A guide to eating ABROAD!

frankmehta · 29th January 2009, 21:50

I'm surprised there is no thread here that talks of Culinary Experiences of Team-bhpians while travelling!
I have a looooooong list of things that i ate, LOVED or threw up on. I'd love to share them with everyone!
Hope everyone chips in with their 'sound-byte' too!

What to eat, and what not to eat. Let's have it 'on a platter' for someone who wants to travel to a part of the world and doesn't know what to fill in his 'paapi pet' (literal translation: cruel stomach)

Eddy · 29th January 2009, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

'paapi pet' (literal translation: cruel stomach)

Literal translation is sinner stomach

Bring on the food discussion guys. I love being on top of the food chain !!

n_aditya · 29th January 2009, 23:24

Nice thread. I enjoyed most of my eating experiences apart from a few unpleasant, gut wrenching ones.

If you visit the US, and love steaks, vist "On the border". It is a texan steakhouse and they serve huge steaks.

For a group of 3 average sized indian's, one order of "border blast" would easily suffice.

Border blast is the specialty of the house. Beef ribs, chicken, lamb, shrimps, and almost all meats are presented on this platter.

Another enjoyable experience is Big Mac. Get a double pounder (burger contains twin cutlets of beef with eggs and lettuce and onion etc.) with fries and coke (and a free coke refill). This is sure to fill one's appetite for the next 2 meals. And yeah, the coke is half a liter or more.

If you go to Costco for shopping, try the hot dog's. These are lip smacking with their mustard sauce.

Gloria's is a nice place for mexican food. Burrito's, enchilada's, taco's... man this thread takes me back 8 years in time.

Outback steakhouse also serve steaks and the portions are more than average for a medium sized individual.

Coffee is at its best at starbucks.

Bon Appetit !!!

kooldude · 29th January 2009, 23:29

Chipotle is known for great mexican food although the menu is limited just tacos,burritos and burrito bols.The food is always fresh and yummy.They have franchises all over america

Proxima · 29th January 2009, 23:35

I loved and frequented Burger King (BK) when I was in the US. By far the best tasting and the largest portions among the large fast food joints that dot the interstate.

The worst was McDonalds. There were some restaurants that don't have branches, so no use mentioning here unless someone is visiting Farmington Hills, MI.

mohit · 29th January 2009, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proxima

I loved and frequented Burger King (BK) when I was in the US. By far the best tasting and the largest portions among the large fast food joints that dot the interstate.

And BK is veggie friendly too. This is the only chain that has a veggie burger available everywhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_aditya

If you go to Costco for shopping, try the hot dog's. These are lip smacking with their mustard sauce.

Well yes. A decent and economical option. The best are to be had at the roadside stands though!

Rocky_Balboa · 29th January 2009, 23:51

These have me addicted in Dublin, Ohio.

Las' Margaritas', for Mexican
La' Scala, for Italian
Mongolian Barbeque, for BBQ

+Rocky+

Akshay1234 · 29th January 2009, 23:56

i have one thing to say. if you like donuts go to KRISPY KREME. it just kills dunkin donuts and any other donut shop.

mb_jg · 29th January 2009, 23:59

Has anyone tried the hash browns they serve with breakfast at Burger King in the US?
Yummmmm Yummmmm they are so damn juicy & tastes so good when hot, I used to pick up my breakfast from B.K every single day, croissant served with egg & sausage & then have a nice hot coffee with a Marlboro.
The best place I tried all the possbile different cuisines was NYC. Fresh food, reasonably priced & easily available. The pizza's they serve up in NYC are to die for. And the salmon with butter sauce is too good.
I also noticed that the naans & other breads they serve at the Indian restaurants in the US are anyday better than the one's we get right here in India.

nishantgandhi · 30th January 2009, 00:01

1. For Lebanese food - Saj Express and Safadi in Sheikh Zayad Road and there is one awesome place in Dubai Marina (forgot the name, but it serves on the bayside), Byblos (Sheikh Zayad Road)

