1. Phở for cold days recipe
Healthier eats & using up the fridge by making my own Veggie Pho with meatballs (using plant-based mince). Usually just make a broth base from scratch as I find it a therapeutic process. Fresh, clear earthy flavours on all levels for warm comfort slurping at home.
Method:
1. In a big soup pot, add veg oil on medium high heat, halved onions & sliced ginger (peels on)- all cut-side down flat on the surface. Cook without moving, until charring occurs and aromatics fragrant (moving only to check & turn).
2. Add a handful of star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, tbsp each of fennel seeds & coriander seeds heat for a minute until lightly toasted.
3. Then throw in any chopped root veg like parsnips or fennel to build flavour. Then cover with enough boiling water that your pot can take, add tsp of brown sugar, 2 tbsp of soy sauce and handful of salt to season (you could use fish sauce). Leave to simmer with the lid on for about about two hours.
4. In a large bowl, mix together a pack your (plant based) mince, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, tbsp salt, tbsp white pepper, chopped (whites) spring onion, zest of lemon, chopped coriander, 2 thumbs of chopped ginger, 2 cloves of crushed garlic and egg to bind (you can do without the egg to make vegan). Set the aside for 30 mins to let the flavours develop & firm.
5. Form the mixture into the size of golf balls. Heat a pan of veg oil and cook meatballs until golden & caramelised.
6. Cook your rice noodles via pack instructions, drain well & rinse under water.
7. Sauté some shiitake mushrooms in a little oil, adding some pak choi & bean sprouts to gently warm through for a few mins.
8. Serve your cooked noodles in a deep bowl. Strain the hot broth, then ladle the fragrant liquid over the noodles. Add the meatballs & cooked veg - along whatever you fancy extra (I like some raw veg for crunchiness). Top with red chilli, lime, adding plenty of fresh herbs like mint, coriander and Thai basil to finish!
From @thinkingfood247
2. Who else loves using leftovers?
That doesn’t just mean cooked leftovers, but when you you have random items lying around you forgot you had.
Pasta is one of those dishes that can bring literally bring together at short notice. There are no rules to cooking and don’t always need a recipe.
👍🏼 Dry Pasta is just as good as fresh pasta which is good for special occasions of course.
👍🏼Having onions & garlic as a base is always going to be good
👍🏼Quality sausage meat is sometime better than getting fresh mince and it’s already seasoned & flavoured.
👍🏼Nduja paste, sun dried tomato paste, even a chilli paste is good flavour bomb
👍🏼Worcestershire sauce is a secret ingredient (I often use)
👍🏼Additions like a bay leaf are nice subtle addition
👍🏼 Dice and dump anything in (I often have bell peppers hanging around the fridge for example and they work great for firmer texture).
👍🏼Always remember to save a bit of pasta water to bind sauce
👍🏼A good crack of pepper makes everything better
👍🏼 Fresh basil and cheese (it can be cheddar not just Parmesan) on top is an automatic win. You can even add the end bit of rind into tomato sauce to help with flavour.
From @thinkingfood247
3. SAVE for Berlin Chinese Eats
Wandering the Berlin streets and our pre-dinner eats led us in passing to these Hand Pulled Biang Biang Noodles from @wencheng_handpullednoodles. Giving me NYC Xian Foods memories - esp when it serves Lamb Cumin Noodles.
You can ask for it in spicy, or ‘Asian Spicy’. Rich, savoury, oily & indeed spicy these hit the spot if you are craving flavourful noodles with a good amount of meat in them too.
TIPS: Generous amount of Sichuan sauce once mixed, so you order extra fresh small noodles to mop up after. Get there early for a seat inside (the smaller of the two branches) as a queue forms after 5.30pm, otherwise a seat outside was easier. It’s also BYOB & there’s a nearby kiosk.
From @thinkingfood247
4. Who’s up for a Vegan special? Vegan pizza
Vegan pizza - you can go for it! This is the @yardsalepizza x @romeshranga Veganuary collaboration: The Romesh Spesh is be one of Yard Sale’s infamous vegan pies topped with Sri Lankan curried aubergine, coconut sambol, mint raita, curry leaf and chilli oil on a house tomato base. Really good one too so whether you are doing Veganuary or just want to try a tasty pizza this one is for you. In YSP branches from today
From @thinkingfood247
5. Playful Dim Sum eats
There is tough competition in the London Dim Sum scene, but @baoziinn_soho can always be relied upon on for reliable dim sum and more so some fun eats to put a smile on your face (as seen with their colourful variations). Whether it’s the soho or @baoziinn_borough branch you’ll satisfy those dumpling cravings. Always bring a person or two to share out the love.
