What's the best food?

[Aeson]

If we're talking about last meals before execution then I'd make it an entire blueberry cheesecake and let diabetes beat them to the punch.

My lactose intolerance would make them wish they had killed me sooner.

 

[Nikosandros]

The intent was a specific food.

OK, then I'll pick "rigatoni alla gricia" followed by "fettuccine ai funghi porcini".

 

[Buzzqw]

Italian "Tagliatelle al ragu'" , made by a truly "azdora" , with home made tagliatelle

My ragu recipe:
How to make Bolognese sauce (not really sauce by Bolognese's disciplinary, but this is my family recipe)

In a large pot, add half a thinly sliced and chopped red onion and extra virgin olive oil. Cover with a lid.
When the onion begins to brown, add two inches of red wine and let it reduce for another 3 minutes.

Add the ground beef and the same amount of sausage (I usually use 400g/400g), stirring well.

Cover with the lid for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to break up the meat, then add a glass (150/200 ml) of red wine.

Continue cooking with the lid on for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add the tomato puree, salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of honey and stir well.

Stir again every 5/10 minutes to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Always with the lid on.

Cook for 90-120 minutes, loosening the lid slightly to allow the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken. The heat should allow for a constant but gentle simmer.

Taste, season with salt... and enjoy!

 

[Velderan]

Surely, you mean guanciale?

I like carbonara a lot, but - for me - it's a once in while dish. However, since it seems that we can be more generic, I will go with pasta as my favorite food. Yes, it is stereotypical for an Italian, but I really, really love pasta.

In my first hand experience being married to one, your story checks out. When we still lived in Italy about a decade ago, I used to tease her about the fact pharmacies usually sold pasta.

My father-in-law decided to taunt us on Christmas Eve by reminding us that tarocchi were in season, so do me a favor and go eat some for me.

 

[Aurel Guthrie]

Well what the best food is is going to depend on many factors, it's almost like asking what the best d&d setting is, the answer is going to vary from person to person! (It's my own homebrew, btw)

In all seriousness, for me it's a tie between lassagna and spaghetti. I love pasta in general.

 

[Arnie_Wan_Kenobi]

It's a joke I make occasionally, that because I'm half Chinese, half Polish, I'm genetically disposed to liking dumplings.

But to heck with it, I'm going to lean into that. Dumplings, whether steamed, boiled or pan fried are the best food. They cover the bases of starches, can have vegetable or meat fillings as a balanced meal, can be added to other dishes or served by themselves with a dipping sauce. Pierogies or Har Gow, doesn't matter, I'll have dumplings.

100% agree! I entertain an overly-optimistic thought that sitting down and sharing a plate of whatever your culture's dumplings are will break down most socio-cultural barriers.

Butter-fried Pierogi is a Christmas tradition in my family.

 

[Vael]

Butter-fried Pierogi is a Christmas tradition in my family.

For us, it's Uzska (mushroom and onion filled small dumplings) served in Borscht that is always the first course at Xmas dinner.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

There are so many good dishes, it's hard to come up with a singular best -- which is the reason for the original analogy.

On the short list are carne asada, lasagna, al pastor, gang panang, lamb bahn mi, biryani, twice cooked pork, schnitzel/katsu chicken. Also, I haven't eaten lunch yet.

 

[jian]

View attachment 426219
“TO CRUSH YOUR…waitaminit.”

I don’t know if I could narrow it down to one, partly because I cook, partly because I enjoy so many different cuisines.

And because I cook, I get to enjoy my best recipes much more often than the stuff I can only get when eating out.

“To smash your burgers, to see them lined up before you, to hear the lamentations of your servers.”

OK, if we’re looking for a dish or dish type, I’d have to say ramen. So many options and done well they’re all delicious - my favourite is probably Yokohama ramen but I’ve no problems at all with shio or tonkotsu, or with Hokkaido or curry or yuzu. Vegetarian soy milk ramen can be amazing. Tan tan men is amazing. If I’m allowed to branch out into similar dishes using the same noodles (I accept that udon is probably out) then mazesoba and tsukemen are both indispensable. And let’s not forget won ton ramen either. Even instant ramen (or ramyeon, rather, Korean instant noodles are more varied and creative) has its culinary virtues.

 

[overgeeked]

bahn mi...schnitzel chicken

Those are absolutely great picks. Those would definitely round out my top ten if not top five.

Throw in a well-made pretzel and currywurst. I'm set.