I don’t think I’m alone when I say that one of my very favourite things about travelling is eating. In every country I visit, I find myself not only exploring the cities, the landscapes, and the culture, but also the food. Each place has its own delicacies, things that, try as you might, you just can’t get to taste the same back home. I often find myself dreaming of dishes I’ve eaten abroad, or scheming about where I’ll go on my next food adventure, so I’ve put together a list of 20 of the best foods from around the world, that are definitely worth the air miles!
1. Masala Dosa in India
Masala Dosa is a popular breakfast dish in India, consisting of a thin crepe made of fermented rice and lentil batter. This is stuffed with spiced potatoes and served with delicious sambar and chutney. This will definitely beat your usual bowl of cornflakes!
2. Pizza in Italy
Sure, we’ve all had pizza. But have we had Italian pizza? The fresh, crisp base with just the right amount of perfectly seasoned marinara and crumbled mozzarella? Wow.
3. Paella in Spain
This delicious rice dish can be filled with any number of things, from veg to seafood, to chicken to rabbit. Although originally from Valencia, paella has come to be known as the national dish for the whole of Spain and it’s not hard to see why.
4. Sushi in Japan
Who thought that rice and raw fish could taste so good? If you want to find out how good sushi can really taste, it’s time to hop over to Japan, where they’ve mastered the textures and flavours perfectly.
5. Sachertorte in Vienna
A rich and decadent chocolate cake that has become the cities culinary specialty and is celebrated worldwide (The US even have a Sacertorte day!). This delicious dessert was invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Metternich in Vienna. And if it’s good enough for a prince, it’s good enough for us.
14. Poutine in Canada
Poutine is a dish of french fries topped with cheese curds and covered in gravy. Whilst it was famously born in Quebec, its exact origin remains unknown. A number of restaurants claim to have created the famous food, including Le Lutin qui rit in Warwick and Le Roy Jucep in Drummondville. Nevertheless, it can now be found and enjoyed all over the country.
6. Tacos in Mexico
I’ve always like Mexican food but that loving reached a whole new height when I got to eat it in Mexico. It somehow tasted more delicious than usual, and I often find myself salivating thinking back to the amazing food I ate when I was there.
8. Afternoon Tea in England
Afternoon Tea isn’t just food, it’s an occasion. So grab you fanciest pair of shoes and grab a cab to Fortnum & Mason for a civilised (and surprisingly filling!) spread of sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
13. Empanadas in Argentina
Comparable to a Cornish pasty, empanadas are a baked or fried pastry filled predominantly with meat. The name comes from the Spanish ’empanar’, which means ‘enbreaded’, that is, literally wrapped in bread.
7. Pastel de Natas in Portugal
Pastel de Natas are a Portuguese custard tart, with a smooth creamy centre and a beautiful, crisp casing. The favourite place to get them is at Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, who have been making the tarts since 1837.
9. Banh Mi in Vietnam
Controversial though it may be, I think Vietnam does baguettes better than France. Here they split them lengthways and stuff them with all manner of delicious Vietnamese flavours. The baguette was first introduced to Vietnam in the mid-19th century, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.
10. Crepes in France
One thing that the French cannot be beaten on, however, is Crepes. Go savoury or sweet, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, do both!
11. Dumplings in China
Ah dumplings – delicious morsels of heaven, amirite? Boiled, fried, steamed, savoury, sweet – whatever it is, it’s got my backing. These little things are seriously moreish.
12. Fried Mars Bars in Scotland
You’ve probably tried a Mars Bar, but have you tried one that’s been deep fried? In 1995, a fish and chip sop in Stonehaven (in north-east Scotland) started selling deep-fried Mars Bars to their customers. The rest is history and now that strange dessert has become a Scottish favourite.
15. Cerviche in Peru
Cerviche is a traditional Peruvian dish consisting of raw fish that has been cured in citrus juices, chilli peppers, and coriander. It’s generally accompanied by side dishes such as corn, avocado, or sweet potato, and must be eaten immediately in order to minimise the risk of food poisoning!
16. Coffee in Australia
Australian coffee has been hailed as the best on the planet for a number of years now, and that’s because Australians take their coffee extremely seriously. There’s a great cafe culture in many of the major cities, where you can find excellent coffee (and maybe a slice of banana bread too!).
17. Fondue in Switzerland
Fondue is a Swiss tradition of melted cheese served in a communal pot. Here you can dip bread into the cheese whilst drinking a glass of wine and catching up with loved ones.
18. Fresh Coconuts in Bali
Fresh coconuts – there’s nothing like them. They’re the perfect addition to any beach vacation. Not only do they look great in your Instagram shots, but they also taste incredible and do an amazing job of quenching your thirst under the hot sun.
19. Bagels in New York City
It’s a well-known fact that bagels taste better in New York. But why? It turns out the water there contains less calcium and magnesium, which would normally strengthen the gluten in the dough, leaving the bagel tougher to eat. The soft New York water actually helps to make the dough softer, which explains why they taste that bit more delicious!
20. Chimney Cake in Prague
Chimney cake, or Kurtoskalacs, is a sweet dough that has been spun around a cone, rolled in sugar, and roasted over charcoal, whilst being basted with melted butter. Whilst baking, the sugar caramelises to form a shiny, golden crust. These delicious desserts are often topped with other ingredients such as cinnamon or chocolate.
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