If you’ve ever travelled
around countries across the South Asian and South-East Asian region, there’s
one thing you can all collectively agree on (that’s not including the number of
mad dashes to the loo). It’s that in experiencing these countries there’s the
opportunity to try the new and unexpected, discover something amazing, and
ultimately get out of your comfort zone. And you get out of that comfort zone
indeed, from seeing their indigenous culture to practicing their traditional
customs. But the best, most transformative, immensely rewarding part of visiting these
places, is experiencing what seems to be, the literal, non-stop eating of local cuisine.
- literally me -
The thing is that these
cultural eats taste so incredibly different from anything you’ve ever tried. Your mouth is overwhelmed with these incredible flavours and sensations, it somehow makes your eyes roll back into your head? LOL.
It’s the type of food that makes you stop and say to yourself, why have I never. freaking. tried this before! And in these countries, food is a serious matter. You ain’t gonna walk a street
corner without having to resist a stand selling some thing deep fried, or something tasty on a stick!
Growing up in South East Asia, I admit that
restaurants here in Western Sydney can’t truly compare to the distinct cultural taste of these countries, but we’ve found some places that come super super close. I guess I could've closed my eyes, listened to that continuously repeated Asian playlist in the
background, and imagined being served by an unpurposely abrupt female waitress … haha, kidding! But
if like me, your parents decided to fly home during your final exams, leaving
you behind, and you don’t have the funds for that end of semester backpacking
trip across Asia, I promise if not for the corny Asian exterior of these
restaurants, the dishes alone will make you feel like you’re virtually there.Malaysian: Satay chicken skewers with roti canai from Papparich, Parramatta
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Vietnamese: Taro spring rolls from Bau Truong, Cabramatta
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Filipino: Crispy pata fried pork from Sizzling Fillo, Lidcombe
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Indian: Beef vindaloo from Vrindavan, Harris Park
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Indonesian: Deep fried marinated tempeh from Pondok, Parramatta
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Lao: Yum sab from Lao Village restaurant, Fairfield
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Cambodian: Banh kanh fish from Battabang, Cabramatta
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Burmese: Pae parata from Bagan, Strathfield
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Nepalese: Mutton biriyani from Himalayan Fusion Café, Auburn
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Thai: Salt and pepper soft shell crab from Bangkok Snap, Northmead
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OK that filipino pork dish has got to win first prize. Will definitely be checking out that restaurant ASAP.
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