Category Archives: Food

Food, Infographic

16 of the World’s Spiciest Foods [Infographic]

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16 of the World’s Spiciest Foods

For big food fans, it’s fair to say that we now have access to more tastebud tingling meals than ever before.

Take a walk down your local high street or into the closest supermarket and you’ll find a range of delicious dishes from every corner of the globe.

Of course, it’s not as if we’ve suddenly experienced an international food revolution, instead, our options have simply expanded.

For many years, Indian, Chinese and even Japanese restaurants have been a firm fixture on any high street and we have all become accustomed to the flavours they offer.

In fact, Indian food has long been a firm favourite in the UK, overtaking the traditional fish and chips to become the most popular takeaway option.

However, in 2016 all of this changed. The Mirror reported that the popularity of Korean food had indeed skyrocketed in the UK, with the number of orders placed climbing by 85%.

On top of this, cuisine from the Caribbean, north and west Africa and Mexico has seen a sharp uptake in recent years too.

International Spice

One of the most appealing things about trying cuisine from different parts of the world is experiencing ingredients and flavours which we may not have come across.

A particularly popular sensation is spice. Spice is such a diverse taste, which is proven by the amount of different dishes which contain that heat.

For example, while both a curry and a burrito can contain high levels of spice, there is no comparing the flavours.

Extreme Spice

Obviously, some foods are much spicier than others. For example, when ordering a curry, we all understand the difference between a rogan josh and a vindaloo.

The Scoville Scale is the official way to grade the heat of particular foods. It assesses the types of peppers used in a dish which are all charted in the scale.

Plenty of us get excited about spices and enjoy testing out what we can handle. In fact, sousvidetools.com created a great infographic for spice lovers to take a look at.

It’s called ’16 Of The World’s Spiciest Foods’ and offers up dishes from every corner of the globe, some you’ll have heard of and others you won’t.

The infographic even includes the Scoville Scale rating of each dish. So, take a look and maybe even try some out for yourself, if you dare.

Spiciest Foods

16 Of The Worlds Spiciest Foods – An infographic by the team at SousVideTools.com

Food, Infographic

How Do People Eat Sausages Around The World? [Infographic]

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There are largely two different types of globally popular foods.  There’s those that belong to one particular culture and those which become broadly interpreted and enjoyed.

A great example of the first is sushi. Sushi is unmistakably Japanese and is enjoyed across the world by all classes and cultures, from Michelin star restaurants to convenience meal deals.

Learn more about how sushi became a global sensation in this article from The Guardian.

At the other end of the scale, you have dishes which are enjoyed all over the world but are interpreted and enjoyed differently wherever you go. Generally, this means they don’t have one individual identity.

A brilliant example of this is sausage. Sausage is defined by dictionary.com as:

“Minced pork, beef or other meats, often combined, together with various added ingredients and seasonings, usually stuffed into a prepared intestine or other casing and often made in links”

This definition is pretty vague and sums up the versatility of the dish. This is why there are so many iterations of it around the world.

In the UK the classic banger is the sausage of choice at meal times. It picked up the name during the Second World War when meat was in short supply.

Sausages had a much higher water content and tended to burst or “bang” when placed in the oven or frying pan.

The classic British dish, of course, is bangers and mash which is simply pork sausages and mash potato covered in an onion gravy.

However, this is massively different to some of the other popular sausages around the globe.

Consider Spanish chorizo, German Bratwurst, American Corn Dogs and the many others, all varying massively from one another.

Infographic

In fact, sousvidetools.com has created a globetrotting and mouthwatering infographic which charts the different types of sausage from all across the world.

It’s called ‘How Do People Eat Sausages Around The World?’ and you can read about all of those mentioned above, along with plenty more in the infographic below.

How Do People Eat Sausages Around The World? – An infographic by the team at SousVideTools.com

Food, Infographic, Wine and Drink

Around The World In 16 Winter Warmers [Infographic]

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There’s no getting around the fact that winter is finally upon us. Once the temperature is cooler and the days become shorter, we find ourselves turning from the pleasures of summer to the comforts which will keep the chill at bay.

