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SE Asian (preferably Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian/Malaysian in about that order within SE Asian food)
Persian North Indian/Hindi-belt |
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by bensyd
(Post 32856840)
I'm surprised so many people rate Thai food so highly. You can't walk a block in this town without running into a Thai restaurant and while it's good, I'm not that big into it. I much prefer Vietnemese in the SE Asian food ranks.
In other news, do you find many Indonesian places to eat in Sydney? |
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32856940)
Having been to Vietnam "just" twice, and Thailand many more, I've also converted to liking Vietnamese cuisine more overall than Thai. Don't get me wrong, Thailand has some quality spicy seafood dishes and soups, mango sticky rice, those caramel bananas, and I like how one eats raw vegetables with certain meals, but damn, Vietnam's bún chả, coconut coffee, and the meal in the attached photo blew me away. Unfortunately, where I bide my time these days cookie-cutter Thai places are a dime a dozen, whereas phaux restaurants are scarce.
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32856940)
In other news, do you find many Indonesian places to eat in Sydney?
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If I had only eaten Thai food outside of Thailand, believe me it would not be close to my top 3 either. Totally different ballgame.
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My issue with so many cuisines is that, to my palate, after a handful of days, they start to seem quite same-ey. The predominant flavours don't have much variety and I start craving something else. Which is why I come down to France, Japan and Italy, but, even with Italy, I find after a week there that I'm craving something else.
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Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32856471)
By the way, what do you like about Japanese and Thai food? Food in Thailand all seemed so fresh and vibrant. I could taste the flavor of every component in a dish, yet the combined flavors were probably more balanced than any other cuisine I've eaten. In Japan, it was the attention to detail and perfection of every dish. Even a small omelet on a skewer from an outdoor market was delicious. Every piece of yakatori or bowl of ramen, even from a small hole in the wall was good. The fried chicken (not going to attempt to spell it) was as good as anything in the southern US. Can't really be any more specific than that, it's just that those two food experiences have stayed in my mind, more than anywhere I've been in Europe or the Americas. |
The posts about Indonesian food make me sad, since there's little to be found in Chicago. Ditto for Portuguese cuisine.
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Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32858585)
The posts about Indonesian food make me sad, since there's little to be found in Chicago. Ditto for Portuguese cuisine.
So strange considering the huge variety we have here. Great opportunity for someone, this city has always been more open than most to new types of cuisine. |
Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32858585)
The posts about Indonesian food make me sad, since there's little to be found in Chicago. Ditto for Portuguese cuisine.
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32858680)
Same. I was thinking when reading those posts that the only time I've had Indonesian food is in The Netherlands. Perhaps it's my favorite cuisine and I don't know it.
So strange considering the huge variety we have here. Great opportunity for someone, this city has always been more open than most to new types of cuisine. |
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32860788)
For Portuguese in the US, Newark, NJ and Massachusetts are the places to be.
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Born and raised in Louisiana so...
1. Cajun (esp. seafood) has to be #1. Crawfish etouffee is my “comfort food”. 2. New Mexican - not the same as Mexican or Tex-Mex; it’s its own red or green thing :cool: 3. American Chinese / Polynesian |
Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32861823)
I have family in New jersey, and Newark used to be the primary airport I would use, so we would occasionally stop for Portuguese food before heading to my mom's house. These days, I'm more likely to fly into Philly and I miss those Portuguese dinners! I was surprised to learn that Montreal has a decent Portuguese population, but I still have not had Portuguese food there. Before the pandemic, most of our trips were so jam-packed with a wedding planning stuff that we didn't have the opportunity period and now, we haven't been back in 14 months!
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I’ve ruminated over this all week and like many others have struggled to limit to 3.
If pushed, I’d probably include Italian and Japanese for their breadth of cuisine, there are so many regional and sub-genres to never get bored. After that it gets very tough, but I’d probably pick one of Spanish, Indian, Thai or Middle Eastern/North African. What surprised me is that despite loving French food and wine, it doesn’t get a look in. |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32862564)
Yes, lots of Portuguese spots in Montreal. I've only been to one of the more casual places. Our last time visiting, we wanted to go to one of the fancier places but just couldn't fit it in between Joe Beef and the rest of our schedule :). If we go back, Portuguese is top of our list. Along with, secretly, one of the good delis for a smoked meat sandwich which my wife has never tried. When she sees pictures of deli sandwiches with 2 inches of meat piled on them, she makes a face that I know means I'm not getting one...
