If you’re anything like us, you love travel, and you love food. And when you combine the two, it’s like heaven on earth. But with so many countries to choose from, it can be a challenge figuring out which place to go to. That’s why we’ve created a list of places that are worth visiting for their food alone; there’s no better place to get great food than the original country itself, after all. So read on for the best food destinations in the world.
Bali
An island renowned for its culture and customs, Bali has a gastronomic scene as colourful and varied as its surroundings. Balinese food reflects the island’s history and the importance of food in their culture. It’s a celebration of local produce and cooking techniques.
Babi Guling is one of Bali’s signature foods, an exquisite roast suckling pig packed with a blend of spices, including turmeric, garlic, and ginger. The pig is roasted over an open flame, creating meat that is tasty and tender with crispy skin. Another must-try is Lawar, a typical salad with a combination of vegetables, coconut, and minced beef, all flavoured with a delicious blend of Balinese spices.
A local take on satay called “sate Lilit” is made with either minced chicken or fish mixed with spices, coconut, and lemongrass before being wrapped around bamboo sticks and cooked over a grill. The outcome is a tasty, smokey skewer that is ideal for a light supper or as a quick snack.
Bali offers a variety of sweet treats in addition to savoury ones. One well-known example is the Jaja Bali, a line of traditional Balinese cakes made with rice flour, coconut and palm sugar.
Cape Town
In addition to its breathtaking scenery and extensive history, Cape Town is a culinary lover’s paradise. The city’s rich multicultural population and its past as a trading hub are reflected in the culinary scene, which is a blend of many nationalities and influences.
“Bobotie” is one of Cape Town’s signature foods; it’s a traditional South African meal made with spicy minced pork and an egg-based topping. It’s usually served with yellow rice and sambals. The extraordinary fusion of spices, like turmeric and curry powder, gives the meal a comforting flavour that is warm and fragrant.
Because of its proximity to the seaside, seafood is also a staple in Cape Town. Calamari, mussels, and fish and chips are just a few delectable seafood selections. Numerous seafood restaurants can be found around the city’s harbour that serve fresh catches of the day prepared in a variety of ways to suit every palate.
In addition, street food vendors in Cape Town are well known for their mouthwatering offerings, which range from kebabs and samosas to bunny chow – a popular South African fast food delicacy made of a hollowed-out loaf of bread stuffed with curry.
Croatia
Croatian food is a delicious fusion of many regional influences that reflect the historical and geographical diversity of the nation. Their cuisine is a unique blend of flavours that will please even the pickiest palates, drawing inspiration from its lush inland valleys, mountainous terrains, and rich coastal districts.
Seafood is a staple of Croatian cuisine, particularly along the breathtaking Adriatic coast. Enjoy locally produced olive oil, herbs, and freshly caught fish, mussels, and oysters that are typically served grilled. Classic recipes like “buzara,” a savoury but straightforward preparation of shellfish, and “brodet,” a rich fish stew, are must-tries.
The food in the inland regions is heartier and more rustic, with an assortment of grilled meats, sausages, and stews. A traditional meal to try is “cevapi,” tender grilled minced meat accompanied by flatbread and “ajvar,” a sauce made with red pepper.
Using truffles in food is a distinctive feature of Croatian cooking, especially in the Istrian region. These aromatic mushrooms enhance meals like risotto, omelettes, and pasta by contributing a rich, complex flavour. Istria in itself is a must for their food.
A trip to Croatia would not be complete without indulging in some of its delicious pastries and desserts, such “kremšnita,” a slice of creamy custard, and “strudel,” a flaky pastry stuffed with sweet fillings like apple or cherry.
Japan
Japan is renowned for its mouthwatering, flavourful cuisine that is both diverse and beautifully presented. Fresh, premium ingredients are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and skilled chefs expertly prepare the dishes.
One of the most famous foods in Japan is sushi, which perfectly captures the spirit of Japanese cooking. In this delicate art form, fresh fish or vegetables are served with carefully seasoned vinegared rice, creating a symphony of flavours that highlight the inherent taste of each ingredient. Another well-liked meal is sashimi, a thinly sliced raw fish loved for its simplicity and freshness.
A wide variety of other foods are also included in Japanese cuisine, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables). In addition, many traditional Japanese recipes call for seasonal ingredients like chestnuts in the autumn and cherry blossoms in the spring.
Mochi is a popular traditional treat made of sticky rice cake that can be filled with fresh fruit or sweet fillings like red bean paste. Dorayaki is another popular one, consisting of two little pancakes filled with delicious red bean paste. You should also try taiyaki and, of course, matcha.
