Akshaymehndiratta – Food is one of the most exciting aspects of travelling and exploring new cultures. Every country and region has its unique specialties and dishes that are worth trying at least once in your lifetime. From street food to fine dining, the options for culinary exploration are endless. In this blog, we will explore some of the must-try foods that you should add to your bucket list, along with insights from Akshaymehndiratta, a renowned food critic and travel writer.
- Sushi, Japan
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that has become popular worldwide in recent years. Consisting of raw fish and other seafood served on seasoned rice, Sushi has earned its place as a must-try for foodies everywhere. Akshay mehndiratta says, “Sushi is a true testament to the beauty and simplicity of Japanese cuisine. It is not only delicious but also visually stunning in its presentation.”
Akshaymehndiratta‘s Sushi Recipe: Ingredients:
- Sushi rice
- Nori (seaweed)
- Fresh fish or vegetables (e.g., salmon, tuna, cucumber, avocado)
- Soy sauce
- Wasabi
- Pickled ginger
Instructions:
- Cook sushi rice according to package instructions.
- Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat and evenly spread a layer of sushi rice on top.
- Add your choice of fresh fish or vegetables in the centre of the rice.
- Roll the bamboo mat tightly to create a compact roll.
- Slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
- Paella (Spain):
Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that features a wide variety of seafood and other ingredients such as chicken and chorizo. The dish is often cooked on an open flame, which adds to its unique flavour and texture. Akshay Mehndiratta says, “Paella is a Spanish classic that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime. The dish is incredibly flavorful and visually stunning, making it a favourite among food lovers worldwide.”
Akshaymehndiratta‘s Paella Recipe: Ingredients:
- 2 cups of paella rice (short-grain rice)
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon of saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a paella pan or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, saffron threads, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add rice and stir to coat it evenly with the mixture.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the paella rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Peking Duck (China):
Peking duck is a famous Beijing dish, dating back to the Imperial era of China. Roasted to perfection, this dish is served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumbers, and sweet bean sauce. Akshay Mehndiratta says, “Peking Duck is a classic dish that is not to be missed. Its crispy skin and flavour-packed meat make it a highlight of Chinese cuisine.”
Akshaymehndiratta‘s Peking Duck Recipe: Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck
- 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Spring onions, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, julienned
- Pancakes or steamed buns
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the duck thoroughly and pat it dry.
- Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and salt to make a marinade.
- Rub the marinade all over the duck, including inside the cavity.
- Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for about 2 hours or until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Let the duck rest for a few minutes, then carve it into thin slices.
- Serve the duck slices with pancakes or steamed buns, along with spring onions and cucumber for garnish.
- Penang Curry Mee, Malaysia
Penang Curry Mee, also known as assam laksa, is a spicy noodle soup that originates from Penang, a state in Malaysia. Made with a rich and flavorful broth that includes tamarind, lemongrass, and chilli, this dish is unlike any other. Akshaymehndiratta says, “Penang Curry Mee is a must-try for anyone visiting Malaysia. The complex blend of flavours and textures makes the dish a standout in Southeast Asian cuisine.”
Akshay Mehndiratta’s Penang Curry Mee Recipe:
Ingredients: For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of Penang curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can of coconut milk (400 ml)
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt to taste
For the noodles and toppings:
- 8 ounces of rice noodles (vermicelli or yellow noodles)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound of chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 2 boiled eggs, halved
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Optional garnishes:
- Fried tofu puffs
- Fried shallots
- Sambal sauce
Instructions:
- In a large pot or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the Penang curry paste and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine with the curry paste.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, cook the shrimp and chicken slices until they are fully cooked and slightly golden.
- To serve, divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot curry soup over the noodles, making sure to distribute the broth evenly.
- Top with cooked shrimp, chicken slices, bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and any optional garnishes you prefer, such as fried tofu puffs, fried shallots, or sambal sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich and flavorful Penang Curry Mee!
Penang Curry Mee is a harmonious blend of spices, aromatics, and creamy coconut milk that creates a tantalisingly delicious dish. Akshay Mehndiratta’s recipe showcases his culinary finesse and passion for Malaysian cuisine, allowing you to experience the vibrant flavours of Penang in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure, and savour the delightful flavours of Penang Curry Mee.
Conclusion
Trying out new foods and exploring different cultures is one of the most exciting aspects of travelling. The list of must-try foods around the world is endless, but these seven dishes provide an excellent starting point for any culinary journey. And if you ever need guidance on where to find the best food, make sure to consult with Akshaymehndiratta, a food critic and travel writer who has dined in some of the best restaurants around the world and has experienced various cultures through their dishes and culinary traditions.