One of the things I miss most about home is the lack of real oriental cuisine here in Brum. Back home getting a bowl of wonton noodles, a plate of sushi or some rice paper rolls took nothing more than a walk down to the local shops. But here, unless you live in town, you have to order from your local takeaway.
Looking at a Chinese takeaway menu you'll find they have fancy names for the chef's specials like 'Eight treasures' or 'Emperor's Favourite', and there are things on the menu that I've never even heard of like 'Egg foo-yung'. It makes you wonder, did they make this all up to cater for the locals and keep that air of mystique that surrounds the Orient? I think that must have something to do with it, even if only in a small way. Certainly, the oriental population in my local area is almost non-existent so you can't blame them for taking this marketing angle. The menu also offers 'English' options like steak and chips or fish and chips, which I think is hilarious. Talk about covering all bases..!
So anyway, I've ordered Chinese takeaway a couple of times now, and I have to say my craving for Chinese food has not been satisfied once. Yes, the food was ok, but somehow it is just not the same. The flavours are there, but they're bland and weak, and where's that delicious smoky wok taste?! Fried rice and fried noodle dishes are nothing without that smoky flavour! And rice noodles...get some rice noodles on the menu, STAT!
So what are the top 10 dishes on my hit list when I get back? Let's count 'em down!
10 - Steamed fish with ginger and shallots (I'm as surprised as you)
9 - Pad see-ew (Thai stir fried noodles in sweet soy sauce)
8 - Wet-fried beef rice noodles (I love that lardy sauce!)
7 - Miso Ramen with a side of gyoza
6 - DC's half/half set (small udon noodle soup + small beef rice bowl)
5 - Chicken pad thai
4 - Pho (Vietnamese style beef rice noodle soup)
3 - Hong Kong style beef congee with savoury doughnuts
2 - BBQ pork and roast duck noodle soup
1 - Yum cha (everything at yum cha is on my hit list when I get back so look out trolley ladies!)
Yep, yum cha tops the list, purely because there are just so many good things to eat and I miss them all! So let's hear hear from you now, what would be on your hit list?
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My sister had the same problem when she moved to Brissie. Luckily she found one close to her place, but the options are very limited. There are more shops here, so every time she comes home mum buys her all this Asian food to take back.
ReplyDeleteHey, how come Firehouse Hotel is not on your Top 10...their food is great! lol :D