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    Belarus, South Korea & Iraq: Try out the popular, local dishes for around the world

    Synopsis

    Street fare of local delicacies are a big treat for food-loving travellers.

    A woman dressed in national Belarussian clothes prepares food as she takes part in the ‘Beraginya’ festival of folklore art in the town of OktyabrskiAgencies
    A woman dressed in national Belarussian clothes prepares food as she takes part in the ‘Beraginya’ festival of folklore art in the town of Oktyabrski
    Street fare of local delicacies are a big treat for food-loving travellers:

    MAKE WAY FOR FRESH GOODIES
    Region:
    Belarus

    The Belarusian cuisine is diverse and often packed with high nutrition, thanks to the local produce being used in all its cooking.

    Street fare of local delicacies are a big treat for food-loving travellersAgencies

    At a traditional spread, you will find delicious array of meat and poultry dishes including (let’s see if you can pronounce it properly): pyachysta, kumpyachok, smazhanka, machanka, vereshchaka, tushanka along with home-made sausages, salty salo, buckwheat porridge and dishes with smoked meat. The variety is immense.

    People dressed in national Belarussian clothes perform as they take part in the 'Beraginya' festival of folklore art in the town of OktyabrskiAgencies
    People dressed in national Belarussian clothes perform as they take part in the 'Beraginya' festival of folklore art in the town of Oktyabrski

    Fish lovers can find much delight from the river fish including tench, sturgeon, pike, eelpout, bream, eel, carp. Go ahead and eat the yushka, dumplings in salty and smoked versions.
    Belarussian girl sports a floral tiara. Local produce has made its way in modern food habits too and kids love it!Agencies
    Belarussian girl sports a floral tiara. Local produce has made its way in modern food habits too and kids love it!

    Restaurants serve Belarusian countryside but also elaborate dishes served to Belarusian magnates.

    KIMCHI, BIBIMBAP & JAPCHAE
    Region:
    South Korea

    Consider the dinner incomplete with out a portion of spicy and sour Kimchi. Made with fermented vegetables especially cabbage, it is made fresh and served every time you would dine.

    Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju (pic). Trivia for you: Seven ancient Korean mountain temples listed as UNESCO world heritage sites typify the way Buddhism in the country has merged with indigenous beliefs and styles. The seven mountain temples include Seonamsa, Daeheungsa, Beopjusa, Magoksa, Tongdosa, Bongjeongsa, Buseoksa -- were all established during the Three Kingdoms period that lasted until the 7th century ADAgencies
    Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju (pic). Trivia for you: Seven ancient Korean mountain temples listed as UNESCO world heritage sites typify the way Buddhism in the country has merged with indigenous beliefs and styles. The seven mountain temples include Seonamsa, Daeheungsa, Beopjusa, Magoksa, Tongdosa, Bongjeongsa, Buseoksa -- were all established during the Three Kingdoms period that lasted until the 7th century AD

    If you like rice-based dishes then a local favourite is the Bibimbap. This is essentially a bowl of rice, seasoned vegetables (namul) with a dash of mushrooms in soy sauce, gochujang (chili pepper paste) and a fried egg. The popular variations of this hearty dish can be indulged in Jeonju, Tongyeong and Jinju.

    After rice would come the noodles, right! Enjoy a portion of ‘Japchae’.

    Momos at Icheon Market (Pic: Saili Joshi)Agencies
    Momos at Icheon Market (Pic: Saili Joshi)

    Known for its sweet and flavourful taste, this soft and slightly chewy noodle dish is added with stirfried sweet potato, mushrooms, vegetables, meat and soy sauce and sugar.

    Korean Desert Panbingsu (Pic: Saili Joshi)Agencies
    Korean Desert Panbingsu (Pic: Saili Joshi)

    During the summers, a common dish that you will find here is the ‘Samgyetang’. This traditional soup is made of chicken, garlic, scallion, Korean jujube, ginseng, rice and a sprinkling of spices.

    Side Dishes in South Korean (Pic: Saili Joshi)Agencies
    Side Dishes in South Korean (Pic: Saili Joshi)

    Known to have a high nutritional value, it is slurpy and delicious.

    Meat on Skewers is a roadside treatAgencies
    Meat on Skewers is a roadside treat

    Note: It is a good idea to read up about the local cuisine before you begin to eat any particular dish. Many vegetarians need to ask for ‘no egg, no meat’ options.

    IRAQI DELICACIES FOR YOU...
    Region:
    Iraq

    There several dishes that are native to Iraq while the cooking style may have been influenced by neighbouring regions.

    You must try the Masgoof, a wholeskewered fish barbecued on a grill. A popular side dish you will find at the restaurants is called Turshi, which is a mixture of pickled vegetables.

    A lady prepares a ball of ‘Khobz Orouk’, a flatbread popular in her native place of Iraq (These pictures are for representational purposes only)Agencies
    A lady prepares a ball of ‘Khobz Orouk’, a flatbread popular in her native place of Iraq (These pictures are for representational purposes only)

    Wheat, barley, rice, and dates are the staple foods and meat dishes are prepared in plenty. The meat is usually cut into strips.

    A bowl of fresh pita bread made with Iraqi style of cookingAgencies
    A bowl of fresh pita bread made with Iraqi style of cooking

    Marinated or directly cooked with onions and garlic. People like to eat minced stew with a serving of rice. Fresh pita bread or Khobz Orouk is another tasty dish.

    Fresh Pita breadAgencies
    Fresh Pita bread

    Many Iraqis like to have rich, dark coffee (prepared in Iraqi style). The beans are ground at first. It is then heated and cooled nine times before the coffee is served. Why is this done? It tends to remove impurities from the coffee.
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