Whether boiled, steamed or shallowed fried, you can expect to eat jiaozi year-round in China, but come New Year you’ll see that these delicious dumplings are a big part of the celebrations. It’s believed that eating jiaozi can bring wealth and prosperity, but sadly for Lucy Hordern, overindulging in one of her favourite Chinese foods didn’t seem to bring her good luck…
“Yes, I indulged in a local festival in China. The annual jiaozi eating competition. It was great fun, but I lost miserably.
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From sausages to sea snails, in Italy you name the food and it probably has its own festival! Good food and good fun are all part of the country’s la dolce vita lifestyle and Casey Wallen enjoyed getting a fresh taste of the local celebrations…
“I love arriving somewhere and being lucky enough to find a local festival happening. On a trip to Sorrento it was the annual fish festival. It’s when all the restaurants who are vying for supremacy in the field of preparing fresh fish dishes, make their kitchens mobile, relocate to the beach and cook up a feast for the locals.
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Nothing beats a home-cooked meal, but especially when that feast is accompanied by music, dance and new friendships in a Nubian family home. Intrepid’s Sameh Tawfik knows what’s on the menu, so he can’t wait to get his group to dinner for this special night in Egypt…
“Plodding along on our camels, it seems like an eternity to reach the small Nubian village, nestled between the sand dunes. As we walk through the streets towards the house we have been invited to for dinner, I try not to hurry but my stomach is urging me forward. We are welcomed inside and my group is invited to see where our hosts are cooking our meal. I try not to be impatient as I wait for the food to be served.
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Ooh la la, it’s hard to imagine anywhere sweeter and more romantic than France! Simply mention the ‘City of Love’ and amorous notions spring to mind, so Paris was the perfect place for Michelle Aguiar to indulge in a special dessert for two…
“On the last night of our trip, we had counted out enough money to go for our signature dinner at Maxim’s. My dinner was spectacular – lobster tail with veal medallions. It literally melted in my mouth. On our usual meager budget this was heaven. But that wasn’t the best part.
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Hong Kong is where western and oriental worlds collide. You can see this exciting fusion in everyday lifestyles, in local transport and especially in its cuisine. Intrepid’s Frank Lee is based in Beijing, but he always jumps at the chance to visit Hong Kong for a foodie fix…
“Just like so many Intrepid travellers, I love visiting Hong Kong because the food is so fantastic. The selection of local delicacies is overwhelming and best of all, the street food is really tasty, fresh, affordable and easy to find. Here are some of my favourite eating experiences that reflect the unique culture and flavours of Hong Kong…
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Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil (a.k.a The Planet D) have a very healthy obsession with food, especially when it comes to travelling global and eating local…
“Travel without trying new food is like Angelina and Brad flying without a brood of children in tow, it just isn’t right. That is why tasting delectable dishes during our journeys is the most important part of our day! During breakfast we always discuss what we’re having for lunch and during lunch we always discuss where we should eat for dinner. It’s the most fun we have when travelling.
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Taking a trip over Christmas can be a wonderful way to discover how the festive season is celebrated around the world. In Malaysia, while the food might be different, it’s a delicious feast for the senses and Sandra Jones won’t forget her special Intrepid-style Christmas holiday…
“Early in the afternoon we arrived at our hotel in Melaka, and it was quickly decided that we should all go out to celebrate Christmas with lunch. We left it up to Carol, our group leader, to decide where and she organised a wonderful meal at a local restaurant that served traditional Nonya Baba cuisine.
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Ask Intrepid’s Chotie Moloney to recall her most favourite traditional feast and it’s sure to be this amazing banquet in Japan…
“We were in the Alps township of Takayama for the summer fireworks festival when our local ryokan chef prepared an evening banquet for us. What a treat! After dressing in yukatas and indoor slippers, we entered the private dining room with a great sense of excitement. A long low table was already laid out with 8 place settings for our Intrepid group. It took a little time to settle in a comfortable position with satin cushions on the tatami floor, but I managed to cross my legs without pointing my feet at anyone and was ready to feast.
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Many Intrepid travellers have been introduced to the dining delights of KOTO Hanoi. Now such culinary pleasures, while supporting deserving young people, can also be had in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)!
Established in 1999, KOTO has grown from a small sandwich shop in Hanoi to an internationally accredited hospitality program. In January 2010, KOTO was able to replicate its successful Hanoi model with the opening of KOTO Saigon training centre and has recently celebrated the opening of a restaurant in HCMC. Same great service from trainees who prepare and serve the food. Plus a menu that celebrates local ingredients and utilises the international culinary techniques the trainees are learning, resulting in an array of innovative fusion dishes.
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