"What I've enjoyed most, though, is meeting people who have a real interest in food and sharing ideas with them. Good food is a global thing and I find that there is always something new and amazing to learn - I love it," Jamie Oliver said and we agreed. Good food is global because gastronomes are in every corners of the globe. Let us learn about the five authentic national foods that are sumptuously good and worth the visit.
1."Satsuma-age" of Kagoshima, Japan- Kagoshima, is a seaside city on Kyushu Island, Japan. It's best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano. One of its local delicacies is the "Satsuma-age," a fried fish cake. The main ingredients are the surimi (a paste made from fish or other meat) and flour that are mixed together and solidified through frying. The city people prepare their menus through slow cooking; wholesome ingredients prepared using the traditional food preparation methods, opposite to unhealthy fast-food.
2. Solyanka from Russia- This authentic Russian soup is a healthy meal bursting with different flavors. It contains pickled cucumbers with brine, cabbage, olives, salted mushrooms, dill and sour cream. Aside from the mushroom solyanka, meat like beef, ham, chicken and fish can also be used. Your taste bud will surely enjoy this salty, spicy and sour soup.
3. Manti of Turkey- Manti is the traditional food in Turkey, in some part of the world it's known as dumplings. This dish is easy to prepare, with heavily spice ground beef or ground lamb, stuffed into a pastry pocket then fry, viola, your delicious meal is done. In modern Turkish cuisine, they normally topped it with yoghurt and garlic. Because of its distinct taste, the dish spread all over the world and also became traditional food of India, Russia and some Southeast Asian countries.
4. Khanom Chin of Thailand- In an article of The Guardian, Australian Chef David Thompson, a prolific chef that's expert on Thai food, said that, "Thai food ain't about simplicity. It's about the juggling of disparate elements to create a harmonious finish. Like a complex musical chord it's got to have a smooth surface but it doesn't matter what's happening underneath. Simplicity isn't the dictum here, at all." One of the stars of Thai dish is Khanom Chin. This is fresh, thin noodles made of rice that is fermented for three days, boiled and served in different sauces like green chicken curry, pork dishes, coconut milk and chilli.
5. Kamaro from Philippines- For those who want exotic food, try the Kamaro in Pampanga, Philippines. These are mole crickets. How it is done? The legs and wings are removed then body is simmered in vinegar and garlic. The helpless bug is then sautéed in oil, chopped tomatoes and onion until golden brown. Yummy or nasty, it's up to you to decide.
