food

From Icelandic to Greek and from kefir to whipped, the variety found in yogurt is astonishing. Walk into the dairy section of any American grocery store, and yogurt will take up a sprawling chunk of the shelf. Though its popularity in the United States fluctuates according to food fads, yogurt has been a part of the human diet for millennia.

There’s something about fondue that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it’s the fondue forks (endless entertainment), or the ability to mix and match your favorite foods (apples and cheese, anyone?), or simply the chance to gather around a pot with a group of your favorite people to talk, to laugh, and most importantly, to eat!

“Oh, this sounds good—and it’s got bread crumbs in it. But what about this? Oh, it’s got cheese and milk.” As someone with wheat, corn, and dairy allergies, this is my thought process—even when I’m at a completely familiar, safe restaurant. It’s hard enough to deal with these struggles when you’re close to home, but how do you combat these feelings when you’re in a place that’s completely new? A place with not only different dishes but also different allergy laws and different words for food? To help ease your mind, I’ve compiled a list of tips for worry-free eating when you’re traveling both in the United States and abroad. ResearchResearch is the number one step when you’re traveling to a new place, especially if that new place has a different language. While it’s usually safer to start your travels abroad in a country with a familiar language, researching your destination’s common food and allergy laws can give you a leg up even if you can’t read the menu. Staying in a place where you have access to a kitchen is also a great way to avoid allergens. Shopping and cooking for yourself ensures that the food you are eating is allergy free. CommunicateWaiters can be your best friends when you have allergies. If you can, calling ahead and telling the staff about your allergies will make for a smoother experience. When you arrive at a restaurant, make sure to tell waiters (and other staff) about your allergies. They may be able to direct you to menu items you can eat. Also, don’t forget to keep your allergy information on a chef’s card (a simple card with a list of allergens you react to and some common foods that they are found in). If you are traveling to a country where you don’t know the language, take the time before you leave to translate your chef’s card. Figure Out Go-to’sPacking snacks in your suitcase—especially your carry-on—means you don’t have to try to traverse the airport or train station to find somewhere to eat. Prepackaged food is generally fine going through security, but remember that liquids have to be under 3.5 ounces (1 kg). Once you arrive at your destination, do your best to quickly establish what restaurants near you offer food that you can eat safely—bonus points if it’s similar to a safe restaurant back home. It is a lifesaver to have a taste of something normal when traveling; it establishes a base for you to always return to. And, once you feel comfortable enough, it may allow you to try local cuisine! Traveling with allergies can be daunting, but your dietary needs don’t have to prevent you from fully enjoying your trip. With a little research and planning, you can sample local cuisine without having to worry about having an allergic reaction. So pack your bags for your next adventure!—Kathryn Taylor

Davey Crocket said it best: “You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.” Not only is Texas one of the biggest states in the United States, but it also has some of the biggest state pride around. Texas is not just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. Texans will brag about their bluebonnets, their Blue Bell, and most especially, their barbecue. People will wait in line for hours if it means they will leave 100% satisfied. Closing times on signs are hardly enforced because these barbecue joints are normally sold out of food before it’s even time to lock up for the night. The barbecue business is booming right before our eyes (and stomachs).Because there are too many barbecue establishments in Texas to count, we rallied up some of the top favorites in one area: Dallas. We highly recommend entering these places with your stretchy pants on, because you won’t want to stop eating until you’ve been induced into a meat coma. But don’t take our word for it—get out there and try them for yourself. If you gain a pound or sixteen, we understand. It’s happened to the best of us. Enjoy, and yeehaw! Cattleack Barbeque Texas Monthly ranks Cattleack Barbeque as the third best joint in Texas. In the renowned magazine’s own words, “Prepare to feel the earth move.” They typically complete an order every fifty-one seconds, so there’s no time to dillydally. They move fast because everyone wants a bite.Hutchins BBQHutchins BBQ is not only one of the best in the state, but it has also been voted one of the best in the world. This father-and-son duo definitely knows how to stand out in the crowd. It’s a must-have if you’re in town. Also, don’t forget to grab a “Texas Twinkie” (a brisket- stuffed jalapeño wrapped in bacon). You’ll thank us later.Pecan LodgePecan Lodge is one of the finest in the state. This barbecue is from passed-down, secret family recipes. Between wood and pas- sion, this place runs 24/7 to give their customers the best meat possible. What started as a little stand at a farmer’s market has turned into a food sensation. If you don’t stop by, you will most definitely regret it.Feedstore This family-owned barbecue joint is exactly what your taste buds have been craving, whether you knew it or not. What was once a feed store has turned into the Feedstore that many know and love today. If there’s one thing you absolutely need to order here, it’s their fried okra. It will be some of the best you’ll ever have. Photo by The Rocketeer

Mr. Potato Head made it onto Time’s list of “All-Time Top 100 Toys.” That’s no surprise though, because who doesn’t love a potato? The United Nations declared 2008 to be the International Year of the Potato, and in 2010, the world dedicated 46 million acres to potato cultivation. Burn centers in India are experimenting with potato skins and honey, and the combination has long been used as a folk remedy for burns. Potatoes have even been used to send messages! Companies like Potato Parcel and Mail A Spud will write messages on potatoes and mail them to people, a service that I used within the last year.

