There’s been a lot of talk about ‘the dude food movement’ of late, as if it’s something new. Sure, inventions like the ‘donut burger’ and the ‘bacon weave taco’ have only recently appeared on the culinary landscape, but here at ManSpace we reckon dude foods have been around for quite some time. So we thought we’d put together a list of our Top 10 traditional dude food favourites…
1o. Nachos
This meal originated in Piedras Negras, Mexico, as an impromptu (and arguably genius) offering made by a restaurateur to a group of US soldiers’ wives who were out on a shopping trip.
Often topped with cheese, beef, beans and chilli, this tortilla (or now more commonly corn-chip) based dish includes all five of the food groups and is sure to give a dude all the sustenance he needs.
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9. BBQ
Man’s mastery of fire permanently altered the evolutionary path of our species. Perhaps it is this fact that makes eating barbequed foods such a deeply satisfying, almost spiritual, experience. While superficially we may just be enjoying some finely charred meats, on a deeper, subconscious level we are communing with our ancestors. So cheers Homo erectus, and thanks for the barbeque.
Image: www.commentcamarche.net
8. Potato cakes
This golden-skinned jewel of the deep-fryer is known by many names; Potato scallops to the New South Welshman, potato cakes to those hailing from the southern states, and potato fritters to South Australians. Whatever you like to call them, there can be no argument that the potato cake is king of the chip shop.
Image: www.goodfoodgourmet.com
7. Pizza
If you really take the time to think about pizza, you will come to realise that it really is something of true beauty. It just boasts so many attributes that other foods just can’t deliver. Think about it: everyone is satisfied because you can put almost anything on one. They are cut up into handheld slices so they’re easy to eat with one hand, allowing the other to gently nurse that bottle of beer in your other hand. They’re versatile and include all of the food groups too, so you know, they’re kind of good for you… And they can be delivered straight to your door meaning you don’t even have to leave the house to indulge in one. Thanks a million Italy.
6. Ribs
Maple glazed ribs, hickory smoked ribs, tangy BBQ ribs, braised pork ribs, I could go on… There is a primal urge inside (almost) every dude that can only be truly satisfied by tearing the meat off the bone of an animal with your teeth. Chinese glazed pork ribs, slow-cooked sticky beef short ribs, honey-soy baby back ribs… ribs anyone?
Image: www.chowstatic.com
5. Meat pie
No dude food top ten would be complete without this Aussie institution. Former NSW premier Bob Carr has described it as our ‘national dish’, but to be fair, it is also an icon for our Kiwi neighbours. Synonymous with AFL and Rugby, it’s one of the most popular foods to eat at the game – and when you can hold a combination of pastry, meat and gravy in one hand and a beer in the other, it’s not hard to see why.
4. Souvlaki
Dating back to the 17th century BC, no night out is quite complete without a souvlaki. Made with a choice (or indeed a combination) of spit-grilled chicken or lamb, this traditional Greek dish can also be dressed up for a fine dining experience worthy of the Gods.
3. Pork belly
With around 220kjs per gram pork belly is indubitably a dude food. Quite literally the belly of a pig, this fantastic cut of meat is popular in Asian, European and North American cooking. A favourite here at ManSpace is crispy skin pork belly, a dish that successfully marries the delights of pork crackling with sweet, tender pork belly.
Image: www.porkcdn.com
2. Bacon
Because it’s bacon, that’s why.
1. Hamburger
The hamburger is the holy grail of dude food. Many have claimed to be responsible for bringing it into being, but still, no one person wears that crown. At ManSpace we are of the opinion that a food this marvellous is likely to have no master. Indeed, we believe there is no creation story for the hamburger. Rather, it has evolved with us – side by side through the ages.
Gravy – special mention
Everything’s better with gravy. For a case-in-point simply add gravy to any dish on this list and – voila! You’ve got something better than the sum of its parts. It’s this indisputable fact that has given rise to expressions such as; ‘good gravy’, ‘ride the gravy train’ and ‘the rest is gravy’. Ideally it’ll be made from the drippings of roast meat, but hey, if you have to make do with the powdered stuff it’s still better than nothing right?
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