As soon as the temperature drops, there is something a lot less appealing about light summer meals. Instead, we replace them with heavy, warming foods like stews, pies and roast dinners.

Hot Drinks

We do the same with our hot drinks. The lemonades and ice teas don’t seem very appealing when the cold arrives, so we turn to hot drinks instead.

Coffee, tea and the occasional hot chocolate become commonplace at work, at home and pretty much everywhere else to give us that welcome fuzzy feeling.

Somewhat surprisingly, despite the coffee revolution which has swept the face of the Earth several times in the last few years, tea is still the most popular beverage according to National Geographic. 

It’s fair to say that despite the obvious variations of coffee and tea, there’s actually not much choice, especially in comparison with refreshing summer drinks.

However, this isn’t entirely true. There are actually many delicious hot drinks from around the world which many of us are missing out on.

Around The World In 16 Winter Warmers

The people at citybaseapartments.com have created a taste bud tingling infographic which offers up a number of tasty alternative from around the world.

It’s called ‘Around The World In 16 Winter Warmers’ and has drinks ranging from Canada to Colombia, India to Ireland and Sweden to South Africa.

This infographic is packed with plenty of drinks you won’t have tried or maybe even heard of. However, you absolutely have to try them!

There’s also plenty that you can spice up for the adults by adding certain alcoholic drinks to give you that extra added cozy feeling on chilly nights. 

Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at the infographic below and go try some of these out yourself!

Around The World In 16 Winter Warmers – An infographic by the team at Citybase Apartments

Infographic, Wine and Drink

Around The World In 21 Craft Gins [Infographic]

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Around The World In 21 Craft Gins

In the global scheme of things, there seems to be a constant stream of new food and drink trends which tend to go from relative obscurity to gaining international popularity in no time at all.

Let’s begin with the world of food. If you entered almost any restaurant five or ten years ago (especially outside of the United States and ordered pulled pork, you’d end up leaving hungry and empty handed.

However, now you literally can’t avoid it. This really interesting article from The Guardian delves into the growth of pulled pork and suggests its rise in popularity is to do with the “modernisation of barbecue foods in the US around 2008-10.”

It’s not just the world of food which has undergone a number of taste bud tantalizing revolutions in recent years either.

The world of drinks (and in particular alcoholic ones) has also seen a number of recent trends, one great example being craft beer.

Craft Beer Revolution

Craft beer, which also can be traced back to the United States, is defined as beer which is made traditionally by a small brewery and has spread into a global phenomenon.

Initially, the popularity of American craft beer led to it being exported outside of the country.

While this is still the case, countries from every corner of the globe are creating their own, which is only broadening the industry.

Take a look at this post from fortune.com, which provides some staggering statistics about the industry such as the fact that in 2015 the industry posted a double-figure growth for the eighth year in a row.

Craft Gins Infographic

Another drink which is going through somewhat of a global revolution is gin.

Gin has never been one of the more vibrant, classy or exciting spirits on the market,but thanks to the craft gins revolution, perceptions are changing.

Take a look at this great infographic from citybaseapartments.co.uk titled ‘Around The World In 21 Craft Gins’ which showcases some of the most exciting and flavorsome craft gins taking the world by storm.

craft gins

Food, Infographic

How the World Serves Eggs [Infographic]

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Eggs are pretty weird when you think about them too hard. But they are also delicious, convenient, and highly versatile – as is demonstrated by the regional variations on show around the world. If you’re planning to travel, and want to know what the egg world has in store for you, or if you just want to add a bit of exoticism to your weekend brunch, you can do a lot worse than making a trip to the supermarket with a list of ingredients for some of our international neighbours’ signature yolk n’ albumen dishes.