From @thinkingfood247
6. SAVE for Central London snacking
If you also love the idea of indoor food markets, @arcadefoodhall has got you covered right in the centre of town. There are some new additions coming soon, but these three items are solid eats you should try:
@tipantapan - chicken mo:mo
@mexa_ldn - beef suadero taco
@bebekbebek_ldn - sate marrangi
From @thinkingfood247
7. Wishing all those celebrating today around London and afar, a happy & prosperous Year of the Rabbit
Always appreciate this time as it has lots to symbolise, traditions, festivities and of course plenty of eating!
I managed to enjoy a dim sum feast at one of my London favs @dimsumandduck. So whether you are in the kitchen cooking with family or out sharing a meal with friends, enjoy the start of the celebrations
From @thinkingfood247
8. SAVE for Berlin Turkish Eats
With the word Köfteci in their actual name you should head to @gelgor_kofteci for their Kofte sandwich (rather than just a usual kebab). You can order it as a dürüm (flatbread) or as a baguette. They then stuff the grilled lamb meat in with plenty of fresh herbs (their signature) and salad (wonderful dressing - I detected pomegranate) with sumach. Wonderfully vibrant snacking. I’d definitely get the fresh baguette over the dürüm next time as that seems the most recommended way to enjoy it (as well as the large meat option).
*Bonus is that it’s open 24/7 on Friday and Saturday.
From @thinkingfood247
9. Maccies Cheeseburger upgrade
This smashburger @manna_ldn is worth your attention if in Central London. That gooey melted cheese, with onions, pickles, ketchup-mustard-mayo melting pot is simple, but very effectively done with a steamed bun. I’d suggest getting their platter which for a little bit more is better value for money as it includes any choice of burger, their awesome waffle fries, Nashville tender & pickles. One of my fav stalls @arcadefoodhall.
From @thinkingfood247
10. London Cheap Udon Eats
If you love Udon, you’d be hard pressed to find many better value items than the BK Udon bowl @marugameuk. For £4.35 you get a load of freshly made noodles in a rich & sweet fish dash sauce broth. Add some free condiments and it’s a simple yet tasty snack for under a fiver. The other Kake and Kamaage traditional Udon menu options are also good for similar/lower prices depending on how strong you like your broth tasting.
From @thinkingfood247
11. GREAT LONDON PIE & MASH
Those colder days call for more warmer times in a proper British pub like @windmill_pub. A place famed for its award winning pies. Thick suet crusty pastry that is handmade with beef fat instead of butter - the perfect encasing for your chosen filling.
They have a wild mushroom option for you vegans as well as classics like steak & kidney or chicken, bacon & leak. I went for the Venison & wild mushroom with red cabbage & mash potato and it was top notch. Lots of meat and flavourful (albeit less thick than I like) gravy too. Paired with a pint. British pubs are unrivalled. Long live the pub!
From @thinkingfood247
12. SAVE for BERLIN cheap eats
A tiny place a little off the beaten track north of Mitte, the Lahmacun (‘Turkish pizza’) here at @ornek_lahmacun is well regarded in a city with a big Turkish community and emphasis on their cuisine.
Prices for Lahmacun start at a low €1.30 for a standard to €1.80 for additional extras on it like tomatoes, wild parsley, onions and lemon. Of course get that one.
If you fancy something more substantial they do a great Adana kebab for €6 too. Either way takeaway is advisable.
From @thinkingfood247
13. SAVE for a London Cheap Eat, at Spitalfields
If you’ve not heard of @hoshistfood then get on board. Apart from their excellent Katsu Wraps you can also find variations of noodles, salad or their signature rice boxes. This combo goes all out with both Chicken Katsu & Duck (I added extra hummus & chilli oil on top for good measure). Enough meat to feed a small army, it is very good value for money and well worth a trip to either their market stall or shop for your weekday lunch.
