Saturday, March 30, 2013

Welcome to Love Travel !!














My name is Tang Huey Huey. I am a student of University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). Last month I have received a task from Miss Raja Norliana Raja Omar, my lecturer of course ATS 2013 - Introduction to Tourism. My task is to create a travel blog as my individual assignment. I named my blog as "Love Travel" since it is true that I love to travel. I travel every year but mostly in Malaysia. Singapore and Thailand are the only two oversea countries I traveled outside of Malaysia. Travel the world is one of my dream.

Food is the most important intention for me to travel. Therefore, I picked "Tour of Taste" as my title for the blog. In my blog, I introduced 15 countries or cities and its famous food to you. 8 foods or dishes are listed for each countries or cities. I would like to apologize to those who are Muslim and Indian. Some of the dishes or foods I introduced are non-halal or consume by you. Please just ignore it. I chosen to publish it because of those foods are the well-known or national foods at that particular countries. Again, I am so sorry about this.

 I hope you enjoy my blog and generate intention to travel after viewing it. ^^




Tour of Taste (1) : Taiwan


We know that Taiwan is famous with its night market, but do you know the origin of Taiwan’s night market? In the past when Taiwan was an agrarian society, there were few permanent shops available due the lack of financial and material resources and convenient transportation. Most rural residents purchased goods from travelling salesmen, who gathered periodically to form markets. The markets eventually began to offer not only daily necessities but foods, entertainment, medicines, adornments, and anything else that would attract customers and satisfy their needs. The arrival of these travelling merchants was a big event in rural communities. The festive, boisterous markets became popular places to socialize and relax, and they eventually gave rise to the permanent markets that exist today. Here are the lists of famous food in Taiwan's night market. 




Crispy Salt & Pepper Chicken

This is one of the most popular snacks in Taiwan. The name originally referred to breaded deep fried chunks of chicken, but is now used for a wide variety of deep fried foods including tempura, dried mushrooms, silver rolls, green corn, and dried tofu. Basil is usaully added right before it is served for a burst of flavor.


Chou Doufu (Stinky Tofu)

Many people are afraid to try this pungent dish, but everyone agrees that once you do you’ll love it. This simple dish is made by frying fermented tofu in oil then cutting it into bite-sized chunks. It is often served with sweet and sour pickled vegetables to complement its crispy–outside/ spongy-inside texture.


O-A-Mianxian (Oyster Vermicelli)

Without a bowl of oyster noodles, your trip to the night market is not complete. Fresh oysters are added to red flour noodles and broth thickened with starch, then served with stewed sausage, black vinegar, and a special sauce and topped with cilantro for a delicious and satisfying snack.


Jirou Fan (Chicken Rice)

One of Chiayi’s most famous dishes that eaten for lunch and dinner, as a midnight snack, or even for breakfast. It is traditionally made from white rice smothered in chicken and chicken gravy, but there are many variations. Chiayi chicken rice has many admirers throughout Taiwan.


Oyster Omelette

A very famous item, these omelettes are made from fresh oysters coated in potato or sweet potato starch and fried on a skillet with eggs and onions, then served with a special sweet and sour sauce. A taste you’ll be hooked.


Hujiao Bing (Pepper Pie)

Pepper Pie is an appealing and appetizing choice for the budget-conscious consumer in a time of rising food prices. A piping hot serving straight out of the oven makes for a great snack on a cold winter’s day or in between meals. The filling consists of ground pork or chicken that has been marinated in a special sauce and a generous amount of scallions.


Pearl Milk Tea

This beverage also known as bubble tea, this drink was created in Taichung by mixing black tea and chewy tapioca balls. Its popularity quickly spread, and today you can find pearl milk tea wherever you find Chinese people all over the world.


Aiyu Jelly

Aiyu Jelly is a refreshing Taiwan dessert. Aiyu is a climbing plant of the figs family that grows in Taiwan’s mountains between 1000 and 1800 meters of altitude, mainly in Alishan area. Aiyu Jelly is served cold with lemon juice or honey. According to the legend the name Aiyu, which literally means "Beloved Jade," was the name of a girl, the daughter of the discoverer of this Taiwanese delicacy.



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Tour of Taste (2) : Japan


Eating in Japan is an experience to be enjoyed and remembered with emotion for the rest of your life. Many visitors to Japan will have already sampled the pleasures of raw fish or batter-fried shrimp. But few first-time visitors to Japan are prepared for the variety and sumptuousness of Japanese food. Here is the list of Japanese famous cuisine from 8 prefecture of Japan. 





Uni, Ikura-don (Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Rice Bowl)

Uni, Ikura-don is the popular dish of Hokkaido, Japan. This is a simply rice bowl with one half ikura (salmon roe) and one half uni (sea urchin). They have pretty much just combined two of the best seafoods into one donburi, and that makes people hungry.


