Discover Food
WITH ZIMMIN AROUND THE WORLD.
My Favorite Food From Around the World!
Food is a major contributing factor as to why I travel. Food is regional and differs from state to state, country to country. In my lifetime of travel, I’ve never really had a bad food experience abroad. Sure some cuisines I like more then others, but sampling food excites me no matter where I am. I’ve been to some surprising locations, like Lima, Peru that had some of the most flavorful and authentic dishes. Other places like Guatemala where the food was not as exciting, but still can’t go wrong with basic tortillas, beans, and a side of meat. Regardless of the location, I do my research prior to visiting a country so I don’t miss out of any of the must eats! I love food, and trying new things, so I want to share some of my favorite dishes from around the World. Burek – Bosnia & Herzegovina I’ve never heard of a Burek before my trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sure, I’ve had similar baked goods but the Burek might be my favorite savory pastry. A Burek is basically a flaky pastry filled with ingredients like meats, cheese, and/or vegetables. It is usually rolled up in a spiral or cooked in a large pan and cut into pieces for serving Jill and I took a day trip to Mostar, Bosnia from Split, Croatia and our tour guide stopped along the route and surprised us with a sampling of two types of Burek’s. One was filled with meat and the other with cheese, they were both phenomenal. This was our first encounter with Burek, so we instantly knew we had to find a bakery in Mostar that served fresh Burek. We did find Burek at a local bakery and it was ridiculously cheap, less then a dollar and oh so good! Cracked Conch – The Bahamas Conch, my favorite snail of the sea! They are found throughout the Caribbean, but the Bahamas in particular is known for them. In fact, many countries have Conch seasons, but not the Bahamas, you can eat them all year long. For being a Mollusk they are very cute and their shell is beautiful. There are many different recipes and styles to prepare the conch. You can have Conch Fritters as a snack, fresh conch salad, and cracked conch, which was my favorite. I ordered cracked conch at every restaurant I went to in both Nassau and Exuma. I know not very healthy, but oh so tasty! I mean conch is hard to come by in Kansas. Cracked Conch is a meal in itself where they take the conch meat and tenderize it, coat it in batter and fry it to perfection! In the end you get fried little conch pieces generally served with fries, beans, or some type of slaw. Most restaurants in the Bahamas have outdoor seating, so eating fresh seafood while starring at the waves in the picturesque setting of the Bahamas is Paradise! Döner Kebab – Germany Oh, the Döner Kebab. I literally have day dreams about it. It seems like such an easy creation, yet does not exist in the United States. It can be found in Europe, particularly Germany, on every street corner. The Döner Kebab is filling, flavorful, and just down right mouth watering. The closest thing to a Döner Kebab is a Gyros, but trust me, no comparison, the Döner is 100x better. The Döner is a German creation created my Turkish immigrants. It seems like many food creations start this way. You bring a traditional dish to a new area and realize everyone is on the go, so you wrap up the ingredients in a type of bread and Walla! you have a tasty meal on the go! So yes, the Döner was invented in Germany. So what is a Döner Kebab? The meat is layered and seasoned on a rotating spit, that way it gets evenly cooked. It is then shave off the spit and added to somewhat of a pita bread layered with cabbage, onion, tomato, and smothered in a white garlic sauce. Such a simple and quick meal and relatively cheap for the size of the kebab. The Döner Kebab dominates the late night and fast food industry in Europe, kind of like a fast food burger joint in the States. People, including myself crave these after a late night out, or after swimming, hiking, watching tv, you get the idea, I crave them 24/7. It’s weird, I love Döner so much, I have Döner stories, but that is a whole other topic! I absolutely love the Döner Kebab and lets be honest, I love most German Dishes. But I don’t want to make this post all about German food. Instead, if you want to learn more about popular German dishes or love them as much as I do then check out these 16 mouthwatering foods that are a must try. Fried Seafood – Lima, Peru and New Orleans, USA A mound of fried seafood on a plate might just be my favorite all time meal! I’ve had fried seafood in several states and countries but two places really stand out to me of having the best. The cities of New Orleans, LA and Lima, Peru. One city is in the northern hemisphere on the continent of North America while another cities lies in the southern hemisphere in South America. One thing they each have in common is their proximity to the ocean and fresh seafood. In New Orleans, you