What: Pad See-Ew Where: Thai Basil, Berkeley, CA
What: Crispy Calamari, Pork Firepot, Cubed Filet Mignon, Caramelized Hoisin Chicken, Garlic Noodles
Where: Eleve, Walnut Creek, CA
What: Menu del Dia (also known as a worker’s meal which is about 10.95 Euros) is such a steal because you get an appetizer, a main course, dessert, and a drink at a decent price. I was so full I got a stomach ache. It was delicious and I got to speak a little Filipino with the waitress. Felt a little bit like home.
Where: Fil Manila, Ramellenes 3 around the Gothic Barrio/Las Ravals - the only Filipino restaurant I found online in Barcelona (although the waitress mentioned that there are a couple more in the area, albeit in the sketchy part of town).
What: Frites with Mayonaise (sweeter than American mayo). Because I likely cannot say it better: this one is right on the main street if you head directly away from Centraal Station, so every visitor is bound to pass it at least once. Just as with the other stand, there is always a line out front, even when nearby places are empty. But unlike Vleminckz above, this one is open all day and well into the evening, so it’s probably easier to work into your schedule. Their list of sauces is larger, including cheese and red pepper sauces. They have three sizes that range from €2.25 to €3.50, and they also sell shakes and ice cream. The sign out front says the place was “Voted #1 Holland’s Fries”, and as dubious as claims like that often are, this one might be correct. (Source)
Where: Manneken Pis at Damrak 41, Amsterdam.
What: Dutch Pancakes also known as pannekoeken! AMAZING. best meal of the trip by far and definitely a must do when in Amsterdam. meals can start at low as 4 Euros but for the real deal meals, you can expect to spend between 9-13 Euros. Hot chocolate is about 2.50, whipped cream is 1 Euro more. you can order set deluxe pancakes or create your own with toppings. this is a very small quaint place, reminded me of one of those good brunch finds in Manhattan. also a treat: they gave us free key chains at the end of our meal.
Where: Pancakes! at Berenstraat 38, Amsterdam or check them out online here!
What: traditional Dutch cuisine at a small mom and pop’s place recommended by my Lonely Planet’s Guide to Europe on a budget. most items on the menu are about 3 Euros and this place is definitely a local spot.
Where: Van Dobben at Korte Reguliersdwarsstrat 5, Amsterdam.
What: other non-Dutch delicacies which we enjoyed during our stay include some Asian cuisine, such as the Thai Chicken Satay, as well as some Italian dishes, such as the Ravioli and Pizza (with ham and egg). also, it’s best to order a drink if you decide to hit up a coffee shop. they make amazing hot chocolates, perfect for the chilly winter.
Where: Amsterdan, the Netherlands
