Introduction: Comoros' answer to the spiced rice dishes found right around the Indian Ocean rim, pilaou layers rice with beef or chicken, whole spices and caramelised onions. Cultural Background: Comoros' answer to the spiced rice dishes found right around the Indian Ocean rim, pilaou layers rice with beef or chicken, whole spices and caramelised onions. […]
Introduction: Sancocho is Colombia's great communal soup, a hearty hen-and-root-vegetable stew traditionally cooked outdoors over wood fire for family gatherings and weekend reunions. Cultural Background: Sancocho is Colombia's great communal soup, a hearty hen-and-root-vegetable stew traditionally cooked outdoors over wood fire for family gatherings and weekend reunions. Its roots lie in Spanish and Indigenous cooking […]
Introduction: Ajiaco is Bogotá's signature chicken and potato stew, built on three native Andean potato varieties and the herb guascas, which gives the broth its distinctive flavour. Cultural Background: Ajiaco is Bogotá's signature chicken and potato stew, built on three native Andean potato varieties and the herb guascas, which gives the broth its distinctive flavour. […]
Introduction: Colombian tamales are cornmeal parcels filled with meat, rice and vegetables, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed, and are a centrepiece of Christmas Eve and New Year gatherings across Colombia, traditionally made in large communal batches by extended families. Cultural Background: Colombian tamales are cornmeal parcels filled with meat, rice and vegetables, wrapped in […]
Introduction: Congee is a soft, savoury rice porridge eaten across every region of China, prized for being gentle on the stomach and endlessly adaptable with toppings. Cultural Background: Congee is a soft, savoury rice porridge eaten across every region of China, prized for being gentle on the stomach and endlessly adaptable with toppings. It is […]
Introduction: Bang Bang Chicken takes its name from the traditional method of pounding poached chicken with a small wooden bat (bang bang) to tenderise and shred it before dressing, a Sichuan classic balancing nutty sesame sauce with numbing chilli oil. Cultural Background: Bang Bang Chicken takes its name from the traditional method of pounding poached […]
Introduction: Wonton soup features delicate meat-filled dumplings simmered in a clear, savoury broth, a Cantonese classic served in homes and noodle shops throughout China as a light, comforting meal at any time of day. Cultural Background: Wonton soup features delicate meat-filled dumplings simmered in a clear, savoury broth, a Cantonese classic served in homes and […]
Introduction: Hot and sour soup hails from Sichuan and neighbouring provinces, balancing the tang of vinegar against the warmth of white pepper, thickened with cornstarch and threaded with silky egg ribbons, popular as a warming starter especially in cooler months. Cultural Background: Hot and sour soup hails from Sichuan and neighbouring provinces, balancing the tang […]
Introduction: Xiaolongbao are delicate steamed dumplings originating from Jiangsu province, famous for the burst of savoury broth hidden inside each parcel — achieved by encasing a jellied stock alongside the meat filling, which melts during steaming. Cultural Background: Xiaolongbao are delicate steamed dumplings originating from Jiangsu province, famous for the burst of savoury broth hidden […]
Introduction: Mapo Tofu is a fiery, numbing Sichuan classic said to have originated with a pockmarked (ma) grandmother (po) who ran a small restaurant in Chengdu, combining silken tofu, minced beef and a fermented chilli bean paste for one of Sichuan's most iconic dishes. Cultural Background: Mapo Tofu is a fiery, numbing Sichuan classic said […]