travel food Archives - Wander-Lust

12 Oct 2018

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7 x Weirdest Travel Foods Around the World

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On October 12, 2018 With 2 Comments

When you travel far and wide, you come across the strangest foods. I’ve been to a lot of countries and even though I’m a vegetarian, I see some weird stuff passing around the table. Let’s check out 7 of the weirdest travel foods around the world.

1. Chicken Feet in Hong Kong, China
The first day I arrived in Hong Kong, these lovely..eh Chicken Feet were served at my table of DimSum. The guy next to me dared and ate a few. He told me the next day that he spent most of the night on the toilet. In China this is an absolute delicacy. They are fried and served hot or cold as a snack before dinner. To me it was one of the most disgusting things I had ever seen..

Chinese chicken feet, served on my table…awesome. (Bleh)

2. Shirouo no odorigui (dancing ice fish) in Japan
A friend of mine traveled through Japan and came across the most amazing restaurants. The Sushi is overflowing and taste fresher than ever. He was willing to try everything and usually he let the chef surprise him. It was when he stayed at a traditional guesthouse when he was served one of the weirdest travel foods he had ever tried. Shirouo no odorigui. Small, almost transparent, fish that swam in a bowl of water. The idea is that you dip them into soya sauce and then eat them alive. (yes, alive!) The fish “dance” in your mouth, which explains the name! My friend tried it, but told me he wouldn’t do this again anytime soon..

Dancing fish

My friends traditional Japanese meal with the dancing fish top right

3. Witchetty grub, Australia
When I backpacked through Australia, I was offered this nutritious travel food that the aboriginals eat as a snack. Witchetty Grubs are basically fatty larvae who you may recognize from The Lion King, when Simba meets Timon and Pumba. (I love that movie!) Anyway, I was walking though the outback and my tour guide dared me to eat one if we found them. I said yes. Thank god we didn’t find any.

Juicy Witchetty Grubs..

4. Balut, Philippines
I’m off to the Philippines in a couple of weeks and I am really curious about the food they serve there. I’ve been told that I will have a hard time coping as a vegetarian-going vegan, because they serve a lot of meat. But one of their infamous delicacy’s is Balut. So what is it? It’s an egg. Not bad right? Wait for it.. Balut is a fertilized duck embryo boiled in the shell. So you’re basically eating a baby duck. Enjoy! :-s

Not for me! (source: http://dustincolephotos.com/)

Did you know that insects contain more protein then beef, pork or chicken?

5. Snake wine, South East Asia
What about some wine tasting in Southeast Asia? Not common right? Well, they do have a very special wine on offer. Snake wine. This popular alcoholic beverage is believed to have important restorative properties in countries including China and Vietnam. They sometimes mix the alcohol with the snakes bodily fluids, such as blood. Salut!

You want some Sssssssnake with that?

6. Haggis, Scotland
You may think that all the weird stuff come from the Asian countries. Not quite. In Scotland they eat something rather…disgusting if I may say so.
his mixture includes sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, onion, oatmeal, spices, and stock. This traditionally stuffed-into-a-sheep’s-stomach-dish, dates back to the 1400’s and is served as a main course on Robert Burns Day.

7. Fried Insects, Asia + Worldwide
When you walk around Khao San Road in Bangkok, you will see a dozen hotdog-like-stands, selling fried insects. Scorpions, Crickets, Larvae, Cockroaches and in some cases even Spiders (God help me). A few years back, people were shocked to see these disappear into someones mouth but times have changed. They now sell insects at trendy food markets and in some supermarkets all over the western world. I tried a worm croquet and a fried cricket once before, and believe it or not, it actually tasted pretty good. Good to know that insects contain more protein and less calories as beef or pork. If we would eat more insects and less meat, we could help mother earth a great bunch actually. This could well be the food of the future. Try it!

Crickets for dinner? Not so weird after all

Are you brave enough to try these weird travel foods? I rest my case.
Enjoy your meal!

Love,

Elke

Hungry? Check out our travel inspired recipes!

18 Sep 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in L U S T, Tasty Hotspots, Top 5 L, USA With 9 Comments Permalink

5 x The Best Breakfast Spots in West Village, New York

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On September 18, 2018 With 9 Comments

In a completely food-obsessed city, the West Village seems to be a breakfast focal point. Not only is the food incredible, but the environment of that particular neighborhood gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling to kick off the start of your day. Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find brownstone, pre-war buildings complete with classic New York fire escapes and every tree-lined, cobblestone street seems to be the home of some cozy, quaint restaurant packed with people looking for a delicious meal and good coffee. Although I’m sure there are dozens of fabulous options to choose from, here are five of my favorite Breakfast Spots In West Village.