can order a mix of seafood and you will generally get crawdad tails, crab, and a variety of shrimp and fish. I am not entirely sure about the mariscos (seafood) platters in Lima, my best guess is a mixture of fish, shrimp, and clams. For sides in NOLA the seafood will usually come with slaw and fries. The mariscos platters I had came with yuca fries. Yuca is starchy like a potato, but it is a root and so delicious! The seafood platter in Lima is about a third of the cost as in the States. I paid anywhere from $7 to $12 for a gigantic portion along with a pisco sour! In the states you are looking anywhere from $15 to well over $30 for a platter of fried seafood. Price is not really an issue to me when it comes to seafood. Living in Kansas I am deprived from great/fresh seafood. Lomo Saltado – Lima, Peru Both Jill and I have never heard of Lomo Saltado and had no idea it was a staple in Peru even after doing research beforehand. After a day of traveling, we went to the nearest restaurant we could find near the Historic Center of Lima. The restaurant was named Tanta and we asked the waiter a recommendation and he referred us to Lomo Saltado. Lomo Saltado is pretty basic and some sort of dish is found throughout the world, but it was so good! The dishes we had were stir fried strips of steak mixed with onion, peppers, tomatoes usually served over rice or fries. The food in Lima is multi-cultural with a lot of Asian influences regarding rice and spices. Lomo Saltado comes in different varieties based on traditional Peruvian spices or Asian spices, or a mixture of the two. You get your veggies and protein all in one flavorful dish! Mofongo – Puerto Rico Mofongo is another dish we randomly stumbled upon while asking for local recommendations. We both love plantains in all variations. Mofongo is probably my favorite dish that consists of plantain. Basically, Mofongo is mashed plantain that is used as a base with a combination of chicken, pork, seafood, or any type of meat or anything you want really! I had mofongo at several restaurants and it is served in various forms whether it be as a side dish or crusted on the inside of a soup bowl, which happened to be my favorite. Poutine – Montreal, Canada Poutine is the weirdest name for a food item. I read that the names origin is not exactly known but possibly derived from the English word for pudding. What is poutine exactly? Well, it’s definitely not the healthiest dish. Canadians need a hearty meal to get through the brutal winters. Poutine is a Canadian dish that consists of french fries smothered in gravy and topped with cheese curds. I like the squeaky-ness of the curds, they have a fun texture! Poutine to me sounds like a great hangover cure. In fact restaurants in Canada don’t just have poutine listed on the menu as an appetizer. You can find restaurants that specialize in different variations of poutine. My first dish in Montreal was poutine served with pulled pork! They must have had at least 15 other combinations of poutine available. I wish poutine was more popular in the states, maybe it is in the northern US, but not where live. Schweinhaxe – Germany Picture a caveman with a huge hunk of meat and the bone is protruding out. That is the image I see when I think of a Schweinhaxe. These are a delicacy in Germany, at least in Bavaria and can be found on most menus. Beware! Come Hungry! The Schweinhaxe is basically a ham hock or pork knuckle where the meat is left on the bone. The Bavarian style is super crispy and slightly salted on the outside and beyond tender on the inside, usually served with gravy and knödels (knödels are dumplings typically made from flour, bread, or potatoes). The meat is so tender and flavorful it just falls off the bone. Schweinhaxe is one of my favorite cuts of meat served at restaurants especially when paired with a dark German bier! Torta, Mexico City Mexico City is a food mecca with everything imaginable. I would say traditional Mexican food is far different then Tex-Mex, I mean Burritos aren’t even widely served throughout Mexico. Tacos with a hard shell loaded with lettuce, onions and cheese don’t exist in Mexico, weird right? A traditional taco in Mexico consists of a smaller corn tortilla, with just meat and pico de gallo or something similiar. But I am not here to talk tacos or other dishes. My favorite food in Mexico City was the torta! In fact, we had a torta for the first time on our last night, it was so good we went to another restaurant to try one. While walking around Mexico City, we noticed a lot of restaurants with a spit out front with meat, similar to the Döner Kebab. The spit had a pineapple, onion, or orange on top allowing the juices to run down the meat, this is known as Al Pastor deriving from Lebanese immigrants. I was honestly surprised I walked by so many and didn’t stop to try until the last day. As I sat down at a restaurant, I wanted to try something new, I had a torta with al pastor. To me, a torta reminds me of a combination