So I've been hooked on World of Tanks Blitz (WoT) lately, playing on the Nintendo Switch. For those familiar with the game, one aspect of improving tank performance is to purchase provisions which can improve characteristics like defensive capability, repair speed, or shooting/aiming speed. One of these provisions is food to give to the tank crew, and what makes it interesting is that the food for each nation reflects its cuisine. I really won't go into WoT details here -- iykyk -- but here is the list of nations and their corresponding culinary provisions (note that WoT features tanks from around the 1920s to the 70s, so there are some nations that do not exist anymore):
Some thoughts:
- I like the attention to cuisines. WoT could've just put anyonymous MREs for provisions, but they changed it by each nations' cuisines.
- Especially interesting are the Eastern European ones where they featured very hearty stews and soups for premium provisions. It's not always I learn more about a cuisine through a shoot-em-up game.
- Asian cuisine is well represented in China and Japan, although the practicality of having Peking duck -- delicious as it is -- on the battlefield is questionable. But the onigiri is spot on.
- WoT was just lazy with Germany and the USA. I mean from cola to more cola, or from chocolate bar to better chocolate bar? Really?
- WoT must hate the Italians. There was so much to choose from, and they went with cinnamon rolls -- a pastry one wouldn't necessarily associate with Italy -- and a whole wheel of what I think is Parmegiano Reggiano but called "Cheesehead."
- The USSR selection was also disappointing. Condensed milk is fine -- I could imagine them actually having it in their tanks -- but Extra Field Rations? Soviet cuisine offers quite a lot. I'd have gone with Uzbek plov or Georgian khachapuri for premium provisions.
- The food for the Brits and French was fine, if a bit stereotypical. Although I understand the Brits do have a hot water dispenser in their tanks for teatime.
- Grilled salmon for the Swedes was a bit lazy too, but plus points for drawing the salmon very deliciously.
- General "rations" for Hybrid Nation is practical. I mean, choosing any real dish would imply a source or cuisine and therefore a nation.
- If the Philippines were a WoT nation, I'd go with kapeng barako (liberica beans coffee) for 3% and binalot (adobo, egg, tomatoes and rice wrapped in banana leaf) for 10%. They're morale boosters and practical on the field. Hey, if the Chinese could get Peking duck and the Czechs could get goulash, then adobo binalot is par for the course.
