Food: The World On Your Plate

One of the advantages of living in a cosmopolitan city like Auckland is the opportunity to try a variety of ethnic food. If you are aware that food is an important part of any culture, then having a meal is more than just eating something because you are hungry. It is also an opportunity to learn more about cultures of the world.

If you are really interested about that, invite one of your fellow foreign classmates to go to a ethnic restaurant that she or he enjoys. It is important to go with a native (of the food you are eating). Firstly, because you may not know what to order, and you will need some guidance.

Secondly, you will need somebody to explain what exactly the dishes contain (remember, this is not the food you are used to, and even though you are trying, there is always the chance that you won't like it).

Finally, while you are eating (or after) you can ask questions and learn more about your classmate's country and culture. Of course, you are practicing your English and making friends at the same time, so a routine activity like having lunch gets another meaning when you are taking an exchange course.

Auckland is one of the best places to do this. As I said in previous posts, the Embassy Auckland school is located near many different restaurants (as a matter of fact, there is even an international food court on the school's street, just five minutes walking).

You can choose Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Brazilian and even Australian for your lunch (these are the ones that I remenber right now). If none of this pleases you, there is always the option of regular fast-food.

I personally got quite addicted to the Malaysian cuisine. My favourite is the chicken with cashew nuts with a bowl of rice. Superb! I had no idea that Korean barbecue could be so good (and I thought I was hopeless with chopsticks, but with the help of all my Asian classmates, I managed to learn).  

Many people ask me if I miss Brazilian food. And I always I say, "Not yet!"

As with everything related to an exchange course, this is a time to try new things and be more open minded and a little less proud of your own nationality. And that includes food.

You can find out more about the attractions local to the Embassy Auckland school at the main Embassy website.

Comments

[Bill Curley PreTafy Teacher]

As with any cosmopolitan city, the diversity that is found brings its own rewards, and as you rightly point out Andre, the diversity found in Auckland is marvellous, I reckon it could be months before you run out of food ideas.

[Tiggi]

Hi Andre,

I liked your post about food. This is one of my favourite things ( I do tend to stick to one or two flavours in tinned food and also I often snack on biscuits) so you have encouraged me to be more adventurous in my dining experiences. So you don't miss "feijoada" just a little?

[Carter]

Australian food? Murder Burger on Ponsonby Road offer a kangaroo burger and you can get an emu burger at The Drake Tavern downtown...

[Lucas]

Hi Andres! Como estas? how nice to hear something about you guys!! i´m back in Argentina now, but i hope to be back there next year, may be to live there... facebook?