Do you try new foods when traveling?
Jan 22nd, 2023, 10:45 AM
#81
+ 2
On the flip side, I was dating someone who did not like wine and had been told they couldn't go to France because they did not like wine. Ridiculous. We went and I drank Kronenbourg 1664 for most of the trip. I don't really care for beer but it was more important to make the other person feel more comfortable. My ex and I went to Hawaii for a week and then joined up with my co-workers on a reward trip. She likes club sandwiches. When staying at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island, we ordered room service about three times. I had the curry every time because it was SO good. She ordered the club sandwich each time. After a quick trip over to Kauai for a couple of nights, we were back at the Four Seasons Hualalai for several nights. I honestly have no memory of what we ate. Nothing exotic. But I also know that no one else was monitoring - or judging - what we ordered. There are no bonus points for ordering certain foods. Order what you like. Including club sandwiches and beer.
On the flip side, I was dating someone who did not like wine and had been told they couldn't go to France because they did not like wine. Ridiculous. We went and I drank Kronenbourg 1664 for most of the trip. I don't really care for beer but it was more important to make the other person feel more comfortable. My ex and I went to Hawaii for a week and then joined up with my co-workers on a reward trip. She likes club sandwiches. When staying at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island, we ordered room service about three times. I had the curry every time because it was SO good. She ordered the club sandwich each time. After a quick trip over to Kauai for a couple of nights, we were back at the Four Seasons Hualalai for several nights. I honestly have no memory of what we ate. Nothing exotic. But I also know that no one else was monitoring - or judging - what we ordered. There are no bonus points for ordering certain foods. Order what you like. Including club sandwiches and beer.
Jan 22nd, 2023, 11:03 AM
#82
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,993
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First night in Ho Chi Mihn City, first time in Vietnam, I was walking around and there were people grilling meats on the sidewalk, squatting over little hibachi grills.
That was not too far from a Gucci or Dior store.
I didn't try the street foods. There were others with chicken and other meats in tupperware type of containers. They didn't have a cart or any kind of dedicated space it seemed, they seemed to set up randomly.
I went to food halls in Singapore and saw a lot of finished plates piled up on benches, didn't really look at eating there either even though people rave about them.
Ambience isn't the most important thing but there has to be some minimum level of nice setting.
That was not too far from a Gucci or Dior store.
I didn't try the street foods. There were others with chicken and other meats in tupperware type of containers. They didn't have a cart or any kind of dedicated space it seemed, they seemed to set up randomly.
I went to food halls in Singapore and saw a lot of finished plates piled up on benches, didn't really look at eating there either even though people rave about them.
Ambience isn't the most important thing but there has to be some minimum level of nice setting.
Jan 22nd, 2023, 11:14 AM
#83
I have to stay clear of my two deathly food allergies of corn and chocolate and also dairy, to some extent, but not butter...
Allergic to chocolate? As a chocoholic I can't get my head around that. More for me I guess🍫🍫🍫
Allergic to chocolate? As a chocoholic I can't get my head around that. More for me I guess🍫🍫🍫
Jan 22nd, 2023, 11:26 AM
#84
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is Burns Night next week so Haggis is in the supermarkets every where at the moment, here in England as well as Scotland. Very similar to the equally West Country faggots.
had to smile about the Phillipino Chocolate Pudding! I am with the late great Anthony Bourdain. Blood sausage is a thing of beauty whether it be called black pudding, boudin nor or whatever it is delicious and it is always good to use every part of the beast, though I have tried but failed to fall involve with pigs trotters.
Never heard of kava JW, I assume you are referencing some form of mild hallucinogenic effect? I think I may have tried something similar one NYE in a village the middle of nowhere in Laos - I was ok till it was time to get up and walk!
mlgb - does your conservative friend now eat rare steak?
had to smile about the Phillipino Chocolate Pudding! I am with the late great Anthony Bourdain. Blood sausage is a thing of beauty whether it be called black pudding, boudin nor or whatever it is delicious and it is always good to use every part of the beast, though I have tried but failed to fall involve with pigs trotters.
Never heard of kava JW, I assume you are referencing some form of mild hallucinogenic effect? I think I may have tried something similar one NYE in a village the middle of nowhere in Laos - I was ok till it was time to get up and walk!
mlgb - does your conservative friend now eat rare steak?
