Food, glorious food - Asia

Asia

Street food in Thailand
“Before l went backpacking in Thailand, a friend advised me to eat the food from the street markets as it was the yummiest food you could get in Asia. Being a brave traveller out in the big wide world on my own, l decided to ignore this advice and on our first night in Bangkok we ate in a huge restaurant and paid over the odds for what was a soggy tuna sandwich and some crisps.
The next day we walked past a street vendor – the smell was amazing – wafting its way amongst the market stalls enticing us into order something. We decided to venture closer and ordered from the handwritten, cardboard menu hanging above the chef. I chose chicken with rice, my friend – fearing a dodgy tummy – ordered vegetables with rice.
We paid about 60p to the grandson of the chef – and then watched as chicken, rice, vegetables and spices were all thrown into a wok and whirled together until piping hot. The ‘establishment’ we were dining at provided little rickety tables and chairs and you just sat where you could get a space. We were to dine with backpackers, flash packers, the locals and people enjoying a 5 star holiday but wanting a taste of the real Thailand.
What l ate was a plate of the most amazing food l have EVER eaten. It was so good that over the next few days whilst in Bangkok and months later when transiting through the capital myself and my friend would make a beeline for this particular stall. On some occasions, l would go there alone but would never really be alone – l would sit and chat to someone different every time and for a short while have a new best friend. Sharing stories about where we had been so far and where we planned to head next.
Even when l ventured onto Laos and Cambodia – where the food was equally as amazing – this particular stall in Bangkok sticks in my memory – not just for the fantastic food but because every time l ate there l took another little piece of the back packer experience away with me. And now if anyone says their off to Bangkok l insist on them visiting this stall – l truly hope one day l can return and visit the Grandson and his Grandma the chef again.”
Cat Morrissey, Commercial Executive

What am I eating? - Japan
“Japan was an incredible culinary experience – I would venture off and eat almost randomly – everything was a new experience (and largely unrecognisable!). So I started taking photos to show our guide so they could tell me what I had eaten!”
John Telfer, Operations Director (Photos)

Bargain in Bangladesh
“My most memorable experience with food is very simple - buying the most delicious curry and bread for lunch in Bangladesh. 30p for 2 people!”
Hannah Methven, Product Manager

Vegetarian in India
“As a fairly strict vegetarian, travelling the world can sometimes prove problematic when it comes to eating out. The somewhat limited options of omelette or spaghetti with tomato sauce in Madagascar got a little boring after two weeks while the salty cabbage dish in Bulgaria was hard to stomach. In France the waiters generally look utterly bewildered by the notion of eating a meal which doesn’t contain meat or fish while in South Africa the ‘vegetarian risotto’ tasted distinctly of chicken stock.

It was therefore a huge delight to travel to northern India and enter a land where they know exactly what vegetarianism is all about. Every dish bursts with flavour and colour; I had at last found veggie heaven. Vegetarian food is not only everywhere but is absolutely delicious too. Already a curry fan, I looked forward to every mealtime with excited anticipation. Chana masala, tadka dahl, naan breads, pokhara, pilau rice all tempted me back for second helpings. The sumptuous selection of dishes on offer each evening ensured that even the meat eaters were happy too. To top it all my fears about the infamous ‘Delhi Belly’ were completely unfounded.”
Louisa Richardson, Direct Marketing Officer

Adventurous in China
“When I was a tour leading in China I used to take the group to a night market in Yangshou. Here I would order a variety of dishes from the rather normal noodle stir-fry to the more exotic bamboo rat and cockroach kebabs. We would also have a few local beers (Tsingtao) and by the end of the evening everyone was a little more adventurous! It was always a fantastic evening and the day of the tour I looked forward to the most.”
Ali Butler, Product Manager