We always get excited about trying new foods, and come the end of 2014 we’re on a mission to have really branched out into global cuisine.
We’re looking at some of the coolest foods we’ve tried, have heard of and want to try. Here are 13 things we recommend you taste in 2014:
1. Phở
This Vietnamese noodle dish is a delight and perfect any time of the day. Full of flavour and topped with fresh coriander, phở is commonly served with chicken or beef. It’s a firm favourite from Vietnam.
2. Dolma
Dolma is a dish that’s found in the Middle East and surrounding regions. Grape or cabbage leaves are used to wrap the filling. In Greece dolma are known as stuffed vine leaves and come in variations but are found filled with tasty rice. A nice alternative to serve while entertaining guests.
3. Tapas
Still haven’t got around to trying out tapas yet? Head to a tapas bar in 2014! Tapas are small starters that come from Spain, they can be hot or cold and the joy in small portions is that you always get a variety. Some common tapas include gambas (prawns), papas bravas (diced potatoes) and Tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette).
4. Sashimi
Japanese sashimi is a delicacy consisting of raw meat or fish that’s sliced into thin pieces. It’s often served with wasabi, soy sauce and ginger and it’s delicious!
5. Rocky Mountain Oysters
First things first, these are not the oysters you get from the sea! Rocky Mountain oysters from North America are in fact bull calf testicles that are cooked for human consumption. The “oysters” are peeled, pounded and coated in flour, then seasoned before they’re deep-fried in oil.
6. Durians
Known as the “king of fruits”, durians are the fruit of several species of tree belonging to the Durio and the Malvaceae family. Famous for its strong odour, it’s definitely one of those love/hate foods. The flesh of the fruit can be consumed at various stages of its life and it’s often used to flavour dishes in Asian cuisine.
7. Kimchi/Kimchee
A Korean delicacy, kimchi is a dish that’s made from fermented vegetables that’s flavoured with a variety of seasonings. Usually there’s a main ingredient in the dish like cabbage or cucumber. If you’re into spicy food, this one’s for you!
8. Baklava
A sweet treat, baklava is a deliciously rich and sweet pastry that’s made from filo pastry, filled with a variety of chopped nuts. Sweetened with honey or syrup, it’s a nice alternative to the classic dessert.
9. Borscht
An Ukranian soup, borscht’s main ingredient is beetroot and can be served hot or cold. Combined with other vegetables and seasonings, it’s a hearty soup that’s full of flavour. It can be served as a starter or as a main dish.
10. Catfish
Catfish has been a fish favourite for hundreds of years. Cooked correctly this fish is mouthwatering to eat. It’s eaten in a variety of ways, from being tossed in cornmeal to being put under the grill with vegetables and soy sauce.
11. Courgette Flowers
Courgette flowers have a lovely subtle flavour and can be eaten raw. They’re often stuffed, cooked and deep-fried in batter.
12. Sea Urchin
The gonads of sea urchins aka roe or corals are tasty culinary delicacies that are found across the globe. It’s often eaten raw and can be used to flavour dishes. In Mediterranean dishes it’s found served with lemon.
13. Goulash
Similar to Irish stew, Hungarian goulash is a rich soup or stew that consists of meat, vegetables, that’s seasoned with spices. It’s a fun alternative to the traditional stew!
