
Born a proud Belfast girl, for university I decided to expand my horizons and move to England. It was only then that I realised how many things from home I took for granted. From how much I love my cat, my family, and my friends (in that order), to how much I love an Ulster fry armed with soda and potato bread. Ulster fry you ask? Surely just the same as an English breakfast … but my friend, you couldn’t be more wrong. A fry just isn’t a fry without some soda and potato bread. You wouldn’t think there is much difference between Northern Ireland and England, cuisine-wise, and there’s not. But the importance of soda bread and potato bread is an issue not to be overlooked.
Being now in my third year at university, I was adjusting to boring old English breakfasts. Nonetheless I got used to living away, surrounded by new friends and nice food. Then I moved to Germany for my year abroad. Goodbye practically everything I knew about food! Hallo Deutschland! It’s not really THAT different, but I am a self-confessed fussy eater.
I’ve visited both Edeka and Aldi, and although they stock some pretty decent groceries, I have no idea what to do with them (which is not unique to Germany). I thought I found my haven when I stumbled upon some eggs (one of my favourite foods as they are the only things I can cook – thank you student life!) However my happiness was cut short when I was faced with the task of choosing what type of eggs. Not only was there all sorts of different colours and types … there was also multi-coloured eggs. Blue, red, green, you name it. I have never been so bewildered, especially about eggs. I immediately felt defeated, chose some white eggs and took myself home to cook the one dish I know: eggs on toast.
To be fair, I have only been living here for two weeks. So I don’t have much experience in the German kitchen as of yet (but to be honest I don’t have much experience in any kitchen). Apart from the food, I’m loving Germany. It is surprisingly easy to adapt to the new culture and I find it fascinating. If only the food was as easy for me to fall in love with!
Are you a fussy eater? What would you miss from your country if you moved to a foreign country?