These influences have also left a mark on the city’s food, something which can still be seen today. Why not sample out these delicious and diverse street foods in Turkey’s biggest city? 

Dürüm

Durum is one of the most recognizable Turkish foods, as it is now served in kebab shops all over the world. The word “durum” refers to a wrap that is generally filled with meat, vegetables, and sauces. It’s perfectly portable and super tasty.

Simit

Simit is a bread-based snack that is topped with sesame seeds and commonly seen in Istanbul citizens and visitors’ hands as they walk around the city. Think of it as the Turkish version of a bagel.

Balık-Ekmek

Did you know that fish sandwiches are an incredibly popular street food in Istanbul? Fishermen in the Bosporus often sell their fresh-caught fish in sandwich form, grilling them and serving them in between two slices of bread with vegetables.

The post Istanbul’s Best Street Food appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

In fact, you might just not even believe some of the strange soda flavors that are available throughout the globe! Check out some of the weirdest sodas that have become popular in different countries around the planet.

Curry Soda (Japan)

Ramune, a Japanese company that specializes in making unique flavors, but has experienced incredible popularity, offers a soda that is made with curry. Combining citrus flavors, sweetness, and curry might sound strange, but many love this beverage.

Grass Jelly Soda (Malaysia)

If you don’t mind chunks of grassy pulp in your soda, this bizarre beverage from Malaysia might be just for you. This drink is actually based around a popular Asian dessert that uses the leaves from a mint-like plant, though, and not the type of grass that you’d find in your lawn.

Birch Beer (United States)

Despite its misleading name, birch beer doesn’t contain any alcohol. It is, in reality, just a soda that is similar to root beer, containing herbal extracts and the bark from birch trees, a commonly-found tree in the northeastern United States.

The post You Won’t Believe That These Popular World Sodas are a Thing appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out these three almond cakes from different places around the world that are perfect examples of how to make a tasty treat using this nut.

Tarta de Santiago (Galicia, Spain)

The Tarta de Santiago is a simple cake that is made with a mix of ground almonds, sugar, and eggs. Orange and lemon zest are used as well as cinnamon to flavor the cake, which is topped with powdered sugar and decorated with the Cross of Santiago before being served.

Misérable Cake (Belgium)

Belgium’s Miserable Cake is an almond sponge cake that is filled with a delicious buttercream frosting. Despite its misleading name, this cake is delicious and moist, with an airy texture that goes great as a light dessert.

Sfouf (Lebanon)

Semolina flour is the base of this popular and light Lebanese cake, which is infused with a large quantity of slivered almonds. Its unique yellow color comes from the turmeric which is used in its batter.

The post Almond Cakes From Around the Globe That You Must Try appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While some varieties of cactus are definitely inedible, one of the most commonly-seen varieties in the Americas, known in English as the prickly pear cactus, is a staple food in Mexican cuisine, where it is known as “nopal.”

Nopal is beloved throughout Mexico, where it is used in a large number of recipes and prepared in different ways.

The fruit of the cactus is cleaned of its spines and then sold to consumers. It is normally sold fresh, but can also be bought dried.

Nopal pads can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from raw to cooked. It’s commonly found fresh in salads, where its crispy, light flavor is often paired with onions to make a salad that is beloved throughout the country.

Nopales are most commonly eaten cooked, where they can be used as an ingredient in tacos or as a side dish. Another popular way to eat nopal is with melted cheese inside a special Mexican bowl known as a cazuela.

This cactus can be used in a ton of ways, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular in Mexico. Don’t be afraid to try it on your next trip to Mexico or to a Mexican restaurant!

The post Nopal is One of Mexico’s Favorite Foods appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Looking to expand your Italian palate? Seek out these three fantastic regional dishes.

Pilau (Sardinia)

Pilau is a dish that is popular on the island of Sardinia, one of Italy’s two Mediterranean island regions. Similar to pilaf, this rice dish is prepared with spices, herbs, meat or fish, vegetables, and seasoned with broth to give it a rich and succulent flavor.

Bagna Caôda (Piedmont)

Garlic and anchovies are the base of this dip which is popular in Piedmont, a northwestern Italian region. Served in a way that is similar to fondue, with a heat source placed below the serving dish, vegetables are dipped into this mixture, which is beloved by millions of Piedmontese.

Cacio e Pepe (Rome)

The Italian capital of Rome is the birthplace of this pasta dish, which is as simple as it is delicious. Literally meaning “cheese and pepper,” this dish has only four ingredients: spaghetti, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and salt. You’ll be amazed at just how good it tastes.

