Candy

Here I am with my travel post for the foodies. This is the 1st part of a 3 part series on different cuisines of the world for the quintessential non-vegetarians! My sincere apologies to all the strict vegetarians out there. I’m no food connoisseur but I can appreciate great food when I taste it. Feed on this…

1. Lebanon – First thought that comes to mind is falafel, baba ghannouj, hummus and pita bread. But there’s a lot more for the food traveler to discover here. Lebanese food is a delightful mix of Arab and Mediterranean. For the spice intolerant Lebanese food is a joy to sample. It is mainly flavored and garnished with onions, garlic, lemon, pepper, olives, mint and parsley. The most favored meat is lamb.

Lamb Kibbeh – The meat is minced, mixed with burghul (cracked wheat), marinated with pounded pepper, garlic and onions, broiled over charcoal (or fried) and served with mint sauce and a crispy cool salad. When prepared well, the meat is succulent, flavourful and simply melts in your mouth. Squeeze a dash of lemon juice before digging in…heavenly!

2. Mexico – For those who love absolutely any kind of spice, Mexican food will definitely tantalize your taste buds with red chillies and the hot n tangy jalapenos. Even the cheese dips served with nachos and salsa have a hint of spice which makes the taste all the more interesting.

Chicken Fajitas – The chicken is marinated in a paste of tomato sauce, garlic, red chillies and jalapenos with a dash of tequila, stir fried with vegetables and served in baked tortillas topped with cheese with a side of freshly made guacamole and sour cream. Absolutely divine!!

3. Malaysia – Malaysian food is on the borderline of spicy and mild. The food is generally cooked in coconut oil and coconut milk with more emphasis on flavouring than on spice.

Roti Kanai – No guesses there as to where this dish originated from! You’re right, its chicken and potato curry from India! But with a twist of local Malaysian spice concoctions, a dash of coconut milk and a hint of lemongrass, this dish tastes wonderfully unique from what we are used to back home. You could substitute the chicken with lamb or prawns. Mouth-wateringly delicious!

4. Italy – Definitely a HUGE favorite among almost everyone in the world. From the lasagnas to the pastas to thin crust brick oven pizzas (Pizza Hut DOES NOT qualify, people!). We are well aware of their different dishes but the following was an absolute treat for me.

Breaded shrimp in creamy scampi sauce was the signature dish of a restaurant I went to in Little Italy in Baltimore, USA. The chef simply refused to part with the recipe but you have to take my word for it, simply A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! If you happen to be in that part of the world then please go try it out at Amicci’s.

5. Greece – When you think Greek food, visions of the hit movie and one of my favorites, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING comes to mind and tons of food being prepared for the smallest of celebrations Known for their cheery dispositions, Greeks take entertaining extremely seriously and if ever invited to a Greek meal, fast for 2 days in advance.

Lamb preparations are by far THE BEST of Greek food! Kapama or roast lamb with herbs is exquisite. It will definitely satiate your palate. Cooked with onions and tomatoes and flavoured with herbs like rosemary and thyme, it yields the most sumptuously prepared lamb.

Hope your mouths are watering by now. Mine definitely is… Check for Part 2 soon.