In the lexicon of modern foodies, few phrases ignite the primal hunger quite like "street meat." It conjures the sizzle of a griddle, the plume of charcoal smoke, and the dangerous gleam of a knife carving protein from a rotating spit. But for the Western palate, there is a specific, obsessive craving for —the elusive, authentic skewer found not in a sanitized food hall, but thousands of miles from the source.
By Marco de la Cruz | Global Food Correspondent asian street meat far
Melbourne and Sydney have a "far" relationship with Asia. You are far from China, but close to Vietnam. The best "far" meat in the Southern Hemisphere is found in Victoria Street, Richmond, where the bo ne (grilled beef served on a sizzling plate with a fried egg) rivals Ho Chi Minh City. In the lexicon of modern foodies, few phrases
Go forth. Find the far meat. Burn your tongue. And when you get home, start planning the next journey to the horizon. Have a story about the best "far" street meat you’ve ever eaten? Share your distant food memories in the comments below. You are far from China, but close to Vietnam
Whether you are an American traveler longing for the night markets of Taiwan from 8,000 miles away, or a European expat searching for the Sichuan peppercorn-laced lamb of Xi’an, the quest for far (distant) Asian street meat is a culinary pilgrimage. This article is your guide to finding the fire, the fat, and the ferocity of Asian street barbecue, even when you are geographically removed from its origin. What does "far" mean in this context? It is not just a measure of kilometers. "Far" represents the disconnect between the idea of street meat and the reality .
Whether you are flying 10,000 miles to eat Cơm Tấm (broken rice with pork chops) in a Saigon alley, or driving 30 minutes to a suburban strip mall for Jianbing (Chinese crepe) with a hot dog in it, remember: "Far" is not a place. It is a state of mind where the smoke is dark, the fat is hot, and the napkins are optional.
The US has the most "far" potential due to its Strip Malls. In places like Houston (Chinatown), Los Angeles (San Gabriel Valley), or Queens (Jackson Heights), the street meat is not on the street—it is inside a food court stall. Look for the satay stall with the longest line of Indonesian cab drivers. That is your "far" sign. Part IV: The Science of the "Far" Flavor Profile Why does far street meat taste different? It isn't just nostalgia. It is chemistry.