|
Teriyaki
|
Everyone loves Teriyaki, it is a style of cooking literally meaning glaze and grill. The shiny sauce is used to coat meats, fish and vegetables and can be found on every Japanese menu around the country. Some restaurants make their own sauce from passed down family recipes making the experience unique and special. Teriyaki chicken is a common filling for sushi, while a simple piece of Teriyaki Salmon can make a memorable meal.
|
Japanese
|
|
Sushi
|
Sushi is the ‘vinegared rice’ used to stuff the rolls and a variety of other ingrediants such as raw fish with nori seaweed, avocado and cucumber or chicken teriyaki. They are served with spicy wasabi and soy sauce to give them a kick!
|
Japanese
|
|
Pad Thai
|
If your not sure what to order at a Thai restaurant you can't go wrong with Pad Thai! Definitely one of the most popular Thai dishes that consists of noodles, dried shrimp, chicken, red chillies, tamarind and thai basil. Some restaurants are now introducing a ‘chilli beef’ pad Thai which gives a whole different texture and flavour to the dish.
|
Thai
|
|
Thai Spring Rolls
|
Not unlike the Chinese version, these are served in most thai restaurants you come across. Deep fried in pancake rolls, some are vegetarian and others include chicken, duck or prawns with herbs and spices. Usually served with a sweet chilli dip or a sweet plumb sauce, they are delicious as you crunch into the pastry wrapper and reveal the delicious contents!
|
Thai
|
|
Tom Yum
|
The most famous of Thai soups, Tom Yum is spicy and sour and utterly delicious. Served usually with prawns and chicken, the flavours are created by crushing all the herbs into a paste and stir frying in oil. To make the soup, stock is added and topped off with fresh herbs. Tom Yum Soup is often served with a bowl of steamed rice.
|
Thai
|
|
Borek
|
Eaten mainly as a starter or snack and similar to the Greek spanakopitta, layers of pastry are filled with either spinach and cheese or a spicy minced meat filling. Found in almost all Turkish restaurants and street takeaway vans who also sell kebabs and doner.
|
Turkish
|
|
Spaghetti and Meatballs
|
Traditional Italian dish, with meatballs made of minced pork and beef, herbs and minced onion and garlic, and served in a rich thick tomato based ragu sauce. Can be served sometimes with shredded fresh basil or oregano and shavings of parmesan. As with carbonara, it tends to be served with garlic bread and side salad.
|
Italian
|
|
Mixed Grill
|
There are those times when you just want to try everything on the menu and the mixed grill is the perfect way to achieve that! Kebabs, doners, grilled chicken, lamb cutlets served together with Tabouleh, hummus, dips and pita bread - it is a wonderful way to experience a little bit of it all. Try some side dishes with the mixed grill such as spicy walnut dip made with roasted red capsicum, sundried tomato, garlic, spices and of course walnuts! Or you might fancy the garlic and mint yoghurt.
|
Turkish
|
|
Thai Green Curry
|
Thai food is famous for its curries and the Green curry is probably the most famous of the lot. Made from fresh chillies, lemongrass, shrimp paste, galangal, garlic, lime leaves and coriander, Thai green curry paste has a fabulous distinctive flavour and is mixed with coconut cream to make the curry creamy. Quite often served with green beans and pea aubergines and mountains of jasmine rice, it is a heart warming dish that is loved by Thai food fans around the world.
|
Thai
|
|
Lamb cutlets with garlic and rosemary
|
Usually on every Italian menu, small trimmed lamb chops or cutlets are served steeped in fresh rosemary and garlic and pan fried or grilled. Served with sauté potatoes and vegetables, it is a hearty plate of food and delicious flavours. Tender pink lamb is enhanced by the earthy rosemary and garlic.
|
Italian
|
|
Minestrone Soup
|
The classic and renowned Italian soup, comprising small pasta shapes, a rich chicken stock and finely diced vegetables such as celery, onions, tomatoes, carrots beans and herbs. Created in Ancient Roman times this soup is now served in many different ways, some finely and others much more chunky and hearty. A sprinkling of parmesan and a good basket of bread makes this really filling.
|
Italian
|
|
Lahmacun or Pide
|
This is the Turkish equivalent to Pizza! However, they are always served thin and crisp, no deep pan pizzas! There is usually a vast array of toppings but the most popular still remains cheese, onion and tomato, or a fine spiced minced beef and onion with peppers and tomatoes. Usually served with a good portion of salad.
|
Turkish
|
|
Napoletana pasta sauce
|
An amazing vegetarian italian option. Crushed tomato, onion, garlic, basil and parmesan. Sounds simple but bursting with lots of flavour.
|
Italian
|
|
Osso Buco
|
A dish invented in Ancient Roman Times and perfected over the years to a more sophisticated Italian meal, consisting of cross-cut veal shanks, braised in red wine, onions, celery and carrots and served with a gremolata on the top (optional).
|
Italian
|
|
Bruschetta
|
Delicious slices of bread, rubbed with garlic and tomato and seasoned before grilling. Various toppings are served, the most popular being diced tomatoes and red onion with finely chopped garlic and basil. Can also be served with a pesto topping, and sometimes with roasted aubergine and mushrooms. Usually a starter, but can be purchased as a main course.