Hundred Acres – 38 Macdougal St
Located right on the borderline of the West Village, SoHo and Greenwich Village, Hundred Acres is a Mediterranean style restaurant that never disappoints at breakfast time. Unlike a lot of other typical NYC breakfast spots, Hundred Acres is spacious so a good choice is you have a large party – and they have a backyard garden area! They also take reservations on OpenTable which is super convenient when looking for the right place to eat. The lemon ricotta pancakes and the cinnamon rolls are both superb! www.hundredacresnyc.com

West Village draws fashionable crowds to its designer boutiques and trendy restaurants

Monument Lane – 103 Greenwich Ave
Any place with chicken & waffles on the menu gets an automatic thumbs up in my book. With outside seating during the warmer seasons, Monument Lane is a great place to people watch. Good food, friendly staff and a varying menu with plenty of different options to choose from – what more could you ask for?! They also give you an adorable little notebook to sign when you get the bill – it’s all about the little details and one of the reasons why it’s one of my favorite breakfast spots in West Village. www.monumentlane.com

Waffles & Chicken at Monument Lane

Bluestone Lane – 30 Carmine St (*multiple locations)
A casual, Australian cafe that serves great coffee and simple brunch items. One of my favorite things about it – the staff are all Aussies! I like that this cafe gives me a taste of a different part of the world, all the way down to the carefully chosen decor. The avocado smash and the berry bowl are both delicious! www.bluestonelaneny.com

Love the interior!

The Wild Son – 53 Little W 12th St
This restaurant is located on the border of the West Village and The Meatpacking District right next to the Hudson River. It’s small, so not ideal for large parties, but if you’re looking for a place to grab a coffee and some breakfast with a friend, this adorable restaurant is a great choice. They don’t take reservations, but stop in to put your name down and take a stroll along The High Line while you wait. You can’t go wrong with the blueberry corn waffles! www.thewildsonnyc.com

Always busy and cozy!

Their signature dark lemon soda. Source

Cafe Cluny – 284 W 12th St
A trendy, upscale West Village brunch spot that you go to when you want to be seen. Covered in charming and tasteful decor, this modern French restaurant is a complete embodiment of the vibes of the village and could be a good location for a celebrity sighting. www.cafecluny.com

Delicious and healthy! Source

Love,

Casey

*Casey is one of our guest bloggers from New York. She’s a 25 year old that grew up in Long Island NY. After graduating college, she moved into NYC and took a job in marketing. She and her large friend group of about 9 girls are all about trying out trendy restaurants and keeping busy with all this amazing city has to offer. She also has her own personal blog, Adolescent Adulthood. She will publish an article in the beginning of each month.

TIP: Traveling to the USA and you are in need of an ESTA?

14 Feb 2017

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Recipe » Vegan Pumpkin Curry inspired by India

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 14, 2017 With No Comments

I looove curries. Not just because they taste so damn good, but also because of the colors and the many ways you can prepare them. I have never been to India but their cooking style inspires me. They use a lot of herbs into one dish, sometimes more than 10 (!) and it can take up to 4 hours to prepare the perfect curry. But let’s face it, we live an active lifestyle and we do not always have the time. I decided to share this easy to cook Vegan Pumpkin Curry recipe with you so you can enjoy a little taste of India in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients for 4 people:
» 1 pumpkin
» 1 aubergine (I’ve added this in my recipe but you can also do without)
» 1 chopped red onion
» 1 chopped glove of garlic
» 400ml coconut milk
» 1 tin of chopped tomatoes in their juice
» 1 sachet of fairtrade curry paste
» 400g of chickpeas
» fresh coriander for garnish

Always go for the fairtrade option!

Preparation:
Pretty simple actually!
1. Cut the pumpkin into small squares, remove the skin and wash.
2. Fry the onions and chopped garlic into some coconut oil until glazed.
3. Add the pumpkin and a dash of coconut milk and stir for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the rest of the coconut milk and the curry paste. Add the tin of tomatoes, bring to boil and let the whole bunch simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes you add the chickpeas. Leave for another 5 minutes and turn off the stove.
6. Add a bit of salt, pepper and coriander if you like to.
7. Serve it with rice, couscous or quinoa (I know, that’s not Indian, but hey)

Voila! You’ve got yourself a vegan pumpkin curry! For the best flavor, you let it cool down, add the pan into the fridge and enjoy it the next day when all the flavors are even better.