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Originally Posted by kale73
(Post 32861972)
Born and raised in Louisiana so...
1. Cajun (esp. seafood) has to be #1. Crawfish etouffee is my “comfort food”. 2. New Mexican - not the same as Mexican or Tex-Mex; it’s its own red or green thing :cool: 3. American Chinese / Polynesian |
Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32864652)
Next time swap out Joe Beef for Liverpool House or Vin Papillon! (Mr CE and Dave McMillan are old friends so we eat at his spots far more than we deserve to! During our wedding weekend, our guests did about 70 covers across his restaurants, which is impressive given that we only had 85 guests.) Mmmm...I do miss Lester's. Also St Viator.
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Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32868268)
All of those were on our list, with the exception of Fairmount instead of St. Viator. But the list was too long for a long weekend. It was her first time visiting, I've been there several times, so we tried to get a taste of a few different things. I believe her favorite, and always one of mine is the Jean-Talon Market. We loved sitting at the oyster bar and trying so many different varieties for about $1 - $1.50 US per oyster. If that was in the Chicago area, I'd be in big trouble.
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Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32869006)
Fairmont is also excellent! Mr CE used Goldbelly to order a few dozen Montreal bagels yesterday, and I'm not sure which of the two he purchased from.
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Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32869260)
Fairmount was excellent up until last time I was there. Our bagels were just average. Hopefully just an off day. We immediately decided next time we'll definitely try St. Viator.
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Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32869267)
That's a bummer! Let's hope that you can get back very very soon.
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This is a very tough one. With a gun to my head I would probably land at:
-Italian -American -- hard to pick a specific region but thinking: fresh caught fish and shrimp from the NC fish (low country boil type meal), NC BBQ, steak and mashed potatoes, burger and fries, shrimp and grits, crawfish, brown butter lobster, cornbread, stovetop mac and cheese, etc. -Greek/Turkish I find it hard to believe that I'm leaving off Indian (UK Indian -- give me the entire Dishoom menu), TexMex, and Japanese (sushi as a standalone would make this dish and I love a good ramen but it doesn't quite make it all the way to the top -- especially with the lack of authentic Japanese restaurants near me) |
Originally Posted by Duke787
(Post 32869316)
This is a very tough one. With a gun to my head I would probably land at:
-Italian -American -- hard to pick a specific region but thinking: fresh caught fish and shrimp from the NC fish (low country boil type meal), NC BBQ, steak and mashed potatoes, burger and fries, shrimp and grits, crawfish, brown butter lobster, cornbread, stovetop mac and cheese, etc. -Greek/Turkish I find it hard to believe that I'm leaving off Indian (UK Indian -- give me the entire Dishoom menu), TexMex, and Japanese (sushi as a standalone would make this dish and I love a good ramen but it doesn't quite make it all the way to the top -- especially with the lack of authentic Japanese restaurants near me) I'm surprised so many people have Italian on their list. I think of Italian as a cuisine that everyone likes, but I never go out of my way for an Italian restaurant (and we do have a few authentic ones here in Chicago), or crave Italian food. Other than Italian-American pizza, I can't think of an Italian food that I would order for takeout or delivery either. |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32869356)
I'm surprised so many people have Italian on their list. I think of Italian as a cuisine that everyone likes, but I never go out of my way for an Italian restaurant (and we do have a few authentic ones here in Chicago), or crave Italian food. Other than Italian-American pizza, I can't think of an Italian food that I would order for takeout or delivery either.
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Originally Posted by Kgmm77
(Post 32869479)
For me it’s the range of food in Italian cuisine. From almost Germanic in the north down to North African influences in the south and Sicily. Tortellini in brodo, Fiorentina T-bone steak, risotto, great cured meats, fresh seafood, wonderful oils & vinegar, vibrant salads. My love of Italian food came solely from eating local food in Italy, I wouldn’t rate it so highly based on eating pasta and pizza, however good it’s made.