of a taco and sandwich, basically you have the taco fillings between two buns. The bread was fluffy and the fillings were phenomenal. Our tortas consisted of al pastor, beans, guacamole, and a variety of veggies. Now I know, next time I am in Mexico, I will live off of Street Tacos and Torta’s! Zapiekanka – Krakow, Poland Zapiekanka, or as I call it a Polish Baguette. Is a popular street/fast food item in Poland. I only spent a day in Krakow, but saw these all over the place. I don’t really know much about Zapiekanka or its origins but they make for a great quick bite to eat while on the go. Basically the Polish baguette is a baguette or some type of bread, with sauce, toppings and melted cheese. The toppings vary as you can decorate your own, I had one with mushrooms and prosciutto, such a delight! I love the zapiekanka so much, I make them at home all the
First Timer’s Travel Guide to Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, Japan’s 6th largest city and the capital of Fukuoka prefecture is a modern city with a fantastic food scene. Fukuoka is the result of two cities, Hakata and Fukuoka being merged together in 1889. The city of Fukuoka has two main districts, Hakata and Tenjin, each unique with an exciting nightlife. Fukuoka was the first city I visited when traveling to Japan in 2017. Fort first timer’s, Fukuoka is a great introduction to Japan. The subway line here is easy to figure out, it’s walkable, tourist friendly, and has amazing attractions. Since the first time I visited Fukuoka, I’ve been back here a half dozen times at least. This is my travel guide to Fukuoka for first timer’s. I’ve outlined everything you need to know about visiting Fukuoka from eating amazing Hakata style ramen to visiting the Giant Wooden Buddha. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Fukuoka: Fukuoka is one of my favorite cities in Japan. Fukuoka is easy to navigate, has plenty to see and do, and is famous for Hakata Ramen, the best ramen, in my opinion. Top Things to do in Fukuoka: Eat Ramen. Shop at Canal City. Relax and walk around Ohori Park. Consider taking a Private Fukuoka Tour or this Fukuoka Essentials Tour to see the main highlights and learn about Fukuoka along the way. Where is Fukuoka, Japan? Fukuoka is the capital of the prefecture that shares the same name, Fukuoka prefecture. Fukuoka is on the Japanese island of Kyushu just south of the main Japanese island of Honshu. For reference, Fukuoka is about a 5 hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo and about a 1-1.5 hour Shinkansen ride to the city of Hiroshima. Best Time to Visit Fukuoka I’ve been to Fukuoka during all seasons in Japan and practically every month. My favorite time to visit Fukuoka is during either Sakura Season or the season of Fall. Sakura Season in Fukuoka is not to be missed and I feel Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most underrated cities for Sakura Season. We visited Fukuoka this past April, specifically for Sakura and it did not disappoint. To catch Sakura trees in bloom, I recommend starting at Tochoji Temple and then walk to Shofukuji to catch some of the Sakura Trees near the temples. After visiting Tochoji Temple, head toward to Ohori Park and visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins for some of Japan’s most spectacular views of Sakura Trees. The Fall season in Fukuoka is also a perfect time to visit. Around late September to early December the temperature begins to cool off and the weather is just perfect. You have to head to the surrounding hills to catch some of the autumn colors, but there are trees throughout the city that do change color. But I recommend Fukuoka during this time of year simply because it’s not tourist season and the weather is ideal. Transportation in Fukuoka Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located in the city of Fukuoka. Fukuoka Airport is a major hub in Japan and offers flights both domestically and internationally. It’s worth flying here from places like Tokyo or Osaka. Many international flights fly in and out of Fukuoka as well. From Fukuoka Airport, there is a subway line directly to JR Hakata Station. It’s only two stops from the airport to Hakata Station. Hakata Station is the main station in Fukuoka and is the main station for the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. You can even purchase Regional and JR Passes at Hakata Station. For first time travelers to Japan, Fukuoka is easy to navigate and the subway system is far from difficult. In Fukuoka, there are three subway lines, the Orange, Blue, and Green lines. Tenjin Station is a popular station and puts you in the heart of Fukuoka. For travelers visiting Japan, you can purchase day passes at both Hakata and Tenjin Station. In the subway stations and trains themselves, announcements will be in both Japanese and English. Signs also have English translations. I wrote a post on general train travel in Japan, in case you want to learn more about trains and