The authentic taste of West Sumatra gained worldwide recognition, as Rendang – signature dish of Padang – was crowned the World’s Most Delicious Food on “Your pick: World’s 50 most delicious foods,” the list issued by www.cnngo.com on September 7, 2011. Placed second after Rendang is Indonesia’s equally popular dish – and one of the favorite dishes of Barrack Obama, President of the United States – namely Nasi Goreng or fried rice. While Satay, another staple Indonesian dish of charcoal grilled skewered meat cubes, also stood proud at no. 14.
Originating from the Minangkabau region of Indonesia, in West Sumatra, Rendang was initially served solely at ceremonial occasions to honor guests. Nowadays, however, Rendang has become the icon of Padang Restaurants found all across the country and abroad. The article perfectly illustrates Rendang as follows: “Beef is slowly simmered with coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies, then left to stew for a few hours to create this dish of tender, flavorful bovine goodness.”
The cnngo.com article was revised from an earlier release dated July 21 entitled “World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods,” which did not specify what criteria it used to compile the list. The article stimulated some impassioned debates, and ultimately CNNGO threw an open vote on a Facebook Poll. After more than 35,000 votes entered, the site released a whole new list, which placed Rendang on top of the list, followed by Nasi Goreng as runner up, and Japanese Sushi at third.
“It appears we got it all wrong. The world’s most delicious food is not Massaman curry, as we suggested, but a meaty, spicy, gingery dish from west Sumatra,” admitted CNNGO on its newly-revised list.
Leading the world’s taste, Rendang and Nasi Goreng outranked Japanese Sushi and Ramen, Thailand’s Pad Tai and Som Tam, Hong Kong’s Dim Sum, Chinese Pecking Duck, Italy’s Lasagna and Gelato, US Ice Cream, France’s Croissant, and other delicacies around the world.
The wonder of combining rice with egg, chicken, and prawns also made the list: Nasi Goreng came in second. This Indonesian delight received more than 10 times the vote of its Thai counterpart, propelling the former from non-runner up to runner-up. Further down, sitting pretty at number 14, Satay is a representation of Indonesian classic taste.
There is no better way to enjoy the indulging taste of Rendang than in its popular originating city of Padang. Not only enjoying its authentic taste, here, visitors can also experience the unique way of how Padang food is served. Waiters in Padang restaurants can expertly carry on both arms more than ten plates filled with all kinds of delicacies, a signature skill and style specific to Padang restaurants. These dishes will then be spread out on the table for diners to pick and choose. Guests will be charged only for those dishes they have taken by counting the empty plates on the table.
A complete list of the 50 most delicious foods can be found at:
http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321?page=0,0
Source: thejakartaglobe.com, cnngo.com
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- After more than 35,000 votes entered, the site released a whole new list, which placed Rendang on top of the list, followed by Nasi Goreng as runner up, and Japanese Sushi at third.
- The world's most delicious food is not Massaman curry, as we suggested, but a meaty, spicy, gingery dish from west Sumatra,” admitted CNNGO on its newly-revised list.
- “Beef is slowly simmered with coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies, then left to stew for a few hours to create this dish of tender, flavorful bovine goodness.
