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A Journey Through Mountain Cuisine and Sustainable Travel
Let me take you on a gustatory odyssey through the topographies of high-altitude Asia, all entwined with my quest for love and conscious travel. Amid mountain peaks, I uncovered a love story - a symphony of Mountain cuisine and sustainable travel. Kirghiz honey, Tibetan barley bread, and yes, my friends, Hotteok; the window to Korean street food soul!
Started my journey in Korea, a nation seen by many as the epitome of fast-paced life, but for me, it was where I first tasted Hotteok. These are Korean pancakes with unique fillings, beautifully blending sweet, salty and spicy flavours.
Best described as a taste of heaven, Hotteok is now my go-to trekking snack. Power-packed with nutrition and perfect for an energy boost - certainly one of the best foods for trekking. It’s compact, easy to carry and doesn't quickly spoil.
As a fervent proponent of sustainable travel, I ventured to explore destinations without leaving a trace, embracing local traditions and manners, and supporting local economies. Contributions can be as simple as trying local delighted foods!
Mountain cuisine often gets overlooked due to its simplicity. Don’t be fooled! It embraces nature, using available resources that are hearty, and easily digestible at high altitudes. Tibetan Tsampa, Nepalese Dal Bhat or Georgian Khinkali – it's all about travel, trails and tantalizing tastes!
Then, the unexpected happened. I met her in Seoul, under the cherry blossoms, and we decided to go on a date. A Korean-food lover like myself, we connected instantly and decided to explore the mountain trail together. I confess, the date went very good. We shared Hotteok atop a chilly peak that backdrop an ethereal sunset - an exquisite afternoon to remember!
This journey encompasses more than just food or love; it's a harmonious blend that amalgamates culture, sustainability, and passion. It demonstrates how food creates bridges, connecting people and cultures across borders and beliefs. It's about more than just embarking on a journey. It's about immersing oneself within it, understanding its quirks, embracing its flavors, and loving every bit of it.
The great takeaway from my epicurean journey? Taste for yourself, immerse in local culture and respect every place you visit. Food and love are common languages, uniting us in unpredicted ways, creating memories that last a lifetime.
So, fuel your trek with local food, fall in love unexpectedly, leave a positive footprint, and embark on your sustainable adventure - Happy TravelChefZ way of journeying!
Stay tuned for more such adventures from my gastronomic diary as I trot the globe, one cuisine at a time. Until then, Happy Eating, Loving, and Traveling!
I am, The TravelChefZ, your globe-trotting, love-seeking, gastronomical guide.