Job Discussion Forums

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Teacher in Rome wrote:

"This is sacrilege, but in the land of pasta I crave south-east Asian food."

I can empathise with this....I think we all often crave what we can't have. We miss Korean food immensely in HK. There are Korean restaurants but not as good as Korea. Cooking it at home is possible but Korean cooking is quite fiddly and involves lots of pickled items which are just too darned tricky, though we do occasionally buy some kimchee and have a "Korean night".

Living in Asia the thing most westerners miss is an oven, which the locals just don't seem to use. I do miss roast dinners.

Back to Rome though....we spent a couple of weeks there this time two years ago. The food was delicious. We'd move to Italy tomorrow if we thought we could get a half-decent job!

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

Yes, I find that sometimes eating out in HK is cheaper, especially for one. It is not that cooking for one is so difficult, it is sometimes just pointless.

I love the selection we have in HK for food. Sadly, I am in the New Territories and not close to all the great foods in Central. I do make the trek once in awhile for a nice mexican, Russian, Vietnamese, Malay or Thai dish.

I have considered getting my cleaning lady to get me some fresh fruit and veggies. I think I usually get close to local prices here. They are usually posted infront of the food. It is so cheap compared with Japan and home, that I am not going to quible over a few dollars.

I WANT AN OVEN!!!

Scott in HK · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 148

For the HK'ers...the purchase of a good size toaster oven...can do wonders for your cooking...i have done small roasts...baked cakes...and even did a turkey last christmas...although in pieces and you have to remove the backbone...

i have a great recipe for stuffed pork tenderloin that works great in a large toaster oven...i got mine from fortress...

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

Actually, this weekend I saw a counter top oven at Fortress that I am *seriously* considering after payday!! Better than a toaster over...which I have already. Just have to measure my countertop and make sure I have the room. Rolling Eyes

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Space is the critical problem in HK.....we have a decent-sized flat on Lamma...large living room but tiny kitchen. There is literally nowhere for even a tiny toaster-oven to go.

Joachim · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 311 Location: Brighton, UK

Yes, space is a huge problem in HK. I WISH I had an oven, then I could also make my chocolate chip cookies (and I make the best!).

I may consider a toaster oven, but I'm not that convinced I'd useit regularly. Typically a HK teacher works long hours and makes good money so there is really no need to make that extra effort to cook, and clean up when there is no financial incentive to do so.

You can eat Chinese food off the street for under $20, and HK is home to the worlds' cheapest McDonalds!

jebjeb · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 12

i've also found it hard to find some key items needed in making any non-turkish food, but this website has been a godsend for me:
http://www.foodsubs.com/

Mark-O · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 6:05 am Post subject:

Sorry, a 'toaster oven'? Is this just a small oven?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Celeste · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 6:44 am Post subject:

Foster-

I have an oven. I BOUGHT one. It was 138 000 yen after taxes and installation and the table to go underneath it. I cook Canadian and American Thanksgiving at my house. My oven is the only one in my group of friends and coworkers that can hold a turkey!

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

To be honest, i have thought about buying a regular sized one, but my kitchen now would not hold it...and the flat is a rental.

IF I stay in HK much longer, I may consider it.

A toaster oven is a like a small over but good for mostly toasting things...can broil the odd chicken breast or steak in it. Usually fits on a counter or conveniently in a cupboard.

Mark-O · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 7:02 am Post subject:

Ah, I see ... sounds handy - thanks Foster!

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Here in my apartment in Mexico, I have an oven that I rarely use...

But, do you have microwaves in your little shoebox apartments in Asia? Not that I've ever had one myself, but can't you get some kind of microwave/convection oven arrangement these days?

Just a thought...

Lozwich.

woza17 · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 602 Location: china

My flatmate just bought 5 kgs of Parmesan Cheese and 5kgs of blue vein. We have no room for the beer. What is the best way to store cheese?