On this rare occasion I would like to report that I am glad I was wrong. I stereotyped Asia for fish and lots of it. This, to my great pleasure, has not been my experience. In the absence of fish what, you may say, has been sustaining you? Read on for my review of the Philippine and Northern China's culinary offerings…
No thank you:
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Balut (Philippines): While it may be beloved by the Filiapinos and attempted by every member of my team, as well as a number of my Squad mates, I am okay with my disappointing status of having opted to bypass this “delight”. Duck fetus is just not appealing to me. That is right, you buy what looks like a hard boiled egg, peel it, dip it in vinegar, salt and eat what is, inside, a partially developed baby duck. Yummy.
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Dog (China): Again, when one of my teammate sought this delicacy out I opted to be busy for lunch that day. I just can't in good conscience eat my best friend. Those of you, and you know who you are, can breath easier now 😉
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Silk Worm (China): I offered to be the photographer of this event when 7 silk worms crossed the threshold of our flat on skewers one evening. There was a very slim chance I may have tried one until the proclamation was made, “Yuck it is crunchy and then it felt like a big zit popped in my mouth!” And with that I'm out – no thank you.
Please, may I have some more:
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Malou's Oatmeal Breakfast Cake (Philippines): think oatmeal cookie, without raisins, in a crumbly but chewy bar form. Oh man, I salivate just typing about it!
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Malou's Mayonnaise Cake (Philippines): the flavor never mattered (butter, vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, whatever) it was always good. In my life I hope to make a cake this delicious and moist. Then hope I have plenty of friends on site to help me eat it; otherwise, I will likely gorge myself.
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Egg Crepe with crunchy stuff (China): Yes, it has a name, I just can't pronounce it. I can, however, describe it. Start with batter about the consistency of runny pancake batter. Place this thinly on a grill (like a crepe, hence the name) until slightly cooked. Crack an egg and mix in. Add green onion and Chinese spices. Place a large waffle looking rectangular piece of fried goodness in the middle and roasted peanuts. Fold crepe around and eat like a burrito. Note: eat immediately before crunch thing gets soggy but wait long enough that you don't burn your tongue.
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Fried Green Beans (China): Need I say more?
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Chinese Steak Fries (China): They have regular and sweet potato fries sold on the street for 3 RMB (~ $.50) with seasoning that makes ketchup obsolete. Lunch is served!
Finally, I did not live on fried food and cake for the last two months; well not entirely. In the Philippines we had a number of fun fruits to enjoy: mango, a green orange (so a lime look alike) thing that you ate with salt, and another fruit that looks like, um, well, here is a picture.
You peel it and eat a hard boiled egg looking interior (no duck fetus to report of – just a seed) with the consistency of jello and a faint but delightful sweetness.
In China we enjoy all sorts of veggies which I have been craving! Green/red/yellow peppers, carrots, bok choy, onions, bean sprouts, and cabbage. I successfully dodged all mushrooms (T, be proud of your Auntie!)
Oh, and I found a Magnum bar in Beijing. YES!
