Some argue that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but excuse me, I completely beg to differ. Ain’t nothing like a large lunch laden with cheesy goodies and fried beauties with the friends and family, followed by some generous siesta time.
While parathas and dal makhni might be our lunch staples, we’re sure you want to break with tradition every once in a while. How about taking a bite of whatever the rest of the world eats for lunch?
Let’s take a trip around the world and follow the lurve for #LUNCHTIME!
Fish and Chips: United Kingdom
Batter fried fish and thick house cut fries served with a pint of beer – now that’s the lunch of kings! Surprisingly though, the fried fish is not inherently British, but was actually introduced by Portugal and Spain, many eons ago.
Bento Box: Japan
A concept that has slowly made its way into our region, the Bento Boxes of Japan are quite legendary. Small compartmentalised boxes of sushi rolls, soup, salads, tempura or even vegetables, these boxes are served in restaurants – and also train stations!
Shawarma: Turkey
A street food staple, it’s a quick and easy meal throughout the Middle East. A variety of meats are placed on a straight standing spit fire grill and cooked for ages! It’s then served with slices of pickled onions, tomato, tabouleh, hummus – all filled into one giant pita pocket.
Amok Trej: Cambodia
Similar to a Kerala meal, amok trei is a curry based dish with fish and rice. Coated in coconut milk, spices and ginger, the fish is then steamed in banana leaves. Eat it with bowls of rice and you be in happy land.
Bocadillo De Tortilla de Patata: Spain
This translates into a “crusty sandwich with eggs and potatoes”. There are many kinds of bocadillos served in Spain – these are essentially sandwiches served on crusty bread similar to baguettes. And the main ingredient is an absolutely delectable MANCHEGO CHEESE!
Banh Mi: Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its luscious fields that go on for miles, but when it comes to food, they like it well-built. The banh mi is a ham sandwich with cured meats – such as pork belly – combined with cucumber, peppers, cilantro and mayonnaise.
DEELISH!
Cemita: Mexico
Taking the sandwich popularity train forward, the cemita is a high stacked one. Layers of avocado,meat, panela cheese, onions, salsa, beef milanesa and pig skin – are all sandwiched into one giant sesame seed roll.
You gotta have skills to eat this one.
Ema Datshi: Bhutan
A stew brewed with fresh chile peppers and yak cheese, this Bhutanese delicacy is a staple on all tables. The mild flavoured curry is served with reddish rice and has OODLES of gooey cheese on top for garnish. Oh heaven, come to me!
Rigatoni With Cheese and Italian Sausage: Italy
A favourite of the zesty Italians, this tube shaped pasta is made in various lengths. They are larger than the popular “penne”, but slightly curved. Pair this with generous amounts of marinara, cheese and trusty sausages for bliss!
Crni Rizot: Croatia
This dish is SUPER ugly (just take a quick look above), but super tasty too! Known as the “black risotto”, it gets its dark courtesy the cuttlefish, which is a major ingredient. For a ‘seafoodie’? This is the ultimate delight as it as an infusion of prawns, squid and the many, many wonders of the sea!
(A massive EDM junkie and a Jedi Padewan, Radhika believes in taking life by the fork and knife every day. She has been a media woman for the last 10 years with a huge passion for video technology. While working in content management is her day avatar, nothing gets her foodie side going like a good spicy misal pav!)
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