Best destinations for foodies

Food is one of the most important elements during our trips. I can enjoy discovering amazing places during the day but if it ends with a lousy meal, my day is spoiled.  That's why I asked my fellow bloggers to tell me about their favourite destinations for foodies.  You have no idea how many reactions I got!  Food seems an important thing for many travelers. Check this list and let the food decide where your next trip will take you.

European destinations for foodies

Let's start close to home (at least for us, Europeans) and discover the best destinations for foodies in Europe.

Spain

Madrid

According to Or Amir From My Path In the World

Madrid is the Spanish capital where traditional and modern are combined together in perfect harmony. That's also why it has an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at home (even if you only have a few days in Madrid), and why every type of traveler can find something to love about it, including foodies.

• For trendy cafes and restaurants head to Malasaña, Madrid's hipster neighborhood, or Salamanca, the city's luxurious neighborhood where you can also find many Michelin-starred restaurants. 
• To experience the classic side of Madrid, head to La Latina neighborhood to enjoy traditional tapas bars, taverns and the oldest restaurant in the world, Sobrino de Botín.
• Indoor food markets are also very popular in this city, and you can find some amazing food in markets like San Miguel and San Anton.
• If you have a sweet tooth, Madrid has you covered as well. It offers everything from bakeries to patisseries to chocolate shops, but my personal favorites are the must-try churros with hot chocolate. You can find these crispy, fried pastries in churros shops all over the city, but there's nothing like the churros and hot chocolate of Chocolateria San Gines. I often find famous places overrated, but this locality has earned its reputation as one of the best churros shops in Madrid.

TIP from WorldWideWendy

I loved Madrid.  It has so many cultural highlights.  During your tour of the city you can make a stop at Mercado de San Miguel.  Enjoy the beautiful 19th century building and don't forget to taste soms delicacies from the 33 food stalls that er in here.

Granada

According to Joanna from The World in my Pocket

I would say that Granada ticks all the boxes to be nominated as the best foodie destination in the South of Spain. From old traditional restaurant to modern fusion tapas bar, the city’s cuisine just waits to be discovered. I remember my first trip to Granada, years ago, how amazed I was when together with my drink I got a small plate of food. The more drinks me and my friends ordered, the best the tapas brought out were. Since then I have visited Granada several times and I have taken friends there just to enjoy the tapas culture.

Granada is a spectacular city, with the Alhambra watching over it from the top of a hill, with Moorish architecture blending in harmoniously with the European one. Granada’s cuisine has evolved together with the city, being influenced by the different conquerors who settled here: Moors, Emirs, Christians.

One of the best places to experience the tapas culture of Granada is the local market. Here you will find many stalls selling jamon, manchego cheese, olives and wines. Sit down at one of the bars in the market, order a drink and enjoy the tapas.  A local restaurant where you can try the traditional remojon granaino, a refreshing salad made out of cod fish, spring onions, oranges, olives and eggs, is Chikito. This is restaurant very popular with locals which serves big plates of traditional food. If you are looking for a fusion restaurant, try Farala. For a unique dining experience accompanied by a flamenco show inside one of the caves in Albayzin, try Jardines de Zoraya. 

Barcelona

According to Vicky from Vickiviaja

Everyone loves Barcelona – sunny weather all your long, great architecture and amazing wine. But the most important reason to visit Barcelona is its delicious food. Besides eating your weight in yummy tapas, there are many more dishes that you can and should try when visiting the Catalan capital. 

One super popular dish is called Butifarra. It’s basically a spiced sausage. To make your experience even more Catalan make sure to add some Alioli and potatoes as a side dish. In Barcelona, the meals are often served with the so-called Pa amb tomaquet (The Spanish name is: Pan con Tomate), which is basically toasted bread with garlic, tomato, and oil. If you want to try a typical Catalan desert, you should absolutely ask for the Creme Catalana which is a sweet creme comparable to Crème Brulée which is famous all over Spain. 

The best time to visit Barcelona for foodies is during the early spring months. Because during this time, it’s time for the absolutely tasty Calçots which still belong to the rather unique things to do in Barcelona for tourists. Calçots are a kind of onion which gets grilled until the outer skin is almost completely burned. You usually eat the calçots with a yummy sauce called Romesco which is made out of dried vegetables. However, since eating this dish can be quite messy, it’s better to put on some gloves and a bib.

Cyprus

According to Stefan from Nomadic Boys

Agia Napa Cyprus is famous not only as one of Europe’s top beach destinations, but the region around it is famous on the island for having some of the best food and restaurants - locally called ‘tavernas’.

