In honour of the FIFA World Cup and the arrival of summer, we’ve dusted off our Exotic Junk Food Review series from years past to explore some of the more colourful international snacks, treats and indulgences found around Vancouver.
Originally published June 11, 2010
The Courier’s Exotic Junk Food Review takes a trip to Commercial Drive's El Sureno Market (1730 Commercial Dr., ph. 604-253-5017), which has the largest selection of hot sauces, yerba matte and imported soft drinks for around $1 a can we've ever encountered. Sweet relief.
Milca Soda Roja “Red Soda Pop”
Country of origin: Nicaragua
What it is: an unnervingly bright red-coloured soft drink that tastes like cream soda with a dash of cough syrup.
Verdict: not bad if you want a more adventuresome cream soda and a longer lasting fructose corn syrup high.
Guarana Antarctica “The Brazilian Original”
Country of origin: Brazil
What it is: the second best selling pop brand in Brazil after Coke and official sponsor of the Brazilian national football team. It resembles light beer in the glass.
Verdict: the most fragrant of the bunch, with a sweet and medicinal taste similar to Red Bull thanks to the caffeine-loaded guarana plant.
Colombiana "La Nuestra"
Country of origin: Colombia
What it is: Kola bean flavoured soda that is oddly orange in colour, subtly sweet with a slightly nutty aftertaste.
Verdict: a co-worker described it as "delightful." The logo would also make a wicked chest tattoo.
If you have an exotic junk food suggestion for the Courier, email mkissinger@vancourier.com.
