Gastronomic delights

Food has always been one of my so-called weak spots. Back when I was in my younger days back in the PH, I have had my fair share of exotic and not-so ordinary fare. Balut (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut), served with ass-burning pickled chilis, was a constant staple especially during cram sessions for exams. The best lugaw (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congee#Filipino) and tokwa't baboy (http://www.pinoycook.net/tokwat-baboy) in Makati, for the underprivileged me, are those sold at the corner of Pasong Tamo and J.P. Rizal streets. I'll make sure that I'm going to drop by for a round or two when I go back for vacation come December. Sisig (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisig)? Check, I'm gonna try the famed Mutiny (http://mutiny.com.ph/) sisig (and tab's on Rambo). I've tried deer meat jerky (tapang usa), monitor lizard stew, frog soup (best served with bittergourd, yummy), deep-fried ararawan (a kind of edible insect), and a whole lot more. My must-try food list for this coming December break is, ath this point, a lenghty one, I tell you.

In my travels across the region, I have made it a point to try the local fare as much as I can, though I must admit I have had second (make that a dozen) thoughts when faced with such strange looking cuisines like this one I had in Batam. I reckon this one was served in a nasi padang stall in Batamindo. It was crispy, and tasted good actually especially with the special sambal it was served with.

Of course, it is not always alien-y as far as the food I've tried in the different countries I've been to are concerned. The chendol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cendol) in Malacca, Malaysia (this one is a fair distance away from our Malacca office, prolly 15-20 minutes by car) is heavenly. Pak Putra's tandoori chicken (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tandoori_chicken) near Jonker street (or was it walk?) is heavenly. The Capitol satay celup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satay_celup) is a die-die must try fare. I could go waxing lyrical about the food I have had and end up with a lengthy, and boring, rhetoric. I will, instead, from time to time, blog about some of these wonderful cuisines.

I tried this pork knuckle, I cannot recall the German word for it but it was a tongue-twister, in Regensburg (in one of the shops in the mall behind the railway station) and it was just fantastic, sinful to say the least. I'd really love to have another round of this beast.