International Flavors

Exotic Eats: Ghana

Posted by Kathryn Pisco on Jul 11, 2013 in Exotic Eats, Ghana | 1 comment

I probably should not judge all of Ghanaian cuisine by the food we were served at the orphanage but, since that is where I ate the majority of my meals, I have no choice.  To be fair, in my reading about traditional Ghanaian cuisine, there is talk of sophisticated dishes and complex taste profiles.  Yet, I found the food to be quite monotonous.  For as much as I loved my experience touring Ghana and working at the Royal Seed Home, the food was certainly not a highlight for me.  

Exotic Eats: China

Posted by Kathryn Pisco on Jul 8, 2013 in China, Exotic Eats | 5 comments

Growing up, my family used to have Chinese food almost every Sunday.  We went to our favorite spot in Columbus, Ohio, Hunan Lion, and we would almost always order the same things: Chicken and Green Beans, Sesame Chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Mongolian Beef, Lo Mein Noodles, and two Egg Rolls for my Dad.  I was eager to see how these family favorites compared to authentic Chinese cuisine.  I was elated to learn that, while the “real thing” is completely different than what Americans think of as Chinese food, it is actually better, fresher, more unique, and more varied.  Mike and I absolutely loved Chinese cuisine and were sorry that we only had 10 days to enjoy it.  

Exotic Eats: Vietnam

Posted by Kathryn Pisco on Jun 3, 2013 in Exotic Eats, Vietnam | 2 comments

Known as some of the healthiest food on the planet due to its fresh ingredients, focus on veggies, and lack of oil in cooking, Vietnamese cuisine is not only delicious but leaves you feeling both satisfied and healthy. Lemongrass, ginger, mint, lime, and basil liven up every meal and have a way of adding flavor without the fat. Vietnamese dishes may even be my favorite thus far on the trip (even rivaling Thai food). And the unbeatable hospitality at restaurants seems to make each bite taste even better. 

Exotic Eats: Cambodia

Posted by Kathryn Pisco on May 28, 2013 in Cambodia, Exotic Eats | 1 comment

Exotic Eats: Thailand

Posted by Kathryn Pisco on May 12, 2013 in Exotic Eats, Thailand | 1 comment

I thought I knew Thai food.  Mike and I order from a local Thai place in Chicago at least once a month and I feel pretty familiar with the flavors. But, after spending 3 weeks in this glorious country, I now realize that there is no way of replicating the freshness, flavors, aromas, and balance of this cuisine without going straight to the source.  The Thai people pride themselves on combining multiple taste sensations (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter) into one harmonious dish.  The food can be incredibly spicy and wonderfully surprising.  I sampled my fair share of stir-frys during our time in Thailand but there were a few dishes that really stood out:

Exotic Eats: Nepal

Posted by Kathryn Pisco on Apr 23, 2013 in Exotic Eats, Nepal | 3 comments