From @thinkingfood247
14. SAVE for Berlin Vegan Eats
Getting into the spirit of Veganuary (for the first time), but one for beyond the month of January at Berlin’s @1990veganliving. Super popular spot that focuses on small Vietnamese tapas bowls (all reasonably priced at €5.50 each). We ordered a feast of dishes including:
✨Red Curry
✨Bun Bao Taco
✨Shaolin Pockets
✨Rice Paper Rolls
✨Aubergine Curry
✨Papaya Salad
✨Crispy Bake Wontons
✨Crispy Fried Dumplings
✨Udon & Rice
The first 5 are must orders for me. But all are perfect for a group to share. This area has a few good nearby Vegan restaurants too. Follow for more Berlin eats and comment on any other good places in the city!
From @thinkingfood247
15. SAVE for Berlin Cheap Eats
3 full days, over 15 different eats. Some didn’t make the cut, but a recap on my fav cheap eats on this trip to Berlin. Truth being Berlin is mostly all cheap - here you can get great food for under €8.
📍The Currywurst is a must as it originated here in Berlin. @currybaude.berlin being my fav, because of the special onion sauce. €4.10 is one of the cheapest in city too for a double portion.
📍The @burgermeister.berlin original branch is a Berlin institution that does all the basics right with high quality, even after all these years (€4.90-€8.60)
📍I personally find the Asian eats in Berlin very good. @wencheng_handpullednoodles’ Biang Biang Cumin Lamb is amazing, but I’d recommend searching out the @pandameister_berlin stall where the owner Ms Wu makes fresh noodles everyday and the brisket bowl are at half the price (€7.90)
From @thinkingfood247
16. Want some beef? Here are the best at Wroclaw
Did you know it’s hard to find beef in Wroclaw? Maybe it’s a Polish thing, but found it impossible (looked high and low) to source some beef when we wanted to cook lasagna, so we opted for probably Europe’s fav meat - Pork. And you know what, pork mince might well be even better. Really tasty Lasagna that I would recommend making if you need a substitute
From @thinkingfood247
17. From London to Edinburgh to Manchester to Paris to Barcelona, best food
Some great and fun eats had across 2022. Shout to all those I dined with to always make meals so much fun. Certainly the most memorable food that come to my mind and some you really should SAVE to try yourself are as follows:
💯 @errolshotpizzashop - White pizza (with sausage is a must to hit up in Glasgow
💯 @cityfishbar - tastiest Fish & chips from Canterbury I had all year
💯 @singburi_e11 - the Moo Krob at this family run East London Thai restaurant is so good we always order double the portions
💯 @quimet.quimet - Loquats & Anchovies is such an inventive combo flavour from this legendary Barcelona standing only tapas spot
💯 @fallowrestaurant - the mushroom parfait w/ truffle is pretty mindblowing at one of my fav Central London restaurants
💯 @dumboparis - this smash burger in Paris is like the best version of a Maccie’s Double Cheeseburger you will ever have
💯 @oink_hogroast - this Hog Roast roll was so tender we had two in a few days (and I rarely eat the same on a trip unless it’s that good) in Edinburgh.
💯 @homiesondonkeys - Spicy Prawn Taco is spot on. Look out for their new restaurant somewhere in London next year
💯 @fatpatsmcr - Philly Cheesesteak was easily the best thing I ate in Manchester. Arguable to say it’s most unique sandwich place in UK
💯 Wong Kei - beef brisket noodles is pretty much always nostalgic, value and fun sharing with friends all rolled into one down in Chinatown London
From @thinkingfood247
18. SAVE for your next Wroclaw in Poland Break
Wroclaw in Poland is an excellent city. Clean, cheap and pretty much perfect for a long weekend. Here this DAY ONE itinerary focuses on sights, eats and drinks for the day in the city centre. More of a freestyle walking vibe to see the city casually with its many bridges and some classic items to eat Polish style
✨@dicafedeli - Great for breakfast, nice additional option with Prosecco too
✨Walking around town - best way to see sights inc the market square, dome island etc; you can even grab a cheap cable car across river if you’re feeling lazy
✨Hunting for dwarfs - with over 600 it’s fun discovering them high & low on every corner
✨@pierogarnie_stary_mlyn - Excellent authentic boiled and baked Dumplings (Pierogi).
