"DO YOU LIKE THE FOOD?"
My goal was to take pictures of every dish I ate and over the course of a month... and you can imagine how well it worked (ie: it didn't). I would forget and not want to take a picture of half-eaten food or I would be in a restaurant where the lighting was really dark... whatever the reason I failed miserably. We have obviously discovered that I am not "food-gramer" material (a term used for a person who enjoys taking and posting pictures of their food).
I've been really proud of the fact that practically all of the pictures I've posted on my blog since coming to China I've taken myself, but I decided for this one I would find images online of the awesome foods I am eating and use them to share with you (otherwise this blog is NEVER going to happen). So, please be aware that maybe 2 pictures on this blog today were actually taken by me. Yet, every picture is exactly what I am eating (and LOVING) while here in China!
A WARNING
A little warning, since moving to China I have NOT seen any of the following:
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BREAKFAST & FRUIT
Milk & Yogurt
I drink a cup of black tea every morning with a little spot of milk. Additionally, though hard to find and you pay an import tax, I've realized one of the things I missed most from the U.S.A. was cereal. So, I've taken to once a month buying a big box of imported cereal (usually a knock-off Cheerios or Corn/Frosted Flakes) and eating some bowls with milk occasionally throughout the month.
Similar to milk, there is a wide variety of options when it comes to yogurt. The main difference is that yogurt in China is viewed as a drink as opposed to something you eat with a spoon. Instead, a majority of yogurt containers come with straws attached. I've really come to love some of the fruit-filled yogurts served here. I love to drink one as my breakfast on the bus while we head to school in the morning.
Youtiao
Dragon Fruit
Pomelo
LUNCH & VEGETABLES
Mantou
Wood Ear Mushrooms
Rice
Lotus Root
Baozi
Green Beans
Stewed Cabbage
SNACKS & DRINKS
Rice CrackersYou can buy these rice crackers in all sorts of flavors or simply decide if you'd like salty or sweet. My mom was actually the one who helped me discover these tasty snacks. She loved them when she worked in Japan and was excited when I brought some home for the family to try over Christmas Break! | Nai ChaI think Nai Cha, aka milk tea (or bubble tea) is actually becoming more and more popular in the U.S.A. I had never tried it before coming to China and I will admit I've joined the bandwagon of this strange, tasty, and super-filling deliciousness. |
Hawthorn RollsI suppose it really is just a natural and healthy type of Fruit Roll-up, but to say my roommate and I are addicted is a gross understatement. These things seriously must have some sort of addictive substance put into them because they are just too fabulous! | Diget CookiesThese cookies were such an amazing find. They are a Korean snack sold in Korean markets in Qingdao, but they actually taste just like a cookie I fell in love with when I spent the summer in Ireland three years ago (Digestives). Probably one of the more unhealthy things I've come to love, but have it with a cup of tea... so worth it. |
Red Bean Spring RollsWait? Those look like egg rolls! Well, let me tell you now they are so NOT. These are more of a dessert spring roll filled with a red bean paste. I know, I thought it too, how can red bean paste be a dessert? I do not know the magic trick behind their creation, but they taste sweet and rich and are so delicious... and they're also fried so you know, just watch your hips okay? | Meat PocketOur school's snack shop sells these meat filled pockets on a weekly basis and you have to fight to get one. I'm not kidding the students gobble these up faster than I can say, "You are dismissed" and bolt from my classroom. They are a warm, filling snack and have been especially well loved during our cold winter months. |
Dried Seaweed
DINNER
Kimchi Stew
Noodle Soups
Kimbap
Seafood Dishes
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I hope this blog convinces some of you that you REALLY need to come visit me! (In case you are actually wondering... No, I surprisingly have not gained any weight, lol. I think it's all the walking and fresh fruits and vegetables.) Still, I'm eating so much goodness it is almost unbelievable.
A life update will be coming your way soon! Have a happy Lunar New Year this week!