Food path, part 2: four more cities, four iconic meals
Travel and food: the perfect combination. Discovering your travel destination, gets a special "taste" each time you find out the iconic meal of it: the food has the ability to better define your journey, making your memories unique. Four different cities, four great meals to tray. Let's go.
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Brussels
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This diverse and vibrant metropolitan area has an illustrious history that dates back over 1,000 years, and its geographical significance has meant it has been the location of many bloody battles over the years. Brüssel is now a modern, forward-thinking city that plays host to the European government, and tourists from all over the world flock to the city to enjoy its unique mix of different European cultures.
There is so much to do and see in Brüssel, you could struggle to fit everything into a single visit. The Atomium, for instance, was modelled on a molecule of iron that was magnified many millions of times. It is a unique blend of architecture and sculpture that dominates the city’s skyline. Visitors also have the chance to tour the entire continent of Europe in just a few hours, as Mini Europe is home to traditional buildings from 80 different European cities. However, the Old Town is a must-see area of Brüssel, as it is home to a stunning Gothic Town Hall and the Galeries St. Hubert – a glass-roofed shopping area packed with chic shops, cafes and restaurants.
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Mussels and fries (Moules-frites)
In Brussels the typical national dish is undoubtedly moules et frites, mussels and fries. Mussels cooked in broth or beer are the specialty of Belgian restaurants, especially when accompanied by a large dose of French fries.
There are many varieties of Belgian mussels, from moules marinieres, marinated mussels, moules with vin blanc, white wine, moules à la provencale, with tomato and moules à la biere, cooked in beer and cream. All the locals offer this local specialty, but to recognize the true moules et frites you need to look for good restaurants in Brussels and avoid the more touristy neighborhoods.
We suggest to try at Le Scheltema, 7 Rue des dominicains
1000 Bruxelles
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Kraków
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Krakow is defined by 750 years of history mixed with a vibrant modern culture in a brew that makes it by far Poland’s biggest tourist draw. Even though Krakow is widely popular, it remains a distinctly Polish city which rewards the more curious visitor.
Krakow was Poland’s royal capital for 500 years and this is reflected in the richness of the architec-ture and the art sprinkled across the city. Luckily, Krakow remained relatively intact after the Second World War and the buildings and art treasures are still there for all to see. Wawel Castle is the focal point and after climbing to the top visitors can descend through the caves of the “Dragon’s Hole”. The Old Town surrounded by the market square of Rynek Główny is an atmospheric place to eat and drink while the nearby Jewish quarter offers splendid restaurants and a wide selection of lively bars. For many, a visit to Auschwitz is an important part of their trip and there are many tours offered by local guides.
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Zurek
A typical Polish soup served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a fermented rye flour soup, enriched with the flavor of sausage and egg.
The zurek contains all the primary elements of Polish cuisine: potato, turnip and meat. Very often the dish is accompanied by a good glass of beer. Head to the Goscinna Chata
Ul. Slawkowska 10 (Stare Miasto)
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Bangkok
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Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and with an incredible 11 million residents, it is easily the country’s largest city. This huge metropolis is often associated with overcrowded streets, high-rise buildings and intoxicating smells, but there is far more to Bangkok than this common misconception. People from every corner of the globe live and work in this dynamic city, and its ancient religious buildings, canals and markets make it an urban center without comparison.
While the city is replete with stunning temples, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are easily the most popular with tourists. A trip to the Grand Palace also includes entry to the nearby Dusit Palace, which has a definite European look to it. If you’re more concerned with the city’s rich and fascinating history, there are several museums on Rattanakosin, including the National Museum, the King Prajadhipok Museum and the Museum of Siam. In Bangkok street food is a real institution. Eating on the street is a common habit among the inhabitants of the Thai capital and is part of their culture: for this reason, street food offers gastronomic specialties that have very little to envy to the most refined cuisine of starred restaurants in Bangkok.
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Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a dish of Thai cuisine based on stir-fried rice noodles with various foods, including eggs, fish sauce, peanuts, vegetables, bean sprouts, chilli, shrimp and chicken (or tofu). Another key ingredient for making Pad Thai is lime: once the rice noodles and vegetables are sautéed together with the sauces, it is necessary to spray on the juice before serving. It is a versatile dish that, simply by taking off, fish or eggs during the preparation, can also be consumed by vegetarians and vegans.
You can find one of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok at Pad Thai Thip Samai, 313-315 Maha Chai Rd - Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200.
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Madrid
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Madrid is the largest city in Spain and is one of the most visited cities in Europe, if not in the world. The capital of Spain possess an intoxicating mix of history, culture and year-round sunshine that at-tracts thousands of tourists every year. The Spanish capital is comprised of history that dates back before Roman times, still celebrated in Madrid’s multiple historical exhibitions, ancient fortifications and royal palaces. With so much to do and see, it is difficult to pick the perfect place to stay.
The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is home to Picasso’s Guernica as well as works from other renowned artists such as the famed Salvador Dali. And No visit to Spain’s capital should pass by without a visit to Plaza Mayor, where you will be swept off your feet by grandiose Spanish architecture, centuries of history and the hustle and bustle of this lively city. If you need a break from the quick pace of the city, Parque Del Buen Retiro is home to expertly land-scaped gardens, marble monuments and never-ending greenery.
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Cocido Madrileno
The cocido madrileño is one of the typical dishes of the cuisine of the Spanish capital. It is a stew made with chickpeas, meats (bacon, fresh sausage, jamon serrano, marrowbone, hen, ham and beef bone) and vegetables cooked over a low heat. The dish is generally served in three stages. First the soup is served, then the chickpeas and vegetables and finally the meat.
We had the best one at Malacatin, Calle Ruda 5 (next to Plaza de Cascorro), 28005 Madrid
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