For many people, traveling is an opportunity to try authentic and unique local cuisines. Even though trying new foods can be fun, getting sick from eating strange dishes can cause unpleasant times while abroad. However, the following food tips for traveling will help you enjoy all the exotic foods you want while also being prepared and ready to run when you get sick.

The stereotypical nagging parent says, “Keep your elbows off the table and chew with your mouth closed.”From a young age, all of us have been taught the “correct” way to eat. It’s a surprise to no one that the rules we learn (no elbows on the table, don’t slurp your soup/noodles/drink) are more a product of culture than any universal law.If you ate the way that is culturally appropriate in the United States, would it still be appropriate in other countries? Let’s take a little trip and find out. Japan Japan appreciates noisy eaters. Especially when eating noodles, you should slurp to show how good they are. One tip: it’s easier to slurp when you eat with chopsticks. If the idea of eating with chopsticks is intimidating, don’t worry—most Japanese restaurants and households also have forks available.Remember to pick up the bowl to eat when you can. You won’t make as much of a mess, and if you’re using chopsticks, you don’t have to work nearly as hard. In general, avoid leaning over your dish. The Japanese think it makes you look like an animal.Chopsticks are not always the utensils of choice. The Japanese use spoons with soups or with rice dishes that are paired with sauce. For example, both curry on rice and fried rice would be dishes eaten with a spoon. Brazil In Brazil, use utensils for everything—even for foods you would normally eat with your hands. If you have to eat without utensils, make sure to wrap yourfood in a napkin so your hands don’t make contact. Also, never eat and walk. If you buy something from a street vendor, stay there to eat it.Brazil has a very family-centered eating culture. Even the poorest family in Brazil will throw food parties for family events. When you take a bite of Brazilian food, taste the love cooked into it. India While they do have utensils, Indians believe that the flavor of their food is best enjoyed when eaten with their hand. However, when eating, be sure to use only your right hand. The left hand is considered dirty.In rural areas, they sit on the floor to eat. But at restaurants, they use chairs. Indians show their appreciation for a meal by cleaning their plate. As such, if you put something on your plate, you need to eat all of it. Otherwise, you signal that you do not like the food. Somalia Somalian food culture is highly influenced by its religious culture. In Somalia, the majority of the population is Muslim, meaning they follow some rigorous dietary restrictions. There are two main groups of food: halal, or accepted foods, and haram, or forbidden foods. Similar to the Jewish culture and religion, the main forbidden foods are pork products, blood, and animals which are not killed correctly.When visiting Somalia, generally avoid discussing food and food preparation with men, as they consider food to be a womanly topic. However, if you get the chance, compliment the person (likely the woman) who made the food—the various pancakes and fried breads of the Somalian diet are delicious. Italy Italians expect food to be eaten the way it is “meant” to be eaten. Unlike in restaurants in the US, where it is normal to ask for substitutions, the idea of changing a traditional food can be offensive to Italians. Those of you with food allergies and intolerances be aware of this. Italian meals are often com-posed of multiple courses, and even in Italian homes, each course is served on a different plate. They do not want the dishes to mix. A Final Thought This is just a brief overview of cultural food practices, but when you travel, do your research. You’ll find plenty of new ways to eat that you may never have considered before.—Sarah Birdsall

Photo by Lulu ChenIn Taipei, snacking is almost a cultural celebration, and nowhere showcases that better than the city’s numerous night markets. For more than a century, every night around 5 p.m., hundreds of vendors flock to stalls lining both sides of the designated night market districts of Taipei.

Plums are one of the world’s most delightful fruits. They come in many varieties, and can range from mellow to tart. This versatile fruit is enjoyed by many cultures in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some tasty examples!

Everyone knows that fried chicken and hushpuppies are classic Southern foods, but here are a few lesser-known recipes to give you another taste of the South. Enjoy!

There are two types of travelers—those who want to visit every historical sight and those who are just there for the food. It can be hard to satisfy both the history nerd and the foodie on a trip. But what if there was a way to combine eating delicious food and learning about history while on vacation? This is exactly what happens on a culinary tour.

Despite its intimidating name, the frozen island that is Iceland is becoming a popular getaway destination. Its unique terrain of glaciers, hot springs, and volcanoes are major attractions for both locals and tourists all year round. Even the winter season often proves to be magical. But it’s not just the diverse landscape that makes Iceland feel like a winter wonderland.