The iconic Sidewalk Snack Booth（大排檔）, with its foldable stalls that open up like large metal boxes, is one of Hong Kong's most unique culinary landscapes. Unable to withstand the passage of time, these stalls have been dismantled, relocated, and transformed. Lan Fong Yuen, which started its business in 1952, is now one of the fewer than thirty remaining sidewalk snack booths in Hong Kong.
A few years ago, while on vacation in Hua Hin, I had my first encounter with Kung Chae Nampla at a seafood restaurant. Kung Chae Nampla is a Thai salad made from fresh raw shrimp marinated in Thai fish sauce and served with chunks of gourd, cloves of garlic, chilies, and spicy sauce. After trying it once, I couldn't forget the taste, and for the next few days, I had it with rice every evening. This time, while visiting Thailand again, especially on the island near the coast, I naturally resumed my daily ritual of enjoying this delightful dish.
Descending the stairs and tracing my fingers along the uneven stone walls, I feel a sense of history comes from the cellar.
The skill of the Portuguese in handling seafood is no laughing matter!
While traveling in southern Spain, braised oxtail (Rabo de Toro) quickly became my favorite dish. It was a culinary delight so heavenly that I could indulge in it repeatedly without ever growing tired! With one bite, the rich flavor spreads from the gelatinous texture of the oxtail, providing an unforgettable and smooth sensation.
Churros with a thick, rich chocolate sauce, known as "Churros con Chocolate," are a beloved breakfast in Spain. Every morning, locals gather outdoors to enjoy their churros, turning breakfast into a social gathering with neighbors.
Before coming to Italy, I didn't realize how indulgent I could be. During my week-long stay, my daily meals looked roughly like this:
Breakfast - Dishes prepared by the bed and breakfast.
Lunch - Gelato.
Afternoon Tea - Gelato and Coffee.
Dinner - Gelato.
During my trip to Hong Kong, one of the main reasons I chose to stay at Mandarin Oriental was the chance to enjoy their English afternoon tea at a relaxed pace. When I saw the complete set of tea utensils, the three-tiered dessert platter, and the beautifully embroidered tablecloth, it felt like a special ceremony.
On that day, my friend took me to the largest beer garden in Bavaria: Königlicher Hirschgarten. We arrived around 4 p.m., and since it was still before the end of the workday, the place appeared quite empty. However, I heard that on weekday evenings and holidays, it can get incredibly crowded.
This restaurant was recommended by my friend, who had studied in Paris for many years. Being a gourmet, she told me that if I wanted to try the famous French dish, escargot, I definitely couldn't miss this restaurant, Le Café des Musées.