When you think of travelling, you must think of the foods that you might be eating in the countries you are travelling to right? As they say you are what you eat, the same logic can apply to countries too. Your national food defines your whole delicacy. There are countless types of foods throughout the whole world! Some taste sweet, some taste spicy, while some taste salty. Yet, they all have one thing in common. They are the pride of their nation. Therefore, here are some national foods for the places that you might want to travel to, after the coronavirus end of course.
1. Italy
The national food for Italy is Ragu alla Bolognese or simply known as Bolognese sauce. This sauce is slowly cooked to perfection. You can either cook it by braising, sauteing and sweating it and some few other cooking preparations and techniques. Carrot, celery, onion, minced beef and pork are needed to make Ragu alla Bolognese. The sauce also contains tomatoes, white wine and milk. The sauce is then simmered as it needs to be thick. For your information, Ragu alla Bolognese is not cooked with spaghetti in Italy! Instead they either used it with bechamel to cook lasagna or serve it with Tagliatelle. You better visit Italy if you want to taste authentic bolognese sauce, or should we say Ragu alla Bolognese.
2. Malaysia
Malaysia’s national food is called “Nasi Lemak”! Nasi lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. Nasi Lemak can be directly translated into Fatty Rice. However, the context of lemak in the name is not fat, but it’s rich and creamy instead. The rice of nasi lemak is creamy and rich as its name. Nasi Lemak is served with some spicy sauce, sambal, and several garnishments; anchovies, eggs, nuts and cucumber. Nasi lemak can also be eaten with many other side dishes, such as fried chicken, rendang and even lobster! The spiciness of the sambal and fragrant rice will make your mouth explode in delicious flavours! If you like spicy foods, you are very welcome to visit Malaysia!
3. Japan
Curry Rice might sound like India’s national food but surprisingly, it is Japan’s instead! The origin of curry started way back towards the Meijen era. Since India was under British’s rule, British introduced curry to Japan and has become the basic food for Japan at that time. The cooking of curry is the same as Indian’s curry, you need to produce the roux first. This can be done by mixing curry powder, oil and flour together with some extra ingredients. Then, you add the roux to vegetables and meat and cook until it is thick. Instant curry roux is also created in Japan and that’s why it is popular since it is easier to be prepared, compared to other japanese food. A special curry powder is available as the powder will definitely make your roux taste like “Japan” curry. If you are curious to know what’s the difference between Japan and India’s curry, then head to Japan right now!
4. Korea
A common knowledge to all, the national food of Korea is definitely Kimchi! Kimchi is a fermented and salted vegetable. Korean radish or napa cabbage are some examples of vegetables that are used to make kimchi. The vegetables will later be fermented with a lot of seasonings and ingredients such as salted seafood (jeotgal), spring onions, ginger, garlic and chili powder (gochugaru). Weirdly, early records of kimchi do not include chili powder or garlic, thus making it not spicy. This is probably because Korea did not know the existence of chili at that time. If you like something spicy and can tolerate fermented food, you should really try kimchi!
5. Egypt
Koshari, Kushari or Koshary is the national food of Egypt! Kushari is a mixture of lentils, macaroni and rice. The three ingredients will later be topped with garlic vinegar and tomato sauce that are spiced. Fried onions and chickpeas are also mixed in Koshari. Garlic juice will also be sprinkled as the last step. It is optional but you can ask for hot sauce or garlic vinegar. Koshari has become one of the famous street foods and also served in mass events. Cup koshari was also introduced in 2019. If you would love to try this unique mixture of ingredients cooked to perfection, do come and visit Egypt!
All in all, there are a lot of foods that you should try when travelling. The national food of every country is one of the foods you need to try! To be called as their national food, the said food must be delicious!
Written by: Muhammad Mustaqim Abdul Rahman