Mexico
Mexican cuisine is a feast for the senses, with flavours ranging from zesty and spicy to sweet and savoury; one of the best foodie destinations.
Tacos are an essential component of any discussion about Mexican food. This famous meal, a hallmark of Mexican cuisine, is served at restaurants and on street corners nationwide. The simple taco embodies the essence of Mexican culinary philosophy – expertly prepared, bursting with flavour and simple ingredients. There is a taco for every taste, ranging from fish and vegetarian to carnitas and al pastor.
Another delectable dish from Mexico is mole, a thick, complex sauce prepared from a mixture of chocolate, spices, and chiles, among other things. Every region has a distinct mole, with differences in ingredients and cooking techniques.
In addition to its savoury cuisine, Mexico is also famous for its mouthwatering sweets, such as dulce de leche, a sweet milk-based delicacy, and churros, a deep-fried pastry covered in sugar and cinnamon. These sweets are the ideal way to wrap up a Mexican feast.
Morocco
Morocco has a distinct and delectable food culture as a result of the influences of Arabic, Berber, and French cuisines. It’s an absolutely delightful fusion of tastes, aromas, and colours that reflects the diversity and long history of the nation.
Couscous is one of the most well-known dishes in Moroccan cuisine, a staple made from steamed semolina wheat and usually served with meat, vegetables, and a flavourful broth. Tagine is another typical meal: a gorgeous stew simmered with meat, vegetables, and a number of spices, such as saffron, cumin, and ginger. Tagines are often cooked in a traditional clay pot, which gives the dish its name.
A wide variety of delectable breads are also served in Moroccan cuisine, including khobz, a round flatbread that is an integral component of most meals. Moroccan street food is another thing you shouldn’t miss. Kebabs, grilled sardines, and savoury pastries stuffed with meat or vegetables can be found on street stalls and markets and are truly fantastic. Don’t miss out.
Various tasty pastries and desserts are also beautifully crafted in Morocco, such as baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, honey, and nuts. Moroccan mint tea is a beloved beverage frequently served with meals.
Italy
Of course, Italy has to be on this list. It’s famous for a reason: the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, simple preparation methods and rich culinary traditions give it a title that can never be taken away. Many say it’s the best vacation for foodies. Italian cuisine is also quite varied, with each region having its own specialities and delicacies.
Pasta has become one of the most iconic foods in the world, let alone in Italian cooking. Coming in hundreds of varieties and sizes appropriate for varying sauces and cooking methods, you won’t find pasta better anywhere else other than in Italy. Another essential is pizza, originating from Naples, which is precisely where you should get it from.
The regional dishes in Italian cuisine reflect the respective local ingredients and cooking customs of each region. For example, in the northern regions of Italy, you’ll find dishes made from polenta and risotto. In the south, dishes are frequently made with fresh vegetables, olive oil and fish.
We can’t fail to mention Italy’s well-known desserts, like panna cotta and tiramisu. Of course, another must-try is gelato. You can sample classic flavours like chocolate and vanilla to more unique choices like lavender and basil. Coffee culture is also significant in Italy. But drinking it in the afternoon is not very common.
Thailand
Thailand’s rich cultural legacy and diverse regional landscapes are reflected in the cuisine, a dynamic tapestry of tastes, textures, and fragrances. Thai cuisine is well known for combining flavours that are harmoniously sweet, salty, sour, and spicy to create dishes that are flavourful and incredibly complex.
The essence of Thai cuisine is the careful balancing act of fresh and aromatic ingredients, such as Thai basil, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Many Thai recipes benefit from the unique and fragrant flavour profile that these herbs and spices provide, including the well-known “Tom Yum Goong”, a hot and sour soup with prawns, mushrooms, and a healthy dosage of chilli.
Thai cuisine is largely centred around street food, and a trip to Thailand would only be complete with trying some of the delectable dishes from the numerous stands that line the streets. The diversity is astounding, from bowls of creamy and soothing noodle soup to skewers of exquisite grilled meats.
The regional diversity of Thai food is another distinguishing feature. Every region has its own distinctive cuisine, ranging from the delicate and flowery tastes of the north to the hot curries of the south. But one thing that remains consistent, is the Thai people’s love of colourful flavours and their dedication to using only the best, freshest ingredients. Thailand’s cuisine will leave you wanting more and more; it’s one of the best places to travel for food in the world.