The North African ‘shakshuka’, for example is a real humdinger. Fried and garnished with spices and salty feta, red peppers and tomato give it that extra kick. This one could well be considered a kill-or-cure hangover remedy. The Chinese have a more mellow alternative: egg flower soup is a comforting treat, with peas and mushrooms adding body to the chicken-based broth. Soy and rice wine ensure the Asian spin still delivers with every mouthful.

The Scotch Egg, which stretches way beyond Scotland to the whole of the British Isles, is something of a reliable classic. A boiled egg is wrapped in meat and breadcrumbs, making for a substantial picnic side-dish with no nonsense. Contrast this with the Philippines, where their notorious ‘balut’ consists of a boiled, fertilized duck egg eaten straight from the shell, and you’ll start to believe there’s little you can’t learn about the world through the consumption of regional egg specialities.

After all that savoury weirdness, though, you’ll want to sweeten your palette – and there’s no need to hold back on the egg mission now. French meringue is a crunchy dessert that hits you right in the sweet tooth, and is made from just the egg white and sugar. Combine it with cream and fruit, though, and it becomes a complex of flavour and texture that feels quite Gallic, and quite decadent.

If you’re still not overdosed on eggs, check out the infographic below that explores some of the other weird and wonderful ways that different cultures deal with the small oval ones. Always buy free range, but other than that – perhaps don’t think too hard about where they come from.

how-the-world-serves-eggs

Image sources: Featured image / Infographic

Food, Infographic, Street Food Guide

Around The World In 20 Street Foods [Infographic]

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One of the best things about visiting new parts of the world is getting to try the many different delicacies on offer and whilst, for some, fine dining is the only way to go, for most, food whilst travelling is all about street food!

From Jerk Chicken and Arepas to Churros, Bakso and a whole host of others, there’s certainly no shortage of street foods to try, regardless of where you’re travelling to.

A Look At The World’s Favourite Street Foods

SousVideTools.com recently launched an infographic titled ‘Around The World In 20 Street Foods‘ which does a fantastic job of outlining some of the world’s most delicious delicacies. Want to know more? Here’s a look at our favourite street foods from across the globe:

  1. Jerk Chicken – Jamaica
  2. Gelato – Italy
  3. Arepas – Colombia
  4. Ta’amiya – Egypt
  5. Bakso – Indonesia
  6. Churros – Spain
  7. Chilli Crab – Singapore
  8. Gimbap – South Korea
  9. Tostada – Mexico
  10. Xiaolongbao – China
  11. Poutine – Canada
  12. Pulled Pork Sandwich – USA
  13. Bubble Tea – Taiwan
  14. Pierogi – Poland
  15. Halo-Halo – Phillipines
  16. Banh Mi – Vietnam
  17. Bunny Chow – South Africa
  18. Simit Bread – Turkey
  19. Bhelpuri – India
  20. Ceviche – Peru

Whether you’re travelling to Italy, Jamaica, Canada, Taiwan or literally anywhere in the world, there’s absolutely no doubting that you won’t need to look far to find a delicious street food to try out!

For some, the opportunity to try something a little bit different whilst in another country is one of the most attractive things about travelling. Who wants to eat those foods which they frequent at home when the opportunity for something far more exotic is around every corner?

Street food is affordable, delicious and oozes culture and character of the country in which it’s famous. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with sitting down to a fancy meal when on your travels, you’ll struggle to beat the same feeling you get when queueing at a market stall or similar and eating fresh street food! It’s the perfect way to try something new and right at the top of many people’s travel-lists!

In the meantime, to whet your appetite and introduce you to just a few of our favourite street foods from around the world, take a moment to have a look at SousVideTools’ aforementioned infographic:

Around The World In 20 Street Foods – An infographic by the team at SousVideTools.com

Infographic, Travel Tips, Wine and Drink

Around the World in 15 National Spirits [Infographic]

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Around the world in 15 National Spirits

When we think of ‘culture’ we all too often use it as a synonym for music, film and the fine arts, but a true look into a nation’s soul requires contemplation of everything the people cultivate – from language and gestures to food and drink. Of course, you won’t learn everything there is to know about a country by sitting at home with a bottle of tequila and a sombrero, but enlightening yourself on the drinking preferences of far-flung places can provide a little window on the world and make exotic destinations feel closer to home.