2. Zaatar W Zeit in Sheikh Zayad Road

3. Indian food - Asha's (Wafi City Mall) though its a bit oily but nice, Rupee Room in Dubai Marina

4. Parathas - There is one small shop in Karama called Paratha King

5. The Chinese/Japanese restaurant in Dusit Dubai serves one of the best duck preprations and dimsums

6. Japanego Cafe

7. Wagamama in Crowne Plaza (Sheikh Zayed Road)

8. Applebees (Sheikh Zayad Road) for continental

9. Cinnabon for awesome cinnamom rolls

10. For the best chicken ever, visit Nandos

11. The best selection of desserts can be had in the brunch buffet at Emirates Hotels and Towers

12. Very good steaks, pork ribs and the very special Soup in a bread bowl, go to Tony Romas at Sheikh Zayad Road

13. Amazing cheese loaded french fries at New York Fries

14. Of course, world's best doughnuts at Krispy Kreme Donuts at Deira City Center

nishantgandhi · 30th January 2009, 00:04

1. The best pizza in the world can be had at Yellow Cab Pizza

2. For amazing Fried Frog legs, visit the Crocodile Grill in Greenbelt Mall in Makati

3. For the best buffet breakfast, starting at 4 am, visit this restaurant which is located right in the center of Ortigas Center (diagonally opposite Basement nightclub)

4. For good Thai food, go to Thai in a Box in Greenbelt Mall 1

Nitin · 30th January 2009, 00:24

Wow..just this morning I felt like starting a thread like this, more for the ones in the US/visiting the US.

A list of my favorite eat-outs:
1) PF Changs - Amazing Chinese food.Love their cocktails as well,especially the Orange Peel Manhattan.
2) Chili's- Affordable food,good burgers.Molten chocolate-A must have!!
3) Coney's Island- nice hot dogs!
4) A few local (Houston) hits, like the Buca de Bepo ( Italian), China Garden etc.

tsk1979 · 30th January 2009, 00:47

Among burgers, In&Out is the best. Fresh and loaded with heart disease. A delicious way to kill yourself

And if you go to SFO, don't forget to try the crepes!

mohit · 30th January 2009, 00:59

US:
For Italian, Olive Garden is decent and is present all around US.
All day breakfast in a typical diner fashion - Denny's (US and Canada)
For the pancake lovers - IHOP

Canada:
Your typical coffee and doughnut - Tim Hortons

In and around Toronto:
Indian : The Host
Italian: East Side Marios/Frankie Tomattos(buffet)
Thai: Spring Rolls / Lemon grass
Afghani: Bamiyan Kabob
Greek: Mr Greek

abhijitaparadh · 30th January 2009, 01:42

New York City is THE best place to have all cuisines in the world

Following are the places that I visit quite often

Indian :
Punjabi : Bukhara Grill, Chola, Yuva, Dhaba
South Indian : Sarvanna Bhavan, Chennai Garden
Rajasthani/Gujarati : Vatan
Kebabs : The kebab factory, Kathi rolls, All carts in Jackson Heights, Queens
Indian Chinese : Chinese Mirch, Nanking

Japanese : Komegashi in Newport, JC just across the Hudson river

Thai : Numerous thai places all over the NYC, but Pongsri and Lemongrass Grill are the ones that I like

Italian : Olive Garden, Times square

Seafood : Red Lobster, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

Swiss : Swizz in NYC and Melting Pot in Hoboken NJ.

Mexican : Chipotle, Qdoba for mexican "fast food", Charritos or Zarella for good sit-down food. Chilli's or Applebees or TGIF for Americanised mexican.

Ethiopian : Queen of Sheba

Coffee : Starbucks at each corner (almost !)

Cheesecake : Carnegie Deli
Deserts : Financier in down town NY, Cold Stone creamery for ice creams or Ben & Jerry's pints.

Chocolate deserts : Max Brenner and of course Godiva truffles

Sunday Brunch : Chelsea Square Garden for all types of omlettes.

Lunch food : I prefer Subway or Quiznos or Au bon pain soups rather than McD or BK. Just personal choice.

I havent yet found any place in NYC for following

1. Mongolian BBQ (Something like BD's that you have in Michigan)
2. Authentic Goan/Portuguese food (especially Goan fish delicacies)

Any pointers?

