On Tour With Dridgers (#OTWD), a full-time travel couple from the UK, embarks on a thrilling food adventure in Chengdu, China. Despite the miserable rainy weather, they are determined to sample the best food the city offers. Their journey begins with a unique breakfast experience in People's Park, where they encounter a street filled with vendors dressed in elaborate costumes. They try panda-shaped rice flour balls with a black sesame seed filling, a dish recommended by the local tourist bureau. The panda balls, while initially seeming sweet, surprise them with a savory, peanuty flavor.
Next, they delve into a local restaurant, ordering Dandan noodles and the aforementioned panda balls. The Dandan noodles, contrary to expectations, prove less spicy than anticipated, exhibiting a delightful sweetness. They also sample Chinese pancakes, trying both sweet and savory versions. The sweet pancake, filled with marshmallow fluff, is a clear winner, while the savory one, with pickled vegetables, is a more divisive choice. The experience highlights the unique cultural aspect of sharing drinks in Chengdu, where customers help themselves and are charged for empty bottles at the end.
Their culinary journey continues with a daring attempt at rabbit head, a popular local dish. They purchase both plain and marinated versions, the latter boasting a spicy marinade with nuts and chilies. While the plain rabbit head offers a unique texture and flavor reminiscent of duck, the marinated version's intense spices somewhat overshadow the meat's taste. Despite the initial apprehension, they find the experience memorable and enjoyable, highlighting the adventurous spirit of their trip.
Their exploration concludes at a bustling night market, where they sample sweet potato-filled hash browns, a kimchi and cheese-filled bacon-wrapped dish, and unique buns wrapped in banana leaves. The hash browns, filled with spiced pickled vegetables, are a standout success, earning high marks for their crunchy exterior and soft interior. The buns, while interesting, prove to be a more divisive choice, with the savory version receiving lower ratings than the sweet one. The day culminates with a glimpse of a tempting burger joint, promising another culinary adventure for the future. Throughout their journey, #OTWD shares their reactions, insights, and humorous observations, making their experience both informative and engaging.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most memorable food?
- A: Probably the sweet potato hash browns from the night market - they were amazing!
- Q: What was the spiciest thing you ate?
- A: The marinated rabbit head was pretty spicy, but the flavor was still good!
- Q: What's your opinion on the rabbit head?
- A: It was a unique experience! The meat itself was surprisingly tasty, but there wasn't a lot of it.
- Q: What surprised you most about the food in Chengdu?
- A: How much variety there was, and how delicious everything was! I never expected to find so many unique and tasty dishes in one place.
- Q: What's your tip for navigating Chengdu's food scene?
- A: Use a translation app and don't be afraid to point and try new things!