It’s the root of a pepper plant. It’s a mild stimulant used ceremonially in the Pacific islands or just to hang out with the fellas, perhaps like sitting around with friends and having a few beers.
We met a really nice server at our resort and found out his BD was upcoming. He was a big Fijian man who loved rugby so we got him a Fijian national rugby jersey. Asked him what he did for his BD and with a big smile said he drank some kava.
Been there, done that.
Jan 22nd, 2023, 01:23 PM
#85
Crellston - “Never heard of kava JW, I assume you are referencing some form of mild hallucinogenic effect? I think I may have tried something similar one NYE in a village the middle of nowhere in Laos - I was ok till it was time to get up and walk!”
I was introduced to Kava by a rugby playing priest friend whose parish was in the highlands of Fiji. My experience was the same as yours Crellston.
We caught up with some of his friends in a village where we’d gone to see the boarding school - and of course the Kava came out. After a few sips, I noticed the inside of my lips became tingly and then numb, the knees followed when I went to stand up
It may not be alcoholic, but it sure packs a punch. Of course, I’m not a 6’2”, 16 stone chap so that may have been a factor too!
A bit like Chang, served by my friend’s grandmother in Bhaktapur for Nepali New Year. It, unlike the kava, had no warning numbness and was very pleasant. Getting down the narrow, rickety stairs later that night was quite the adventure
I was introduced to Kava by a rugby playing priest friend whose parish was in the highlands of Fiji. My experience was the same as yours Crellston.
We caught up with some of his friends in a village where we’d gone to see the boarding school - and of course the Kava came out. After a few sips, I noticed the inside of my lips became tingly and then numb, the knees followed when I went to stand up
It may not be alcoholic, but it sure packs a punch. Of course, I’m not a 6’2”, 16 stone chap so that may have been a factor too!
A bit like Chang, served by my friend’s grandmother in Bhaktapur for Nepali New Year. It, unlike the kava, had no warning numbness and was very pleasant. Getting down the narrow, rickety stairs later that night was quite the adventure
Jan 22nd, 2023, 01:41 PM
#86
Even if you think you know the food you’re eating well, location can make a difference!
We were in Invercargill in the early70’s on a month’s trip to New Zealand. We’d already provided my husband’s cousins with plenty of laughs at our mispronunciation of place names - and were about to add to it when we settled in for dinner at a restaurant recommended by other Kiwi friends.
We were both oyster lovers and ordered a dozen each as an entree before the chateaubriand. The waiter looked a little surprised and checked that we meant a dozen each - not a dozen between us. Oh no,we assured him, the dozen each would be fine,
thanks. We were looking forward to trying their famous local oysters as we ate lots of oysters from different regions in Australia.
And when they arrived, we discovered the delicious & famous Bluff Oysters have another attribute. They are twice or 3 times the size of Sydney Rock & the other oysters we were
used to!
We were in Invercargill in the early70’s on a month’s trip to New Zealand. We’d already provided my husband’s cousins with plenty of laughs at our mispronunciation of place names - and were about to add to it when we settled in for dinner at a restaurant recommended by other Kiwi friends.
We were both oyster lovers and ordered a dozen each as an entree before the chateaubriand. The waiter looked a little surprised and checked that we meant a dozen each - not a dozen between us. Oh no,we assured him, the dozen each would be fine,
thanks. We were looking forward to trying their famous local oysters as we ate lots of oysters from different regions in Australia.
And when they arrived, we discovered the delicious & famous Bluff Oysters have another attribute. They are twice or 3 times the size of Sydney Rock & the other oysters we were
used to!
Jan 22nd, 2023, 03:52 PM
#87
crellston, no she cut into it first and then called the waiter over. We waited for her well-done one to come out. She also does not usually eat fish, but her husband convinced her to try the battered blue cod when we were in Stewart Island. She actually liked it.
I tried black pudding at breakfast for the first time in NZ. It would have been at a breakfast buffet, so maybe in Stewart Island. Just one bite was enough for me, didn't feel any need to have a second one. I will eat tripe though.
