Flavours from around the world: authentic travel and culinary experiences
Lebanon, Japan and Kansas in the USA are three very different parts of the world, both geographically and culturally. But there is one thing this trio has in common: great food. In a world where more and more people are travelling with gastronomy front of mind, we've teamed up with U: ME to take a look at these three destinations and their innovative, creative and mouthwatering food scenes.
A taste of Japan
Japan certainly has something for everyone. From the bustling neon lights of Tokyo and overwhelmingly fast bullet trains to the contrasting green bamboo forests and impressive mountains, you certainly won’t get bored here. And with Tokyo having more Michelin stars than Paris and London combined, it's easy to take your tastebuds on a cultural journey through food. Here’s our top three things to do and foods to try while visiting...
Sakura
Head to Japan during spring – between March and May – to be in with the chance to experience the unmissable cherry blossom season known as sakura. Resembling pink puffs of cloud, join the petal party under the trees with a traditional hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnic of sushi, rice and veggie bento boxes, followed by sweet mochi balls and a sip of sake or beer.
City life
Experience the electric buzz of city life in Osaka or Tokyo. Immerse yourself in futuristic robot restaurants, or for a more authentic experience eat like a local on a walking food tour of Osaka’s gastronomic delights. Alternatively, visit Shinjuku’s lantern-lined Memory Lane in Tokyo to escape the bright lights and smell the freshly cooked dishes being prepared, from yakitori (chicken skewers) to okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake).
Nature
Visit between September and November to make the most of the mild weather, perfect for hiking in the mountains, exploring gold-hued shrines, and walking the bamboo forests. Rest and recover with a trip to a traditional Japanese onsen, the natural hot springs that attract all locals, including Japanese macaque monkeys during winter!
Your culinary trip
Japanese ramen
Whether you’ve tried ramen before or are new to it, this warm noodle soup will send your tastebuds on a journey. Combining noodles with a broth, vegetables, meat and topped with a boiled egg, Japanese ramen is a perfect hearty dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Vegetable stir-fry
Stir-fried vegetables (or Yasai Itame) is a healthy staple in Japan. Not only is it loaded with colourful veg and protein, it is quick and easy to create at home, especially with the help of the U: ME Japanese Style Spice Shot.
Yakitori skewers
Often made using chicken, these Japanese skewers are a favourite snack amongst locals, especially after a night out or a big match. Grilled over a charcoal fire, yakitori skewers can also be made using pork or beef.
Bring Japan home with U:ME
Make cooking an adventure and get a taste of Japan with the Japanese Style Spice Shot. This oil-based spice blend is a quick and simple way to add a kick to your meals. Made with onion, pepper and garlic, simply rub the Spice Shot onto meat, stirfry it into veggies or marinate your fish with it. You only need 2 tsp of the Spice Shot in every dish, making it even more simple and easy to use.
A taste of Lebanon
Bringing the ancient and modern together – where Arabic traditions merge with Mediterranean culture – Lebanon is a destination that’s off the beaten track, providing travellers with the most authentic experience of this culturally diverse country. With many culinary delights finding their way into restaurants throughout the UK, discover our top three things to taste, see and do in Lebanon...
Souk markets
Let your senses guide you through the traditional souks of Tripoli. Soak in the sights, smells and colours as you navigate your way around the lively alleys. From tailors to carpenters, there are several different souks for you to explore, with a firm favourite being the food souk, of course. Serving up a range of breads, meats, fish and other fresh produce, get a taste of Lebanon to complete your sensory experience. Remember to leave enough room for baklava (sweet pistachio filo treats).
Byblos
With a history spanning more than 8,000 years, Byblos is considered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Approximately 42km north of Beirut, this ancient fishing port has built up a reputation for its fish restaurants, as well as the abundance of outdoor bars and cafes. The harbour town is teeming with history, including ruins from Phoenician, Egyptian, Roman and Crusader civilisations to explore. Lose yourself in this idyllic port as you watch the yachts come and go, just like they did in the 1960s jetset era.
Mezze and wine
You can’t visit Lebanon without trying at least one mezze meal. Similar to Spanish tapas, mezze is an array of dishes to share. Dig into the likes of hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, olives, and tabbouleh salad, alongside a selection of fish, meat, as well as vegetarian delicacies.
