Oyster-shucking and mango-carving inspires global food festivals
Posted on Thursday 21 June 2012
in India, Delhi, Ireland, Dublin
By Sophia Choice
Around the world, food festivals take the leading role as a favourite event to attend for travellers venturing to new places. Celebrating cuisine from various cultures is a direct way for Kiwis to immerse themselves in a nation's heritage, as well as meet a variety of different members of the community. Typically showcasing dishes that may be entirely new to travellers - whether by putting a staple ingredient at the forefront of a recipe or presenting utterly bizarre delicacies - these gourmet celebrations should make it to the top of a traveller's itinerary list when planning an upcoming holiday.
Delhi, India's International Mango Festival
India's native fruit, the mango, is more than just a fleshy, round and flavourful item. Hindu mythology considers the sweet snack a revered item, deemed as a symbol of joy and spiritual attainment. Since 1987, the product has landed the starring role in the International Mango Festival, a two-day event that celebrates the growth of the export with mango-eating competitions, vendor stalls, mango-carving demonstrations and culinary preparations that offer a modern twist to the traditional fruit.
Held from July 6 to 8 at the Delhi Haat Pitampura in Delhi, the event showcases more than 1,100 varieties of the mango, including the Langda, Alphonso, Sindheri and Bombay Green, all of which guests can sample for free and compare which succulent flavours they enjoy most. After tasting each product in its raw form, Kiwis who have taken flights to Delhi can choose from an array of jams, pickles, juices and chutney, selecting each based on which variety flavour pleased their palate best.
Shuck oysters at Galway's Oyster and Seafood Festival
For those who prefer savoury over sweet, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival in Ireland is the perfect place to spend a holiday and enjoy the delectable aphrodisiac with a travel companion. Held September 28 to 30, the event involves the whole city, featuring Galway's finest seafood restaurants, the Food village at The Festival Marquee and of course, the World Oyster Opening Championship, where shuckers from around the world gather to test their master skills at carving and consuming the light summer appetiser.
Kiwis can split their holiday stay between the nearby cities of Dublin and Galway to make the most of their trip. Once they've toured Dublin's famous sites, including the Guinness Storehouse and the city castle, they can book a Dublin car hire and satisfy their seafood appetites at the Oyster Festival Marquee in Galway Harbour.
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