Adam Richman is a renowned television personality, author, and food enthusiast, who has made a name for himself in the world of food and entertainment. With his infectious personality and insatiable appetite, Richman has captured the hearts and taste buds of viewers around the world, and his unique approach to food has earned him a legion of fans.
This article will take a closer look at the life and career of Adam Richman, from his early beginnings to his recent successes on the small screen.
Top Travel Food Destinations According to Adam Richman
Manila, Philippines
Illustration purposes only
Adam and his team journey to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, in search of its most delectable hidden culinary treasures. Their itinerary includes several stops:
- The Exit, located behind an “Exit” sign inside Plaza Cafe in Makati, where they try the off-menu “Ostrich Salpicao.” This dish comprises chunks of ostrich meat marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, spices, and calamansi, a local fruit. The meat is sautéed and plated over cauliflower purée, doused in leftover marinade, and topped with garlic chips that have been boiled in milk.
- Elbert’s Steak Room in Salcedo Village, where they taste the secret “Double Gold” steak, made from aged New York Strip steak from mature cows. The steak is left unseasoned except for a sprinkle of salt and pepper and grilled over hot lava rocks.
- Mendokoro Ramenba in Makati, they savor the “Shoyu Mazesoba,” a soupless ramen dish prepared with fresh boiled noodles, shoyu (Japanese soy sauce), leek oil, vegetable oil, white pepper, white vinegar, sprouts, cabbage, and topped with roast pork, a raw egg yolk, and pork back fat.
- Pepita’s Kitchen, a home-based restaurant where they enjoy the Filipino-style lechon, a roasted suckling pig stuffed with truffle rice and cooked for four hours in a charcoal oven until the skin becomes crispy. The pig is brushed with achuete oil, and Adam and his team are fortunate to partake in a sumptuous feast prepared by the chef.
Hong Kong
Illustration purposes only
Their journey includes stops at Trafalgar where they savor the Tomahawk Ribeye, a 2-pound tomahawk-shaped steak seasoned with salt, black pepper, rosemary, and olive oil. The steak is grilled to perfection and finished in the oven. Other food establishments he tried include:
- Tsim Sha Tsui, they indulge in the Tomato and Beef Noodle Soup, a bowl of instant noodles cooked with sliced beef in a chicken-and-pork broth and served with a fresh tomato-based soup.
- Sing Kee, a food stall in the Central District, offers an off-menu razor clam dish prepared wok hei-style with black beans, onions, chilis, salt, sesame oil, oyster sauce, chili paste, and a cornstarch slurry.
- Mrs. Pound, a speakeasy in Sheung Wan disguised as a stamp shop, is where they sampled Ma La chicken wings, battered in chili spices, deep-fried, and dusted with garlic, chili, and sugar.
Malaysia
Illustration purposes only
Adam journeys to Malaysia to experience the unique blend of Indian, Chinese, and Malay cuisine. His itinerary includes:
- Sate Zainah Ismail, a heritage satay spot nestled in Jalan Keramat, where he samples halal beef and chicken skewers marinated in lemongrass, ground peanuts, sugar, and two types of turmeric powder, skewered and grilled to perfection;
- My Burger Lab, located in Selangor’s Sea Park, where he relishes in the secret “The Bomb” burger- a flat-top grilled, smashed 1/4-pound beef brisket patty, crowned with cheese, onion rings, lettuce, a fried egg, red chili mayo, and sriracha sauce, all hugged by a signature black potato bun made with ground bamboo charcoal;
- Merchant’s Lane, an Asian-fusion restaurant nestled in Chinatown’s Petaling Street, that was once a famous brothel in the 1980s, where he delights in their “Italian Chow Mein”- spaghetti infused with masak merah (sweet and sour tomato sauce) and garnished with a Malaysian twist on Bolognese sauce (Rendang chicken, a dish prepared with ginger, galangal, garlic, and shallots that preserve the meat)
- Ikan Bakar Kak Jat, a seafood eatery, where Adam savors Pari (stingray), dipped in a spicy chili marinade, wrapped in a banana leaf and seared in a hot wok, accompanied by a side of white rice, sambal kecap (sweet soy sauce), sambal asam (sour chili sauce), and spicy grilled squid.
South Dakota, US
Illustration purposes only
Adam scours the Black Hills of South Dakota for the best hidden eateries to coincide with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and tries the following:
- JR’s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit where he tries the elusive “El Frito Q Texicana” sandwich made with 15-hour smoked beef brisket, pickled jalapeños and red onions, pepper jack cheese, Fritos corn chips, barbecue sauce, and Sriracha mayonnaise on a garlic bun
- Deadwood Social Club where Adam indulges in the off-menu “Wild Boar Poppers,” featuring mild sweet cherry peppers stuffed with Sriracha cream cheese, wrapped in smoked wild boar bacon, skewered, and deep-fried
- Jambonz Grill & Pub, home to the Cajun-style frybread taco with deep-fried crawfish, Cajun coleslaw, homemade mango salsa, deep-fried okra, comeback sauce, and crumbled feta cheese.
- The Blind Lion, where he samples the “Chicken Dijon Confit,” which is locally-raised chicken thighs cooked in duck fat, olive oil, garlic, and bay leaves for three hours, then sauteed in oil and mixed with a mustard sauce consisting of Dijon mustard, white wine, crème fraîche, parsley, and chicken stock. The dish is served with roasted potatoes and topped with more mustard sauce.
Takeaway
These are some of Adam Richman’s top food destinations that offer a diverse range of culinary experiences that are sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. From classic American comfort food to exotic international dishes, his recommendations showcase the best of what each destination has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a food enthusiast looking for your next culinary adventure, these destinations are worth adding to your bucket list. Your travel won’t be complete without trying out the local foods, so grab one and enjoy the culinary experience!
