2011 was a year of slow paced travel and a constant buffet of street food!
As a final closing on the year of 2011, I just wanted to give you a quick re-cap (with photos) of all the destinations I visited along with a personal favorite dish I ate while there.
Happy New Year 2012 and Thanks for supporting Migrationology.com!
Dar Es Salaam Fish Market
1. Tanzania, East Africa
I started the year of 2011 off in Dar Es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania.
Though there are a lot of interesting sites and sounds around town, the early morning Dar es Salaam fish market was one of the most thrilling places!
Zanzibari Mix
Zanzibari Mix – Tanzania
This intricate concoction of pure delight was mixed together by Mama Mumtaz. The basic ingredients included deep fried spicy potato balls covered in thick coconut milk curry and garnished with chutney and tomato hot sauce!
Flood in Bangkok
2. Thailand, SE Asia
About 1/2 of my time in 2011 was spent in my home base of Bangkok, Thailand. The beginning of the year was normal, I was even able to publish a monster list of 101 things to do in Bangkok.
However, in October, flood waters began making their way through the city and disturbing 1000′s and 1000′s of residents. As detrimental as it was (and still is), my apartment and neighborhood was spared.
Larb Pla Duk - Thailand
Larb Pla Duk – Thailand
Bangkok is a city I can’t get tired of, and a contributing reason is its vast quantity of delicious Bangkok street food. The dish pictured above is made from a smoked catfish that’s deboned and mixed with some tasty herbs and spices!
Yangon, Myanmar
3. Myanmar, SE Asia
With only a few weeks and some visa issues to work out, I spent most of my time in the city of Yangon. It was an amazing trip that included a few visits to the vibrant Thiri Mingalar market and going to a bunch of places to shoot the Yangon travel video!
Laphet Thohk - Myanmar
Laphet Thohk – Myanmar
Though there were loads of scrumptious things I ate in Burma, the green tea leaf salad known as Laphet Thohk, was one of my favorite dishes of Burmese cuisine!
Wat Phou, Laos
4. Laos, SE Asia
Having been to northern Laos a number of times, this year I visited the south of Laos. The 4000 Islands offered some wonderful relaxation, but Wat Phou was what really impressed me.
Here’s a Video of the 4000 Islands if you’re interested.
Sandwich - Savannakhet, Laos
Sandwich – Savannakhet, Laos
It’s not everyday that you encounter the best sandwich you’ve ever had – but for myself, I can honestly say this baguette filled with marinated beef, chilies, green onions and a runny egg was the best sandwich ever.
Yangshuo, China
5. China, Asia
Yangshuo, China, was one of the coolest outdoor paradise destinations I visited in 2011.
While I was there in September, the weather was perfect everyday for taking bike rides through the rice fields, hiking the karst mountains and taking dips in the Yulong River!
Check out this Video of me biking in Yangshuo.
Shuizhuyu
Shuizhuyu – Sichuan Dish in Yangshuo, China
Being half Chinese, there’s no denying that Chinese food was born in my blood – but I had no idea this masterpiece of a dish existed until eating Shuizhuyu for the first time in Yangshuo.
This Sichuan influenced hot pot was loaded with fish boiled in an immaculate blend of dried chilies, herbs and spices to create one of my favorite things to eat worldwide!
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In previous years, I had spent a significant amount of time in KL, but in 2011 it was just a brief stopover that included an all out 12 hour street food binge!
Nasi Campur, Malaysian Food
Nasi Campur – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
There’s hardly anything more comforting than a mixed plate of Malaysian nasi campur. This plate of food (which disappeared within seconds after taking this photo) consisted of curry fish, chili tofu, coconut milk vegetables, some eggplant and a scoop of soybean tempe.
Jaffna, Sri Lanka
7. Sri Lanka, South Asia
On my final trip in 2011 I spent about 3 weeks on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, but there are so many things to do and places to see that I’ll have to return again in the future.
Sri Lanka is easy on the budge; While having a great time, I managed to get away with only spending $10 a day traveling!
Sri Lankan Rice and Curry
Sri Lankan Rice and Curry
Rice and curry is the staple and common Sri Lankan food to eat – and it’s delicious!
Thank You!
With that I wrap-up another year of travel and street food here at Migrationology.com!
Thank you very much for following along on the adventures.
What was your favorite destination this year? What was your favorite food you ate this year? I’d love to hear from you too!
YOU might also LIKE:
Hey! I always love to read your blog, as you take good photos of good food! Sri Lanka has always been on my list, but given where I am right now, it’s a little far for the moment, and there are closer destinations that I also want to go to.
This year, I have added Mexico and Chile to my country count, bringing it up to 20. My most favorite food encounters in both countries have always been in marketplaces: the tostadas in the Coyoacan market in Mexico City was spectacular, and so was the seafood stew I had in the Santiago Fish Market.
2012 for me is starting with a bang, as I am scheduled to visit Guatemala, Honduras, and Germany in January and February. I’ll take a page from you and hunt for street food!