Morioka Reimen (Cold Korean Ramen)

Morioka Reimen, Iwate’s famous food. This cold noodle ramen is quite similar to Naengmyeon, the North Korean dish. But the noodles in Japan are made from potato starch. It has a spicy cold beef broth and normally includes fruit to help cut the spicy.


Kiritanpo Nabe (Kiritanpo Hot Pot)

This dish is super well known in Akita. It’s a hot pot dish served with kiritanbo that made from cooked rice which mashed and then formed into cylindars. Many other ingredients are included (same as most nabe) but the kiritanpo is what makes it so well known.


Kaga Ryori (Kaga Dishes)

This dish has no connection with Chairman Kaga. This is a style of cooking made from local seafood, wild greens, and heirloom vegetables. It’s not just one type of dish, though, so you’ll have to catch ‘em all if you’re in the Kanazawa City area, where this is popular.


Hitsumabushi

This is an Aichi style Unagi-don, unagi on rice. There is a little difference with others. First you eat the unagi as it is. Then, you add in some seasonings. Finally, when things are breaking up and getting crazy, add dashi (stock) to it and eat it like chazuke.


Oroshi Soba

This is a cold soba dish is unlike zaru soba. It has various toppings on it. This is a famous summer meal in Fukui prefecture.


Zundamochi (Soy Bean Mocha/Rice Cake)

This is basically mochi covered by a soy bean paste. The combination of mochi and soy bean paste makes it becomes the fomous dessert of Miyagi, Japan.


Kurikinton (Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Sweetened Chestnuts)

This dish is popular in Gifu, Japan. Mush kuri (chestnuts) and kinton (sweet potatoes) together and you have Kurikinton. For Japanese, if you eat this you will do well monetarily because it’s gold in color.



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Tour of Taste (3) : Korea


The Korean culture is unique in its approach to food. Food seems to permeate every aspect of life. If you have watched a Korean drama or movie you will have noticed that in at least one eating scene. There are even entire films and dramas based around Korean cuisine. For Koreans food is much more than something to fill the stomach. It also provides taste, medicine, and a connection to the country.




Food for Royalty - Korean Royal Cuisine

Do you know or remember 'Daejanggeum'? It is the Korean Drama that got the world raving about the food in Korea, particularly Korean royal cuisine. The food from the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's final dynasty, has become today what people refer to as the finest traditional style of Korean cuisine. If you look at every dish above, you'll see how particular and detailed the food has been cooked and arranged. You will also notice how the taste of the food is quite mild and served with very healthy ingredients.


Grilled Galbi (Seasoned Ribs)
Grilled galbi is made of ribs of beef or pork are sliced into easy to eat portions and then marinated in seasonings before being grilled. It was so good. Korean people like to eat it as a ssam (a slice of cooked meat wrapped in lettuce or other vegetable leaves smeared with sauce.


Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Samgyetang is one of Korea's representative food and most tourists would put this dish on the top of their must-try food list. For local, Samgyetang is famous as a summer- vitalizing food. Samgytang is prepared by removing the chicken’s internal organs, adding garlic, glutinous rice, jujube, ginger, licorice root, and various other types of herbs, and boiling all the ingredients together. The dish is a great way to conquer fatigue and exhaustion during the hot months.



Dolsot Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a well-known Korean dish that contains many ingredients (vegetables, meat) mixed in a stone bowl cooking rice and hot pepper paste. It is also known as goldongban and is one of the most representative Korean dishes along with Kimchi and Bulgogi. Bibimbap is not only delicious. It also contains a wealth of nutrients such as cellulose and vitamins while being low in cholesterol and fat. Such healthy dishes are ideal for all but especially so for busy students as well as hardworking individuals always on the go.


Kalguksu

Kalguksu is a handmade Korean noodle dish made from wheat flour noodles that has been knife-cut and served in a huge bowl with broth. It is a seasonal food usually consumed during summer. However, tourists would definitely enjoy this dish during autumn or winter as it is a very warm dish just perfect to chase the cold chills away!


Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)

Pajeon is a pancake-like Korean dish made from a batter of eggs, flour, rice flour, green onions and other additional ingredients depending on the variety. Beef, pork, kimchi, shellfish and other seafood are mostly used. You can find Pajeon at almost any restaurant or at the street stalls.


Bulgogi (Marinated BBQ Beef)

Bulgogi, slices of marinated barbecued beef seasoned with soy sauce and sugar which gives a mild and sweet taste. The literal meaning of bulgogi is "fire meat" and therefore roasted over fire. Want to try Bulgogi? There are meat restaurants almost anywhere and everywhere!


