Four out of five (83%) Brits are looking to book a holiday in 2024. And according to Trip Advisor, Tokyo, Vietnam, Sweden, Denmark, Cuba, Peru and India are top of the travel wishlists.
Ultimately, you can’t beat a glowing golden sunset as you chow down on delicious pad thai, or being serenaded with traditional Cuban music while tucking into a bowl of black bean soup. However, tastes and smells can evoke powerful memories and take us back to those special moments.
Around the world in six dishes
At Hey Fresto! we’ve recreated some of those authentic tastes so you can experience them from home.
- Thailand – green curry
From white sandy beaches to golden temples, Thailand is a stunning country filled with character and perfectly balanced, aromatic food. One dish that is an absolute crowd pleaser is Thai green curry.
The curry blends of green chilies, lemongrass, garlic, galangal, and other herbs, and is characterised by its distinct green hue. Commonly cooked with coconut milk, the curry is creamy and rich. It features tender chicken or vegetables like eggplant, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers. The dish is typically seasoned with fish sauce, palm sugar, and thai basil, adding depth and complexity. Served with jasmine rice.
- Spain – paella
From Sangria to tapas, Spain is renowned for its cuisine. In particular, paella carries cultural significance for the Spanish. Born out of Valencia, Paella is often enjoyed with family and friends.
Typically cooked in a wide, shallow pan, this traditional dish is known for its vibrant flavours and colourful presentation. Paella combines rice with a variety of ingredients such as saffron, vegetables, seafood, chicken, and sometimes rabbit or snails, depending on the region. The dish is flavoured with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and often garnished with lemon wedges.
- Vietnam – beef curry
Vietnamese beef curry, known as “Cà ri bò”, is a dish with French and Southeast Asian influences. Tender beef chunks are simmered with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and a medley of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and curry powder. Potatoes, carrots, and sometimes taro are added, soaking up the rich coconut milk-based broth. The result is a fragrant, mildly spicy curry with a creamy consistency.
- India – murgh makhani
Venture into the vibrant streets of Delhi and you’re likely to discover murgh makhani – tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. The dish is characterised by its smooth texture and balanced flavours, with a hint of sweetness, and is often served with naan or rice.
- America – cajun bake
From a place where music is everywhere comes the creamy Cajun bake. It’s a dish that typically includes a blend of shrimp, scallops, and chunks of lobster meat, seasoned with traditional spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic. This tasty bake is best served hot, making it a satisfying and indulgent seafood dish with a Southern twist.
- Mexico – chilli tacos
Chilli con carne is a hearty and delicious dish deeply rooted in Mexican society. In fact it’s so rooted in history that no one really knows when it first appeared. Was it the Franciscan friars or Chilli Queens that brought this tasty dish to the fore? We discuss it over in our history of chilli con carne blog.
The meal itself typically consists of tender chunks of beef simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices including chilli powder, cumin, and oregano. It often incorporates kidney beans or black beans, adding texture and protein. Beef chilli is enjoyed across Mexico and can vary regionally in terms of spice level and additional ingredients. It’s commonly served with rice, tortillas, or tacos. How do you enjoy yours?
Embark on your own culinary adventure with Hey Fresto!’s curated selection of global dishes and bundles for the whole family. Whether you crave the flavours of Thailand, Mexico or beyond, each dish promises an authentic taste of world cuisine. Let your taste buds travel the globe from the comfort of your home, and indulge in these gastronomic delights that celebrate the diversity of our planet’s culinary heritage. Bon appétit!