train travel throughout Japan. Recommended Places to Stay in Fukuoka Since moving to Japan, I’ve now been to Fukuoka several times and have spent many long weekends here. Not only are hotels in Japan cheaper then what I am used to paying in the United States and Europe but they have a lot of character and bathroom supplies, like toothbrushes, combs, shower caps, razors, etc. The hotels listed below in my guide to Fukuoka are hotels that I stayed at in Fukuoka and personally recommend. None of these hotels are anything fancy or expensive. They are comfortable with all the needed amenities. APA Hotels – APA Hotels are always a classic chain in Japan. With APA, you always know what you are getting. Generally, the rooms are smaller but they have all the needed amenities. I always enjoy my stays at APA. APA does have a solid breakfast as well with all your classic Japanese breakfast dishes. There are several APA Hotels spread throughout Fukuoka. My last visit in April 2023, I Stayed at the APA Hotel Hakata-Ekimae near the Hakata Station. Montan Hakata – Because of a few unfortunate events coming back from Taiwan, I missed my Shinkansen train to Iwakuni and had to book a cheap hotel near Hakata Station. Well, Montan Hakata is a great option if you are looking for a hostel near the Hakata Station. This hostel has a great front desk area which includes breakfast, rental bikes, and they have a great selection of international beer. The rooms here are your traditional tatami rooms with floor mats. The rooms are very spacious and clean with a private bathroom. Riverside Inn Hakata – One of the best hotel stays I’ve ever had. Located right by Canal City and walking distance to both train stations. Breakfast was not included with this stay, but the rooms and views make up for it. The room I had was almost an entire apartment, to include a living room and kitchen. The balcony has a great overlook of the Naka River. Randor Residential Hotel – Another modern style Japanese hotel with all the conveniences and fun toiletries. This hotel was near a local food market and within walking distance to Canal City and Tenjin Station. Must See Attractions in Fukuoka Fukuoka is definitely one of Japan’s most underrated cities. In the grand scheme of things, Fukuoka has it all, amazing food, historical sites, modern architecture, and great transportation. Visitors can easily spend upwards to 3 days in Fukuoka, there is that much to see and do. My guide to Fukuoka lists some of the must see attractions for first timers visiting Fukuoka from a building covered in a forest to a very impressive Wooden Buddha statue at Tochoji Temple and everything in between. ACROS Building Talk about going Green! The Acros Building, near Tenjin Station is a futuristic structure where one side of the building is forested. Acros is well worth a visit, mainly just to see the outside. Visitors can take stairs at the front of the building and actually walk through the forested area of Acros. The view from on to of the building is spectacular. Visitors are greeted by 360° views of Fukuoka. You can walk into the building, but there is nothing worthwhile, perhaps just a quick toilet break if anything. More buildings need to adopt what Acros did. The additional plants on the outside of the buildings contributes to cleaner air, limits the urban heat island affect, it keeps temperatures in the building cooler, not to mention it is pleasant to look at. Canal City Canal City is a modern shopping mall with dining, shops, and an intense light/water show. Canal City is a must when visiting Fukuoka and is in every travel guide to Fukuoka. There are several stories here full of unique shops and delicious restaurants. The main attraction at Canal City is definitely the shallow river that flows through Canal City and the light/water show. I’ve seen the light show three times now and each show had a different theme just as exciting and intense as the last light/water show. Fukuoka Castle Ruins After or prior to visiting Ohori Park, it is recommended to visit Fukuoka’s Castle Ruins. Just a short walk from the park lie the ruins of this enormous castle site. Unfortunately, outside from the recreated gates along the moat, there is no structures remaining of the castle. But the foundation is still in place and the city of Fukuoka does a nice job at maintaining the site. Fukuoka Castle was built in the 17th century as a result of Sekigahara Battle. The castle stood for hundreds of years only to be torn down during the Meiji Restoration era. Fukuoka Castle can be visited all year long but it is absolutely beautiful during Sakura Season. Fukuoka Tower At 234 meters, Fukuoka Tower is the tallest structure in the city of Fukuoka and considered to be Japan’s tallest seaside tower. For ¥800 visitors can take the elevator to Fukuoka Tower’s observation deck. You truly can see the entire city of Fukuoka from here and you fantastic vis of Hakata Bay and the surrounding mountains. Kawabata Sotengai Shopping Arcade