Vancouver, I have a confession to make. I do love you, but sometimes your damp, grey winter days have me dreaming of more tropical places. Oh, I know that your winters are shorter and milder than those in other places I’ve lived (Boston, I’m talking to you), but still, I can’t help it if my rain-soaked thoughts sometimes stray to sunnier spots.

My travel dreams these days are turning to tropical food festivals, and these five are topping my wish list. Here’s why:

1. Carnival in Brazil—Because I love feijoada, the Brazilian black bean stew (pictured above). If you’re lucky enough to be headed to Carnival in Rio this month, here’s a guide to feijoada eating.


2. Carnival in Trinidad—Rotis, bake and shark, souse, curried conch…


3. La Fête des Cuisinières, Guadeloupe—A festival of Creole food, prepared by women chefs!


4. Diwali in India—A sweet holiday in a fascinating country that I’ve long been wanting to visit.


5. Festival of the Yam, New Caledonia—Have you traveled to this South Pacific island? Do you like yams? Then why not?

What tropical food festivals are on your bucket list? Please leave a comment with your ideas to fuel our winter travel dreams!

And if you’d like to share a food photo or story with WanderFood readers, please do! Join the WanderFood Wednesday blog carnival. Here’s how:

1. Post a food photo on your site.


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Tasty Travels!

Carolyn

As my tastebuds mature, I’ve realized how fulfilling a smaller meal with lots of flavor can be far more satisfying than a large meal consisting of just one or two items (often eaten out of a bowl!).

That’s why the Indian thali plate is so rewarding. On one tray, you’ve got not only a variety of foods (rice, dahl, roti, veggies, meat or tofu) but all the flavors one needs in a meal (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, astringent and bitter).

Even when eating a small thali plate, one will likely feel full and satisfied, especially when topped off with a sweet Indian treat!

Please join WanderFood Wednesday! Here’s all you do:

1) Add a food-related post to your site (it can be a recipe, food photo or any other foodie find)
2) Include a link to WanderFood Wednesday so your readers can enjoy other food posts
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4) Include a link directly to your food post (not your main blog)

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Life’s Short, Eat Well!

One of my favorite parts of Delhi is Chandni Chowk. It’s frenetic, hectic, and packed with both people and shops throughout the tiny alleyways.

One section is filled with Muslim shops and restaurants, including this tiny little place above.

This gentleman sits outside rolling dough for chapattis and cooking them up right on the sidewalk. Passersby can order them individually or you can sit in the restaurant, just beyond him, and order a full meal accompanied by these breads.

Our North India women-only cultural tour includes a trip to Chandni Chowk

Come back to join the WanderFood Wednesday meme!

Life’s Short, Eat Well!