The best meals I ever had.

While JT and I were driving home one day, it had suddenly come to my attention that the best meals of my life were all not from Toronto. Instead, they were all abroad during vacation periods. One might argue that it's because people might be more willing to spend money on good food while on vacation, hence better food. While there is some truth to that, not all the best meals of my life cost a fortune. Not to mention that expensive food does not always mean good food (example: the hit and (mostly) miss 'licious events in Toronto every winter and summer). What adds to this puzzling idea is that I've spent my entire life in Toronto. How is it that I still can't find some mind-blowing food in two decades compared to the limited days I spend touring a foreign city? Oh Toronto.

Hence, with inspiration from the Food Network show 'The Best Thing I Ever Ate' (which I love to watch), I'd like to do a series of posts on the best meals I ever had.

I started making a mental list of said meals, counting around 7 or 8 at the moment. We'll see what else my memory racks up. The series will also allow me to fast-track reviews on meals I had during vacation, but without having to blog all the chronological events that led up to it. Yay!!!

Okay, time for some food p0rn to get you guys hooked.


Best shabu shabu/hot pot-thing I ever had. Just look at the marbled fat of that thinly-sliced piece of meat!!!
Osaka, Japan.


First time drinking plum wine and as a person that never really liked alcohol, this was SO FREAKING GOOD! I believe it was a free sample too from the above shabu shabu place. The only thing that I've had that can compare to this is the one at Kaji.
Osaka, Japan.


Best pineapple buns. Ever. EVARRRRRRRRRRRR.
Not too big, fresh out of the oven and still warm with REAL PINEAPPLE filling oozing out of the center. I think I ate 4 or 5 in the end, after an entire dim sum meal.
Zhongshan, China.


A shabby place like this is where I had one of the best meals of my life? Yup, that's right. A dirty, desserted alleyway in the middle of literally nowhere of Shanghai suburbs, a group of us gathered around a small table sitting on tiny foldable chairs for supper - dai pai dong style. I'm pretty sure we ordered at least 50 skewers that night ($2 RMB each) among other stir-fry dishes.
Shanghai, China.


Even after going to Singapore, I couldn't say that I had eaten the best hai nan chicken rice of my life. Until I went to LA that is. The most tender pieces of chicken that literally fall off the bone paired up with a secret homemade sauce. And of course, a heap of fragrant chicken oil rice on the side. Lining up outside for a half an hour while exhausted and starving was definitely well worth it.
Los Angeles, USA.


HELLOOOOOOO COCO'S CURRY! Although a chain restaurant from Japan, hands-down the best curry I ever had. A rich depth of flavour with the distinct sweetness found in Japanese curry and a spicy kick. Then matched with an amazing tonkatsu - crispy fried skin on the outside with tender, juicy meat on the inside.
Tokyo, Japan.


This is the dish that made me fell in love with Mexican food. Mouthful of succulent shredded chicken meat layered underneath a bed of flavoured beans, all that wrapped inside a flour tortilla. Topped with cheese, sauce and a generous amount of guacamole.
Los Angeles, USA.


And how can I forget sea urchin like this?
Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan.