Day 7: Food Around the World

Summer Folwell, Staff

Even though you may be stuck staying in Houston during spring break, that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience the world. Instead of sticking with your usual go-to’s, try these restaurants to get a taste of food from around the world, and if you prefer to stay within the comfort of your home, make them instead.

BREAKFAST

First, for breakfast, let’s start in France. A typical breakfast in France is usually very light, consisting of a baguette or a croissant, some fruit and coffee. For a more formal breakfast, you can also have quiche, which is an egg-filled pastry complemented with meat and cheese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to find French Cuisine: La Madeleine and the French Riviera Bakery and Cafe.

 

Next on the list for breakfast is Sweden. A usual breakfast item that you can find in Sweden is Smörgås, an open-faced sandwich that includes a slice of your favorite bread and a combination of toppings, including sliced cheese, a hard-boiled egg, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, cured salmon, ham, and pickled vegetables. Although it is not a common breakfast item to find here in Houston, it’s great as a home-cooked meal.

If you would like to make this yourself, here’s a recipe:
https://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/s/summer-scandi-stylesmorgas.html

LUNCH

Now, let’s move on to lunch. In Nigeria, a typical lunch dish is Jollof rice, a West African favorite which is well-known for its unique sweet taste and the subtle spiciness of the dish. Jollof rice isa West African favorite that is well-known for its unique sweet taste and its subtle spiciness. Jollof rice is cooked in a tomato paste, which is accentuated by different spices such as African Maggi, curry powder and pepper. It is often served with plantains, coleslaw, or grilled meat called Suya.

Where to find it: Baba Jollof
If you would like to make Jollof rice yourself, here’s a recipe: https://elleyajoku.com/food/jollof-rice-recipe

 

Another great dish to try is Musakhan from Palestine. Widely considered the national dish of Palestine, Musakhan consists of roast chicken, served with sweet caramelized onions, flatbread, and pine nuts. These simple, but savory ingredients, create a beautifully, well-rounded dish.

Where to find it: Al Aseel Grill & Cafe
Or if you want to make it yourself, here’s a recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/musakhan-sumac-chicken/

SNACK

If you are the type of person that likes to have a snack in between meals, then the following foods on our list are a great addition to your meal trip around the world today.

First up is Canada with their Poutine. The Québécois dish consists of French fries, topped with cheese curds and gravy. Although Poutine and its deliciousness made its first appearance in the 1950s rural Québec snack bars, the dish gained huge popularity in the 90s, making its way all the way to the United States.

Where to find it: Tubs Poutine
If you would like to make it yourself, here’s a recipe: https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/authentic-canadian-poutine-recipe/

 

Another snack you should try today is Sarma, which is widely popular in the Middle East. Although Sarma is a cuisine of the former Ottoman Empire, this delicacy has made it’s way across the Mediterranean and Balkan area, as well as Central Asia. It consists of grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and grains and can be served either hot or cold. It is a great, healthy addition to your list of foods to try today.

Where to find: Nazif’s Turkish Grill & Deli

DINNER

For the last meal of the day, dinner, let’s go to Brazil and try Churrasco. Churrasco is a seasoned steak that is skewered and grilled over a flame. Topped with a chimichurri sauce, this Portuguese-Brazilian barbecue is sure to make your mouth water.

Where to find it: Churrascos or Emporio Brazilian Grill

 

Another great alternative for dinner is a traditional and well-beloved Korean dish called Bibimbap. Bibimbap, which translates to “mixed rice,” consists of rice mixed with gochujang sauce, cooked meats and vegetables, and it can even include a fried egg. Best served in a hot clay pot called ttukbaegi, Bibimbap is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet spice dish.

Where to find it: Korean Garden Restaurant
If you would like to make this dish yourself, here’s a recipe: https://mykoreankitchen.com/bibimbap-korean-mixed-rice-with-meat-and-assorted-vegetables/