The post Little-Known Italian Regional Dishes You Must Try appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you are lucky enough to travel around Spain in the winter, check out these cocidos for a delicious meal.

Cocido Gallego (Galicia)

Galicia’s cocido dish is arguably the most famous in all of Spain. Traditionally combining local greens with potato, pork ribs, chorizo, various edible parts of the head, and even chicken or beef, this dish is as hearty as they come.

Cocido Montañés (Cantabria)

Cantabria’s cocido receives its name from the mountainous territory that this part of the country encompasses. This cocido is a bean stew that incorporates white beans, greens, and all kinds of pork products into a stew that is the perfect defense against cold weather.

Cocido Madrileño (Madrid)

The Spanish capital also has its own cocido dish which is another example of a stew. Using chickpeas, chorizo, pork belly, blood sausage, beef shank, and chicken to give the dish its heartiness, this dish is a winter favorite.

The post Spain’s Best Cocidos, Region By Region appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out some of the best spring rolls that Asia has to offer.

Popiah (Fujian, China, Malaysia, and Singapore)

Popiah is a popular spring roll in the province of Fujian, China as well as in Malaysia and Singapore. These thick, fat rolls are usually filled with shredded lettuce as well as proteins such as mung beans, shrimp, and/or chicken.

Lumpia (Indonesia and Philippines)

The island countries of Indonesia and the Philippines in Southeast Asia are the homes of lumpia, which are deep-fried and typically stuffed with ground pork and veggies. Sweet versions are also occasionally made as desserts.

Gỏi cuốn (Vietnam)

These Vietnamese spring rolls have a transparent exterior that is thanks to the thin rice paper that is used to wrap them. Typically filled with shrimp, they have become popular all over the world thanks to the large Vietnamese diasporas present in other countries.

The post Discover Spring Rolls From Across Asia appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While the United States is often perceived as being the capital of beef consumption, it actually comes in at #4 on the list on a per capita basis. So, where can beef lovers travel to if they are really looking to step their beef game up? Check out these top three countries.

Uruguay

Uruguay leads the world in beef consumption, and it’s easy to see why. This small South American country has a huge cow farming industry, and social outings and get-togethers often focus on the churrasco, a big beef barbeque that is considered to be a Uruguayan cultural hallmark.

Argentina

Uruguay’s bigger neighbor, Argentina, comes in at second on the list. Argentina shares a similar pattern of bovine agriculture and the famous churrasco social tradition with Uruguay, as citizens of both countries absolutely love digging into plates of freshly-grilled beef ribs or steaks.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong might surprise you at #3 on this list, but this small island that belongs to China, but has a distinct culture and governmental system loves its beef. Beef curry and beef noodles are traditional cow-centric fare here, but you’ll also find lots of high-quality steakhouses in the city.

The post Love Beef? Travel to These Countries! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out the countries which rely on chopsticks for eating, and what makes their versions unique.

Japan

Japanese chopsticks are long and have a pointed end. They are traditionally made with wood or bamboo, and often feature beautiful engraved Kanji writing. They are a must for dishes like ramen and sushi.

China

In China, chopsticks are especially long and wide and have larger tips that make it easier to pick up food with them. Wood and metal are often used, but materials can vary. Chinese chopsticks are often considered the easiest to use.

Korea

Korean chopsticks are especially striking because they are traditionally made with silver, brass, or other metals. They have a flat shape, and in contrast with most other countries, are not traditionally used for the consumption of rice.

Vietnam

The wood and bamboo used to make Vietnamese chopsticks are typically lacquered, giving them a shiny appearance. Similar in shape and size to Chinese chopsticks, they are often elaborately decorated.

The post Chopsticks are a Must in These Countries appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If there is one word that you must know before trying Ethiopian food, it’s injera.

Any visitor to Ethiopia or diner at an Ethiopian restaurant will undoubtedly come into contact with this special bread, which is the centerpiece of any Ethiopian meal. What makes it so special, and why is it such a central piece of this country’s gastronomy?

Teff is a grain that grows in the Ethiopian Highlands and it’s the base for this delicious bread. The small grains of this plant, which are high in fiber and many minerals while being gluten-free, are mashed into flour and then added to water.

Fermentation is then triggered, and the dough sits for 2-3 days to create a slightly sour taste. Then, the injera is ready to be prepared.

Spread over a flat, circular griddle, injera is cooked and made into a bread with a spongy, absorbent texture.

Ethiopian stews, known as wat, are the most common thing to be eaten with injera. Made with lentils, chicken, or beef, they are spread on top of the bread and then eaten together with diners’ hands. 

It’s a unique way to enjoy a meal and something that makes Ethiopian food truly unique.

