Location: North AfricaPopulation: 7 millionCapital: TripoliGeography: A mostly flat desert nation on the MediterraneanLanguage: ArabicSignature flavours: Mutton, fenugreek, tomato, date, fig, citrus, nuts, olive oil The Menu Compared with its North African neighbours Tunisia, Egypt, and nearby Morocco, Libyan cuisine was more of a mystery for Eric when he headed into this assignment. One of…
Assignment 107: Comoros
Location: Off the east coast of Africa Population: 851,000 Capital: Moroni Geography: An archipelago of three main islands and many smaller islets Language: Comorian, French, Arabic Signature flavours: Seafood, rice, coconut, plantain, tropical fruit, beans The Menu If you have ever experienced seafood-induced anxiety, then you will know how I felt as I compiled my…
Assignment 106: Wales
Location: Great BritainPopulation: 3.2 millionCapital: CardiffGeography: A mountainous nation in south western Great BritainLanguage: Welsh, EnglishSignature flavours: Lamb, mutton, beef, dairy, leek, seafood, potato, cabbage The Menu Eric’s Wales assignment marked our first foray into British cuisine. He went in having heard only of Welsh rarebit — cheese on toast — which he learned was…
Assignment 105: Andorra
Location: Western EuropePopulation: 77,500Capital: Andorra la VellaGeography: A small, mountainous, landlocked nationLanguage: CatalanSignature flavours: Garlic, tomato, pork, chicken, cabbage, olive oil, egg The Menu I had no idea what to expect from Andorran cuisine, and went into this assignment ready to be surprised. In the end, I learned that Andorrans enjoy a sort of French-Spanish…
Assignment 104: Cuba
Location: CaribbeanPopulation: 11.2 millionCapital: HavanaGeography: A tropical island of flat fertile terrainLanguage: SpanishSignature flavours: Beef, pork, rice, beans, plantain, tropical fruit, spearmint, tomato The Menu Eric’s father was Cuban, and Eric lived in Havana until he was eight years old, so he is familiar with traditional Cuban fare, like ropa vieja (shredded beef), bistec de…
Assignment 103: Ethiopia
Location: East Africa Population: 117.9 million Capital: Addis Ababa Geography: A geographically diverse nation comprising mountains, deserts, and tropical forests Language: Amharic, Afar, Oromo, Somali, Tigrinya Signature flavours: Teff, berbere, nigella seed, ajwain, pulses, beef, garlic, ginger, leafy greens, hot peppers The Menu I was SO EXCITED to take on this assignment. Eric and I…
Assignment 102: Czechia
Location: Central Europe Population: 10.7 million Capital: Prague Geography: A landlocked nation with low mountains and forest Language: Czech Signature flavours: Pork, beef, dairy, berries, cabbage, mushroom, plum, cucumber The Menu Eric followed up my Austria assignment with neighbour Czechia. When he drew Czechia, he immediately thought of kolace pastries, which he enjoyed when he…
Assignment 101: Austria
Location: Central EuropePopulation: 8.9 millionCapital: ViennaGeography: A mainly mountainous nation in the AlpsLanguage: GermanSignature flavours: Pork, beef, cabbage, potato, dairy, apple The Menu It has been over two and a half months since our last wander, and so much has happened. We lost Eric’s father to COVID in April, and the dust is only just…
Assignment 100: San Marino
Location: Southern EuropePopulation: 33,600Capital: San MarinoGeography: A small mountainous microstate surrounded by ItalyLanguage: ItalianSignature flavours: Pasta, tomato, pork, rabbit, dairy, garlic, honey, olive oil The Menu We reached our century with San Marino, which shares a lot of their dishes with the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, situated next door. Eric sourced his recipes online. We…
Assignment 99: Republic of the Congo
Location: Central Africa Population: 5.2 million Capital:Brazzaville Geography: Sub-Saharan with some forest coverage Language: French Signature flavours: Peanut, greens, eggplant, tomato, chicken The Menu When I get an African assignment, my first inclination is to turn to the wonderful Africa Cookbook by Jessica B. Harris. As usual, it didn’t disappoint, featuring Congo’s national dish: Mwambe….
Wooden Spoon Wanderer 