Kawabata Sotengai Shopping Arcade is an old arcade street in Fukuoka within walking distance from Canal City. There are hundreds of shops varying from selling local souvenirs to antique shops. Kawabata Sotengai Shopping Arcade is 400 meters long and fully covered, which is perfect on a rainy day. Ohori Park A huge city park and just a few stops from Tenjin Station is Ohori Park. with a lake in the middle. Ohori is a beautiful park where there is always something going on. Ohori Park is most notable for the large lake with a trail that cuts through the middle of the lake. There is a running track around the lake, playgrounds, and facilities. You can even rent a swan boat and paddle around the lake. In the area, visitors can also visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Ohori Park Japanese Gardens. Ohori Park Japanese Garden I stated earlier that Fukuoka is the ideal destination for first time visitors to Japan because you get the whole Japanese experience in an easy and manageable city. People around the world are familiar with Japanese Gardens and Fukuoka has a beautiful Japanese Garden right at Ohori Park. Ohori Park Japanese Garden is your traditional garden with ponds, Koi fish, stones crossing rivers, pine trees, and fabulous views. Admission and Hours AdmissionAdult – ¥250Child – ¥120 HoursMay – September: 9:00 – 18:00October – April: 9:00 – 17:00 Closed on Mondays For more information, visit the Ohori Park Japanese Garden Website. Tenjin Underground Mall This was the most fascinating underground shopping network I’ve ever seen. This mall was linked to several subway stations hosting shops and restaurants. What was truly unique about this underground mall was the looks and style of it. It was just beautifully done! Again, if you are looking for things to do in Fukuoka, especially on a rainy day, the Tenjin Underground Mall is the perfect place to stay dry. ⇒ Additional Things to do in and Around Fukuoka Hakata (Tonkotsu) Ramen in Fukuoka – Simply the Best Style of Ramen Fukuoka is known as the birthplace of Tonkotsu Ramen. Throughout Japan, various cities or regions have some style of Ramen. Tokyo has their shoyu ramen, Sapporo is known for miso ramen, and Fukuoka is famous for Hakata Ramen also know as Tonkotsu Ramen. Ramen in Fukuoka is what Lobster is to Maine, what Beer is to Bavaria, what Paella is to Spain, uh ok we get
A Taste of Kansas City BBQ: From Ribs to Burnt Ends
Regardless of how you say it – Barbecue, Barbeque, or BBQ, it’s delicious! BBQ is what the United States is known for, it’s our specialty. Generally, BBQ is regional, although every state claims they have good BBQ, there are a few styles that are superior to the rest! Texas is known for their slow cooked primarily beef BBQ, the Carolina’s have their pulled or shredded pork, while Memphis is known for their ribs usually dry rubbed. All very good styles of BBQ, but Kansas City is consistently listed as the BBQ capital of the United States. No, I am not biased just because I lived here. KC is literally the Mecca of BBQ, visitors travel around the world to try KC BBQ. KC does not specialize in one meat or a specific style like the other states, instead they have perfected all styles of cooking and various types of meats to include brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and burnt ends. Basically, what every region around the States is known for can be found in one location and is done perfectly! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! **As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So, how did the World’s Best BBQ end up in Kansas City? I’ve always loved BBQ, so when I moved to Kansas City back in 2012, I was thrilled to try as much BBQ as possible. BBQ has a long history in Kansas City. What other city can you go to and hear people arguing on the side of the road, as you listen closer they are in a heated battle about which BBQ place has the better ribs, or which restaurants burnt ends are crispier. You can literally get into deep conversations here with locals about BBQ, locals here are very passionate about their BBQ. BBQ is definitely a part of KC history and visitors come from around the world to try KC BBQ. Of all places in the United States, how did BBQ become so popular in Kansas City? After spending time at local establishments and reading about KC history, it comes down to one individual, Henry Perry. In the 1920’s, Henry Perry would smoke meats outside, wrapping the meats in newspaper and selling it to hard working individuals near the downtown area of Kansas City. One of the individuals who worked for him was Charlie Bryant, once Henry died, Charlie sold the business to his brother Arthur, and thus Arthur Bryant’s was established! Arthur Bryant’s is potentially the first and most famous BBQ restaurant in America! One of the cooks that worked with Henry Perry, joined a man named George Gates to establish Gates BBQ, another famous restaurant in KC. They are famous for people yelling “Hi, May I Help You?” Terrifying at first, being yelled at, but you get used to it. Because of the success started at both Arthur Bryant’s and Gates, many BBQ restaurants started opening throughout the city. Today, there are around 150 BBQ joints in the Kansas City Area. Popular BBQ Restaurants Around the Kansas City Area Arthur Bryant’s and Gates are legends in the KC BBQ scene. With over 150 different BBQ restaurants here and an ever growing popularity in BBQ, there are other restaurants that are quickly gaining popularity and are considered among the best in the country! Below are a few BBQ Restaurants that deserve a mention. I’ve been to all of them and they are all wonderful! Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Formally known as Oklahoma Joe’s, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is probably the most popular restaurant in the area. They have three locations, the original being the famous gas station location. The Z-Man is probably their most popular item on the menu. Picture a sandwich with smoked brisket piled high, with melted cheese and onion rings on top! Pair this with their french fries! Their fries comes in huge portions and their seasoning is unlike any other! Their ribs are spectacular, dry rubbed served with thick cut Texas toast! Jack Stack – In the mood for an upscale BBQ restaurant? Jack Stack is known as the fancy BBQ place or fine dining, table cloth BBQ. Jack Stack has 5 locations scattered throughout the city. Their claim to fame is the Crown Prime Beef Rib, a well marbled, fall off the bone, beef short rib! For an appetizer try the Smoked Salmon Dip or Fried Mushrooms! Jack Stack is all about Quality over Quantity, and it shows, their BBQ is the best! Woodyard BBQ – Woodyard BBQ is one of the more authentic looking BBQ joints in the city. They have a relaxing outside patio, where you are an arms length from the smokers! Woodyard has been featured on several food shows including Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, No Reservations, and Andrew Zimmern’s Delicious Destinations. Try their ribs or a BBQ plate to try a variety! RJ’s Bob-Be-Que Shack – RJ’s Bob-Be-Que Shack ranks up there with some of the best! They have a varied menu, I suggest the lamb ribs, or a variety platter with their burnt ends and spare ribs! You can choose from pork, beef, or pork belly burnt ends! RJ’s even has a breakfast menu and cocktails! Q39 – Q39 is quickly gaining popularity in the KC area. Almost every local you talk to mentions Q39 and how it ranks up there with some of the big competitors. There are two locations that are spacious and comfortable. I recommend their sides and the sandwiches! My thoughts on Kansas City bbq I am just going to say this. Jack Stack is my favorite BBQ place in KC, but I can’t really compare it others, it’s in a league of it’s own! The quality of their meats just can’t be beat! I had the crown rib and it was like butter, melt in your mouth, one of the best cuts of meat I’ve ever had! Ok, now that is out the way. I used to have favorites, but after trying so many restaurants it is getting harder and harder. You really have to go back to BBQ restaurants multiple times to get a sample of the menu. Generally, for new BBQ places I like to order ribs and burnt ends along with fries and beans. If I am happy with the meat texture, taste, and uniqueness, along with the preparation of the fries and beans, then I consider it a pass, happy customer! KC BBQ runs deep here, it is more then just a style of food, it is a way of life here. You can sit down with anyone here in the city and have a nice chat or debate about BBQ and their favorite restaurant! Conclusion Kansas City does not mess around when it comes to great BBQ. Kansas City has their own BBQ and unique blend of flavors, mouthwatering meats, and unique sauces. Whether you prefer the smoky taste of burnt ends or fall off the bone ribs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whenever you find yourself in the greater Kansas City area, make sure to stop by one of the fabulous BBQ restaurants and enjoy! Want to learn more about KC BBQ and interested in learning how to make your own BBQ sauce and Rub? Here is an Easy to make Kansas City BBQ Sauce & Rub Recipe. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇺🇸 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Interesting Food Around the World that We’ve Tried
