Away with Julia Busuttil Nishimura: ‘Visiting a local market gives you an insight into a new place’

Table of Contents

Julia Busuttil Nishimura's got a real knack for grub. The Melbourne-based cook and author has knocked out four smash-hit cookbooks, including Ostro, her 2017 crack at Mediterranean-inspired seasonal recipes.

leaning the art of Italian cooking. You could say, mate, that grub is always a key part of any trip overseas for a chef. So, it's no surprise she makes a beeline for a local food market as soon as she arrives in a new place, or, if that's not on, a decent supermarket will do.

Here, she's sharing why that holiday tradition is a must-do for her, plus the story of the plate of pasta that's stuck with her.

Over and out to Zan Rowe: 'I sobbed every day in Greece, it was that breathtaking.'

Who's the perfect bloke or sheila to travel with?

A top travel companion is someone who's as one with you. I reckon it doesn't matter if you've got different faves or budget to burn, you need to make sure you're both on the same wavelength. Having someone who you can be upfront with is bloody crucial.

What's your first recollection of a pleasant break from school as a kid?

When I was about four, we went on a family holiday to Tasmania. I reckon it was the middle of winter, coz it was freezin' cold, and I still remember the smell of wood smoke from our cabin and others. It's a smell that's stuck with me since I grew up by the beach in Adelaide's northern suburbs. I remember goin' on heaps of walks and spendin' heaps of time in the bush on that holiday.

Chat about it: What's stuck in your memory as your most memorable takeaway in terms of taste, experience or weirdness?

On me first trip to Italy when I was 18, I was visitin' mates in Bobbio, a town in the shire of Piacenza in Emilia-Romagna. They took me to a small restaurant perched on a hilltop owned by an elderly bloke and his missus. Every feed they cooked was made with fresh produce they had either grown, shot, or picked themselves. I had the best fresh pasta with a wild boar sauce that's still seared into me brain and will remain one of the most ripper meals I've ever had.

What's the most chill place you've ever been to?

I feel right as rain when I'm back in Malta. Catching up with my family always works wonders for me. Likewise, when I'm in southern Tuscany, where I used to live, I feel right at home and easy going.

And the most stressful?

Fair dinkum, I loved it this time, but the first time I got to London, I was fair blown away by how chock-a-block it was!

What's your holiday tradition?

‘Make Sure You’re Using Seasonal and the Best of the Best’: How to Cook and Eat Like You’re On Holiday in Tuscany

When I go on a break, I always make sure to check out the local farmers' market or a top-notch supermarket. I'm a huge foodie, I love browsing around, seeing the displays, and seeing what everyone's buying. The toughest part is when I don't have a kitchen, 'cause I always wanna get heaps of things to give a go. Visiting a local market gives you a real insight into a new place. It's a meeting point for me.

What's one thing I always chuck a few of in the suitcase?

I always slip an AirTag into my suitcase. It's a real help to know where my luggage is at all times, especially when I'm change rooms at the airport.

What’s your advice for getting through those lengthy international flights?

I don't touch a drop of grog on flights and stick to drinking plenty of water instead. I'm always on the go, getting in heaps of exercise by walking heaps, and catching a few cheesy flicks that have had a bad wrap.

What's the biggest travel-related thing that still looks up to you and brings a bit of disappointment?

My partner still hasn't been with me to Italy and Malta, and it's starting to feel like a definite trip we should organise together ASAP.

• , is out now