Local Flavors In Asia

My recent visit to China, Japan and South Korea was a wonderful experience. While I was touring the different countries, I was on the hunt for the locally grown food scene and this is what I found.

Shanghai, China is one of the most dynamic places in world. What a mind boggling array of changes happening in this city of 20 million people. The established old ways are rapidly being left by the wayside for the shiny conventions of capitalism, but hidden in the alleyways, you can still find local vendors selling fruits and veggies. The street vendors transport their produce in the old style; using two baskets, a pole, rope and the human body.

Lychee nuts are my favorite shade of red!

The mangosteen has a plumb type texture and are sweet.

In the town of Fukuoka, where some of my ancestors are from, gardens can be found in the small yards of many homes. I was delighted to see veggies and fruit growing everywhere and it made me a little homesick for my own gardens!

Then there was the fish market in Busan, South Korea. This place is a sushi and sashimi lover's delight! With the help from a translator, I found out that most of the seafood is harvested from the local waters.