It's a bit like the discussions I have with people who want recommendations on where to travel in the Philippines. So many people say that they're told to avoid Manila as an 'ugly' typical Southeast Asian city - just to head straight to the islands and the beaches. But that's part of the charm of why I like Manila (besides the bias of my mum being from there): it's a massive city that has its own beating heart and its own energy that is not restricted to the 'picture-perfect' idea of what a tropical paradise should be. Yes, it's a messy city, yes it can be intimidating for newcomers and yes it can be very frustrating at times even for those familiar with it, but there is a lot happening there that is both exciting and challenging. And as the economic, political and economic hub of the country, there will of course be a lot that people miss out on by knee-jerkingly skipping the place
When I'm travelling, of course I want to prioritise eating things I can't get at home. But to think that cuisines aren't allowed to adapt and grow because they're "ethnic" or "traditional" is asking cultures to preserve themselves in aspic for your entertainment, and what kind of arsehole wants that?
I love seeing what different countries do with gua bao, because (like pizza!) the options are almost limitless and they're an inexpensive way for chefs to experiment with new flavours and old memories.
It's a bit like the discussions I have with people who want recommendations on where to travel in the Philippines. So many people say that they're told to avoid Manila as an 'ugly' typical Southeast Asian city - just to head straight to the islands and the beaches. But that's part of the charm of why I like Manila (besides the bias of my mum being from there): it's a massive city that has its own beating heart and its own energy that is not restricted to the 'picture-perfect' idea of what a tropical paradise should be. Yes, it's a messy city, yes it can be intimidating for newcomers and yes it can be very frustrating at times even for those familiar with it, but there is a lot happening there that is both exciting and challenging. And as the economic, political and economic hub of the country, there will of course be a lot that people miss out on by knee-jerkingly skipping the place
When I'm travelling, of course I want to prioritise eating things I can't get at home. But to think that cuisines aren't allowed to adapt and grow because they're "ethnic" or "traditional" is asking cultures to preserve themselves in aspic for your entertainment, and what kind of arsehole wants that?
I love seeing what different countries do with gua bao, because (like pizza!) the options are almost limitless and they're an inexpensive way for chefs to experiment with new flavours and old memories.