I tried black pudding at breakfast for the first time in NZ. It would have been at a breakfast buffet, so maybe in Stewart Island. Just one bite was enough for me, didn't feel any need to have a second one. I will eat tripe though.
Jan 22nd, 2023, 07:13 PM
#88
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The following has been posted here before, but it def involved 'trying new foods'. Mrs Z was not on this trip.
My driver and I had just crossed the Andes to arrive in the mountain town called 'Chacas' (ancient Incan for 'idiot traveller'). It was twilight and I was responsible for feeding the two of us. All the restaurants were closed, but he noticed a lone granny on the curbside about to pack up her food stall and call it a day. All that she had left in her bloody plastic bag were some half-cooked 'anticuchos', which were basically raw cow hearts. My driver indicated that this was as good as we were gonna get then, so I bought the lot and we consumed them. She also sold us her final clump of grapes. I think that my altitude-addled brain process was something like, "Hey man, 'when in Rome'. At least the grapes will offset the basic meat part."
Mother Nature always bats last. It didn't take long that night for her to teach me a lesson about eating unsafe food. I was sick as a dog. My driver was fine, go figure. He managed to scrape what was left of me into his car then rushed me to the local hospital. I recall a stunning sunrise then. Who could ever forget our hotel owner's words to me as I collapsed into the car's front seat (note that he was a retired army General), "Si senor, you have become ill because you ate those grapes too late into the evening!"
I am done. The dreaded grapes.
PS the Rick Steves forum now has a similar thread about London foods
My driver and I had just crossed the Andes to arrive in the mountain town called 'Chacas' (ancient Incan for 'idiot traveller'). It was twilight and I was responsible for feeding the two of us. All the restaurants were closed, but he noticed a lone granny on the curbside about to pack up her food stall and call it a day. All that she had left in her bloody plastic bag were some half-cooked 'anticuchos', which were basically raw cow hearts. My driver indicated that this was as good as we were gonna get then, so I bought the lot and we consumed them. She also sold us her final clump of grapes. I think that my altitude-addled brain process was something like, "Hey man, 'when in Rome'. At least the grapes will offset the basic meat part."
Mother Nature always bats last. It didn't take long that night for her to teach me a lesson about eating unsafe food. I was sick as a dog. My driver was fine, go figure. He managed to scrape what was left of me into his car then rushed me to the local hospital. I recall a stunning sunrise then. Who could ever forget our hotel owner's words to me as I collapsed into the car's front seat (note that he was a retired army General), "Si senor, you have become ill because you ate those grapes too late into the evening!"
I am done. The dreaded grapes.
PS the Rick Steves forum now has a similar thread about London foods
Jan 22nd, 2023, 10:54 PM
#89
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mlgb - your friend reminds me of my FIL. The most fussy eater I have ever known. Only ever eats burnt steak (and I do mean burnt!) . Doesn't like cheese or tomato but came back from a trip to Italy raving about a new pizza he had found that he really liked. No cheese, no tomato just pizza and garlic butter. So garlic bread then? I love black pudding but absolutely draw the line at tripe, disgusting stuff. Did you try Mondongo in Colombia?
Another drug laced meal I remember was in Don Khong, an island in the Mekong in southern Laos. We had a long boat trip ahead of us and the guest house owner suggested a place for lunch before leaving. At his suggestion we asked for the "magic" pizza special. Of course, the herb used was not oregano! That was one fun boat trip - like being back in the 70s!
Another drug laced meal I remember was in Don Khong, an island in the Mekong in southern Laos. We had a long boat trip ahead of us and the guest house owner suggested a place for lunch before leaving. At his suggestion we asked for the "magic" pizza special. Of course, the herb used was not oregano! That was one fun boat trip - like being back in the 70s!
Jan 23rd, 2023, 03:38 AM
#90
Not in Colombia, but. had a tomato-based stew at a market comedor somewhere in the Andes. Cook said it was mondongo. I didn't know what that meant but liked the looks of it. Luckily it was good and not identifiable as anything but meat . It was even tender unlike the Chinese dimsum version.
My friend eats pizza and salads but gets picky on her veg. No cabbage. If it comes mixed in with her salad she picks around it.
My friend eats pizza and salads but gets picky on her veg. No cabbage. If it comes mixed in with her salad she picks around it.