Deok (Rice Cake)

Rice cake is a kind of dessert that most popular in Korea and all Asia country, its name is ‘Deok’. It is very interesting to see these Korean rice cake because of their beautiful and magnificence. Rice cake has sweet taste and aroma. The most popular shop in Korean that sells this rice cake is called “Jilsiru”. The rice cake lunch set is good example of their fusion rice cake.



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Tour of Taste (4) : France


The French are renowned for their fine ways of dining and exquisite food as well. Every region in France has its own specialty, which is probably why we have different types of French food that are popular all over the world. Here is a list of the food items that are a delicacy of French cuisine.




Cassoulet

It is a traditional meal from south west of France. Each village has its own recipe but it always includes beans and meats. Cassoulet is a rich combination of white beans and depending on the village lamb, pork, mutton or sausage meat. Cassoulet is the cornerstone of the french paradox study describing why people from south west of France suffer less than others from infarcts.


Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is closely connected to the city of Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. It is a fish soup made from local fish and seafood products including crabs, scorpion fish, monk fish and others. Provencal herbs and olive oil are included too.


  Boeuf Bourguignon

The most famous beef stew in France. Boeuf bourguignon is a most famous beef stew from Burgundy, France. This dish is made from beef meat cooked in a red wine sauce and flavored by bacon, onions, mushrooms and carrots. But thyme, garlic and beef stock are essential ingredient for a good boeuf bourguignon.


Mussels Mariniere

It is a typical summer dish very popular along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast. Mussels are fresh and cooked in a white wine sauce with parsley, thyme, bay leaf and onion. It is a fast meal which takes only 5 minutes to cook a tasteful mussels mariniere. 


Sole Meuniere

Sole meuniere is a popular food from Normandy. The fish is cooked in a butter sauce with a little bit of flour and lemon juice. Sole is traditionally served with rice or green vegetables.


Sauerkraut

French sauerkraut is called choucroute and comes from Alsace. Quite similar to the german sauerkraut, but the french sauerkraut can be traced back to 6 centuries ago! Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage with sausages, pork knuckle and bacon. Two essential ingredients are alsatian white wine and juniper berries.


Veal Stew

Veal stew also called blanquette de veau in France, this is another stew from Normandy. The veal meat simmers in white sauce – as blanquette from blanc stands for white in french - with mushrooms and onions. The white sauce is made of egg yolks, whipping cream and lemon juice. Veal stew is often served with rice.


Lamb Navarin

This also known as spring lamb since it comes with green vegetables available in spring. Navarin comes from navet which stands for turnips in french. Other ingredients are tomatoes, lamb stock and carrots. 



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Tour of Taste (5) : Thailand





Blending several Southeast Asian traditions’ elements, Thai cooking emphasizes on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components. Thai cuisine is well known with it spiciness. As with other Asian cuisines, balance, detail and variety are of great significance to Thai chefs. Thai food is known for its balance of three to four fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal, which are sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.

 Pad Thai

The quintessential Thai dish that is often ruined in restaurants around the world as they standardize it to the point where it becomes generic. When you veer out of the tourist destinations, it’s easy to find this dish in Thailand.  Pad Thai may be standard fair but it is so good.



Kai Jeow

This Thai omelette is made from egg mixed with fish sauce and chilies, cooked in oil, served with white rice and slathered in sweet chili sauce. It is hard to believe that egg, rice, and sweet chili sauce would taste such great. It’s the breakfast of champions.



Pad Kra Pao

Pad Kra Pao is a minced pork or chicken stir fried with basil, chilies and served over rice. It’s a common dish but try buying it from the night markets and street stalls where they tend to mince and chop the meat a little finer than in restaurants.



Som Tam

This dish is a staple of Thai cuisine and you can’t throw a stone without hitting a dozen som tam sellers. Shaved papaya is tossed in a mortar and pestles other ingredients, includes carrots, peanuts, tomatoes, string beans, palm sugar, fish sauce, and a whole lot of chilies. It is as delicious and amazing as it is fiery. You want to stop eating it but you can’t.



Tom Yum

Tom yum soup is a spicy clear soup that will burn the roof of your mouth off. Tom yum is characterized by its distinct hot and sour flavor. The basic broth consists of stock, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce and crushed chili peppers. Then add the meat of choice, though the most popular is Tom Yum Kung (Shrimp).



Mango Sticky Rice

This delicious dish made from sweet mangos, sticky rice and coconut cream syrup. It’s incredibly sweet and the mango and cream sauce that is used makes it a great snack or dessert.



Banana Pancakes

This dish is actually found in a lot of every Thai food markets and many backpackers love it very much. Fried dough filled with bananas and topped with sugar and condensed milk or chocolate sauce, this is a sweet explosion in your mouth.



Cha Manao 

Cha Manao is a Thai iced tea. This dark tea mixed with sugar and limes is sweet, delicious, and just a little tart. 



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