One of the reasons why this part of Cyprus is so good for food is the proximity to the sea: fish is always in abundance and is super fresh. In addition, the villages around Agia Napa are famously nicknamed the “red villages” in Greek because of the colour of the rich soil. This rich soil allows potatoes, fruit and vegetables to flourish. We recommend checking out some of the many farmer’s markets when visiting – the most famous in Dheryneia village every Saturday morning. One of the most unique fruits is the white/pink juicy pomegranates during the Autumn months – nowhere else in the world have we seen this colour pomegranates!

The best way to experience the Cypriot cuisine and all its fresh ingredients is to order “mezedes” at a local traditional taverna, like “Mousikos” in Sotira - another village just outside Agia Napa. Mezedes is a feast of a meal featuring lots of different small plates (kind of like the Spanish “tapas” style of eating), ranging from boiled snails (another local delicacy!), halloumi (the famous Cypriot cheese), lounzta (curd pork tenderloin), kleftiko (slowly cooked lamb) and more.

Read all about how to get from Larnaca airport to Ayia Napa.

France

Ofcourse France must be on the list.  The French are real food lovers ad the French cuisine is listed by Unesco as 'World Intangible Heritage'.  The country is known for it's baguette, cheese, wine and mustard.  Dijon is not only home of the best mustard but the Dijon gastronomy is famous too.

Paris

According to Vanessa from Wanderlust Crew

There’s no way you can be a true foodie and not make a trip to Paris in your lifetime. It may be the most cliche foodie destination in the world, but it is notorious for a good reason. Home to world-renowned cooking schools such as Le Cordon Bleu, the standards that the French, and Parisians in particular, have set for the business of creating and serving dishes, is high, to say the least. The French take their cuisine very seriously and it shows in the decadent and delicious food that can be found all over Paris. 

The great thing about this foodie destination is that it is not restricted to one type of cuisine. You can find incredible seafood, beef, soup, salad, bread, cheese, chocolate, macarons, and more that are all of the highest quality. The French believe in using high-quality ingredients, using time-honored techniques, and do not cut corners. 

If you’re looking for an authentic Paris foodie experience, try eating at one of Paris’s many Bistrots. These historical institutions have been around in Paris since the time of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. They are a place to go and socialize, exchange ideas, and people watch while enjoying genuine Parisian cuisine. 

The food you have to try in Paris includes baguettes, macarons, crepes, croissant, croque monsieur, and Sole Meunière just to start with! 

TIP from WorldWideWendy

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, you have to book a room in one of the luxury hotels in Paris.   I can highly recommend Le Royal Monceau, Raffles.  Try to get a table in their restaurant Il Carpaccio.  It's crowned with 1 Michelin Star and they serve the best risotto I ever tasted.

Austria

According to Helene from MasalaHerb

I'm originally from the Austrian alps and our food is definitely something you should have experienced. Our meals are filling and are real comfort dishes! We love our skillet meals such as Cheese Spätzle or potato fries with eggs. Our dumplings have a place in our hearts and we call them Knödel. Traditional dumplings can be savory or sweet and our specialty in the Austrian alps are the Käsepressknödel (cheese pressed flat dumplings) and the Speckknödel (bacon and bread dumplings). Savory dumplings are served with a clear soup, a salad or even with Sauerkraut and a whole variety of Sausages. In September every year again, my village hosts the largest Knödel festival in the world, which coincides with the Almabtrieb. This is the most bountiful time in the year due to the harvest of fruits and vegetables. 

Croatia

According to Maggie from The World Was Here First

“If you’re looking for the ultimate foodie destination in Croatia, then look no further than the region of Istria. Known throughout the Balkan country as Croatia’s gastronomic heart, the cuisine in Istria is something truly special.

Because of its diverse landscape, the cuisine in Istria differs depending on where you are on the peninsula. In coastal towns, you’ll see many fresh seafood dishes such as mussels buzzara (mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce with breadcrumbs), whole roasted sea bream, and ample amounts of grilled squid.

However, even if you’re a massive fan of seafood, the highlights of Istrian cuisine undoubtedly lie inland. Not only does Istria produce some of the best olive oil in Southern Europe, but it is also home to many acres of wonderful wine country. But if inland Istria is famous for anything, it is truffles.

Don't forget to try Krostule, one of the delicious desserts of Croatia.

