6 Of the Best Travel Destinations for Food Lovers
Food and travel are what we’re most passionate about here at OodyMate, but with so many countries to explore and dishes to try, where do you even begin? Here’s a handful of some of OodyMate’s favorite travel destinations for food lovers to whet your appetite!
Thailand
Seven Thai dishes regularly feature on the lists of the world’s 50 best foods, so it’s no wonder Thailand is considered to be one of the best foodie destinations. Of the top ten world’s best foods, the three Thai dishes include Tom yum hot soup usually cooked with prawn, the stir-fried rice noodle dish pad Thai, and som tam spicy salad made with green papayas. Whether you opt for cheap eats with street food in Bangkok or a spicy curry such as gaeng tai pla in the country’s southern region, your tastebuds will be in for an awakening!
Top dishes to try in Thailand: pad thai, green curry, tom yam, khao phat, laap
Japan
So much about Japan is unique, from its history to the culture, and the same can be said of Japan’s cuisine. Whilst many western-style restaurants and influences can now be seen throughout the country, there’s also so much more to Japanese cuisine than sushi. Even a simple noodle dish can come in many forms, from udon to soba, somen to ramen, you simply must try them all. Dining in Japan is an exciting adventure, whether you’re packed into a lively izakaya or enjoying fine dining kaiseki cuisine in a traditional ryokan. Each prefecture in Japan has a special dish that they are known for so be sure to try whatever it is whilst on your travels. Be sure to also try visiting restaurants with ‘omakase’ courses, these are chosen by the chef and often include seasonal ingredients that are not found on the regular menu.
Top dishes to try in Japan: okonomiyaki, yakitori, udon, gyoza, sashimi, takoyaki
France
The French have given the world so many great dishes to include culinary classics such as beef bourguignon, chocolate souffle, and macarons. Not only that, but France has some of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world, from Bordeaux to Champagne. And then there’s the cheese. Camembert, Roquefort, Gruyere, the list goes on with over 1,000 types to sample throughout the country. A foodie tour of France should always include a meal of steak frites, duck confit, and coq au vin. If you have a sweet tooth then indulge in some tarte Tatin, crêpes, and chocolate éclairs.
Top dishes to try in France: freshly baked baguette, camembert cheese, moules frites, duck confit, macarons
Italy
Pizza. Pasta. Risotto. It’s hard to know where to begin where it comes to Italian food, but what is certain is that Italy is undoubtedly one of the food capitals of the world. In the north of Italy cities such as Venice and Milan are best for cicchetti, small Venetian snacks or side dishes similar in style to tapas, and classic Milanese risotto infused with saffron. In Naples pizza is the main attraction. Visitors come to try pizza napolitana, covered in tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella. In Rome, settle in for spaghetti alla carbonara in a friendly trattoria or head to the island of Sicily for pasta alla norma, pasta in tomato sauce with aubergines, garlic, basil, and ricotta.
Top dishes to try in Italy: gelato, tiramisu, pizza, pasta, ribollita, focaccia
Greece
Nothing beats a hearty meal in a cozy, traditional family-owned Greek taverna. Greek cuisine has a history that can be traced back thousands of years, to the ancient myths when the goddess Athena first created the olive tree — a staple ingredient still used in many Greek dishes today. Whilst classic Greek dishes such as moussaka and souvlaki can be found on the menu in any Greek city, you’ll also find regional dishes and specialties throughout the country. In the north of Greece, spicier cuisine with Turkish and Middle Eastern influences commonly found. Popular dishes include soutzoukakia spicy meatballs and gemista stuffed peppers and tomatoes with rice. On the opposite end of the county, on the island of Crete, local specialties include dakos, a dried bread covered with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and crumbly feta cheese, and sarikopitakia, a fried cheese pastry.
Top dishes to try in Greece: moussaka, souvlaki, feta, halloumi, taramasalata, dolmades
Belize
This tiny Latin American country is situated between Mexico and Guatemala, and what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for with its culinary offerings. Belize’s cuisine is an interesting fusion of Latin America meets the Caribbean, due to its geographical location of being situated in Central America but also within the Caribbean. Belize is also multicultural in terms of its population which you’ll also find is reflected in its diverse food offering. In the north of Belize food towns such as Orange Walk are famous for their annual taco festival, whilst on the outer islands, lobster and conch ceviche are must-eat dishes. Food lovers will also be delighted to discover that authentic cuisine rules in Belize, there are no chain restaurants or international franchises, not even a single McDonalds, and restaurants are entirely locally owned.
Top dishes to try in Belize: ceviche, lobster, tacos, fry jacks, hudut
Where’s your favorite foodie destination? Next time you are looking for somewhere to try the best local dishes on your travels, download the free to use app OodyMate and grab dinner with a local.
