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KAREENA Kapoor Khan is enjoying her vacation in Italy with husband Saif Ali Khan and sons Taimur and Jeh to the fullest. The family of four jetted off to Europe recently for a summer getaway and the Bollywood star has been treating fans to glimpses of their adventures on social media.
In a recent photo shared on Instagram, she posted a picture of Saif relaxing at an outdoor restaurant during a lunch date in Italy. Dressed in a casual shirt and sunglasses, the Chote Nawab could be seen enjoying the view outside while waiting for his meal as he soaks up the Italian sunshine. Khan captioned the photo "Lunch” along with a rainbow and heart emoji.
While a vacation might be out of your budget right now, you can always recreate the experience locally. Order in or visit that fancy restaurant or café that serves classic lunch dishes typically eaten by vacationers. So, indulge in these delicacies and order a glass or two of wine to savour the bougie “broké” experience locally:
France: Croque Monsieur
The Croque Monsieur is the quintessential French comfort food. Toasted bread stuffed with ham, cheese and a creamy béchamel sauce then baked to golden brown perfection. Indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of this classic French sandwich on a lazy summer afternoon. The melted, gooey Emmental cheese pairs beautifully with the salty ham and creamy sauce. Wash it down with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and imagine yourself strolling the streets of Paris.
Spain: Paella
Nothing says summer in Spain like paella. This iconic rice dish celebrates the bounty of Spanish produce with its mix of chicken, seafood and vegetables. The saffron-infused rice takes on the flavours of the broth as it slowly cooks, becoming tender yet retaining some bite. Gather round the communal paella pan and dig in, enjoying the simplicity and abundance of Spanish summer flavours - juicy prawns, sweet peppers and plump tomatoes. As you feast, close your eyes and pretend you're on the beach in Valencia.
Greece: Greek Salad
The Greek salad transports you to the Mediterranean with its fresh, vibrant flavours. Vivid red tomatoes, cucumbers still flecked with seeds and dark green olives marinated in oil and herbs - these ingredients sing of long, lazy Greek summer days. Tear chunks of creamy feta cheese and scatter them over the top, then dress the salad lightly with fruity olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar. Toss and devour, enjoying the crunch of fresh vegetables and the salty, savoury notes of feta and olives. As you eat, imagine yourself sitting at an outdoor taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea.
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Italy: Bruschetta
Bruschetta is the quintessential Italian summer lunch - simple, fresh and full of flavour. The grilled bread becomes toasted and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and chewy within. Topped with chopped tomatoes still warm from the summer sun, fresh basil, garlic and a generous drizzle of fruity olive oil, each bite transports you to the Italian countryside. The sweetness of the tomatoes dances with the savoury garlic and fragrant basil. Enjoy bruschetta al pomodoro with a glass of chilled rosé and imagine yourself strolling the cobbled streets of Rome, the warm sun on your face and the heady aromas of the Mediterranean in your senses.
Mexico: Tacos
Nothing says summer in Mexico like tacos! Warm corn tortillas stuffed with grilled meats, fresh salsas and crisp vegetables - each bite brings the vibrant flavours and colours of Mexican cuisine to life. The warm tortilla cradles juicy carne asada, shredded chicken tinga or roasted vegetables. Top with pico de gallo, creamy guacamole and tangy salsa verde. Take a bite of this Mexican street food classic and transport yourself to the sun-soaked plazas of Mexico City, the warm breeze caressing your face as you savour the simplicity and joy of tacos al pastor.
Thailand: Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a celebration of Thai street food at its finest. The wok-fried rice noodles come alive with the sizzle of garlic and shallots hitting the hot pan, infusing the air with their aroma. As the noodles cook, they absorb the sweet, sour and salty flavours from tamarind, fish sauce, lime and palm sugar. Prawns, tofu and egg enrich the dish while bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch. Enjoy pad Thai with chopsticks on a steamy Bangkok afternoon and transport yourself to the hustle and bustle of Thai city life, the heady aromas and vibrant flavours bringing you joy with every bite.
These summer lunches from around the world offer a variety of flavours and textures, perfect for those hot summer days. So, take inspiration from Kareena Kapoor and try one of these classics today!