✨@zabkapolska - Hot dog (least messy version you can get for on-the-go
✨@disparo.wroclaw - perfect late night fun shots with friends
-✨Prewar (Przedwojenna)- nice spot for late night eats like the steak tartare along with drinks
✨Xmas market - excellent festive vibes so a great time to book to make even more of a weekend of it
From @thinkingfood247
19. SAVE for Berlin’s iconic dish
Currywurst - Berlin’s go to snack at any time of day. Without skin on sausage is the Berlin way, and though that is my preferred way too, it’s good to order it on & off with 2 currywurst and choice of fries or a bun (with a beer of course).
There are lots of other good places too and though they all do their own good job of satisfying cravings, these are 3 of my top stalls:
📍 @currybaude.berlin
They do a special sauce with fried onions / Cheap / attached to Gesundbrunnen metro station / popular local neighbourhood spot / cheap as off-the-beaten-track
💶 2 Currywurst with bread roll for €4.10 *make sure to order an extra bread roll so you can mop up that special sauce / take card
📍 @wurstpateoriginal
Very good sauce / More of a classic offering / Roadside stall, but they have cover / they sell variety of hotdogs too / vegan options
💶 2 Currywurst & fries for €7.20 / Cash only
📍@curry36
A few branches, but my fav are the ones conveniently inside the train stations / sell their own bottled curry sauce / get the mix of skin on & skin off / vegan options
💶 2 Currywurst & fries €8.10 / take card
From @thinkingfood247
20. SAVE this post if you love Caribbean food
We’re lucky to have a lot of great Caribbean restaurants in London. Most are family run or independent and this gem of place is no different. A North London neighbourhood spot that is worth the journey to Crouch Hill as you can’t go wrong with any of the menu: from juicy Jerk chicken (which you can get in a wrap) to super tender Oxtail curry. Can also vouch for the Goat Curry which is also epic too. Can’t really fault any item. So arrive hungry and leave full & happy
From @thinkingfood247
21. SAVE for your next Euro City Break
Wroclaw in Poland is an excellent city. Clean, cheap and pretty much perfect for a long weekend. Here this DAY TWO itinerary focuses on sights, eats and drinks for the day walking around the town (30 mins walk to furthest).
✨@Joliebrasseriecafe - good all-day Breakfast options and a very nice (Kofte) lunch item
✨Witches bridge - Up within St Mary Magdalene Church showing great views of old town with a history about witchcraft
✨@pizza.si - good pizza on a cool buzzy bar area under arches
✨Pociag - cool bar with film memorabilia (you can bring your pizza in to eat too)
✨Racławice Panorama - amazing 360 degree painting up close depicting the Battle of Racławice in which the Poles won over the Russians
✨@mleczarnia.wroclaw - wander around Jewish Quarter and end with drinks here
✨@Konspira_restaurant - cool restaurant honouring Polish independence serving authentic Polish food (get the platters!)
✨@AleBrowarwroclaw - good selection of craft beer
From @thinkingfood247
22. SAVE for Indo-Chinese eats. My mouth is drooling
Truth is the whole menu is very interesting and you can find great options across all dishes Fatt Pundit. There is lots of good vegan options too, but here are some dishes (apart from the signature chocolate brownie every knows about) that are worth choosing and sharing between 2/3 people. I’d actually also add the chicken lollipops there also
From @thinkingfood247
23. SAVE for Epic Berlin Burgers
There are nearly ten branches across Berlin these days, but I love the original (and most iconic) branch which is housed under a train track bridge and serving from a disused public toilet. A top Berlin street food eat.
It’s been quite a while since I had a Burgermeister, but a re-visit has reminded me how damn tasty their burgers are. And how they keep things simple but do it right. We got the chilli cheeseburger & a regular cheeseburger with added bacon. The quality of ingredients, from meat to bun and bacon to sauces are top notch. Esp considering the prices were €5.80 and €6.50 - which is ridiculously good value too.
From @thinkingfood247
24. SAVE this post for a Spicy Smash
One of my fav burgers I’ve had in recent time. The chilli cheeseburger is an elite burger when done right and @bunandsum do this simple but very effective smash burger very very right. Great thin lacing on those double patties with melted American cheese, fire sauce and a load of fresh green chilis giving a lovely bit of heat. A fittingly smashing burger all round (that is 50% off when collected on site - albeit it is in the middle of nowhere) at only £6. Defo a 10 for me.
From @thinkingfood247