This recipe will cost you around 6 to 8 euro’s and it’s sooo easy to make!

Love,

Wander-Lust

12 Feb 2017

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in L U S T, Tasty Hotspots, USA With No Comments Permalink

The First Ever Vegan Food Court Will Open in New York

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 12, 2017 With No Comments

We love New York because it’s constantly evolving and discovering new trends. Food is a big thing over there and even though New York is a big city with lot’s of pollution, it’s also becoming more conscious about sustainability, health and animal welfare. We were happy to hear that the big apple will open the world’s first vegan food court!

Unfortunately we need to wait a while before we can all enjoy this vegan walhalla because they are planning to open in early 2019. The food court will be named Home Food Hall and will be the first permanent food hall serving totally plant-based foods. They are now looking for 15+ vendors from all over the world to take part in the first vegan food court. Some of the vendors are already signed up and among these are the popular Beyond Sushi and Cinnamon Snail, both based in New York.

Beyond sushi will be one of the vendors in the first ever Vegan Food court.

Besides the food they will also open a boutique fitness space hosting yoga, pilates, dance, meditation, kickboxing classes and more. They will also rent spaces where you can host get-togethers, events or private screenings. Home Food Hall will be established in Midtown East.

Follow The Home Food Hall on Instagram or Facebook to follow the updates.

Love,

Wander-Lust

24 Feb 2016

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, L U S T, Tasty Hotspots With 3 Comments Permalink

These are the best vegan spots in Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 24, 2016 With 3 Comments

I have been getting several request from our followers and readers about where the best vegan spots in Amsterdam are. Yes, eating less animal products is becoming somewhat of a trend and Amsterdam is one of those cities that is quick to respond. More and more restaurants are giving you the vegan option. Just to be clear; A Vegan (or plant-based) diet means that you are not consuming any animal products like meat, fish, milk, eggs, cheese and yes, even honey. For the people who live a plant-based lifestyle, it’s not always easy to go out for dinner but Amsterdam is thankfully becoming more adapt to those who seek the vegan option.

Here are the best places to find your vegan luck:

YAY Healthstore and more
I recently worked with YAY and they catered at my Green Up Your Life event.
Everybody was super enthusiastic about their delicious pumpkin tarts and vegan sushi. They are one of the best vegan spots in town.
I’ve written a blogpost about them a few months back so for more info, check here.
Albert Cuypstraat 101 – 103, Amsterdam
www.yayamsterdam.nl/en Unfortunately they have closed but they promised to be back at a new location.

One of the best vegan spots in Amsterdam

Hummus Bistro D&A
The name should give it away, they serve a whole lot of hummus! Although the also serve meat, they have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options.
You can choose up to 5 different kinds of humus (I didn’t even know they existed!) You can share or go for the, somewhat special all day breakfast. Just ask them if they can make your meal vegan and they will accommodate you. Tip: order the roasted cauliflower!
Hummus Bistro is open for breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner from Mon – Sun.
Westerstraat 136, Amsterdam
No website but check their Facebook

Hummus galore!

Vegabond
I love this store and their location. It’s in the middle of Amsterdam and looks really cool from the outside.
When I came round I had a tasty tempeh wrap and a coffee with coconut milk. Happy Elke. But besides their food and drinks, they sell different kinds of products like vegan cheese, wine, sauce, pizza and chocolate. I must admit that although this place has the full potential to be hip and happening, it still attracts a stereo type vegan-audience. And there is nothing wrong with that of course but I hope that a broader community will find out about this place so I can say to my friends; “Let’s have a coffee and Vegabond instead of Starbucks today!”.
Leliegracht 16, Amsterdam
www.vegabond.nl

Source: Vegabond

Dophert
I recently discovered this vegan spot in Amsterdam-west near the Westerpark. Writer Lisa Steltenpool had her second book presentation here.
They are open for lunch until 5.30 pm (closed on Monday & Tuesday) but every 3rd Thursday of the month they open for a special burger night including sweet potato fries and (plant-based) milkshakes! The’re also open on the 1st Thursday of the month and offer a set menu that changes every from time to time.
Spaarndammerstraat 49, Amsterdam
www.dophertcatering.nl

Hip and delicious Dophert

“These vegan spots are just the beginning of a new food era”