The post What is Injera? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

These influences have also left a mark on the city’s food, something which can still be seen today. Why not sample out these delicious and diverse street foods in Turkey’s biggest city? 

Dürüm

Durum is one of the most recognizable Turkish foods, as it is now served in kebab shops all over the world. The word “durum” refers to a wrap that is generally filled with meat, vegetables, and sauces. It’s perfectly portable and super tasty.

Simit

Simit is a bread-based snack that is topped with sesame seeds and commonly seen in Istanbul citizens and visitors’ hands as they walk around the city. Think of it as the Turkish version of a bagel.

Balık-Ekmek

Did you know that fish sandwiches are an incredibly popular street food in Istanbul? Fishermen in the Bosporus often sell their fresh-caught fish in sandwich form, grilling them and serving them in between two slices of bread with vegetables.

The post Istanbul’s Best Street Food appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

In fact, you might just not even believe some of the strange soda flavors that are available throughout the globe! Check out some of the weirdest sodas that have become popular in different countries around the planet.

Curry Soda (Japan)

Ramune, a Japanese company that specializes in making unique flavors, but has experienced incredible popularity, offers a soda that is made with curry. Combining citrus flavors, sweetness, and curry might sound strange, but many love this beverage.

Grass Jelly Soda (Malaysia)

If you don’t mind chunks of grassy pulp in your soda, this bizarre beverage from Malaysia might be just for you. This drink is actually based around a popular Asian dessert that uses the leaves from a mint-like plant, though, and not the type of grass that you’d find in your lawn.

Birch Beer (United States)

Despite its misleading name, birch beer doesn’t contain any alcohol. It is, in reality, just a soda that is similar to root beer, containing herbal extracts and the bark from birch trees, a commonly-found tree in the northeastern United States.

The post You Won’t Believe That These Popular World Sodas are a Thing appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out these three almond cakes from different places around the world that are perfect examples of how to make a tasty treat using this nut.

Tarta de Santiago (Galicia, Spain)

The Tarta de Santiago is a simple cake that is made with a mix of ground almonds, sugar, and eggs. Orange and lemon zest are used as well as cinnamon to flavor the cake, which is topped with powdered sugar and decorated with the Cross of Santiago before being served.

Misérable Cake (Belgium)

Belgium’s Miserable Cake is an almond sponge cake that is filled with a delicious buttercream frosting. Despite its misleading name, this cake is delicious and moist, with an airy texture that goes great as a light dessert.

Sfouf (Lebanon)

Semolina flour is the base of this popular and light Lebanese cake, which is infused with a large quantity of slivered almonds. Its unique yellow color comes from the turmeric which is used in its batter.

The post Almond Cakes From Around the Globe That You Must Try appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While some varieties of cactus are definitely inedible, one of the most commonly-seen varieties in the Americas, known in English as the prickly pear cactus, is a staple food in Mexican cuisine, where it is known as “nopal.”

Nopal is beloved throughout Mexico, where it is used in a large number of recipes and prepared in different ways.

The fruit of the cactus is cleaned of its spines and then sold to consumers. It is normally sold fresh, but can also be bought dried.

Nopal pads can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from raw to cooked. It’s commonly found fresh in salads, where its crispy, light flavor is often paired with onions to make a salad that is beloved throughout the country.

Nopales are most commonly eaten cooked, where they can be used as an ingredient in tacos or as a side dish. Another popular way to eat nopal is with melted cheese inside a special Mexican bowl known as a cazuela.

This cactus can be used in a ton of ways, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular in Mexico. Don’t be afraid to try it on your next trip to Mexico or to a Mexican restaurant!

The post Nopal is One of Mexico’s Favorite Foods appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Looking to expand your Italian palate? Seek out these three fantastic regional dishes.

Pilau (Sardinia)

Pilau is a dish that is popular on the island of Sardinia, one of Italy’s two Mediterranean island regions. Similar to pilaf, this rice dish is prepared with spices, herbs, meat or fish, vegetables, and seasoned with broth to give it a rich and succulent flavor.

Bagna Caôda (Piedmont)

Garlic and anchovies are the base of this dip which is popular in Piedmont, a northwestern Italian region. Served in a way that is similar to fondue, with a heat source placed below the serving dish, vegetables are dipped into this mixture, which is beloved by millions of Piedmontese.

Cacio e Pepe (Rome)

The Italian capital of Rome is the birthplace of this pasta dish, which is as simple as it is delicious. Literally meaning “cheese and pepper,” this dish has only four ingredients: spaghetti, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and salt. You’ll be amazed at just how good it tastes.

