One of the joys of travel is the ability to sample a diverse array of food. Feasting on local delicacies is as important as visiting famous sites. In fact, a lot of people travel mainly to satisfy their gastronomic curiosity. Make the most of your time and money by prioritizing popular food havens. Below are the best places in the world to visit for their cuisine:
1. Italy
Italy’s pizza and pasta have conquered the globe. These are best-sellers in virtually every country with locals creating their own flavors. It’s hard to argue to simple formulas that work so well. They are relatively simple to make yet they taste amazing. Of course, nothing beats the original, so you need to go to where it all started to enjoy authentic Italian dishes. Imagine fresh tomatoes, traditional cheeses, and other high-quality ingredients coming together on a flavorful hand-tossed base. While you’re there, you might as well hunt for gelato, prosciutto, lasagna, saltimbocca, tiramisu, and other mouth-watering delights.
2. France
If you love baked goods, then you must head over to France. After the obligatory photo at the Eiffel Tower, head to any boulangerie where you can buy baguette, croquette, brioche, fougasse, and whatever else catches your eyes. Don’t forget to get your fill of croissants, macarons, éclairs, crepes, tarts, crème brulee, and other pastries. Of course, you should eat something more substantial as well. For lunch and dinner, consider their traditional onion soup, ratatouille, confit de canard, coc au vin, and bouef bourguignon. Finish these up with a chocolate mousse or a soufflé.
3. Mexico
Mexico has a rich history dating back to some of the earliest civilizations. The country has perfected their dishes over thousands of years using ingredients that are abundant in the region. Like Italian food, Mexican food is sold everywhere with most people recognizing tacos, tortillas, and quesadillas. Of course, there is so much more beyond these popular snacks. They have filling meals and splendid drinks as well. Make sure that you sample the local fare after swimming at the beach or visiting their historical sites.
4. Australia
Australians love to celebrate with good food. Many of the popular dishes have originated in the country while others were adapted from other cultures. For example, many households have their own recipes for chicken Parmigiana which might be Italian in origin but has gotten a uniquely Aussie twist. People here also love to fire up the barbie and grill meats of all kinds including snags and kangaroo. You can also try the meat pies, vegemite on toast, pumpkin soup, and barramundi. For dessert, have generous spoonfuls of Pavlova which was named after a Russian ballerina who visited the country in the 1920s.
5. Japan
Now let’s pivot to the East where a wide variety of incredible dishes await. Our first stop is Japan which has truly elevated cooking into an art form. In the hands of a Japanese chef, each plate is a canvas, and their food is a masterpiece. They are beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. Many of the restaurants in the country have been running for generations with children spending decades as apprentices to their parents and other masters. In fact, it is common for these establishments to have open kitchens that provide a glimpse of incredible skills and careful attention to detail. Try their sushi, tempura, soups, okonomiyaki, ramen, and other regional specialties.
6. China
Chinese cuisine has a massive influence on other Asian countries thanks to old trade routes and migration. Among their most recognizable dishes are noodle soups, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, spring rolls, and dim sum. They also have a strong tea culture that has evolved in recent years with the bubble tea craze. If you really want to learn more about Chinese cuisine, then you have to realize that it’s a massive country with each region having its own specialties or variations of staple dishes. Sample as many as you can.
7. Thailand
Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia thanks to its tropical weather, beautiful beaches, colorful cultures, and sumptuous dishes. If you like your food to be full of flavor, then Thai cuisine is worth a try. They have local herbs and spices that provide wonderful aromas. Don’t leave without tasting their pad thai noodles or their tom yum soup. Pair their curry meals with Thai fried rice. These will give you unforgettable memories of Asia that you will want to savor again and again.
8. India
Indian cuisine is known to be heavy on herbs, spices, and seasonings. It’s also a big country with over a billion people so expect quite a few regional variations of well-known dishes. Make sure that get at least a taste of local chicken tikka masala, rogan josh, and biryani. Compare this to what you might have tasted elsewhere. Try their breads, dips, and sweets as well.