Food and Wine
If you are one of those fortunate few that get to travel the world and go skiing on some of the most magnificent slopes imaginable, you’ll likely end up a connoisseur of food and wine. Most countries have their own particular style of eating and drinking and deciding to experience these cultures for yourself can be an adventure.
However, for the not so adventurous out there, the idea of eating a dish with unknown contents might make you feel quite uneasy. The SnowSkiing.com Food and Wine page is designed to help you better appreciate your food and to take a more cultured look at it. With a basic description of some of the dishes and beverages most common in certain parts of the world, you can put your mind at ease by knowing that even if the name for your food is in a foreign language, you shouldn’t experience any nasty surprises. If you’re planning a trip a little further from home than usual, why not scan our Food and Wine section and see what you can expect to feast on when you step off the plane…
North America
The majority of people in North America eat more or less the same foods. Fast foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and French fries are abundant, but you may also find more traditional foods are available. Corn on the cob is popular in places, while fried green tomatoes are popular in other parts of the continent. Meat loaf, corn bread, baked ham, apple pie, pumpkin pie and turkey are all popular foods that are served up regularly. A wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed in most countries. Coffee and hot chocolate are winter favorites. Beer is common and since much of it is locally made, it may have quite a different flavor to what you are used to. A few brands of American whiskey have become world famous and are quite accessible. Alcohol and wine are also imported from various parts of the world so you will likely be able to enjoy your favorite without too much effort.
Canada tends to have a few different specialties on the menu, such as maple syrup, rhubarb pudding and much much more. Most restaurants also offer a number of flavored coffees which are delicious. All the foods on offer are made from fairly ‘normal’ ingredients and should be agreeable with the average visitor.
Europe
European food is tasty and wholesome although some might consider places such as Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland to have quite different foods from their homelands. In actual fact the majority of foods cooked here are found throughout the world – the only difference is in the preparation. European chefs and cooks take pride in their work and the results are very tasty. You might enjoy a chicken schnitzels with mushrooms, beef gulyas or meringues. They will all look a bit different to what you are most likely used to, but you can be sure that you will enjoy the taste! You can also enjoy slightly more unusual treats such as a stuffed cucumber or cooked roots. You will also be able to enjoy a wide range of wines and other alcoholic beverages as well as true champagne instead of ‘sparkling wine’. Countries such as Germany have a large offering in the way of beer. Italian foods are frequently marketed around the world – the most popular usually being pizza and pasta. These foods agree with most stomachs but the more salty, fish-orientated foods common in Norway may not be so easily digested.
Asia
Japanese food is already known and sold in most parts of the world. The ever famous sushi is just one example. Rice and noodles are popular side dishes while meat may take the form of quail, turkey or chicken, fish, beef or pork. Some typical examples of Japanese food are Onigiri (rice balls in seaweed), Yakizakana (grilled fish), Ramen (noodle soup), Oden (fish cakes, boiled eggs and seaweed in soya sauce) and Yudofu (boiled tofu). There are many other kinds of Japanese food dishes available. Sake is the most commonly known Japanese alcoholic drink and is enjoyed with most meals.
Korean food is somewhat different from Japanese food but rice and noodles still forms a large part of the diet. Kimchi (cabbage or radish mixed with chille pepper, garlic and ginger and left to fermet in saltwater) is considered to be the country’s staple food. It keeps for quite a long time and so is especially popular in poorer areas. Kimbab (rice and vegetables in seaweed), bibimbab (rice, vegetables, chillie past and egg) and bukumbab (fried rice) are popular dishes that are quite common. Chigae (stew) is quite taste while Kalbi tang (beef soup) is delicious but fattening. Foreigners generally enjoy mandu (meat dumplings), omu raisu (omelette with rice) and doncasue (pork cutlets). These can be bought from vendors or found in restaurants. There are plenty of other Koreans foods that can be enjoyed, but be weary of ‘mild’ chilli dishes as Koreans can eat chilli’s the way another person might eat a carrot! Desserts are not very popular in the country and sweetened drinks are the preferred way to end a meal. Soju is a clear alcoholic drink but is an acquired taste. Even stronger is makkoli which is milky white in color and made from rice. If you’re looking for wine, you may be able to find Majuang Red or White at a restaurant or Jinro at a bottle store. Korea also has a few varieties of beer which are enjoyed across the country.
South America
You may find that the food in Argentina and Chile does not look like much, but it tastes delicious! Traditional dishes and ways of preparing food are commonly found in restaurants and homes and you may well find that they are a taste explosion! One of the most common restaurants in Argentina are parrillas where grilled meat is sold. Different cuts of beef are available here as are chicken, sausage and provoleta (grilled cheese). Meat dishes come with French fries and salad and some restaurants also offer homemade pasta. Vegetarians should exercise caution as the majority of the dishes contain meat. The bigger cities have a strong cafe and restaurant culture where you will be able to enjoy a wider selection of food – from open sandwiches to grilled ham and cheese clubs or salads and desserts. Espressos are popular and a visitor should try the local mate tea at least once while visiting. Soft drinks, fruit shakes and ice creams abound. The local wines are quite good and are often watered down to a spritzer by locals. Both Chilean and Argentinian foods are fairly international in flavor and are enjoyed by most.