Travel with Your Taste Buds (3) - Turkey

I went to Turkey in 2006. 7 years have passed, but I still remember many delicious foods I had in Turkey. Turkey is one of the countries I really want to visit again. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures when I was in Turkey, so most of the food pictures... I borrowed them from other bloggers.



1. Turkish Pide

This is a kind of Turkish pizza. I mean, who doesn't like pizza? :)


 

You can try different kinds of pide. They look so good.
picture from virtual tourist

2. Kumpir

Kumpir is stuffed potato. It's one of the most popular street snacks in Istanbul, I think.



You can choose what to stuff your potato with, and it's really filling.
picture from rambling wəçak

3. Dondurma: Turkish ice cream

Oh, my favorite. Why is Turkish ice cream special? Because of its chewy and stretchy nature!

 

ice cream and parfait in Mado in Antalya, Turkey

Because they were so chewy,
I had to have the ice cream and parfait with fork and knife.
Look at the parfait stretching like cheese! 

4. Mackerel Sandwich

Imagine the taste. Well-grilled mackerel with fresh lettuce between baguette bread. If you are not a fan of mackerel, then don't try it, though. lol




mackerel sandwich is another popular street snack in Istanbul.
picture from mad wednesday

5. Locum: Turkish Delight

It's kind of traditional sweet jelly. Apple tea and Turkish delight are the most popuar gift options for tourists.

There are tons of different flavors of Turkish delight,
and they make perfect dessert with apple tea.
picture from mad wednesday

Turkey has so many great foods to offer. It is also a great country to visit in that it has its unique culture, which is a combination of western and oriental cultures. Besides, its people are so kind!
So, what do you think? Turkey for your next holiday destination?

Travel with Your Taste Buds (2) - Tokyo (2)

4. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of ingredients. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki meaning "grilled" or "cooked." Okonomiyaki is mainly associated with Kansai or Hiroshima areas of Japan, but is widely available throughout the country. Toppings and batters tend to vary according to region. Tokyo okonomiyaki is usually smaller than a Hiroshima or Kansai okonomiyaki.

 

explanation from wikipedia-Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki in Tokyo, Japan 2010
photo by Cancion

thin Katsuobushi moving about because of the heat waves
Katsuobushi adds umami to food
 

5. Desserts

Japan is a dessert paradise. I loved every single dessert I had in Japan!

nama caramel a.k.a raw caramel
photo by Cancion

Nama caramel is made with fresh cream and caramel.
It's so soft that it melts like chocolate in your mouth! 

cake I had in Tokyo, Japan 2010
photy by Cancion

It was someone's birthday, and one of my friends bought this cake for the person.
It says 'Gramercy New York' on the chocolate. I think that's the name of the bakery.

 

 

 

Red fruit tart I had in Tokyo, Japan 2010
photo by Cancion

Qu'il fait bon tarts are quite popular.
Quil Fait Bon （in Japanese, キルフェボン ）
Address: 2-18-2 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Mr. Friendly Cafe in Tokyo, Japan
photy by Cancion

This is fun rather than delicious.
You might be wondering whether you should eat from the head or the feet.
Don't forget to dip Mr. Friendly in chocolate sauce.
2-18-6 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

6. Beer?

Japan has a lot of great beers. Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin... etc.

Japanese beers
photo by Cancion

I'm not a drinker,
but thanks to Kirin Free (in the middle),
I could enjoy beer without getting drunk!

There are a lot more foods in Japan that I want to try. Donkatsu, Yakisoba, Tempura, Yakitori.... to name a few. Have you tried Japanese food? What's your favorite?

Travel with Your Taste buds (2) - Tokyo (1)

Today, I'm going to take you to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. It is another great city for food lovers.


1. Sashimi or Sushi

There are so many good dishes that represent Japan, but sashimi and sushi are the most famous and popular. The thing is... Cancion, the curious 'cat' doesn't eat raw fish. Ironic? huh?
So, I didn't eat any sashmi or sushi while in Japan. But, if you eat raw fish, you should definitely try their fresh raw fish!

sashimi my family had in phuket, Thailand, 2012
Photo by Cancion

I don't eat sashimi, but whenever I see its beautiful color,
I feel like picking it up and bringing it to my mouth.





sushi
photo from tokyo times

If all the fish on the rice were fully cooked, I would love sushi.

unagi sushi I had in Phuket, Thailand, 2012
photo by Cancion

There ARE certain kinds of sushi that have cooked fish or meat.
I can eat them!!

2. Ramen

Japan is the birthplace of ramen. Whichever restaurant you go, I think their ramen will be good.

ramens I had in Tokyo, Japan 2010
photo by Cancion

These pictures make me want to run to Japanese Ramen restaurant at 11 pm.

tsukemen I had in Tokyo, Japan 2010
photo by Cancion

 This is a different type of ramen. Noodles are served with dipping soup.
It's really good!
Tatsunoya
If you want to try this restaurant, check this blog

3. Gyoza

Fried potsticker or yaki gyoza is one of my favorite food.



gyoza in Tokyo, Japan, 2010
photo by Cancion

 The best gyoza place!
I waited in line for more than an hour to eat those crispy and juicy potstickers!!
Harajukugyozaro

6-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan

 

To be continued... (There are so many good foods that I can't include all of them in one blog entry!)

Interview with Lara Hernandes about Spain

Hola, Como estas? Hoy, I'm going to post my interview with Lara Hernandez, who's from Spain!
Si! Ella es de Espana!
Since I want to travel to Spain so badly, I asked her several questions about Spain, and she gave me precious answers.  

Cancion interviewing Lara
photo by Cancion
cat pic from pixmac

1. Where in Spain are you from, and how long did you live there?

I´m from Barcelona and I lived there all my life!!! *0 years!! .   OMG! I feel so old!!! Don’t publish this please!!! (I didn't! lol) Hahaha!!!

 

2. What is your favorite city in Spain and why?

Barcelona of course!! I not only love Barcelona because I’m from there but also because is a city that has all what I love!!  Beach, mountains, very walkable, amazing food, and a good place to have fun!

 

3. Where do you recommend travelers visit in Spain?

Spain is a country composed by 17 different regions called autonomous communities and all of them have amazing places to visit, but if I had to recommend 3 or 4 places I would say:

1.       Barcelona, but is a must to visit small villages in the Costa Brava like Cadaques.

2.       Madrid

3.       Basque Country, specially Bilbao and San Sebastián.

4.       Sevilla

I think that visiting these cities you can get a good taste of what is Spain.

 

4. What food do you recommend travelers eat in Spain?

Every region has amazing food, but the most typical foods in these places are:

-          Barcelona: pa amb tomaquet with jamón ibérico, seafood, and paella.

-          Madrid: bocadillo de calamares, morcilla de arroz, tortilla de patatas, etc.

-          Basque Country: pinchos, marmitako (fish), and I love the idiazábal cheese!

-          Sevilla: pescadito frito (fried fish), gazpacho, tapas, etc.

 

5. If you describe Spain with 5 adjectives, what would they be?

Beautiful

Friendly

Fun

Historical

Tasty (because of the food! Hahaha!!!)

 

6. Could you teach me a beautiful Spanish saying from your country?

We have hundreds of sayings but maybe…

En casa del herrero, cuchara de palo   =   In the blacksmith´s house, a wooden spoon

I have no idea what that means, but it IS a beautiful saying. lol. Now I want to go to Spain even more! Thank you for your time, Lara. ;)

Travel with Your Taste Buds (1) - Hong Kong & Macau

What's your favorite part of traveling? For me, it's always food! Trying new food is so exciting and yummy! Looking back on my travel experiences, I think good food has made each trip even more fun and memorable. Today, I'm going to take you to Hong Kong and Macau and let you try their signature foods.

1. Dim sum

Dim sum refers to a style of Cantonese food prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. Dim sum is also well known for the unique way it is served in some restaurants, wherein fully cooked and ready-to-serve dim sum dishes are carted around the restaurant for customers to choose their orders while seated at their tables.
Eating dim sum at a restaurant is usually known in Cantonese as going to "drink tea" (yum cha, 飲茶), as tea is typically served with dim sum.

explanation from Wikipedia - Dim sum




Yum Cha at Hak Ka Hut in Hong Kong, 2009
Photo by Cancion

Every day during the happy hour (from 10 to 12am and from 2 to 4pm)

you can enjoy dozens of different kinds of Dim sums at a reasonable price.




2. Hui Lau Shan

Hui Lau Shan is a chain of dessert shops based in Hong Kong, specializing in dessert soups called tong sui, snacks and desserts. Hui Lau Shan is known for its prominent use of mango in its entrees.

explanation from wikipedia - Hui Lau Shan

Mango Desserts at Hui Lau Shan, 2009
Photo by Cancion

This sweet and cool dessert will make you feel refreshed
from the hot Hong Kong weather.

3. Jerky

Are you not a jerky eater? Wait! I'm not, either. But the jerky in Hong and Macau is different. It's so good and special. Once you taste it, you can't resist it.

Bakkwa, also known as rougan, is a Chinese salty-sweet dried meat product similar to jerky, made in the form of flat thin sheets. Bakkwa is made with a meat preservation and preparation technique from China. The general method for production have remained virtually unchanged throughout the centuries, but the techniques have been improved. It is often made with beef, pork, or mutton, which are prepared with spices, sugar, salt, and soy sauce, while dried on racks at around 50°C to 60°C. However, nowadays, products with a softer texture, lighter color, and less sugar are preferred.

explanation from wikipedia - bakkwa



jerky in macau
photo from cnn travel

You can try free jerky samples. They are all good and go well with beer.

4. Egg tart

I don't think explanation is needed. Their crispy and creamy egg tart! My mouth is already watering.





an egg tart store in Senado Square, 2009
Photo by Cancion

Lord Stow's bakery in Coloane, Macau, 2009
Photo by Cancion

Egg tarts of other stores were good, but Lord Stow's was the best.

