Tag Archives: Street Food

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Eat Your Way Through Mexico City’s Historic City Center

Mexican street food

Mexico City’s Historic Center is filled with remnants of the city’s heritage, and while its museums and landmarks are definitely educational to explore, you will also not be able to ignore the tantalizing aromas that waft over from the area’s many street food stalls. From tlacoyos to tamales, these are some of the street foods that you simply have to try.

Tamales and Atole
If you are seeking a street food snack to start your day with, then look for a stall that serves up tamales and atole. This is one of the most popular of street food dishes, and features steamed, corn husk pockets of masa that have been stuffed with a meat or cheese. Atole is a hot corn-based beverage that has been sweetened with unrefined sugar and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, and perfectly balanced out the tamale to result in a fresh and filling breakfast.

Tlacoyos
Believed to have been created by the original inhabitants of Toluca, a town that lies 40 miles west of Mexico City, tlacoyos are a snack that has barely changed since Aztec times, making this a truly authentic street food snack. These eye-shaped discs of blue corn masa are stuffed with a filling of your choice, whether this may be braised pork belly, mashed fava beans or fresh Mexican cheese, before being cooked on a large, open-air griddle. The crispy cakes are then topped with either wild spinach or grilled cactus paddles, before being drizzled with cotija cheese and red or green salsa.

Jugo
Mexico is home to quite the selection of fresh produce, and the juice bars that you will find all over the Historic Center make the most of these, while providing a refresher from the sun’s intense heat. Whether you opt for a single fruit or a more elaborate, mixed blend, these juices never fail to hit the spot on a hot day in the city.

Tostadas
Tostadas are deep-fried corn tortillas with a delicious topping, and while they may sometimes be quite simple and humble, many street food stalls are now putting their own spin on this Mexican staple. Many stalls in the Historic Center will serve up dozens of varieties of tostada toppings, with everything from fresh shrimp, tomato and chilli to pork in mole.

Tacos al Pastor
While you may come across several delicious street eats in Mexico City, the majority of these have usually originated elsewhere. However, tacos al pastor is one of the only dishes to have actually originated in the capital itself, and were hugely influenced by the city’s Lebanese immigrants in the 1950’s. A variant of the Middle Eastern shawarma, this dish features marinated grilled meat that is thinly sliced, before being topped with onions and coriander, and then rolled up in a tortilla.

You will find a street food stall parked on just about every street corner in Mexico City, but this is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the city. From freshly fried tlacoyos to flavorful tostadas, you should definitely not leave the city without tasting these foods at least once.

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Street Foods to Enjoy in Puebla City

Street vendor
Many consider Puebla City to be the birthplace of traditional Mexican cuisine, making it no surprise that the city is one of Mexico‘s top foodie destinations. From the tasty hybrid dish of Tacos Arabes to freshly grilled Esquites and Elotes, these are some of the street foods that you simply have to try when visiting Puebla City.

Grilled Esquites and Elotes
Corn is an ingredient that has always played a significant role in Mexico, and while this street food may be a simple dish, it is a common one that can be found throughout the country. However, while most areas of Mexico choose to boil the corn, Puebla stands out by grilling it over charcoal, and then serving it up either in a cub, known as Esquites, or on the cob, known as Elotes, along with a flavorful helping of mayonnaise, cheese, lime and chili.

Tacos Arabes
Taco Arabes is a dish that can be described as a mix between a Middle Eastern Shawarma and an Al Pastor Taco, and was conceived after Lebanese immigrants brought the Shawarma to Mexico. This hybrid dish is a fantastic example of how globalization and immigration have had an impact on Puebla’s traditional cuisine, and, served up in a large pita-style bread, packed with spit-roasted pork and topped with lemon juice, is a dish that many find difficult to resist.

Cemitas
Cemitas
Many destinations have their own specialty version of a sandwich, and in the case of Puebla, this would be the Cemita. These sandwiches are made in a variety of ways, but are usually always quite over-the-top, and are commonly filled with pork Milanesa, Quesillo cheese, which comes from Oaxaca, onions, and chipotles, although there are plenty of other fillings to choose from.

Chalupas
Chalupas, which are not to be confused with the chalupas served up at fast food chains around the world, are one of Puebla’s most legendary street food dishes, and can be found frying on a multitude of street corners every evening. Consisting of corn tortillas that have only been lightly fried, and then topped with onions, salsa and shredded meat, chalupas are one of the most popular street food items in the city.

Empanadas
Empanadas
Just like Tacos Arabes, empanadas are not a traditional Mexican dish, having originated in Spain, but, when it comes to street food in Puebla City, a local version of empanadas can just about always be found. Unlike the empanadas that are served up around the rest of the country, the Puebla City version uses a flaky, pastry-like bread, and is baked into a triangle shape. Whether stuffed with mole, pineapple and ham, or a variety of other delicious fillings, this is a street food that is perfect for all times of the day.

The cuisine that you will find in Puebla City is unlike that of any other Mexican destination, which is why this city really stands out in the culinary world. From their unique take on Empanadas to the explosive flavors of the traditional Chalupa, these are some street food dishes that really need to be experienced in order to be truly appreciated.