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Originally Posted by Duke787
(Post 32869316)
This is a very tough one. With a gun to my head I would probably land at:
-Italian -American -- hard to pick a specific region but thinking: fresh caught fish and shrimp from the NC fish (low country boil type meal), NC BBQ, steak and mashed potatoes, burger and fries, shrimp and grits, crawfish, brown butter lobster, cornbread, stovetop mac and cheese, etc. -Greek/Turkish I find it hard to believe that I'm leaving off Indian (UK Indian -- give me the entire Dishoom menu), TexMex, and Japanese (sushi as a standalone would make this dish and I love a good ramen but it doesn't quite make it all the way to the top -- especially with the lack of authentic Japanese restaurants near me) Also, I'm intrigued that you leave Japanese off because restaurants near you aren't good. That sounds to me like, if they were in your area, it would be on your list...but then, being that you're not in Japan, how "authentic" are they? No snark intended--we're talking about food here, so I'm interested - for trip-planning, or otherwise - in what y'all have to say! |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32869356)
I'm surprised so many people have Italian on their list. I think of Italian as a cuisine that everyone likes, but I never go out of my way for an Italian restaurant (and we do have a few authentic ones here in Chicago), or crave Italian food. Other than Italian-American pizza, I can't think of an Italian food that I would order for takeout or delivery either.
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32869875)
I'm going to have to pull Original Poster rank and ask you to choose between Greek and Turkish.
USA. I know a few differences, but they seem similar. Help us out here. :) Here is a menu of a very good (IMO) Mediteranian joint that is Turkish owned and operated. https://www.kebabcafearcata.com/menubkp |
Originally Posted by Kgmm77
(Post 32869479)
For me it’s the range of food in Italian cuisine. From almost Germanic in the north down to North African influences in the south and Sicily. Tortellini in brodo, Fiorentina T-bone steak, risotto, great cured meats, fresh seafood, wonderful oils & vinegar, vibrant salads. My love of Italian food came solely from eating local food in Italy, I wouldn’t rate it so highly based on eating pasta and pizza, however good it’s made.
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Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32869356)
I'm surprised so many people have Italian on their list. I think of Italian as a cuisine that everyone likes, but I never go out of my way for an Italian restaurant (and we do have a few authentic ones here in Chicago), or crave Italian food. Other than Italian-American pizza, I can't think of an Italian food that I would order for takeout or delivery either.
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32869875)
I'm going to have to pull Original Poster rank and ask you to choose between Greek and Turkish.
Also, I'm intrigued that you leave Japanese off because restaurants near you aren't good. That sounds to me like, if they were in your area, it would be on your list...but then, being that you're not in Japan, how "authentic" are they? No snark intended--we're talking about food here, so I'm interested - for trip-planning, or otherwise - in what y'all have to say! Re: Japanese food -- my love of Japanese food is mostly centered on sushi (though I do enjoy a nice bowl of ramen from time to time). Before I went to Japan, I was happy with any sushi but after going to Japan, I gained an appreciation for real sushi (high quality fish, the rice, the technique, etc.) and the problem is you can only really find that in the US in NYC, LA, San Francisco, Seattle and I don't live in any of those places so I have a hard time putting it on my top 3 when I maybe get it once every year (in normal non-COVID times). |
Originally Posted by braslvr
(Post 32870080)
As In said earlier in the thread, unless you have traveled to both places, it is very hard to differentiate between the two by only eating at restaurants in anytown,.
USA. I know a few differences, but they seem similar. Help us out here. :) Here is a menu of a very good (IMO) Mediteranian joint that is Turkish owned and operated. https://www.kebabcafearcata.com/menubkp Turkish food overall has a bit more heat to it. Moreover, for a quick snack in Istanbul, I might nip in for an ayran (a mix of yoghurt, salt, and water) with a döner kebap, topped with powdered sumac and served alongside biber turşusu (pickled hot peppers). I believe Turkey has more minced meat options - köfte - whereas Greece might be more famous for octopus, and a liberal use of oregano. Desserts? Yes, there's the baklava in each, but I believe Greece employs more honey in theirs. In Turkey, I've seen more pistachios and sour cherries, and these, too can be served with kaymak. I also believe Greece has more famous cookies, but I would take künefe over kourabiedes or any other without hesitation.