Golden Temple
This place is great for dinner! Situated in the “Utrechtse Straat”, it’s one of the oldest vegan friendly restaurants in Amsterdam.
They don’t use any meat, fish or eggs in their meals but some dishes contain dairy products so check before you order.
Try their daily soup option or one of their main meal salads or Indian dishes. The music might be something to get used to as they play mantra music sometimes. (the same tune over and over again) They have a nice seating area at the window where you sit on cushions and can enjoy the view of people walking past.
Utrechtsestraat 126, Amsterdam
www.restaurantgoldentemple.com/en

Nacho’s with homemade guacamole and a lentil soup

Koffie ende Koeck
This vegan lunchroom is also very close to the Westerpark just like Dorphert. The menu is a 100{8b669be72a7f340f9ef2d6d852585cd40ddf0e79ccf763f3ea93c1234c3d888b} vegan and includes homemade cakes, sandwiches, soup and breakfast. The offer a high Tea but make a reservation to avoid disappointment. 020 737 2731
The owner is a young woman called Maartje. She’s a qualified vegan chef who is even better in baking cakes!
Haarlemmerweg 175, Amsterdam
www.koffieendekoeck.nl

Some of their amazing assortment. Pictures from Instagram Koffie ende Koeck

De Culinaire Werkplaats
Wow, this is kind of amazing. This is a restaurant where food is treated as a form of art and let’s be honest, it totally is!
They only use vegetables and fruits but with a twist. They focus on animal welfare, organic farming, fair trade and personal health.
Take look at their impressive cocktail and drink list, it’s really good. You can cook yourself in the workshops they offer and get tasty inspirations.
Another nice touch is that at the end of your meal, you can decide what would like to pay for it!
They are open for food on Mon, Thu, Fri and Sat from 7pm to 11pm.
Fannius Scholtenstraat 10, Amsterdam
www.deculinairewerkplaats.nl

They treat food as an art in this vegan spot.

Beter en Leuk
A menu full of vegetarian and vegan dishes! Located in east-Amsterdam, this breakfast & lunchroom is great for chilling out.
Besides the nice coffee, they also serve the infamous Dutch Weedburger! Workshops are hot right now and Beter & Leuk offers a vegan sushi workshop and a vegan brunch workshop. You can also buy jewelry, clothes and healthy food items. Sounds like a great place right?!
They also deliver via Foodora and Deliveroo
1e Oosterparkstraat 91, Amsterdam
www.beterenleuk.nl

Healthy and nutritious Source: Beter en Leuk

Lavinia Goodfood
Pure, honest, nutritious vegetarian and vegan foods at Lavinia Goodfood. It’s a great looking spot in Amsterdam that’s been around since the beginning of 2014. Lavinia has a deli where you can choose your daily freshly prepared dishes from. Take away or enjoy this nice place for a few hours.
Kerkstraat 176 & Amstelveense Weg Amsterdam
Facebook

Super cute, Lavinia Goodfood

Mastino V
Vegan pizza galore! They have just opened their doors and you can bet that these vegan pizza’s are just as good as the real deal. They are also glutenfree so no worries what so ever!
Bilderdijkstraat 192, Amsterdam
Facebook

More vegan hotspots will be opening such as a Vegan Junk Food Bar and the Dutch Weed Burger Shop.

Also worth mentioning:
Go with the Glow, not a hotspot but a monthly vegan brunch hosted my the beautiful sisters Machinè. More info here. I interviewed Isabella before Metro and Vogue online found out about her vegan lifestyle. (yes, yes) Read the interview here.
De Peper, they are a creative non-profit collective that throw vegan dinner parties about 4 times a week at a very low price. www.depeper.org
The Alchemist Garden, raw and vegan food but I’m not crazy about the service here and their prices are extremely high. Facebook
The Cropbox, Lazy afternoon? No worries! This amazing vegan friendly lunch delivery service is the healthiest you can get! www.cropbox.nl
The Vegetarian Traiteur, It use to be the Vegetarian Butcher but they changed it into a deli where you can buy anything but meat! Vegetarian, vegan of flexing? This is the place for you. Amaze your friends and offer them with look-a-like meat or fish that pretty much taste the same but no animals were harmed! http://www.vegetarischetraiteur.nl/
SNCKBR, not fully vegan or even vegetarian but they do offer the option! Bonus: they serve vegan ice-cream from Professor Grunschanbel! Article.

Go With the Glow, Vegetarian Traiteur and Cropbox. Source: Facebook

Enough choices I would say! I’ve got 99 problems and protein ain’t one!
Did I miss a vegan hotspot you think should be in the list? Comment below!

Love,

Elke