Exploring a cultures culinary traditions has become one of the motivating factors and reasons we travel. Plain and simple, it is fun to try authentic, new, and down-right weird food. I always say, I am willing to try everything at least once! Living by that rule, the two of us have become adventurous when it comes to local cuisine. What may seem bizarre in our culture can be a daily diet in others. I mean here in the United States we eat beef right? While the cow is sacred in some states in India. Did you know that over 80% of the world’s population eats insects, yet the sound of that disgusts most Westerners. Lets face it, they are rich in protein, low in fat, and there is an abundance of them. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Interesting Food Around the World that We’ve Tried I grew up watching Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods and Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and have always shared a fascination with foods from around the world no matter how weird, interesting, or unique the food is. I believe you should try everything once. How else are you going to know if it’s a good dish or not! I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the taste of some of the more bizarre foods I’ve tried and have disliked some foods that are standard to so many people. I say it is all part of the experience, and it is fun to say, “I’ve tried that!” Here are some of the most interesting food dishes I’ve had throughout my travels. Asia Cambodia Tarantula: Siem Reap Eating tarantula in Cambodia is a well known and definitely an adventurous dish to try for any traveler. During the Khmer Rouge, when food was scarce, people had to eat what they could to survive and that included tarantulas. Since then, it has kind of stuck around as a delicacy and fun thing for tourists to try, including myself! I found a place that sold tarantula and brought it back to my hotel room, hence the fancy plate! I ate the tarantula starting with the legs as they were the least threatening looking spider part. I then worked my way to the body. Overall, taste wise, it was not great! Tasted a bit like dry cardboard even with the chili lime seasoning. But hey, Tarantula is an excellent source of protein and mierals. Japan Natto Natto is a Japanese dish that consists of fermented soy beans. This is definitely an interesting dish that I’ve had twice, once as an appetizer over rice with a raw egg and the second time at a sushi go round where it was wrapped in seaweed. Honestly, I think I would rather eat Hákarl again then eat Natto. Natto has a distinctive smell and a slimy gooey texture. It is definitely an acquired taste, people here love it! It just wasn’t for me. The benefit of Natto is that it is very healthy to eat, it is said to help against strokes and is great for people on diets and helps manage stress, so that is a plus, it just isn’t for me! Irabu (Sea Snake) Soup: Okinawa Irabu (Sea Snake) soup, probably the most nerve-racking food I’ve had in my life. I’m seen so many sea snakes while diving and snorkeling around Okinawa, I’d never think I’d actually eat one! In a way, I felt bad eating Irabu soup, I’ve grown quite fond of these snakes. Yes, they are deadly. Yes, they can be terrifying to swim with. But at the same time, they are peaceful to watch as they glide through the water. I love watching them swim up to get air and see their tiny heads pop out of the water. At the same time, I love trying local cuisine. Irabu Soup is found in restaurants around Okinawa and it is a local delicacy, especially on Kudaka Island. I found a restaurant on the island that specializes in Irabu Soup, so I had to try it for myself. On Kudaka Island, the sea snakes are caught bare-handed. Keep in mind, these are highly venomous snakes and are deadly. But they are shy and gentle creatures unless harmed. Once caught the snakes are killed, boiled and then smoked before being turned into soup. The soup generally consists of broth, pork, konbu (which is a type of kelp), and a piece of snake. I placed my order, once finished the waiter called me up to pick up my soup. I double checked with him that Irabu was in fact safe to eat. He assured me it was safe. Not only is Irabu safe to eat but it is full of nutrients, protein, and vitamins. The soup was fantastic! I ate the snake, skin and all and it tasted nothing like chicken! It had its own distinct taste, it was a bit chewy but had a nice flavor. If given the opportunity to try Irabu soup again, I would eat it without question. Torisashi (Raw Chicken): Okinawa Usually, I’d never recommend eating raw poultry of any kind. But if I were to eat raw chicken, it would be in Japan, and I did. The dish is called Torisashi and it is thinly sliced raw chicken. It’s basically chicken sashimi and it is often served in Izakaya’s in the Japanese Prefectures of Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Okinawa. I’ve tried Torisashi in Okinawa at several different Izakaya’s and honestly, I like the flavor and texture. Some Izakaya’s will slightly sear the outside, the inside is pink and slightly chewy. Yagi Sashi (Raw Goat): Okinawa Yagi Sashi is the Okinawan word for the raw goat dish that can be found throughout the island of Okinawa. In Okinawa, many Izakaya’s and specialty restaurants serve Yagi Sashi. It’s usually served chilled and thinly sliced with ginger and soy sauce on the side. The raw goat has a gamey feel to it and a very distinct taste. I really enjoy the flavor and texture of it. Philippines Balut: Cebu I’ve been wanting to try Balut for a while now and in