Originally Posted by Duke787
(Post 32870137)
I like the breadth of Italian food options. You could go with a bistecca all fiorentina, you could do pizza, you could do a caprese (salad or sandwich), you can go fresh pasta, fresh fish., etc., though I agree takeout/delivery Italian is usually meh (you can make it better at home and the pasta won't be soggy)
Ahh that's brutal. Okay gun to my head I'm choosing Greek and it's not all that close. Tzaztiki, grilled branzino, pita bread, Greek salad. And I find that most places have at least 1 good place that can make good, authentic Greek food and I've been fortunate enough to eat the real thing in Greece a couple of times. There are some areas where Greek/Turkish food crosses over (kebabs, falafel -- which others claim too, baklava -- had amazing baklava in Istanbul) Re: Japanese food -- my love of Japanese food is mostly centered on sushi (though I do enjoy a nice bowl of ramen from time to time). Before I went to Japan, I was happy with any sushi but after going to Japan, I gained an appreciation for real sushi (high quality fish, the rice, the technique, etc.) and the problem is you can only really find that in the US in NYC, LA, San Francisco, Seattle and I don't live in any of those places so I have a hard time putting it on my top 3 when I maybe get it once every year (in normal non-COVID times). Thus, I will ask: choosing only one from Tokyo, Istanbul, or {insert Greek location here}, in which would you spend two weeks just to eat? |
Originally Posted by braslvr
(Post 32870007)
I'm not surprised at all. Almost everyone I know would put Italian at or near the top of their list. I'm the odd man out, in that it might barely make the top ten. I DO NOT count Americanized pizza, which I love, as Italian food.
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32870196)
Thus, I will ask: choosing only one from Tokyo, Istanbul, or {insert Greek location here}, in which would you spend two weeks just to eat?
I'm not trying to say that a particular Greek dish in Tokyo will be better than in Athens, just that if you look at the whole picture over two weeks, it's not a fair comparison. Maybe the question should be "if you could only have one meal...". :) |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32870724)
Pretty much how I feel. I could eat pizza every day, but Italian food rarely comes to mind.
I know the question wasn't directed at me, but I need to point out the fault in it. IMO, Tokyo is the only correct answer, and not because of Japanese cuisine. You can find ANY type of food in Tokyo, and at very high quality restaurants. It's just such a huge city, with such variety, and so much attention to food perfection, including other ethnic foods. In two weeks, you could eat at a different ethnic restaurant in Tokyo for every meal, and if you planned correctly, each might be one of the best you've had. I'm not trying to say that a particular Greek dish in Tokyo will be better than in Athens, just that if you look at the whole picture over two weeks, it's not a fair comparison. Maybe the question should be "if you could only have one meal...". :) That also begs the question, have you eaten much non-Turkish food in Istanbul, or non-Greek in Greece? Additionally, Tokyo may have good Italian-esque, French, and Taiwanese places, but merely having a certain cuisine doesn't automatically qualify that restaurant as worthy of a visit. This is partially why I think New York City is so overrated for dining. I've always believed that it helps to have fresh ingredients grown within 100 miles of a destination; hence, why I don't think Tokyo does SE Asia well (never mind that Japan isn't the place to be for spicy offerings). This is another reason why NYC's food scene is underwhelming. Tokyo is an amazing food city. But I'm just as smitten with Istanbul's eats (not to mention, I think Turkish desserts kick Japanese desserts arse.) |
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32870860)
Additionally, Tokyo may have good Italian-esque, French, and Taiwanese places, Or are those interchangeable words for you? |
Originally Posted by BuildingMyBento
(Post 32870196)
Thus, I will ask: choosing only one from Tokyo, Istanbul, or {insert Greek location here}, in which would you spend two weeks just to eat?
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32870724)
I know the question wasn't directed at me, but I need to point out the fault in it. IMO, Tokyo is the only correct answer, and not because of Japanese cuisine. You can find ANY type of food in Tokyo, and at very high quality restaurants. It's just such a huge city, with such variety, and so much attention to food perfection, including other ethnic foods. In two weeks, you could eat at a different ethnic restaurant in Tokyo for every meal, and if you planned correctly, each might be one of the best you've had.