Truffles grow plentifully on the Istrian peninsula and they’re incorporated into almost every dish you could imagine. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants to try some Istrian specialities without delving into your Croatia travel budget too much, then head to Konoba Buscina just outside of Umag. Though it is one of the top-rated restaurants in the region, it is casual and a fantastic place to have a wonderful Istrian feast!”

Italy

Modena

According to Gigi Griffis from Vicious Foodie

If you love Italian food, you’ll love Modena. Located in foodie region Emilia Romagna, this cute mid-sized town is the home of real balsamic vinegar—tart, sweet, thick and aged in barrels. (If you only do one thing while in town, get yourself to a balsamic producer for a tasting.)

You’ll also find plenty of other regional goodies here: Parmigiano-reggiano cheese from Parma, sweet cherries from Vignola, and all manner of local produce at Mercato Albinelli – the local farmers market.

That’s all without mentioning that the world’s best restaurant, Osteria Francescana, is located smack-dab in the middle of town. Go for a leisurely multi-hour, multi-course experience full of unusual pairings (foie gras ice cream, anyone?) and beautiful preparations. The 10-course menu is 250 euros (plus 140 for drink pairings if you so desire), so go prepared to spend.

And once you’ve had your fill of the city? Make your way to the countryside where this B&B serves up the best breakfast I’ve ever had.

Sardinia

According to Angela from Chasing the unexpted

"One of the best things you can do in your Sardinia holiday is to discover its culinary tradition. This Italian island offers a huge range of dishes especially because every province, town, even smaller villages have their own traditions and dishes. For example, in the town of Morgongiori you will find the typical earring-shaped Lorighittas pasta traditionally served with tomato and meat sauce, in Busachi you will taste Su Succu, a rich soup made with pasta, saffron and stock of mixed meat. Or in Nuoro province, specifically in the regions of Ogliastra but also Barbagia, you will absolutely love the Culurgiones dumplings stuffed with potatoes, cheese and mint and served with a simple tomato sauce.

If you are exploring Sardinia coast, the typical dishes will be seafood and fish-based. While if you are travelling more inland like the mountainous Barbagia region in Nuoro province, you are bound to find more meat dishes. What I feel makes Sardinian food unique really are the ingredients used, genuine and high-quality.

The fans of seafood can't miss places like Cabras, close to a rich pond as well as the sea. In Cabras, a great restaurant to try typical food is Agriturismo Da Pinuccia. In Cabras you will also find exceptionally good wine from the local Contini cave. Still in Oristano province, for more meat options, you can try Agriturismo Archelao, where they produce everything in-house.

If you are a fan of meat dishes and red wine, don't miss Barbagia towns like Mamoiada, where you will likely find one of the best Cannonau wines in Sardinia. Of course, I recommend visiting the area not only for the food but also for its beautiful and diverse landscape, history and traditions."

Napels

According to Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Pizza was invented in the backstreets of Naples in the 18th century, and there is no better place in the world to taste a real, authentic pizza. Pizza baking is a very serious art form here, and pizzaioli go through countless hours of training and preparation to learn how to deftly toss and spin the pizza dough in the air to achieve the perfect shape.

The original pizza invented here was the pizza marinara, which is topped with nothing but tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and sometimes a few basil leaves. There's no cheese, so it's one of several naturally vegan dishes in Neapolitan cuisine. The pizza margherita, which does have mozzarella cheese, was invented somewhat later, and these two remain by far the most popular types of pizza in Naples. In fact, there are some pizzerie that refuse to serve anything else.

After stuffing my face with pizza for days on end on more than one visit to Naples, I have decided that Pizzeria di Matteo serves up the best pizza in the city. There are many pizzerie that claim to hold this title. They're all amazing, but this one is my personal favorite. Lines can get ridiculously long here, though so go early.

Pizza is one of the most popular street food dishes in Italy.

Puglia

According to Michele from A Taste For Travel

The Salento Peninsula in the "heel" of Italy's boot  is one of the best places to go in Puglia if you are looking for easy access to the beaches of the Ionian Sea and charming inland towns where you can enjoy a range of regional dishes, browse weekly food markets and explore ancient olive oil groves. More than 100 underground olive oil mills dot the region and while the subterranean caves were originally carved into the peninsula's soft limestone as a place to store olive oil away from the heat and thieves, many of these atmospheric mills have now been converted to restaurants and museums. A top once to visit is  La Grotella, a trattoria with a restored frantoi ipogei olive oil press onsite, near Melisanno.  