Jeruen recently posted..Ithaca Excursion: Buttermilk Falls State Park
Hey Jeruen,
Great to hear from you. I’m sure you explored some awesome Mexican food – that sounds delicious. Hope you have a great time in 2012, looks like you have some fun trips ahead of you.
Hope you have a great new year!
W.O.W! Ah-maze-ing! You’ve eaten some of the world’s best street foods! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts and faves on this topic. I LOVE street food – they are cheap, fast, delicious, and a true reflection of a culture! No frills, no hassle…just simply awesome food prepared by locals. This is the real adventure! Happy 2012! May you have more travels and food feasts ahead of you.
jen laceda recently posted..Saffron Risotto with Heirloom Vegetable Broth
Thank you Jen! You’re fully right about street food, it’s the purest form of local food in any country – and it’s not fancy, but should be the tastiest! Hope you and your family are doing well and Happy New Year 2012 to you!
Mark, love all of your food pics! These look delicious! I’ve never been a big fan of food when I travel but my last trip opened my eyes a little and it’s something I am going to explore a little more when I travel now.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Win a Furia travel backpack from Guerrilla Packs!
Cool to hear that Jeremy! Hope you have an incredible 2012 and I’m excited to see some of your tailgating food adventures!
You’ve had SO many good things, but Shuizhuyu and that Chinese hamburger look the best! Hopefully I’ll get to try it someday.
Thanks a lot Laura. Happy New Year 2012! The Shuizhuyu is out of this world – when you eat it you’ve got to send me the photo!
We’ve enjoyed following your travels and have been very tempted by your great street food finds. I have a feeling we will be hitting some of the spots you recommend in the coming year.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..25 Thoughts on Our 2011
Hey Caanan. Cool, are you guys planning to visit Asia soon? Let me know if you are traveling this way, or if you need any more advice on these eating spots..! Wish you guys all the best for the new year!
Cool post man, the Chinese hot pot looks to-die-for! It will be in my dreams from now until I get my hands on one… better yet, IN one!
Haha, dude, it’s the BEST!
Hi Mark.
Your post is so great! A good recap and inspires me to eat Asian food. Haha. I’m living in Singapore and getting sick of local food, including Nasi Campur and some Thai cuisine. But they look appetizing in your pictures.
This year I visited Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Prague and Austria. In total i’ve visited 13 countries. My favourite food is mussels in Paris. None better. I really like it, I can even finish a bucket myself
Turkish food like Kebab is also nice.
In 2012, I’m going to Malaka, Bali, and probably California and Vegas. Hope you have a great year ahead! Happy new year
Kezia Gusmawan recently posted..Marry The One Who Loves You, Not The One Whom You Love?
Hey Kezia, thanks for sharing! Sounds like you had an incredible 2011 and have some really cool travel and eating plans for the future. I’ve never had the mussels in Paris, but my mouth is now watering just thinking about them. I wish you all the best for 2012!
Impressive and inspirational for aspiring travelers… I loved those yummy photographs…
Rahul recently posted..Agra Diaries: Taj Mahal in Moon light
Thanks Rahul, Happy New Year 2012!
Wow..this post is even more drool worthy than your usual ones.
I can’t remember which post I read from but you haven’t seen your family in years?? How do you guys deal so well with it?
Thanks Li, Hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year 2012! I haven’t been back to the States in about 3 years now, but I have seen my parents and my sister both once I think since I left. I would definitely like to be able to visit my family more in the years to come – hopefully I’ll be able to make a bit more money to visit more! Thanks for reading this post and hope you are doing well.
hey Mark! i love to read ur blog as your always travelling and eating street foods! well if you could, visit India. there are tons of cool stuff to do and EAT!!
Hey Clement, nice to hear from you and Happy New Year to you as well. Are you back in India now? or are you still in Dar? I would love to visit India, I think I will next year! I’ll let you know before I visit. Hope you are doing well and please say hello to your family!
Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
wow! i love your photos, I love your stories,I love your blog! I also checked out your youtube videos and i enjoyed it so much,i hope you’ll write more about myanmar because i plan to travel there this year hopefully next month
Thanks for the nice comment Chris – I really appreciate you checking out my stuff. Glad to hear that you’ll be visiting Myanmar next month. I actually only visited Yangon and haven’t had time yet to get to other parts of the country – but I’d love to. Hope you have a fantastic time and I’ll be looking forward to seeing your photos are blogs about it too!
Heay Mark, Happy New Year 2012 and all the best in your travels this year! Keep those awesome videos coming! Next time you visit KL, give me a shout out.
David
David @ Malaysia Asia recently posted..Win 4 x All Expense Paid Trip to Japan with AirAsia X
Hey David,
Yah, I’ll definitely contact you next time I visit Malaysia. This time was so brief and I didn’t even know that I was coming until just before, so next time we’ll definitely get together – I’m sure you know the absolute best spots for food!
Happy New Year to you as well! Keep up the good work!
Mark