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Singapore Food Festival

Chinatown. Singapore

GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com

An annual event that is being held this year from the 15th to the 31st of July, the Singapore Food Festival is celebrated throughout the island of Singapore, consisting of food-related events, culinary workshops and demonstrations, themed celebrations and competitions. The main theme for the festival this year is “Savour the Past, Taste the Future”, highlighting Singapore’s local flavors while showcasing the innovative spirit of Singapore’s food scene.

STREAT
The signature event of the Singapore Food Festival each year, STREAT will be returning again in 2016, featuring award-winning local chefs. The event will feature a pop-up restaurant that will be serving up a specially curated five-course dinner that promises to elevate iconic street food dishes, and there will also be 10 popular hawker chefs present, cooking up a range of local and progressive dishes.

50 Cent Fest!
From the 30th to the 31st of July, Singapore’s Chinatown Food Street will be transformed into a foodie wonderland, lined with several delicious street stalls, as well as buskers and street entertainers. The local dishes on sale here will all be sold in small 50 cent portions, enabling visitors to really sample a different taste from each stall.

Open Stoves
Open Stoves is a special event that will be held from the 23rd to the 24th of July, and features a BBQ outdoor kitchen, live cooking demonstrations, live music from local bands, and even neon beer pong. This is a great event for those who want a behind-the-scenes peek into the kitchen, where resident and guest chefs will be creating new and innovative dishes in full view of their audience.

Recreating History
As Singapore has developed over the years, certain areas of the country, which were once go-to places for local dishes, lost their foodie charm. This year’s Singapore Food Festival aims to recreate that in certain areas of the country, bringing back the food stalls that once lined the Farrer Park district, as well as highlighting the heritage of certain eateries, such as the landmark hawker center, East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

Singapore Restaurant Month 2016
Singapore Restaurant Month runs in conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival and is part of the Health Promotion Board’s quest to encourage the public to eat healthier foods. There are 46 restaurants taking part in Singapore Restaurant Month, 10 of which are heritage establishments, and they have come up with 95 exclusive and wholesome dishes, which have been inspired by traditional local dishes. Each dish is under 500 calories, showing that it is most definitely possible for authentic local dishes to still be just as delicious, but much healthier. Some of the dishes that you can expect to sample are the Steamed Sea Bass with Spicy Chilli and Lime Sauce from Nara Thai, and the Eight Treasures Box filled with delicate steamed dumplings from Shin Yeh.

The Singapore Food Festival is always a highly anticipated event, with Singaporeans in general quite passionate about their food. Each of the special events that will be held in honor of the festival promise to not only showcase the way in which local food has held onto its heritage over the years, but also bring to light the innovative new dishes that have been putting Singapore at the forefront of the culinary world in recent years.

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Can’t Miss Sites in Singapore

An island city in South East Asia, Singapore has grown exponentially over the years, and with so much to see and do, there is no chance whatsoever that you could ever be bored here. From the spectacular beauty of the Botanic Gardens to the unforgettable flavors of the local street food, these are some of the sites that you definitely should not miss out on when in Singapore.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded in 1859, making it almost 160 years old. It is the only tropical garden in the world to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and showcases a wide range of tropical flora and fauna. The prized jewel of the Botanic Gardens is the National Orchid Garden, which boasts over 3000 different orchid and orchid hybrid species, and is always a spectacular sight to see, even for those who are not usually interested in flowers.

Hawker Centres
Singapore is known for being a gastronomic delight, and the hawker centers that can be found just about everywhere around the island, are the best places to sample true Singaporean cuisine. There are a number of local dishes that everybody should try, including Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Chilli Crab.

Chinatown, Singapore

Chinatown
To truly immerse yourself in some of Singapore’s heritage, a visit to Chinatown is a must. While British colonization may have driven away some of the Chinese population that has lived here for over 700 years, the architecture still remains, giving you a fantastic insight into the city’s past and contrasting magnificently with the skyscrapers looming in the distance. From temples and mosques to night markets and roadside stalls, this is a vibrant part of the city that is always fun to explore. There are also a few museums here worth visiting, such as the Chinatown Heritage Centre, the Peranakan Museum and the Asian Civilizations Museum.

Orchard Road
Stretching out for over 2km, Orchard Road is the most famous shopping street in Asia, and with good reason. From luxury brands to local labels, this area really is a shopper’s paradise, and would take quite a few days to fully explore. If you are short on time, the two local department stores, Robinsons and TANGS, are likely to be able to provide everything that you need.

Sentosa

TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com

Sentosa
The island of Sentosa can provide as much entertainment, from beachside bars to rainforest walks to theme parks to sprawling casinos. The best way to get there is by cable car, as this gives you a gorgeous view, and, once there, the options seem almost endless. For those who want to see more than what they can fit into a day, there are a number of luxury hotels and resorts on the island where you can spend the night.

With over 15 million tourists visiting the island each year, Singapore can often seem quite crowded and busy, but this is where the city’s exciting energy comes from. A melting pot of influences from all over the world, Singapore is a one-of-a-kind destination, providing you with a vacation like no other.

