Tommy Gontz is a culinary expert with a passion for exploring the world through its diverse cuisines. Over the years, he traveled the globe, immersed in different cooking traditions. Tom Gontz believes that food is not just about sustenance, but also a way to connect with people around the world. In the following article, Tommy Gontz provides a glimpse into some of his favorite culinary traditions. From Japan to France to the Mediterranean, this article takes a look at some of the more popular foods of his favorite places to visit. One of the easiest ways to immerse oneself into a unique culture is to experience the country’s native foods when traveling. And below, Tom Gontz discusses how he did just that.

The French Baguette

The baguette is synonymous with France, and for good reason. Although it’s simple baking at its best, this long bread is a universally recognized staple in any household around the world. The baguette appeared in kitchens in 18th century France in its most primitive form. Since then, there have been several refinements to the original recipe, donning its official “baguette” name in 1920. Although the origins of the baguette are unknown, many myths have circulated over time of its discovery. But one thing everyone can agree on is that it’s a wonderfully delicate bread, deliciously paired with a variety of main dishes, butter or cheese.

Tea Drinking in China

Tommy Gontz says that although often associated with the British, tea drinking in China dates back centuries, with many rich stories, traditions, and culture surrounding the beverage. As a testament to the huge role that it plays in the culinary landscape, there are over 2000 different varieties of Chinese tea on record. Tea is a way for Chinese people to bond, and they do so commonly in teahouses. These are communal buildings where people sit with a cup of tea, and a friend to converse, share stories and connect.

Japanese Washoku

Washoku is the term used for traditional Japanese cuisine. It is comprised of four elements, rice, soups, side dishes, and pickled vegetables. Washoku takes inspiration from nature, using seasonally available ingredients in methods that are passed down through families for generations. Tommy Gontz says that thanks to the diverse nature of the Japanese landscape, from fishing villages to agriculture, the food can greatly vary depending upon where it is being cooked, meaning the best way to sample what the country has to offer is a foodie road trip!

The Mediterranean Diet

Tom Gontz says that the Mediterranean diet is comprised of foods and dishes from Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Morocco, and Cyprus. Not only is this region renowned for its tasty, fresh meals but also for its diet and lifestyle that has been attributed to some of the longest lifespans. Key highlights include fish dishes rich in omega 3, olive oils, flavorful tomatoes and herbs, and the sharing culture of Spanish tapas dishes. This region is also famous for its markets, boasting fresh foods and delicacies rarely found anywhere else, created by small family producers that have never changed hands.

Singapore’s Hawker Markets

Tom Gontz reports that street food is a phenomenon that is booming the world over as of late, but one place that holds it dear in its culinary tradition is Singapore, thanks to its hawker markets. These undercover markets contain countless small restaurants, all run by chefs that are masters of their craft and usually specialize in just one or two dishes that have been cooked and refined to absolute perfection. Singapore is a melting pot of many different cultures, such as Malay, Nyonya, Indian, and Chinese, and these flavors and influences make themselves known within their cuisine. The hawker markets make for a great informal meeting space complete with affordable food.

Turkish Coffee

Turkey began its obsession with coffee back in the 15th century when it was discovered by the Ottoman Turks, who quickly embedded it into their daily life. Turkish coffee differs from other methods of preparing the drink thanks to its use of a cezve, a metal jug into which finely ground coffee is placed along with water and sugar. The cezve is placed on a heated surface, either a hot plate or even sand, until the mixture inside begins to boil and foam at the top. For the Turkish, Tom Gontz says that coffee isn’t something to get a quick hit of caffeine as in other cultures. Instead, the practice is to sit down and relax with a freshly brewed cezve and enjoy some good conversation with friends.

Other Culinary Traditions

Food, as much of a necessity to life, is also a reflection of our history, culture, and identity. Whether it's a simple bread, tea or spice, every dish tells a unique story. By sharing and experiencing the food of different cultures, we can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people and places that make our world so diverse.