Even better, if you’re making plans to visit one region or another, is to brush up on the way things are done so that you’ll feel confident drinking in local homes and bars – and the people will welcome your respectful interest in their way of life. Downing that tequila with lemon and salt, for example, will quickly mark you out as a tourist. Sipping and savouring it from a brandy glass will aid your enjoyment of the drink, as well as letting your Mexican hosts know you didn’t just fly in with a stag party.

In England, you’re unlikely to offend with the way you drink your gin and tonic, but its genteel image of aristocratic grace can be misleading. Even your new English friends may be surprised to learn of gin’s grim history as a low-quality drink of the masses in the 18th century, which was even used by unscrupulous bosses to supplement the meagre wages they paid. Thankfully, the recipe and the culture are a little more refined today.

Costa Rica’s delicious guaro has a similarly shady past – it was illegal until 1851, but still popularly produced by moonshiners and enjoyed all the more, perhaps, as a forbidden fruit. In Hungary, the legality of producing their famous pálinka at home remains contentious to this day.

For further insights into the drinking preferences and histories of our global neighbours, be sure to check out this new infographic exploring the national spirits of twenty desirable destinations around the world.

Around-the-World-in-X-National-Liquors-DV2

 

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Europe, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurant Reviews

London’s Best New Restaurants Opening Soon in Covent Garden

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“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”- Samuel Johnson

This isn’t just another capital city, London is a thriving city that is known for its achingly cool fashion, arts and most importantly the food scenes. London’s ever-growing restaurant scene are endless and the upcoming restaurants that are going to open in the capital will surely secure loyal fans for their quality and vibe and diners are invited to expect good value on it’s a la carte menu.
Our updated list will keep you informed by the ongoing influx of new restaurants opening soon in Covent Garden.
Mamie’s Creperie

Mamie's Creperie
If you love crepe, then Mamie is the one for you. Its three storey building is both a creperie and a Cider bar, with optimum focus on Britanny cuisine. In Crepe you can expect a menu of Forest Complète Galette, Crêpe Flambée, La Magritte crepe, La Duras crepe, La Chateaubriand and more. The basement of the building has been reserved for a cider cellar – La Cidrothèque and will be serving 10 French ciders from Britain, Ireland, Sweden, and even New Zealand.  Food will be available for take away too.
•    Where: 9 Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JS
•    Opening Date: July 2016

Tandoor Chop House

tandoor chop house
Tandoor Chop House is an Indian restaurant- the first independent restaurant from Ennismore. This is an English chop house with a touch of Northern Indian spices, specialising in offering in egg-based dishes. The restaurant will have excellent seating arrangements for around 50 guests.
•    Where: Adelaide Street, London, WC2N 4HW
•    Opening Date: Summer 2016

Margot

margot
Paulo de Tarso is teaming up with Nicolas Jaouën for opening this new rustic Italian restaurant in Covent Garden. Expected menu in this restaurant would be tagliolini with crab meat and risotto, cured meats, and tartare dishes. Apart this this other speciality like salads, pasta options and an extensive range of meat and fish main courses will also be available. This will be a 100 seater restaurant designed by Fabled Studio. More info here
•    Where is it: Covent Garden
•    Opening Date: September 2016

Come Fry with me


Come Fry with me continue the trend for single ingredient-led restaurants, which is only devoted to the chip. You can expect crisps in different shapes, sizes and in a range of flavours too. They will come with three types of fries – all triple cooked, and will be offered to the guest in a uniquely styled ‘fry carousel’ conveyor belt. You can expect a 1960s air travel themed décor. More info here

•    Where: Covent Garden – address TBC
•    Opening Dates: 2016

While you are planning your vacation to London in 2016, make sure you explore the beautiful and cool neighbourhood Covent Garden during your short stay. You can also choose to stay in this neighbourhood, which is filled with chic boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. The area has some great rented apartments, which are fully-furnished with all modern amenities to offer you the feel of a premium hotel.Choosing to stay in a serviced apartment in Covent Garden will also help you lead a life of local rather than that of a tourist or traveller!