I'm not trying to say that a particular Greek dish in Tokyo will be better than in Athens, just that if you look at the whole picture over two weeks, it's not a fair comparison. Maybe the question should be "if you could only have one meal...". :) If we're saying what city do I want to spend 2 weeks in for eating, I'm going to Singapore because I can get incredible food that represents the spectrum of SE Asia flavors plus some strong cuisines from other parts of the world. If we're saying where do I want to go that combines great food and non-food activities, I'm either going back to Santorini or I'm going somewhere in Italy (maybe back to Florence but have never been to Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre so those might take the cake) with the expectation that I have great food (and gelato in Italy) that I love, great wine, and non-food those are great places to relax and explore. |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32870724)
...IMO, Tokyo is the only correct answer, and not because of Japanese cuisine. You can find ANY type of food in Tokyo, and at very high quality restaurants. It's just such a huge city, with such variety, and so much attention to food perfection, including other ethnic foods. In two weeks, you could eat at a different ethnic restaurant in Tokyo for every meal, and if you planned correctly, each might be one of the best you've had.
...
Originally Posted by Duke787
(Post 32871154)
...I'm either going back to Santorini or I'm going somewhere in Italy (maybe back to Florence but have never been to Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre so those might take the cake) with the expectation that I have great food (and gelato in Italy) that I love, great wine, and non-food those are great places to relax and explore.
Originally Posted by Duke787
(Post 32870137)
...Before I went to Japan, I was happy with any sushi but after going to Japan, I gained an appreciation for real sushi (high quality fish, the rice, the technique, etc.) and the problem is you can only really find that in the US in NYC, LA, San Francisco, Seattle and I don't live in any of those places so I have a hard time putting it on my top 3 when I maybe get it once every year (in normal non-COVID times).
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Originally Posted by gaobest
(Post 32871321)
I don’t know where you live but surely great sushi is available in many other places in USA. My CHICAGO people have mentioned some great sushi spots. It’s nice because I never even comprehended sushi until I was past college and now my child and his classmates all have their own sushi favorites.
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Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32871440)
Chicago does have some fantastic spots, but sadly, some of the most authentic have closed in the last 20 years. I understand there are some good options in the northwest suburbs, but there are not many spots for good home style Japanese meal in the city. And our elevated Japanese cuisine is very sushi focused -- plus, you don't always want to drop $200pp for an omakase meal. I miss the Hotel Nikko, Honda and Suntory for the variety of food they served, and Sunshine Cafe for casual homestyle Japanese cuisine.
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Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 32872036)
There are still a few good ramen spots, but I agree there's generally more in the northwest suburbs. Is Juno on Lincoln still open? That was probably the best sushi I've had in Chicago...although also the most expensive I think. Before people argue (and you're probably right), my guideline is simple -- sushi is something I never search for. It's fine, just not something I love. I loved the food at Juno.
I haven't been to Juno for about a year but I think it's still alive. Agree that it's great, but I've never branched out beyond sushi there. Kai Zan and Momotaro are also great, but still also fall into the mainly-sushi category in my mind. (I haven't been to the basement izakaya.) |
Originally Posted by chgoeditor
(Post 32872145)
Yeah, I should have mentioned ramen, of which we have many options!
I haven't been to Juno for about a year but I think it's still alive. Agree that it's great, but I've never branched out beyond sushi there. Kai Zan and Momotaro are also great, but still also fall into the mainly-sushi category in my mind. (I haven't been to the basement izakaya.) But I'll never forget the first time we went, our server was a trainee. After ordering a number of seafood dishes, the server asked if we had any food allergies, and my normally introverted spouse says "Yes, seafood". I don't know who was more shocked, me or the server! Then we laughed, said just kidding and, of course, tipped her well. |
It's been nearly 10 years but I lived in Chicago for about 14 months and never dabbled in Japanese food while there (wasn't as big a sushi fan back then either) but Chicago has some truly excellent restaurants that go across the food cuisine spectrum
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Originally Posted by Duke787
(Post 32873494)
It's been nearly 10 years but I lived in Chicago for about 14 months and never dabbled in Japanese food while there (wasn't as big a sushi fan back then either) but Chicago has some truly excellent restaurants that go across the food cuisine spectrum
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