The post Little-Known Italian Regional Dishes You Must Try appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you are lucky enough to travel around Spain in the winter, check out these cocidos for a delicious meal.

Cocido Gallego (Galicia)

Galicia’s cocido dish is arguably the most famous in all of Spain. Traditionally combining local greens with potato, pork ribs, chorizo, various edible parts of the head, and even chicken or beef, this dish is as hearty as they come.

Cocido Montañés (Cantabria)

Cantabria’s cocido receives its name from the mountainous territory that this part of the country encompasses. This cocido is a bean stew that incorporates white beans, greens, and all kinds of pork products into a stew that is the perfect defense against cold weather.

Cocido Madrileño (Madrid)

The Spanish capital also has its own cocido dish which is another example of a stew. Using chickpeas, chorizo, pork belly, blood sausage, beef shank, and chicken to give the dish its heartiness, this dish is a winter favorite.

The post Spain’s Best Cocidos, Region By Region appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out some of the best spring rolls that Asia has to offer.

Popiah (Fujian, China, Malaysia, and Singapore)

Popiah is a popular spring roll in the province of Fujian, China as well as in Malaysia and Singapore. These thick, fat rolls are usually filled with shredded lettuce as well as proteins such as mung beans, shrimp, and/or chicken.

Lumpia (Indonesia and Philippines)

The island countries of Indonesia and the Philippines in Southeast Asia are the homes of lumpia, which are deep-fried and typically stuffed with ground pork and veggies. Sweet versions are also occasionally made as desserts.

Gỏi cuốn (Vietnam)

These Vietnamese spring rolls have a transparent exterior that is thanks to the thin rice paper that is used to wrap them. Typically filled with shrimp, they have become popular all over the world thanks to the large Vietnamese diasporas present in other countries.

The post Discover Spring Rolls From Across Asia appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While the United States is often perceived as being the capital of beef consumption, it actually comes in at #4 on the list on a per capita basis. So, where can beef lovers travel to if they are really looking to step their beef game up? Check out these top three countries.

Uruguay

Uruguay leads the world in beef consumption, and it’s easy to see why. This small South American country has a huge cow farming industry, and social outings and get-togethers often focus on the churrasco, a big beef barbeque that is considered to be a Uruguayan cultural hallmark.

Argentina

Uruguay’s bigger neighbor, Argentina, comes in at second on the list. Argentina shares a similar pattern of bovine agriculture and the famous churrasco social tradition with Uruguay, as citizens of both countries absolutely love digging into plates of freshly-grilled beef ribs or steaks.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong might surprise you at #3 on this list, but this small island that belongs to China, but has a distinct culture and governmental system loves its beef. Beef curry and beef noodles are traditional cow-centric fare here, but you’ll also find lots of high-quality steakhouses in the city.

The post Love Beef? Travel to These Countries! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out the countries which rely on chopsticks for eating, and what makes their versions unique.

Japan

Japanese chopsticks are long and have a pointed end. They are traditionally made with wood or bamboo, and often feature beautiful engraved Kanji writing. They are a must for dishes like ramen and sushi.

China

In China, chopsticks are especially long and wide and have larger tips that make it easier to pick up food with them. Wood and metal are often used, but materials can vary. Chinese chopsticks are often considered the easiest to use.

Korea

Korean chopsticks are especially striking because they are traditionally made with silver, brass, or other metals. They have a flat shape, and in contrast with most other countries, are not traditionally used for the consumption of rice.

Vietnam

The wood and bamboo used to make Vietnamese chopsticks are typically lacquered, giving them a shiny appearance. Similar in shape and size to Chinese chopsticks, they are often elaborately decorated.

The post Chopsticks are a Must in These Countries appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If there is one word that you must know before trying Ethiopian food, it’s injera.

Any visitor to Ethiopia or diner at an Ethiopian restaurant will undoubtedly come into contact with this special bread, which is the centerpiece of any Ethiopian meal. What makes it so special, and why is it such a central piece of this country’s gastronomy?

Teff is a grain that grows in the Ethiopian Highlands and it’s the base for this delicious bread. The small grains of this plant, which are high in fiber and many minerals while being gluten-free, are mashed into flour and then added to water.

Fermentation is then triggered, and the dough sits for 2-3 days to create a slightly sour taste. Then, the injera is ready to be prepared.

Spread over a flat, circular griddle, injera is cooked and made into a bread with a spongy, absorbent texture.

Ethiopian stews, known as wat, are the most common thing to be eaten with injera. Made with lentils, chicken, or beef, they are spread on top of the bread and then eaten together with diners’ hands. 

It’s a unique way to enjoy a meal and something that makes Ethiopian food truly unique.

The post What is Injera? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.