Food, Travel Tips

Around the World in 10 Steaks [Infographic]

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Around the World in 10 Steaks

Nevermind “going to work on an egg”, you can travel the world on a (series of) steak(s) if you put your mind to it – though with some of the delicious regional variations on grilled beef available, there’s nothing quite like making that trip to taste them in person.

Westerners may be most acquainted with England’s comforting slow roast rump or, Stateside, the racy New York Strip n’ fries – but there’s a lot more going on nearby than just those classics. Further south, for example, Argentina is famous for its beef, and their Bife De Chorizo steak (nothing to do with sausage) is best-cooked Asado-style (think: barbeque) with a local sauce of parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano and red pepper flakes. When in France, be prepared for a more delicate approach: their famous steak tartare is minced before being served – wait for it – raw. Fries, egg yolk, and Tabasco sauce will make it more appealing to those for whom this sounds a little too exotic.

If you’re planning a trip to Asia, you’re probably already anticipating the spicy treats in store – and this extends to the world of Asian steaks. The Japanese serve a particularly well-bred beef as ‘kobe wagyu’, teasing out the flavours with added soy sauce, wasabi, and saki. In Korea, you’ll likely find your flank steak seasoned with bok choy, sesame, soy sauce – and honey to sweeten it. Reaching for your passport yet?

Down under, the Australian Tomahawk steak combines the best of both worlds – a satisfying 2kg rib-eye or scotch fillet on the bone, which’ll soak up the beer for sure, but is not to be sniffed at by more discerning diners. In fact, an authentic Tomahawk comes from grass-fed cattle and the inclusion of the bone makes for a tender intercostal meat treat.

One of the best steaks I tasted was in actual fact in Argentina – cooked with such passion, accompanied with the Chimichurri sauce!

Before you choose your destination, though, be sure to refer to this new infographic, with mouth-watering definitions of these and other iconic steaks from around the globe. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

X-Ways-to-eat-steak-around-the-world-DV3

 

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Editor's Picks, Food, Infographic

How People Eat Fries Around The World

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How People Eat Fries Around The World

Whether you consider yourself to be a connoisseur of international cuisine or a microwave maestro with a signature dish you won’t change for anybody, chances are this glance over the diverse world of fries will come as a welcome primer.

Broadly speaking, the art of fry garnishing can be divided into three categories: condiments, additional ingredients, and sauces. It seems that folks at the western end of the Earth prefer a condiment to bring out the flavour, with both the US and Canada opting for a cheesier fry. The Canadians offer a refined dish known as poutine – cheese curds, fries and gravy – while their American counterparts dish up no-nonsense chilli cheese fries. More intriguing still, the Dutch combine peanut sate, mayo and raw onions in a recipe best translated as ‘chips at war’. Sounds irresistible, but I can’t help fear the worst violence will occur when they reach your belly.

To the immediate east of the Netherlands, their German neighbours add bacon, onion and seasoning to their fried potatoes to serve up a winter warmer known as bratkartoffeln. Continue further east, and you’ll find your fries come in the company of a range of esoteric ingredients, from turmeric and chilli powder in India to seaweed, sesame seeds and fish flakes in Japan. What did they do to our junk food?

Sauce-wise, both the Kenyans and the British favour the curry variety, with Kenya’s carefully blended masala sounding even more appealing than the delicious yellow goop to be found in UK chip shops. The Spanish serve fried potato as a tapas dish, under the name of patatas bravas – which, experts agree, is a lovely phrase to say out loud.

With this fine groundwork laid, just three little questions remain: How will you eat yours? Would you have the nerve to ask for peanut sate in a fast food joint? And: is anyone else getting hungry?

how people eat fries around the world

 

Infographic by: Expedia