Introduction: Bandeja paisa is the emblematic platter of Colombia's Paisa region, born from the hearty needs of highland farm labourers who required calorie-dense meals. Cultural Background: Bandeja paisa is the emblematic platter of Colombia's Paisa region, born from the hearty needs of highland farm labourers who required calorie-dense meals. Its combination of beans, rice, meats, […]
Introduction: Arroz con coco is a rice cooked in coconut milk, often caramelised (titoté) beforehand for a deeper flavour and dark colour, and is a defining side dish of Colombia's Caribbean coast, typically paired with fried fish. Cultural Background: Arroz con coco is a rice cooked in coconut milk, often caramelised (titoté) beforehand for a […]
Introduction: Tangyuan are chewy glutinous rice balls served in warm syrup, traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and the Winter Solstice, their round shape symbolising family unity and togetherness. Cultural Background: Tangyuan are chewy glutinous rice balls served in warm syrup, traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and the Winter Solstice, their round shape symbolising […]
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: Nian Gao, meaning 'year cake', is a chewy, sweet steamed rice cake eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations. Cultural Background: Nian Gao, meaning 'year cake', is a chewy, sweet steamed rice cake eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations. Its name is a homophone for 'higher year', symbolising hopes for progress, growth and prosperity in […]
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: Zongzi are glutinous rice parcels wrapped in bamboo leaves, traditionally prepared for the Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate the poet Qu Yuan, said to have been thrown into the river by villagers to protect his body from fish after his death. Cultural Background: Zongzi are glutinous rice parcels wrapped in bamboo leaves, traditionally prepared […]
Introduction: Yangzhou Fried Rice originates from the eastern city of Yangzhou and has become one of China's most exported culinary ambassadors. Cultural Background: Yangzhou Fried Rice originates from the eastern city of Yangzhou and has become one of China's most exported culinary ambassadors. It showcases the technique of stir-frying day-old rice with a colourful mix […]
Introduction: Cazuela is the quintessential Chilean home-cooked soup, a clear broth built around a large piece of beef and whole vegetables, traditionally served as a full meal in itself. Cultural Background: Cazuela is the quintessential Chilean home-cooked soup, a clear broth built around a large piece of beef and whole vegetables, traditionally served as a […]
Introduction: Arroz graneado, meaning 'grained rice,' is the everyday side rice found on Chilean tables, prized for its light, fluffy, separate grains achieved by rinsing and toasting the rice before simmering — a technique distinct from wetter rice styles elsewhere in Latin America. Cultural Background: Arroz graneado, meaning 'grained rice,' is the everyday side rice […]