On today's "Travel Tuesday," we're not messing around and getting straight to the belly!
Without further ado, here are 4 local dishes and where to find them...
Toronto, Ontario. Canada
Smoke's Poutinerie
Poutine
I don't know about you, but when I hear the words "cheese curds," my mouth immediately begins to water. Honestly, I was a bit hesitant about eating the "squeaky" cheese that Smoke's Poutinerie was trying to market to me. Fries, sure. Gravy, absolutely! Cheese Curds, uh... let me think about this one.
Seriously, though, Canada's favorite meal isn't all that bad. And if you're visiting the country of friendly smiles, maple syrup, and Justin Trudeau, be sure you grab yourself some Poutine. Although Smoke's, practically Canada's McDonalds, is fast-food, everywhere, and has poutine on the jiffy- and can be found in a handful of cities in America- nothing beats eating it in the Motherland.
Also, Smoke's has a menu to fit every taste bud- from traditional to outlandish. I personally went with the butter chicken poutine, but there is also pulled pork poutine, bacon + beans + weenies poutine, chili cheesesteak poutine, vegetarian options, the original, and heaps more.
Ubud, Bali. Indonesia
Warung Biah Biah
Nasi Campur
So, this place is tiny. Blink, and you'll miss it. But man, do they have plates of food for every budget. Honestly, the amount of food you get for the price is unbeatable. Biah Biah is nestled in an alleyway-sized establishment not far from Bali's famed Sacred Monkey Forest. Although there is a menu filled with multiple traditional meals, nothing is as iconic as Nasi Campur, the Balinese dish you'll find anywhere you go.
This dish can be found all over Indonesia, and other asian countries- but the Nasi Campur Bali has a mix and taste all of it's own. Each dish is built around a scoop of white rice and can include different meats, vegetables, sprouts, eggs, and spices. It's always a heaping portion and makes for a cheap and convenient meal anytime of the day. (Except for breakfast-- fresh fruit in Bali is always the way to go.)
Portland, Maine. USA
Gilbert's Chowder House
Maine lobster
Have you actually visited Maine without eating a lobster? Sure, there are tons of places to choose from- but here's my recommendation. Head on over to the water's edge and find Gilbert's Chowder House. Nothing fancy to see here, but really, I just care about the food! Get your own lobster bib, a Maine Lobster and a piece of corn on the side. Not sure how to eat the damn thing? I'm sure the friendly waitress will give you some tips. (Speaking from experience here.)
Portland is beautiful, and the mixed smell of ocean air and seafood will have you in a constant state of desire. So, go get a huge lobster, pop off the head, crack open the shell, and enjoy the magic in your mouth! (Don't forget the butter.)
Edinburgh, Scotland. UK
MUMS Great Comfort Food
Shepherds pie
Haggis
Before we get to the food, let's just take a moment to talk about this restaurant. MUMS Great Comfort Food is smack-dab in the the middle of Edinburgh's University scene. It features a retro-style diner setting and plays nothing but the best of the 70's and 80's "big hair" rock bands The waiters are super chill, sarcastic, and may just join you in your booth while taking your order. (They may also judge you by your taste in Scotch.) Which, by the way, they have a grand assortment from all over the highlands. Choose your poison, wisely.
The two dishes I tried, which practically play bagpipes themselves, are real Scottish favorites. Best defined by MUMS own tasty menu, the Shepherd's Pie is a "Slow cooked shoulder of lamb, topped with creamy MUMS mash and served with vegetables." MUMS Haggis comes with a "tower of mash, pureed turnip and haggis." Gotta love that Haggis! What is Haggis, you ask? Haggis is best defined as a pudding containing sheep's "pluck" mixed with spices. I think that's probably the most pleasant way to say that, so we'll just leave it there. Either way- give it a try! (YOLO)