Take a trip to inland to the Bekaa Valley, where you’ll be met with Lebanon’s third largest city, Zahlé. Situated just 55km east of Beirut, Zahlé is known as the ‘City of Wine and Poetry’, with plenty of vineyards and wineries to discover. The real reason to visit Zahlé is for the riverside restaurants serving up a true authentic mezze experience away from the bustling capital of Beirut.
Your culinary trip
Baba Ganoush
Consisting of aubergine, blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, plus other seasonings, baba ganoush is a popular dish in any selection of mezze. Similar to hummus, baba ganoush is really simple to make at home with the help of U:ME Lebanese Style Spice Shot.
Falafel
This chickpea ball has become a popular snack and culinary delight across the world. Often served with baba ganoush or hummus, create your own authentic Lebanese falafel at home using chickpeas, chilli, flour, coriander, mint and the U:ME Lebanese Style Spice Shot.
Tagine
This popular Lebanese dish is named after the earthenware pot it is made in and is cooked slowly to release the delicious flavours of the spiced tomato sauce that smothers the meat or fish. Make it at home with a little help from the U:ME Lebanese Style Spice Shot.
Bring Lebanon home with U:ME
Make cooking fun and get a taste of Lebanon with the Lebanese Style Spice Shot. Created with onion, garlic, pepper and the zesty zing of lemon, this Spice Shot makes it super easy to get adventurous in your kitchen. The oil-based spice blend is quick and easy to use, and can be stirred into dishes or rubbed straight onto meat or vegetables. You only need 2 tsp of the Spice Shot in every dish, making it even more simple and easy to use.
A taste of Kansas, USA
Experience Midwestern life in the state of Kansas. Renowned for being home to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, this landlocked state may surprise you with things to see and do. Bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado, immerse yourself in history, nature, and grilled cuisine. Let’s dive in...
Natural delights
For a dose of nature, discover Wilson Lake reservoir in the heart of Kansas. Spot wildlife, including deer, songbirds and waterfowl, or fish for white and striped bass. Take the Cedar Trail for an easy 1.5km walk or mountain bike along the 40km Switchgrass Bike Trail within the park.
Be sure to pay a visit to the Chalk Pyramids, also known as Monument Rocks. Discover expansive rock formations that can reach heights of up to 21m and marvel at this natural wonder.
Route 66
Many adventure seekers heading to the States often travel the famous Route 66. Spanning over 3,900km, this historic highway will take you from Chicago all the way through to LA. With just 20km of Route 66 passing through Kansas, there are still a few iconic landmarks to visit, including the Galena Kan-O-Tex service station. Fans of the Pixar classic “Cars” will love seeing the original inspiration behind “Tow-Mater” at this restored gas station.
Take a grilling
No visit to Kansas is complete without diving into the array of grilled meat. As a self-proclaimed “BBQ capital of the world”, you can order a grilled feast almost anywhere you go. Don't overlook the smaller, off-the-beaten track restaurants as these are often where you will find the most mouthwatering meat and flavourful sauces.
Your culinary trip
Kansas BBQ Ribs
These slow-cooked, tender spare ribs will fall off the bone and melt in your mouth. Marinated in a delicious range of spices overnight, plus a douse of bourbon liquor combined with the sweetness of maple syrup, these sticky BBQ ribs are sure to become a household favourite.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
No barbecue is complete without grilled chicken. From Kansas into your own kitchen, marinate chicken thighs in the U:ME Kansas City Style BBQ Spice Shot for a taste of midwestern BBQ at home.
Kansas Wedges
To create your own taste of Kansas at home, use the U:ME Kansas City Style BBQ Spice Shot on wedges or chips, and complete the loaded side dish with your choice of toppings, from onions and cheese to your own chilli and paprika-infused homemade sauce.
Bring Kansas home with U:ME
Bring a big Kansas barbecue to your garden with the U:ME Kansas City Style BBQ Spice Shot. Made with tomato, honey and spice with the added kick of fiery chilli, adding a dollop of this is an easy way to bring some real flavour to your grill. You only need 2 tsp of the Spice Shot in every dish, making it even more simple and easy to use.
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