|
Italian
|
|
Kebabs
|
Try a turkish kebab packed full of salad, your choice of meat (chicken, lamb, donar or falafel) and sauce. Don't be afraid to ask for chilli sauce to pack the punch if you like it that little bit hotter.
|
Turkish
|
|
Dolma or dolmades
|
A selection of vegetables and vine leaves are served, stuffed with seasoned savoury rice and herbs. This dish takes a while to be prepared but is well worth the wait, oozing with delicious juices. A long term favourite in Turkish restaurants.
|
Turkish
|
|
Irish Stew
|
It doesn't get more Irish than Irish stew, comprising long braised lamb, pearl barley, carrots, onions and potatoes in a rich gravy that makes this a hearty dish for any occasian. Sometimes served with Irish savoury biscuits. The lamb can often be served as chops with the bones in, but the meat is so tender that it melts in your mouth and falls of the bone. A very hearty and very tasty, classic Irish dish.
|
Irish
|
|
Beef and Gunniess Pie
|
Very popular through Australia in Irish restaurants and most pubs is this pie. Tender beef, slow cooked in a rich Guinness
Gravy with mushrooms served in a crock pot, topped with flaky puff pastry. Typically Served with seasonal vegetables & some form of potato (chips or mash).
|
Irish
|
|
Mango Lassi
|
Served in most Asian restaurants, it is probably a ‘signature smoothie’ type of drink. Fresh mangoes with yoghurt and light spices poured over ice – absolutely delicious and refreshing to the palate and takes away any heat from spicy food still burning your tongue!
|
Asian
|
|
Beer
|
Singha and Kloster are the most consumed Thai beers. Singha was originally brewed over 80 years ago in Thailand by members of the Thai nobility. Fairly strong and ‘hoppy’ tasting, it is made from barley and has 6% alcohol content. Kloster is a much smoother beer and a little more expensive.
|
Thai
|
|
Whisky
|
Some restaurants in Australia serve a selection of Thai whiskies. The whisky is made from rice and is sharp and sweet, but very high in alcohol content at 35%. Mekong and Kwangthong are popular brands. It is not a cheap drink to buy, even though its cheaper in Thailand than beer!
|
Thai
|
|
Lemongrass Soda
|
Very refreshing drink made with lemon grass syrup and mixed with soda or sparkling water, garnished with lemon slices and served over ice. Sometimes garnished with Thai basil to give a more herby taste.
|
Thai
|
|
Thai Papaya Smash
|
A wonderful cocktail mainly served in the medium to larger restaurants. Made with fresh papaya, orange and a shot of tequila and dash of freshly squeezed lime it has both a bitter and sweet taste. The addition of agave nectar brings more sweetness, but sometimes you have to ask for it.
|
Thai
|
|
Chianti
|
In rustic Italian restaurants, you can still see empty bottles of Chianti grouped together and hanging around the bar or ceiling! Old Chianti bottles used to be covered in a basket weave, and often used to house a candle on your table, so that the wax dripped down the outside of the bottle! The wine itself is red and relatively light in comparison to heavier Italian wines such as Barolo. Chianti is produced primarily in the beautiful region of Tuscany, and is eminently drinkable!
|
Italian
|
|
Soave
|
Another popular wine, this white wine is produced in the Veneto region of Italy, around the city of Verona, home to many Shakespeare plays! It is comparatively dry and was once the ‘in’ drink in the 1970’s but was overtaken by Pinot Grigiot towards the 1980’s
|
Italian
|
|
Peroni
|
The most popular of beers served in Italian restaurants, it is not the cheapest one around but still sells more than any other. 5% alcohol, a slightly ‘hoppy’ taste but very refreshing when served in iced cold frosted glasses.
|
Italian
|
|
Turkish Coffee
|
Known throughout the world for its strength and depth of flavour, it is normally ordered according to the amount of sugar you require! A little (az), medium (orta) or lots (cok sekerli). This coffee must be drunk in small sips, particularly as you will find lots of coffee grounds at the bottom.
|
Turkish
|
|
Ayran
|
Definitely for the discerning taste, this is a liquid yoghurt drink made by whipping yoghurt with water and salt. It is served cold and fresh and must be drunk that way, no saving for later. It is served in restaurants, but also in Turkish delis and Turkish sandwich shops.
|
Turkish
|
|
Beer
|
There are several good Turkish beers that some restaurants import. Efes Pilsen is the No. 1 beer which comes in cans or bottles. A good wheat beer is Gusta.
|
Turkish
|
|
Guinness Beer
|
“Swirling Power and Living Magic” - Guinness is a popular Irish stout that originated from Dublin. Guinness beer is as dark as strong coffee and looks interesting. Some love it, some hate it, but it's always worth trying at least once a year.
|
Irish
|
|
Irish Coffee
|
Coffee and Irish Whiskey! A must try and least once in your life – there is something rich and warming with this drink that really does make you want to have more. Rich coffee is accompanied by Irish whiskey which is mixed through with sugar, and the whole cup is topped with cream. True Irish coffee should have cream that is not whipped and just sits on the top of the drink. Other traditionalists say that any sugar used must be brown!
|
Irish
|
|
Sake
|
Sake is a Japanese fermented rice drink, usually served warm and frequently called ‘rice wine’. It is served in small china bottles or in small ‘cup’ style vessels in very small quantities! An acquired taste and quite pungent!
|
Sushi, Japanese
|