Okay, I know I'm supposed to be unplugged and drinking coffee in Seattle.
But in anticipation of all the food adventures we're going to have stateside, I started thinking about my favorite food memories from Kyoto during cherry blossom season this year.
For me, experiencing the food of a locale is every bit as important than the sights. Do you agree?
We tried so many great treats, but these are the few that stand out in my mind.
Exhibit A: You're thinking, "What's so great about this one?" It's your average Japanese set lunch of tempura, rice, soba noodles and radish. But let me tell you, when you're cold and hungry, what's better than hot tempura and rice? Those are cold soba though, which I LOVE and can never resist (even on a chilly day). Japanese do cold weather food really well.
Exhibit B: Custard waffle from Honeybee with whipped cream, maple syrup, and coffee bits on top. Honeybee is a Japanese chain restaurant I discovered in Kyoto, and I think (fingers crossed) they are building one right here in Okinawa. Pancake and waffle creations like this are hugely popular in Japan, and there are even combinations like apple and roquefort cheese toppings.
Exhibit C: How could I not share this image with the world? Miso Baked Potato with Mozzarella Cheese and Miso Dipping Sauce. So simple and tasty. It's sort of an Asian take of a potato skin. We're making this one at home.
Recreating food from your travels is a great way to relive a place beyond looking at photographs or reading about it.
What fond food memories do you have of a special trip? Have you ever tried making those dishes at home?
6 comments:
You sold me on Exhibit B! It looks incredibly tasty and now I know I have to look out for that chain if I make it there! C looks pretty great too - I don't think I've been excited by the prospect of Japanese food before, but I am now!
Shannon,
Even if you can't find that exact restaurant, you'll see plenty of other waffle and pancake places, as they seem to love them here.
I would say that Japanese food is a required taste but wouldn't mind trying the waffle.
Miso baked potato! Never heard of this but it looks amazing. I make a point of trying traditional, local food wherever I am so I have many food memories. My favorite is probably eating acaraje on the streets of Salvador, Brazil and eating fresh sugar cakes in Barbuda.
Greetings from Amman, Jordan! I have a really good friend coming from Okinawa - has invited numerous times & I so want to go. Exhibit A is def for me :)
Love Japanese food as well - though not as available here in Jordan as it was in London!! - I def take Exhibit A :)
Will be back to read more
http://expatfamilyinamman.blogspot.com
Kyoto is on my dream list. I've scanned over some of your experiences, and it looks just as amazing as I imagine a trip there would be. One day SOON!
I'm with you when it comes to sampling food during my travels. I recently did a post on the various foods we ate while in Puerto Rico, since you're a foodie as well, I think you might like it!
Here's a link:
Wayfaring Wanderer: Pleasing Your Palate in Puerto Rico
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