Papaya Verte Pop Up, Norwich

 

Every now and then, a moment of pure, food joy happens. When your mouth waters uncontrollably and your eyebrows start to dance as you grunt; wordless noises of sheer enjoyment.

 

Today was one of those days for me.

 

Let me introduce you to this perfect, fragrant, steaming little bowl of Beef Pho made by Jaki aka Papaya Verte; an inspirational local pop-up cook and super club host, who brings Vietnamese food to Norfolk with an explosion of flavour and passion.

 

 

 

I can only describe the broth as magical in terms of its depth and flavour; floating a treasure trove of juicy beef shin and softly satisfying rice noodles. Stirred through this were spring onions, red onions, fresh chilli, mint, coriander and a hearty wedge of lime.

 

Being a condiment queen; I also added a squirt of Sriracha, because I literally can’t resist it, although in all fairness, it really didn’t need any extra oomph. Because this bowl on its own encapsulated a microcosm of texture and tastes that made my tastebuds rejoice with sour, salty, savoury and zinging, herby freshness.

 

On a freezing British December day, with numb toes and tingling nose, it literally felt impossible to imagine a dish quite as delicious and heartening. I’d be fibbing if I told you I’m not daydreaming about it as I write this.

 

So, I’m filing ‘explore Vietnamese cuisine’ among my resolutions for 2018 and I’m hoping that means enjoying more from Papaya Verte; whose supper club adventures also raise money for charitable causes both locally and in Vietnam. Check her out, follow her and embrace the spirit of nourishing your life with a diversity of flavours and cultural experiences that are right here on your doorstep in Norwich if you know where to look, listen and taste. Enjoy!!

 

For more information about Papaya Verte, follow on Instagram @papayaverte, Twitter @papaya_verte or Facebook @thegreenpapayasupperclub

Tasty House, Norwich Market

 

The picture above is Cambodian Noodle Soup, served by the wonderful ladies at Tasty House Norwich, with a beautifully pungent spoonful of kimchi. A real mix of Asian tastes, textures and colours that completely lifted a hurried lunch at my desk with a nourishing, flavourful flourish.

 

This soup had a warm, gently spiced scent, that floated up to my nostrils on a cloud of creamy coconut. Sweet white crabmeat nestled between delicate noodles and crunchy fresh beansprouts, with a cheeky sprinkle of peanut to finish.

 

My very first mouthful of Cambodian cuisine was uniquely fresh and savoury flavour, from lemongrass, galangal and garlic. Soothing turmeric yellow helped to give it a sense of being a cheerful  bowl of sunshine on an otherwise drizzly Norfolk day.

 

The hearty serving of kimchi on the side burst with spicy, salty, sour flavour and popped against the noodles with a fiery, chilli red colour.

 

As I licked my spoon and got back to work, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a special culinary education this dish represented; I like that Norwich market is able to provide such variety of different dishes from different cultures and countries. And I love that the women who work so hard to put these authentic, dishes together are so generous in their desire to share the magic of their culinary heritage.

 

… and whatever you do, don’t forget to stock up on speciality snacks and ingredients at The Orient Express Asian Mini Market while you’re here!

 

Visit http://www.orexnorwich.co.uk for more information about The Orient Express Asian Mini Market in the heart of Norwich City Centre. Visit The Orient Express and Tasty House on Norwich Market, Row H.