We hop back on the longitude trail, and make a pit stop on longitude 112 with a dinner for 20 at Anna’s in Hackney at 8pm (only 5 spots left so RSVP to anntxdr@aol.com soon!).Russia, Mongolia and China feature heavily this week. Shchi (cabbage soup) has been the predominant first course in Russian cuisine for over a thousand years. Shchi knew no social class boundaries, and even if the rich had richer ingredients and the poor made it solely of cabbage and onions, all these “poor” and “rich” variations were cooked in the same tradition.

Guangdong is the most populous province in China, registering 79 million permanent residents and 31 million migrants who live in the province for at least six months of the year, travelling from all over China to jobs in the economic hub of Shenzhen. The region is associated with Cantonese cuisine – the type of Chinese food best known in the West, so have a go at making your favourite dish from your local take-away!

Due to the climate and nomadic traditions of the people, Mongolian cuisine is light on veggies and heavy on meat and dairy products and animal fats. The Mongolian diet includes a large proportion of animal fat which is necessary for the Mongols to withstand the cold winters and their hard work. Yum.

We also nudge into Borneo in Indonesia, famous for it’s orangutans and delicious cuisine, so let’s lighten up the menu with some Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee or Pansoh Manok.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Near future: 

Bookings are now being taken for Alicia’s dinner for 30 on Saturday, 27th April at the wonderful Parkholme Supper Club. Alica writes:

“The 27th April is the 118th day of the year. The 118th degree of longitude goes through the following countries:  Russia, Mongolia, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.  So bring a dish from any of those countries. Spaces are limited and filling up fast – to book one click here – Please ensure that you’ve put your e-mail address somewhere on that poll, either by your name or in the comments (where you list your dish) – if we can’t mail you we cannot tell you the exact address to go to and your place will go to someone else. Thanks!”.

Then, on Saturday 5th May, Melissa hosts for 20 at her place in Kennington to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Big hats and dresses recommended! Arriba!

Sinead

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