29th January 2009, 21:50	#1
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,000 Thanked: 3,577 Times View My Garage	A guide to eating ABROAD! I'm surprised there is no thread here that talks of Culinary Experiences of Team-bhpians while travelling! I have a looooooong list of things that i ate, LOVED or threw up on. I'd love to share them with everyone! Hope everyone chips in with their 'sound-byte' too! What to eat, and what not to eat. Let's have it 'on a platter' for someone who wants to travel to a part of the world and doesn't know what to fill in his 'paapi pet' (literal translation: cruel stomach)
	() Thanks

29th January 2009, 23:24	#3
n_aditya Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Namma Bengaluru Posts: 5,348 Thanked: 3,684 Times View My Garage	Nice thread. I enjoyed most of my eating experiences apart from a few unpleasant, gut wrenching ones. If you visit the US, and love steaks, vist "On the border". It is a texan steakhouse and they serve huge steaks. For a group of 3 average sized indian's, one order of "border blast" would easily suffice. Border blast is the specialty of the house. Beef ribs, chicken, lamb, shrimps, and almost all meats are presented on this platter. Another enjoyable experience is Big Mac. Get a double pounder (burger contains twin cutlets of beef with eggs and lettuce and onion etc.) with fries and coke (and a free coke refill). This is sure to fill one's appetite for the next 2 meals. And yeah, the coke is half a liter or more. If you go to Costco for shopping, try the hot dog's. These are lip smacking with their mustard sauce. Gloria's is a nice place for mexican food. Burrito's, enchilada's, taco's... man this thread takes me back 8 years in time. Outback steakhouse also serve steaks and the portions are more than average for a medium sized individual. Coffee is at its best at starbucks. Bon Appetit !!! Last edited by n_aditya : 29th January 2009 at 23:27.
	() Thanks

29th January 2009, 23:29	#4
kooldude BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charlotte,North Carolina Posts: 283 Thanked: 0 Times	Chipotle is known for great mexican food although the menu is limited just tacos,burritos and burrito bols.The food is always fresh and yummy.They have franchises all over america
	() Thanks

29th January 2009, 23:35	#5
Proxima BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 910 Thanked: 302 Times	I loved and frequented Burger King (BK) when I was in the US. By far the best tasting and the largest portions among the large fast food joints that dot the interstate. The worst was McDonalds. There were some restaurants that don't have branches, so no use mentioning here unless someone is visiting Farmington Hills, MI.
	() Thanks

29th January 2009, 23:51	#7
Rocky_Balboa BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Namma Bengalooru Posts: 676 Thanked: 358 Times View My Garage	These have me addicted in Dublin, Ohio. Las' Margaritas', for Mexican La' Scala, for Italian Mongolian Barbeque, for BBQ +Rocky+
	() Thanks

29th January 2009, 23:56	#8
Akshay1234 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,265 Thanked: 12,317 Times	i have one thing to say. if you like donuts go to KRISPY KREME. it just kills dunkin donuts and any other donut shop.
	() Thanks

29th January 2009, 23:59	#9
mb_jg BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 485 Thanked: 124 Times	Has anyone tried the hash browns they serve with breakfast at Burger King in the US? Yummmmm Yummmmm they are so damn juicy & tastes so good when hot, I used to pick up my breakfast from B.K every single day, croissant served with egg & sausage & then have a nice hot coffee with a Marlboro. The best place I tried all the possbile different cuisines was NYC. Fresh food, reasonably priced & easily available. The pizza's they serve up in NYC are to die for. And the salmon with butter sauce is too good. I also noticed that the naans & other breads they serve at the Indian restaurants in the US are anyday better than the one's we get right here in India. Last edited by mb_jg : 30th January 2009 at 00:02.
	() Thanks

30th January 2009, 00:01	#10
nishantgandhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,220 Thanked: 156 Times	Dubai 1. For Lebanese food - Saj Express and Safadi in Sheikh Zayad Road and there is one awesome place in Dubai Marina (forgot the name, but it serves on the bayside), Byblos (Sheikh Zayad Road) 2. Zaatar W Zeit in Sheikh Zayad Road 3. Indian food - Asha's (Wafi City Mall) though its a bit oily but nice, Rupee Room in Dubai Marina 4. Parathas - There is one small shop in Karama called Paratha King 5. The Chinese/Japanese restaurant in Dusit Dubai serves one of the best duck preprations and dimsums 6. Japanego Cafe 7. Wagamama in Crowne Plaza (Sheikh Zayed Road) 8. Applebees (Sheikh Zayad Road) for continental 9. Cinnabon for awesome cinnamom rolls 10. For the best chicken ever, visit Nandos 11. The best selection of desserts can be had in the brunch buffet at Emirates Hotels and Towers 12. Very good steaks, pork ribs and the very special Soup in a bread bowl, go to Tony Romas at Sheikh Zayad Road 13. Amazing cheese loaded french fries at New York Fries 14. Of course, world's best doughnuts at Krispy Kreme Donuts at Deira City Center Last edited by nishantgandhi : 30th January 2009 at 00:06.
	() Thanks