Jan 23rd, 2023, 11:30 AM
#91
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mlgb - your friend reminds me of my FIL. The most fussy eater I have ever known. Only ever eats burnt steak (and I do mean burnt!) . Doesn't like cheese or tomato but came back from a trip to Italy raving about a new pizza he had found that he really liked. No cheese, no tomato just pizza and garlic butter. So garlic bread then? I love black pudding but absolutely draw the line at tripe, disgusting stuff. Did you try Mondongo in Colombia?
Another drug laced meal I remember was in Don Khong, an island in the Mekong in southern Laos. We had a long boat trip ahead of us and the guest house owner suggested a place for lunch before leaving. At his suggestion we asked for the "magic" pizza special. Of course, the herb used was not oregano! That was one fun boat trip - like being back in the 70s!
Another drug laced meal I remember was in Don Khong, an island in the Mekong in southern Laos. We had a long boat trip ahead of us and the guest house owner suggested a place for lunch before leaving. At his suggestion we asked for the "magic" pizza special. Of course, the herb used was not oregano! That was one fun boat trip - like being back in the 70s!
Jan 23rd, 2023, 11:34 AM
#92
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Almost for got about mentioning trying a native Hawaiian dish recently called 'lau lau" Mine was a combo of salted fish, pork and chicken wrapped in taro leaves and all this was wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed. You can eat the taro leaves but not the banana leaves.
It was delicious. It was served with poi and the one of those foods that just don't do it for me. It's so bland.
It was delicious. It was served with poi and the one of those foods that just don't do it for me. It's so bland.
Jan 23rd, 2023, 12:22 PM
#93
Lau lau is probably my least favorite Hawaiian food, and callaloo made with taro leaf is my least favorite Jamaican food (even worse than pig's trotters). Poi is inoffensive but when taro puree is made into a deep-fried dimsum dumpling, it's pretty good ("Wu Gok").
Jan 23rd, 2023, 12:45 PM
#94
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I ever see “Wu Gok” I’ll try it.
Jan 23rd, 2023, 01:00 PM
#95
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
North of Cairns, Australia there exists Dawn Gray's exotic fruit farm. Visitors may taste her range of rare fruit. One of the varieties is 'magic berry' from west Africa. Folks who chew on those bland berries will be amazed. Their unique chemistry causes all subsequent fruits ingested (including lemons and limes) to taste as sweet as any sugar!
Incidentally, Dawn's neighbour there in Cape Trib' was poor Michael Chamberlain of 'A Cry in the Dark' fame. Michael was chopping wood the day that I visited Dawn's farm. Noting that I had tape-recorded interviews all across Australia, Dawn offered then to take me over for an introduction. I glanced down at my tape-recorder then thought the better of it. The poor man did not need the likes of me bothering him. I declined.
I am done. the berries and the dingo
Incidentally, Dawn's neighbour there in Cape Trib' was poor Michael Chamberlain of 'A Cry in the Dark' fame. Michael was chopping wood the day that I visited Dawn's farm. Noting that I had tape-recorded interviews all across Australia, Dawn offered then to take me over for an introduction. I glanced down at my tape-recorder then thought the better of it. The poor man did not need the likes of me bothering him. I declined.
I am done. the berries and the dingo
Jan 23rd, 2023, 08:14 PM
#96
There is a difference between "won't try" and simply not interested in certain things. I mean I guess if there was really a reason I needed to. I'd eat blood sausage. Not sure about the horse though. Durian tastes a lot better than it smells. I have never met a cheese I don't like.
Jan 24th, 2023, 05:20 AM
#97
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,762
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
About that "magic" pizza, back in the "old days" on Koh Samui (so long ago that I was renting a beachside bungalow for $5 a night, way before there was an airport and fancy hotels), the beachfront eating places would offer omelettes; you could get regular omelettes, but many of us enjoyed the "special" omelettes!! The same thing was offered on Bali, at Kuta beach. Thanks for the memories!
May 21st, 2023, 09:59 PM
#100
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I travel, I always like to taste the local food, but it has to be something like chicken, pork, or fish (not an unusual delicacy, ex., insects, lol). I always ask for the ingredients before taking a bite.
Last edited by ElaineWChatman; May 21st, 2023 at 10:05 PM.