5. Bubble Tea

Do you like bubble tea? I do. You might want a cup of cool bubble tea after a long walk in the hot weather.

Bubble tea in Macau, 2011
Photo by Cancion

It's cool and delicious. Besides, eating tapioka balls is fun.

6. Serradura

Serradura is actually a layered chilled dessert made up of a sweetened, vanilla whipped cream and crushed biscuits. The creamy layer is a perfect match with the slightly rough biscuits.

explanation from my buttery finger

Serradura in Macau, 2011
Photo by Cancion

There are many kinds of Serradura, and it makes a great dessert.
The soft, sweet, and creamy taste will take you to heaven.



Did you enjoy tasting Hong Kong and Macau? What do you want to try the most?

My guilty pleasures

There are things I like or enjoy doing while feeling guilt.


1. Watching TV shows

Sometimes I just want to forget all about the things I have to get done and indulge in watching my favorite TV shows.

watching TV shows on my laptop

 

2. the beautiful view from my apartment

I feel bad about paying too much for the rent, but I really wanted to have an apartment which has a great view.



looking out at trees wearing fall clothes
from my apartment balcony
 

3. coffee, coffee, coffee!

Coffee is expensive, and caffeine might not good for health, but I always love drinking coffee at a cozy cafe.




sweet or bitter coffee while reading books,
watching TV shows on my laptop,
or chatting with friends


 

4. Buzz

I won this beautiful stuffed buzz by playing the trivia game at the sting break festival. My friend also wanted it so bad, but she failed to win one.

eyes of the buzz I see every morning
 

5. shopping for shoes

The beautiful colors of these shoes make me happy. I couldn't resist buying these beauties even though I knew I had to save money.

my colorful shoes

6. Justifying

Enjoy what you think pleasurabl as though you never feel guilt for it



This quote is so famous that it is now a cliche
but I still love it.
from life on the c train

7. honey sleep

I like to have a sound sleep. In Korean, we say "a honey sleep." Every morning, I have to press the snooze button more than 10 times.

my favorite space in my apartment, my bed

8. reading several books at the same time

My eyes are bigger than my brain. I started to read many books at the same time, and ended up failing to finish any of them.

books that I started reading more than a year ago

What do you enjoy doing? Do you have your own guilty pleasures?

Cities of Night

What comes to your mind when you think of the word "night?"

Darkness? Sleep?

Is "night" beautiful and bright to you?

To me, it is. Especially when I think of the beautiful night views I saw in many different cities.

 

 

When we talk about night views, New York and Hong Kong comes to mind.

When I went to those cities, I was amazed. What I saw was exactly what I expected it should be! I recommend you go to New York or Hongkong with your lover. I bet you'll find that its night view is very romantic.

 

 

a night view from Rockefeller Center in New York
taken by Cancion, 2012

When I saw the Moon hanging in the sky among the high-rises,
I thought of the song "Arthur's Theme" by Paris Match.

If you get caught between the Moon and New York City,
the best that you can do,
the best that you can do is fall in love. 

a night view from Rockefeller Center in New York
taken by Cancion, 2012

a night view from Rockefeller Center in New York
taken by Cancion, 2012

a night view from Rockefeller Center in New York
taken by Cancion, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

a night view from Aqua Bar in Hong Kong
taken by Cancion, 2009

A Symphony of Lights
You can enjoy this beautiful laser show at 8 p.m. every night in Hong Kong.

 

 

Compared to New York and Hong Kong, Paris doesn't have many high-rises and flashing buildings. However, the night of Paris is still very special because of its iconic structure.

 

 

Eiffel Tower in Paris
taken by Cancion, 2008

This beautiful light show is a nightly event and
five thousand light bulbs on each side of the tower sparkle
for 5 minutes every hour on the hour until 1 a.m.

 

 

L.A. has its own unique night view. Since the city doesn't have many tall buildings, the roads stretch as far as you can see.

 

 

a night view from the Griffith Observatory in LA
taken by Cancion, 2012

The night view from the observatory is amazing,
and parking and admission to the observatory are free!

Atlanta is not as famous as the cities above, but its night views are also amazing. The best place you can go to in order to enjoy the view of Atlanta is The Sun Dial Bar at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. The cocktails there might be a little bit expensive, but they're worth it!

a night view from Sun Dial Bar in Atlanta
taken by Cancion, 2013

The bar revolves 360 degrees, so you can enjoy a full view of the city.

 

a night view from Sun Dial Bar in Atlanta
taken by Cancion, 2013

a night view from Sun Dial Bar in Atlanta
taken by Cancion, 2013

a night view from Sun Dial Bar in Atlanta
taken by Cancion, 2013

 

 

I love traveling, but I still love the city I'm from. The night view that I enjoyed every day from my apartment (before I came to Atlanta) were always fantastic, and I sometimes miss them.  

 

 

a night view from my old Apartment in Seoul
taken by Cancion, 2011

One night, I looked out the window, and I saw fireworks going off.



It's impossible to decide which city has the best night view. Every city has its own color at night.
What about you? Do you have your own favorite city of night?