tourist-friendly dishes to offer. And one of them is the traditional meat pie.
This pie is considered a national classic. It is made from shortcrust pastry, which literally crumbles and melts in the mouth. The filling is the world-famous local beef. It is stewed in a thick sauce made from beef stock with cornflour, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, onions, pepper and garlic. The result is a thick gravy with a creamy texture and the perfect home-cooked flavour – just what a weary traveller needs.
Taste Safely – Some Useful Tips
Not every establishment serves the dishes described on this page. Therefore, travellers must figure out for themselves what is safe to try. To avoid guessing when making a choice, just like in a $5 deposit casino, it is important to pay attention to what the locals themselves are eating, as many dishes aimed at tourists are simply another tourist attraction.
It is also important to check the establishment’s reputation, choose food that has been cooked thoroughly, and not hesitate to ask about the ingredients. It is better to spend a little more time and make sure that the local delicacy brings a new vibe, rather than new problems.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
