We all tend to under-think or over-think what we put in our bodies. There are the people who will ingest copious amounts of fast food on a regular basis without hesitation; others will refuse every potentially tasty morsel of cuisine in order to stick to their allotted calorie budget.
Good food should be experienced, enjoyed and explored, no matter what your tastes, interests or budget – here’s a suggestion of things you should try or retry before you die:
Caviar
You ever wonder why a small tin of Caviar can cost as much as your iPhone? Well you always have a chance to wonder no more. Find an authentic Russian restaurant to have it served the way you want, or pick up your own and experiment. A little lemon juice, dill, sour cream and cracker accompaniment will ease in the newbies, but veterans are known to just dig in by the spoonful.
Pastrami
Forget ‘When Harry Met Sally’. The real reason you want to go to Katz’s Deli in New York City is not because of the classic movie, but because of the slices of cured pastrami that come heaped on slices of rye bread. Sure, eat it like a sandwich with some mustard, or just savor each individual slice. You cannot go wrong either way.
Fugu
The puffer fish is a notoriously poisonous fish, and also one of the most delicious in the minds of sushi connoisseurs. Whether you are a raw fish lover or not, trying Fugu is an excellent reason to treat yourself to a fine sushi meal. But make sure to try get it at the best sushi restaurants in Japan. Anything less than a master chef may end up killing you.
Curry
Quite simply, a curry is a blend of spices. But when done right, the sensation can be nothing short of divine. You may need to jet over to Delhi India to get it right, but check out your best-rated local Indian restaurant and try it for once – it’s great for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Hate spices? Suck it up and just experience it for once – it’s not as though you’re eating anything extreme.
Truffle
No, not the chocolate. The fungus. These suckers cost a pretty penny (up to 3000 euros per kilo) but they are absolutely incredible. They bring a robust earthiness to any dish, be it pasta, risotto, eggs, sandwiches or anything else. Unless you have a restaurant yourself, you will probably not need to buy one – just go out and treat yourself at a nice restaurant.
Century Egg
Here’s something for people who love fresh eggs that are raw, soft boiled, scrambled or turned into omelets. It’s an ancient Chinese way of taking an egg and preserving it for several months in a clay and citrus-based brine until it is nicely preserved. It’s certainly worth a trip to your local Chinatown, if not all the way to the country.
Bugs
This is one of those things that every culture eats, so why not try it? Whether you are in the Philippines, Australia, Mexico, somewhere in Africa or in the United States, you will find crickets, worms, ants, spiders and all sorts of critters being fried up for your belly. If you really think about it, it can’t be any worse for you than those Doritos you’re munching on right now.
Artisanal Ice Cream
So many of us deny ourselves this treat, but it’s because mass-produced ice cream has come to mean too much processed sugar, too many preservatives and too many ingredients and fillers. Find a local ice cream or gelato maker that produces their own, and you will find out what simplicity tastes like. With only some milk, cream, salt, sugar and eggs (and your preferred flavoring) they can create incredible journeys for your palate. Rediscover it.
Feeling more or less adventurous than this list? Whatever your level of willingness, embrace it and see if you can try a food that is unique and memorable. But remember, one person’s unique food is another person’s staple – don’t be a jackass and go about insulting someone else’s cuisine just because you personally can’t enjoy it.
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