Tuesday, May 10, 2011

English and English: two different languages...well, sometimes

Say hello to the cute peas!


When people say that English is a difficult language, I can say "why yes it is."  Not only because there are some rules that exist without making much sense, but also because depending on where you go (i.e. the States, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K, etc), names will also change.  It took me a couple of weeks to adjust here but I've managed to use the appropriate words that I've compiled into a (rough draft) list of American English vs. Australian English as far as basic food terms go:

AMERICAN = AUSTRALIAN

cookies = biscuits / bikkies
biscuits = scones
steak fries = chips
chips = crisps
oatmeal = porridge
cilantro = coriander
bell pepper = capsicum
green onions = shallots / spring onions
cantaloupe = rock melon
raisins = sultanas
granola = muesli*
ketchup = tomato sauce
fruit concentrate = cordial
shrimp = prawn*

*Granola has actually become a trademarked named here in Australia.
*Similar looking but they are actually not the same creatures biologically.

Anyhow, I had a chance to try this place called Mamak, a Malaysian place known for their rotis and long lines outside the door.  Luckily, the wait goes by rather quickly as you end up watching the people in the front kitchen spinning around their dough and making their rotis.  Even better, the food comes out quick and hit the spot for the night.  Looks like I like to be surrounded by food.  Oh wait, I do!


Mamak
15 Goulburn Street (Haymarket)
Sydney NSW 2000
02 9211 1668
Hours: Open 7 days
Lunch: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Dinner: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Supper: Open till 2am Friday & Saturday (Chinatown)

4 comments:

  1. West Coast - pepperoncinis : East Coast - banana peppers

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  2. courgette = zucchini
    paua = abalone
    round beans = green beans

    :) we're twins. seriously.

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  3. So happy you like Mamak - MMMMMMMMmmm!

    I have to tell you though, a lot of Aussies don't say crisps. English people say crisps, I say chips and then if they're 'Fries' Aussies say hot chips :)

    There's different words to use to order beers in QLD/NSW/VIC too tee hee.

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  4. @Joy: I miss pepperoncinis! And bananas that aren't $13-16/kg! :(

    @Erin: Thanks! I'll keep that in mind when I'm in the U.K. or something. Did you hear English people use them over here in Australia? Hungry twins indeed..haha!

    @Bliss: I was totally looking at the size of the glasses and the different names used! Maybe it's because I asked my flatmate from QLD? Thanks for your Sydneysider info! :)

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