Asian Street Meat Far Access

By Marco de la Cruz | Global Food Correspondent

However, the demand for "far" meat supports diaspora economies. When a white-collar worker in Chicago pays $18 for a bowl of Khao Soi with a grilled chicken leg, they are subsidizing the ability of a Laotian immigrant family to stay in business. The keyword "far" implies respect for the distance traveled—not just the meat, but the people. asian street meat far

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. By Marco de la Cruz | Global Food

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

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 .

Europe is tricky. "Far" for a German means traveling to Berlin for Thai street food at the Thai Park in Wilmersdorf. Because of strict health codes, you rarely get the true open air smoke. You must look for Turkish Adana kebab (which is technically Asian, from the Asian side of Turkey) to get your fix.

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.