30th January 2009, 00:04	#11
nishantgandhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,220 Thanked: 156 Times	Philippines 1. The best pizza in the world can be had at Yellow Cab Pizza 2. For amazing Fried Frog legs, visit the Crocodile Grill in Greenbelt Mall in Makati 3. For the best buffet breakfast, starting at 4 am, visit this restaurant which is located right in the center of Ortigas Center (diagonally opposite Basement nightclub) 4. For good Thai food, go to Thai in a Box in Greenbelt Mall 1
	() Thanks

30th January 2009, 00:24	#12
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,294 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	In the US Wow..just this morning I felt like starting a thread like this, more for the ones in the US/visiting the US. A list of my favorite eat-outs: 1) PF Changs - Amazing Chinese food.Love their cocktails as well,especially the Orange Peel Manhattan. 2) Chili's- Affordable food,good burgers.Molten chocolate-A must have!! 3) Coney's Island- nice hot dogs! 4) A few local (Houston) hits, like the Buca de Bepo ( Italian), China Garden etc.
	() Thanks

30th January 2009, 00:47	#13
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Among burgers, In&Out is the best. Fresh and loaded with heart disease. A delicious way to kill yourself And if you go to SFO, don't forget to try the crepes!
	() Thanks

30th January 2009, 00:59	#14
mohit BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Toronto / Kurukshetra Posts: 677 Thanked: 168 Times	In the US and Canada (Toronto) US: For Italian, Olive Garden is decent and is present all around US. All day breakfast in a typical diner fashion - Denny's (US and Canada) For the pancake lovers - IHOP Canada: Your typical coffee and doughnut - Tim Hortons In and around Toronto: Indian : The Host Italian: East Side Marios/Frankie Tomattos(buffet) Thai: Spring Rolls / Lemon grass Afghani: Bamiyan Kabob Greek: Mr Greek
	() Thanks

30th January 2009, 01:42	#15
abhijitaparadh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 222 Thanked: 3 Times	New York City is THE best place to have all cuisines in the world Following are the places that I visit quite often Indian : Punjabi : Bukhara Grill, Chola, Yuva, Dhaba South Indian : Sarvanna Bhavan, Chennai Garden Rajasthani/Gujarati : Vatan Kebabs : The kebab factory, Kathi rolls, All carts in Jackson Heights, Queens Indian Chinese : Chinese Mirch, Nanking Japanese : Komegashi in Newport, JC just across the Hudson river Thai : Numerous thai places all over the NYC, but Pongsri and Lemongrass Grill are the ones that I like Italian : Olive Garden, Times square Seafood : Red Lobster, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Swiss : Swizz in NYC and Melting Pot in Hoboken NJ. Mexican : Chipotle, Qdoba for mexican "fast food", Charritos or Zarella for good sit-down food. Chilli's or Applebees or TGIF for Americanised mexican. Ethiopian : Queen of Sheba Coffee : Starbucks at each corner (almost !) Cheesecake : Carnegie Deli Deserts : Financier in down town NY, Cold Stone creamery for ice creams or Ben & Jerry's pints. Chocolate deserts : Max Brenner and of course Godiva truffles Sunday Brunch : Chelsea Square Garden for all types of omlettes. Lunch food : I prefer Subway or Quiznos or Au bon pain soups rather than McD or BK. Just personal choice. I havent yet found any place in NYC for following 1. Mongolian BBQ (Something like BD's that you have in Michigan) 2. Authentic Goan/Portuguese food (especially Goan fish delicacies) Any pointers? Last edited by abhijitaparadh : 30th January 2009 at 01:58.
	() Thanks