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Best Mexican Destinations for Solo Travel

Traveling to a new country on your own can often be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language and are unfamiliar with the culture. When it comes to Mexico, there are some areas that it’s best to stay clear of if you are on your own, but there are many others that are known for their hospitality and generosity, making solo travelers feel extremely welcome. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best Mexican destinations for solo travel.

Ancient ruins in Tulum.

Tulum
Tulum is a quaint Mexican beach town located on the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a great place to relax while taking in the sights at your own leisurely pace. The beaches have managed to escape all of the development that is seen on other parts of the coastline, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some unspoiled natural beauty. Tulum is also known for its freshwater pools, many of which form an underground network of rivers that can be explored with a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. The Tulum ruins are just to the north of the town, and can easily be reached by renting a bike, or catching a taxi. These are known for being one of the Mayan civilization’s only walled cities, and are definitely worth the visit. OROGOLD recommends heading there early in the morning, to not only escape the heat, but also the majority of the crowds.

Cathedral in Mexico City.

hodschanas / Shutterstock.com

Mexico City
Mexico City is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, as many of the hotels and hostels have rooftop bars that are aimed at introducing solo guests to other travelers. This is the oldest city on the American continent, and, understandably so, is filled with many different museums and historic sites. The city is easy to navigate, and, if you don’t feel safe alone on the metro, taxis are easy to find. For those days where you don’t have a set itinerary, it is always enjoyable to wander through the city, appreciating the Art Deco, the street entertainment, and the fantastic array of authentic street snacks. If you have an afternoon to spare, OROGOLD recommends heading to Condesa, a laid-back area with a bohemian vibe and some cute outdoor cafés to sit back and do some people-watching.

Sunset in Huatulco

Huatulco
Situated in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco is a resort region that, until the 1980s, was nothing more than just a single fishing village. Development restrictions mean that building heights are limited, and each developed area is separated by areas of unspoiled coastline, leaving 12 miles of natural shoreline for you to explore. While such a developed area may not be for everyone’s tastes, it does come with its advantages, the main one here being that there is no end to the number of different activities on offer. From snorkeling to diving to surfing to cycling to rafting, there is so much to fill your day with while meeting other similar-minded travelers. If you start to feel a thirst for exploring more of the region, there are many tours that you can join, from visiting magnificent waterfalls to a guided tour of a coffee farm.

While many may believe that Mexico isn’t safe for a solo traveler, these thoughts are usually based on rumors. Mexican culture places a huge emphasis on hospitality and warmth, and this will make you feel comfortable and right at home, no matter where in Mexico you visit.

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Most Popular Night Tours – OROGOLD Reviews

Many cities around the world have a completely different atmosphere at night, with areas that were sleepy in the daytime bursting into life. From the Saigon by Night tour of Vietnam to the Big Apple Night Tour in New York, OROGOLD brings you some of the most exciting and popular night tours around the world.

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York at night.

The Big Apple Night Tour
Also known as the city that never sleeps, the Night Tour is one of the best ways to explore New York at night, the peak time for the exciting buzz of activity and energy that surrounds the city. The tour is suited for every age, and takes you through some of New York’s most famous sights, teaching you more about the diversity that makes New York so unique. From the Empire State Building to the Rockefeller Center to the Federal Court building, the Night Tour attracts both tourists as well as locals who are looking for a unique and inspiring perspective to their home city.

Views from the Thu Thiem Bridge at night.

Saigon By Night Tour
The Saigon by Night tour in Vietnam offers visitors the opportunity to see Vietnam in a way that many tourists don’t get to experience. Sat on the back of a motorbike, visitors can feel the rush of zooming down the Saigon freeway, taking a look at certain sights that can only be truly appreciated at night. From the dotted lights of the red paper lanterns at Cholon to the incredible view over Saigon River from the Thu Thiem Bridge, this is an experience not to be missed. Foodies are able to opt to combine the Saigon by Night tour with the Foodie tour, something that OROGOLD would highly recommend if you are looking for a taste of local cuisine, where they are taken 5 popular Vietnamese districts and are able to sample some of the best Vietnamese street food.

Night Market in Jioufen Village, Taiwan.

Taiwan Night Market Tour
No trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting one of the many night markets that pop up all over the cities. The night markets in the Taipei area have become huge hotspots, attracting both tourists and locals. In addition the cheap bargains that you will find, the night markets are also the place at which you can sample some of the most delicious authentic Taiwanese food, and the Taiwan Foodie Night Market tour is the best way to get in as much variety as possible. Visitors are taken to 5 of the best night markets in Taiwan, each famous for one or two signature dishes. Some of the specialities that you will be tasting include paopao ice, similar to shaved ice but with a finer texture, squid stew, black pepper buns, and, for the brave of you, the many snake dishes at Huaxi Night Market, such as snake wine or snake soup.

Every major city around the world has aspects that are truly unique to it, and many of these can only be fully appreciated at night, once the main parts of the city settle down. From a food tour of Taiwan’s night markets to a motorcycle tour of Vietnam, OROGOLD’s top night tours are a must-do for travelers heading to Taiwan, Vietnam or New York.