Movie Theater Snacks from Around the World
By Brynn Mannino
In the U.S., moviegoers snack on typical vendor fare like nachos, chocolate-covered candy and popcorn. But what's served in America isn't necessarily the norm around the world. Whether it's V.I.P. audiences in Russia feasting on caviar, or Norwegians enjoying dried reindeer meat, check out all the favorite munchies of international filmgoers.
Japan: Iwashi Senbei
At first glance, these brown crispy flakes look like bacon strips. However, they're actually bags of sardine (iwashi) rice crackers (senbei). To capture the notorious sweet-savory umami flavor of Japanese cuisine, the mini-fish (including their mini-skeletons) are baked in sugar and soy sauce and usually sold prepackaged.
Korea: Dried Cuttlefish
In Korea, prepackaged cuttlefish (similar to squid but with a meaty texture and briny-sweet flavor) is served dried and shredded. But the delicacy is not served in place of popcorn-it's served with it, as the two snacks' opposing textures (chewy and crunchy) go well together.
Russia: Beluga Caviar
Muscovites' love of the finer things in life is apparent even at the movies. At theaters in Russia's largest city, amenities now include this luxurious black roe, which is served by waitstaff (not bought at concession) to patrons who pay extra to sit in V.I.P. seats.
See 10 of the most daring delicacies from around the globe.
India: Samosas, Chaat and Vada Pav
For Bollywood fans, Indian fare like samosas (potato-stuffed pastries), chaat (fried dough with potato, bread or chickpeas and tangy spices with yogurt garnish) and vada (a spiced potato sandwich) are the movie snacks of choice. Psst: You can also get them at cinemas in the U.S., like Columbia Park Stadium 12 in North Bergen, New Jersey.
Barbados: Fish Cakes and Banks Beer
Commonly sold by restaurants, street vendors and theaters, fish cakes-made from salted fish (think cod), flour, baking powder and herbs (thyme, parsley and marjoram)-are a hit. They don't taste too salty, are typically served with some type of hot sauce and are washed down with Banks beer, a local brew.
Lithuania: Kvas or Kvaas
This fermented beer-like beverage is made by pouring hot water over cubes of stale black or rye bread, fermenting it in a wooden tub and seasoning with mint. One Lithuanian tells MSNBC, "We used to buy it outside the cinema from a lady dressed in a white doctor's coat, serving it from a large rusting cylinder drum with a little tap at the side."
Greece: Souvlaki
During the dry summer season between May and June, open-air movie theaters unlock their doors all around Greece. Moviegoers can snack on typical theater treats like soda and nachos, but some venues also serve an array of authentic Greek fare, like souvlaki (skewered meat and veggies).
United Kingdom: Sugared Popcorn
Most theaters in the United Kingdom (along with many parts of Asia) serve sugared popcorn, which is popped in a standard kettle and sprinkled with the sweet stuff in lieu of salt. Not to everyone's liking, though, so salted and buttered popcorn is usually available, too.
Norway: Dried Reindeer Meet
We're not sure which is better: The drive-in theater for snowmobiles or the highly nutritious lowfat reindeer meat served there. Located in Kautokeino, Norway (450 km north of the Arctic Circle), the theater is entirely made of snow, including the screen.
Spain: Calimocho
In Spain, specifically in Madrid, a red wine and cola cocktail has been the street refreshment of choice-especially for kids, who like to smuggle it in since the drink isn't sold at theaters. Sprite or Limonada Fresca can be substituted for cola, too!
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com
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