July of 2024, I took a trip to Cebu, The Philippines and finally got a chance to try it. Balut is a fertilized duck egg. The embryo of the duck develops for several days usually between 14 and 21 days. Most people are put off by the look of the egg once opened. It’s not your typical hard boiled egg that is white on the outside and yellow on the inside. No, instead, Balut is layered, there is a juice you suck out first, followed by a hardened white piece, yolk, and the unlucky duckling. I found a street vendor selling Balut on the side near Carbon Market. I cracked the egg, sucked out the juices and began to disassemble the egg, biting off one layer at a time. I’ll be honest, it was not easy on the eye, looking down at what I was eating, but taste wise, Balut was actually good and I really enjoyed it! It tasted just like a hard boiled egg with a little more texture to it. I would definitely eat Balut again. South Korea Beondegi: Busan Next stop while trying interesting food around the world is Busan, South Korea. While in Busan, we visited the Haedong Yonggung Temple right outside the city. The temple lies along the coast and is considered to be one of the most well known in all of South Korea. To our surprise, there was a small food market right before the entrance to the temple. Several vendors had huge steaming pans full of something we’ve never seen before. Turns out, these pans were full to the top of a popular snack item known as Beondegi, otherwise known as Silkworm pupae. You get a cup full of them, at a cheap price! In the images below you can see what Jill’s reaction was to eating Beondegi. I found the flavor to be a little nutty and very juicy, almost to juicy. Unfortunately, a cup was a little much, so we decided to share our Beondegi with the local wildlife! Taiwan Stinky Tofu You know how some cities have that bad city smell once in a while? You’ll walk around and smell sewage here and there. In Taiwan you’ll sense that same smell here and there and turn the corner and it’s just someone cooking Stinky Tofu. Stinky Tofu lives up to its name. The smell can be horrid! Rest assured, stinky tofu tastes better then it smells. Locals in Taiwan, love it. You’ll find stinky tofu in restaurants, at night markets, and from people selling it at a food stall. Stinky tofu comes in many different forms. I’ve personally tried it a few times, once as a block with onion and sweet sauce, the second time in Hualien where it was advertised as Stinky Tofu Fries. Trust me, no matter how you try it, it is going to be stinky. So, what makes stinky tofu, stinky? It’s all about the fermentation process! It’s soaked in a brine that is made from a mix of vegetables, meats, milk, and other ingredients. The tofu will ferment anywhere from a couple hours to several months. Europe Iceland Hákarl: Reykjavik Our next interesting food around the world takes us to Iceland. We’ve all heard of Hákarl (Fermented Shark). Based on stories and the media I’ve heard that Hákarl is potent and has a very unique flavor. After trying Hákarl I came to the conclusion that it was not as bad as I was expecting. Not that I’ve ever tasted smelly feet, but I kind of describe the flavor that way, mixed with a little ammonia, still not terrible tasting! It’s not found all over Iceland, but I did my research and saw that Kaffi Loki served it as an appetizer. You get a few cubes served in a small dish with an Icelandic Flag toothpick! Would I try it again? Sure! North America Mexico Ant Larvae, Crickets, and Maguey Worm at Mercado de San Juan: Mexico city Mercado de San Juan in Mexico City is paradise, that is if you are looking for unordinary food to try. This market is full of fresh meat, fish, and produce. I read about this market while researching and came here to explore the unique and interesting foods. There is a vendor here that even sold rare tiger and lion meat along with tarantulas and other creepy critters. You have to start somewhere, my plan was to start small and work my way up. I found a vendor selling a variety of insects that included grasshopper, crickets, and ant larvae. I wanted to try a few of each, there was a slight translation mix-up and I ended up with a mixed sack full. Thankfully there was a bar next to this vendor, I washed the bugs down with a local beer and even shared them with the bartender, he loved them. To be honest, the bugs were dry, salty, and not that great! On a side note, Mercado de San Juan had some other great restaurants and normal eats. We went to a small Italian vendor and ordered a delicious bocadillo. Scorpion: Mexico City At Mercado de San Juan, I wanted to try something I knew would be tough to come by in the states, so I was torn between trying a tarantula or a scorpion. Both choices were very intimidating, I opted for the scorpion. I thought to myself, “how the hell am I going to eat this thing!” For starters, remove the stinger not because it is poisonous, but because it is sharp and can get lodged in your throat! After a