You are a certified foodie if you choose living-to-eat over eating-to-live. Well. If you think you are not a foodie (yet), I hope the following 10 extraordinary and exquisite culinary experiences will turn you into one – worry the least and enjoy the most while your tummy is in full command of your mind and soul.
1. Wagyu Beef
Image credit: InterContinental Hong Kong
The famous Wagyu or Japanese cattle stands out from the herd for its incredibly high level of fat marbling – not just any fat but monounsaturated fat, which translates to healthier and tastier beef in layman’s terms. I am sure many are aware of the Wagyu beef along with its high-end price tag. However, take it from the food experts around the globe: the Wagyu beef is worth every penny – the mouth-filling savouriness combined with palate-coating richness, and the texture is as tender as lightly cooked fish. Raw or cooked, you are guaranteed to have a blast.
2. American Burger
Image credit: m01229
Before you call me crazy, we are’t just talking about any random fast-food-joint-sorry-excuse of a burger. We are talking about the authentic char-grilled beef fillets with butter toasted buns and fresh tomatoes, lettuce and cheese (insert any fresh vegetable of choice)!
Beyond its unquestionable popularity among people from all walks of life, there are people who actually do pay good money to go on a burger world tour! You can find this American classic anywhere and anytime from 24-hour-roadside joints to reservation only high-end restaurants. While there are infinite burger combinations out there, the authentic American burger should be on top of the list: it typically comes with a generous amount of ketchup and mustard on the juicy patty, topped with melted American cheese, and yes, the crispy fries! So who’s crazy now?
You be the judge: AMERICA’S BURGER BATTLE: EAST COAST VS. WEST COAST
For eons, burger lovers the world over have remained undecided – West Coast’s In-N-Out or East Coast’s Shake Shack, who does it better? And now there’s another player, Five-Guys. Have you tried any of these? If so, which do you think is the best?
3. Xiao Long Bao
Image credit: Charles Haynes
I think it’s safe to say that of all Chinese food, Xiao Long Bao has garnered the most loves from people around the world. Most of the Chinese restaurants, especially the Cantonese dim sum shops have Xiao Long Bao on their menus and the Chinese chefs often pride themselves in crafting the edible masterpiece.
The rich flavours of meat broth tucked within the thinly rolled skin will burst hot and wild in your mouth with the lightest bite – for that irresistible indulgence, it’s also called the little dumplings of happiness. Some thoughtful foodies at Paradise Dynasty have even decided that Xiao Long Bao should go luxe with black truffles, ginseng and foie gras as substitutes for the traditional pork fillings.
You be the Judge: TAIWAN OR JAPAN XLBs?
4. Real Ramen
Image credit: Austin Matherne
While I appreciate the surprisingly good Korean instant ramen, a real ramen is still at an unreachable Godly level. When I say a real ramen, I mean the authentic Japanese tonkotsu ramen. There you have the flavourful and chewy sliced Char Siu (or roast pork) swimming in the savoury, thick and creamy broth from pork marrow bones, not to mention the slurpy, tender handmade ramen noodle…oh boy nothing can stop us from gulping down that killer bowl of tonkotsu ramen, nothing! You know I am not exaggerating once you’ve been indoctrinated to the wonderful world of ramen with your very first try of it.
5. French Croissant
Image credit: Maison Parisiene
The croissant is probably the Frenchiest food to most of us, though the concept was born in Austria under the name ‘kipferl’. What makes the croissant fit into the list is definitely not its mysterious origin, but the soft and airy texture despite it is amazingly crunchy on the outside. While the recipe is not a secret – a sinful amount of butter and numerous folds – a good croissant is still a rare find unless you fly yourself to Paris. Anyway, I am sure many would agree that a brunch or an afternoon tea can never go wrong with this buttery delicacy. Even my favourite sweet pastries have to give way to that savoury croissant which I call mighty!
6. Lobster Roll
Image credit: yosoynuts
This popular dish (or snack, depending on your appetite) is never left off the list. The combination is pretty straightforward and so is the taste, simply good. The overwhelming seafood sensation has been an all-time favourite as no one would ever get tired of this impressive long bun stuffed with a whopping serving of Maine lobster. Yes my fellow food buddies, a lobster roll is all you need for a heavenly scrumptious meal, though to put an end to the cravings you definitely need more than one. Or infinity.
7. Manuka Honey (Waffle)
Image credit: Edsel Little
No one comes back from Australia or New Zealand without a jar or two of Manuka honey – the most treasured honey in the region which is well known for its miraculous healing effects, and the wallet-bleeding price tag. But there are very good reasons to justify buying it at 10 times the cost of normal honey: Manuka honey comes exclusively from Australia or New Zealand, rare in quantity and strict on quality, has more antibacterial properties and antioxidants, can be used as anti-aging face and body masks… and to my best interest, it brings the already heavenly good waffle to a whole new level – this is the must-eat dessert before you die. No joke!
8. Italian Gelato
Image credit: Anthony Crider
You may already know, but in case you don’t, gelato is the Italian word for ice-cream, not surprisingly. But why we insist on quoting Italian gelato instead of Italian ice-cream, is because gelato and normal ice-cream are simply not in parallel. They part ways in the selection and proportion of the ingredients, as well as using different freezing methods, such that gelato is so awe-inspiring soft yet not losing its intense flavour, not to mention the amazing slow-to-melt milkiness. Well, I still enjoy ice-cream very much, but I will always love that dreamy gelato with all my heart.
9. Italian Pizza
Image credit: ElfQrin (Valerio Capello)
Not many countries can unhesitatingly claim their national dish to be internationally popular, but there we have Italy, rocking our world with its signature double-P delicacies – pasta and yes, pizza! We’ve came across all kinds of pizzas: thin and crunchy New York style, thick and cheesy Chicago style, just to name a few. Not to mention there is a long, long list of toppings available.
Now let me tell you one important lesson, the one every foodie needs to know: simple is beauty. In my humble opinion, the classic-is-the-best rule holds for most food including pizza. The classic Italian pizza napoletana is just dough with Marzano tomato sauce, oregano or basil, a little garlic, salt, olive oil and occasionally Mozzarella cheese, but trust me, the taste certainly won’t disappoint. The pure goodness is definitely worth dying for!
10. Wine and Cheese Tasting
Image credit: Lee Coursey
This killer combo set is one of the most satisfying pleasures in life. Indulge yourself with an astonishing range of cheese while sipping the top-rated Italian wine – such dreamy scene should happen at least once in a lifetime! The savoury cheese and the bittersweet wine are just meant for each other, and the perfect food-pairing never fail to wow the crowd.
p.s. Perhaps you’ve already noticed, the last three on the list are all Italian! Che fico! (That’s cool!)
I am sure the list can go on. But first, my fellow foodies! Let’s wipe away our dripping saliva and cross off the ten, before we march into another round of food battle for electing the next ten.