“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Virginia Woolf understood the power of food – it nourishes the body and the soul. Every country has its own culinary treasures, and discovering them is one of travel’s greatest joys. We’ve searched the globe to bring you an irresistible taste of what awaits. From fragrant curries to iconic American eats, this food journey will have you craving adventure. Bon appétit!
Discover Spanakopita: Greece’s Iconic Savory Delight
Deb Lindsey For The Washington Post via Getty Images
Greek cuisine offers far more than just gyros! Spanakopita, the beloved spinach pie, is a testament to the country’s culinary treasures. Flaky filo pastry encases a savory blend of spinach, feta cheese, and onions, creating a hearty and satisfying bite at an amazingly affordable price. Enjoy it hot or cold, fresh from one of the many corner bakeries – a perfect snack on the go. With origins dating back centuries, spanakopita is a true taste of Greece’s rich culinary heritage.
Savor the Soul of Vietnam: Discover Pho
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP via Getty Images
Experience the magic of pho, Vietnam’s national dish – a comforting bowl of fragrant broth, tender noodles, fresh herbs, and savory spices. Every spoonful is an explosion of flavors: chili, pepper, cilantro, cinnamon, and star anise dance on your tongue. Find this beloved classic everywhere, from lively street markets to elegant restaurants, always at an amazing price. Feeling inspired? You can try recreating pho at home, but nothing beats the authentic Vietnamese experience.
Discover the Dosa: India’s Flavorful and Affordable Street Food Delight
MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP via Getty Images
Craving authentic Indian flavors? Feast your eyes on the dosa – a crispy, savory crepe made from fermented lentil and rice batter. Often stuffed with vibrant vegetables, herbs, and spices, each bite is a burst of flavor. Dosas are beloved for their affordability and convenience, made in minutes at bustling street markets across India. For the ultimate experience, head to the vibrant food stalls of New Delhi or Mumbai, where the dosa’s aroma will lure you in.
Indulge in Legendary Marzipan at Café Niederegger, Lübeck
Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP via Getty Images
Marzipan lovers, rejoice! Experience the world-renowned sweets of Café Niederegger, Lübeck, where tradition and exquisite taste have reigned since 1806. Delight in their legendary marzipan, crafted in countless irresistible flavors. Did you know marzipan’s roots are in Italy? Yet, this German café is celebrated for its unmatched quality. Complete your indulgence with a slice of their heavenly cake – a true sweet tooth paradise awaits.
Parisian Bliss: Discover Crêpes on the Streets of Light
Richard Bord/Getty Images
In the culinary heart of Paris, where legendary flavors abound, the humble crêpe reigns as an unforgettable delight. The aroma of sweet batter fills the air near iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, where street vendors create these delicate treats right before your eyes. The magic lies in their versatility: savor a classic buttery crêpe, or indulge in a symphony of flavors, from rich Nutella to savory cheese. Each bite is a taste of Parisian charm.
Gyros: The Ultimate Greek Street Food Feast
Colin McConnell/Toronto Star via Getty Images
When hunger strikes in Greece, there’s only one answer: gyros! Seek out the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted spiced meat piled high on fluffy pita bread. Customize your feast with everything from crispy fries to savory bacon – the combinations are endless. Prepare for a delicious food coma – these hearty, flavor-packed wraps are guaranteed to satisfy. Just remember: a post-gyro nap is practically mandatory!
Naples: Where Pizza Legends Are Born (Sorbillo is a Must!)
Mario Laporta/KONTROLAB /LightRocket via Getty Images
Forget delivery! For an unforgettable pizza experience, journey to Naples, the birthplace of this beloved dish. Join the locals in the epic line at Sorbillo, a testament to its legendary status. Each wood-fired pie is a masterpiece of simple perfection – crispy crust, vibrant sauce, and the freshest mozzarella. This is pizza at its purest, a taste of heaven that will redefine your standards forever.
Poutine: Canada’s Cheesy, Gravy-Drenched Delight
DAVID BOILY/AFP via Getty Images
Get ready to discover poutine – Canada’s legendary culinary creation! Fries, gooey cheese curds, and savory gravy might sound unusual, but trust us, the combination is pure comfort food magic. Born in Quebec, poutine fever has swept the nation. From fancy restaurants to bustling street vendors, you’ll find countless variations on this iconic dish. Consider it a Canadian rite of passage – a deliciously messy, surprisingly addictive must-try on your Great White North adventure.
Discover Cockles: London’s Historic and Surprising Seafood Snack
John Keeble/Getty Images
For an authentic taste of London’s history, try cockles! These tiny, pickled shellfish might look unusual, but their delicate, tangy flavor has been a working-class favorite for centuries. Cockles hold a special place in the culinary traditions of London’s East End. For a true taste of the city, seek out the freshest cockles at the legendary Borough Market – Londoners swear by it!
Poke: Hawaii’s Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Sensation
Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Calling all adventurous eaters! Experience poke, Hawaii’s vibrant culinary treasure. This delightful mix of raw fish (often tuna, but sometimes octopus, salmon, and more) bursts with flavor. Find it customized with everything from creamy avocado and spicy sriracha to sweet pineapple and crisp cucumbers. Don’t be afraid to dive in – poke’s freshness and bold flavors have delighted tastebuds for generations.
Hong Kong French Toast: A Crispy, Golden, Decadent Delight
Dickson Lee/South China Morning Post via Getty Images
Forget everything you know about French toast! Hong Kong’s version is a culinary adventure. Two slices of peanut butter (or jam) slathered bread are dipped in egg, deep-fried to crispy perfection, then crowned with syrup and butter. The result? A sensation of textures and sweet, rich flavors – so good it earned the legendary Anthony Bourdain’s stamp of approval. If you seek a truly decadent breakfast treat, this is it.
Pie, Mash & Eels: A Classic London Meal at Manze’s
Sam Mellish / In Pictures via Getty Images
Don’t let the eels scare you! Discover the surprisingly delicious flavors of pie, mash, and jellied eels – a beloved London tradition. Step into Manze’s, the city’s oldest pie and mash shop (established in 1902), and savor this classic meal in a charming Victorian setting. The savory eels complement the fluffy mash and hearty pie perfectly, creating a unique and satisfying taste of London’s history.
Irish Stew: A Taste of Comfort and Resilience
Vince Talotta/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Discover the heart and soul of Irish cuisine in a bowl of steaming stew. This simple yet satisfying dish, born of necessity, has nourished generations. Savory beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth tell a story of resilience and resourcefulness. Traditionally a winter warmer, Irish stew fills the belly and warms the spirit any time of year. Pair it with a pint of Guinness for the ultimate Irish experience.
Naples Temptations: Pizza, Pasta Puttanesca & More
Matteo Tempredola/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Naples offers culinary delights beyond its legendary pizza! Discover Pasta Puttanesca, with a name as intriguing as its flavors. It translates to “Tart’s Pasta,” but don’t let that fool you. The punchy combo of anchovies, capers, olives and tangy tomato sauce is a taste sensation. Legend says the aroma inspired its name – but one bite, and you’ll be hooked on this unique Neapolitan classic.
Rendang: Indonesian Flavor Explosion, Slow-Cooked to Perfection
WAHYUDI/AFP via Getty Images
Experience the culinary wonder of Indonesia: Rendang. This aromatic dish features tender beef (or chicken) simmered in coconut milk, infused with lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies. Enjoy it freshly cooked for ultimate flavor, or – as some swear – savor it after an overnight rest for a taste explosion. One thing’s for sure: Rendang is an unforgettable journey for your tastebuds.