Must-try regional dishes  in Salento include Purè di fave e Cicorie – Fava Bean Puree with Chicory — a traditional antipasti dish made with dried fava beans, orecchiette, an ear-shaped pasta often served with simple tomato sauce,  and of course seafood, best enjoyed overlooking the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. Solatio restaurant near Torre Suda south of Gallipoli is a stylish place to soak up the sea views, listen to live music and sip Negroamaro and Primitivo wines, the famous wines of the Salento.   Puglia is one of the best regions in Italy for food travel.

Liguria

According to Dhara from Not About the Smiles

If you are a foodie and planning a visit to Italy, consider Liguria! Liguria's local cuisine is delicious, featuring fresh seafood, pasta, vegetables grown locally, olive oil, and pesto. Pesto, in fact, originated here in Liguria, and pesto alla Genovese is named after the city of Genoa in Liguria. But you don't have to visit Genoa specifically to taste the delicious local pesto, a combination of local basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese. The pesto is hand blended in a mortar and pestle, to a coarse consistency, so you can still see flecks of basil in it. It's not just used as a pasta sauce, but also as a tasty topping for soups, stews, and rice,

The dish I fell in love with in Liguria is trofie con pesto alla Genovese: trofie pasta, cooked al dente, and tossed with the local pesto, cooked green beans, and cooked diced potato. Simple flavorful ingredients that just make you close your eyes in pleasure when you take the first bite.

Every restaurant in Liguria has their version of trofie with pesto, but the restaurant I thought made it best is Il Frantoio in Lerici, a small town just a ferry ride away from the famous Cinque Terre. I had it the first of two nights we spent in Lerici, and I enjoyed it so much that I ordered it again the following night!

So if you are visiting Liguria, don't forget to try this tasty pasta dish in the place it originates! You will love Lerici, a laid back, lovely seaside destination in Liguria.

Montenegro

According to Mar from Once in a Lifetime Jouney

Montenegro has recently become a popular destination in the Balbanks because of nice beaches and its famous UNESCO walled city of Kotor. But I also really loved its food which is a lesser known aspect of the country.

Because of its seaside location and its past, Montenegro food is very focused on fish along the coastline where most visitors tend to stay, and features a great dose of Mediterranean cuisine elements such as cheese, fresh vegetables and fruits and olive oil.

One of the most famous local dishes is smoked prosciutto ham from Njeguski, a mountain village about half an hour from Kotor via a snaking road. You will find this in every menu and it is usually eaten as a starter on its own with fresh bread. They say that the ham is air dried in the air in Njeguski, where the sea and mountains meet, making it the perfect place to give the ham its beautiful taste. 

There are many restaurants in Montenegro but one which I found particularly interesting was Stari mlini which translates as old mill and it is a nice restaurant set in a traditional mill, with the staff wearing traditional clothes, ponds and lakes as well as indoor and outdoor areas. It is quite nice and traditional and the food is 100% local.

Portugal

Porto

According to Jorge and Claudia from Travel Drafts

Porto in Portugal is one of Europe’s best foodie destinations. It’s a coastal city in the north of Portugal and it is known world wide for Port Wine, making it an excellent place to taste wine, in addition to the fantastic food.

Porto’s most famous signature dish is Francesinha. This is a decadent sandwich with toasted bread, ham, several types of sausages, steak or roasted beef, covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato, beer and peri-peri sauce.

Nonetheless, Porto has much more to offer in terms of delicious traditional dishes. You can leave Porto without  trying, like dishes like Feijoada (beans with meat), Tripas (tripes), Rojões (traditional way of cooking Pork), Alheiras(typical Portuguese sausages), Bifanas (very tasty pork and sauce sandwich), Caldo Verde (the most authentic Portuguese soup), and many, many egg yolk based pastries. It is also an ideal place to eat fresh fish and seafood, Matosinhos has several famous Seafood restaurants and Sao Pedro da Afurada is well-known for its grilled sardines.

The best part is that Porto has good and cheap restaurants that serve good portions of tasty food. Portuguese people love food, and they prime with quality ingredients, making Portuguese cuisine one of the best in the world.

VEGAN TIPS from Jyoti - Story at every corner

Portugal and vegan food would not be considered in the same thought or the same sentence. But, as we started planning the trip, the first list we started was our foodie list! We did find quite a few restaurants serving highly recommended local vegan dishes... and burgers.

I want to tell you about ‘O Oriente No Porto’ because of the authentic favorite or Porto - the Francesinha. Everywhere you go in Porto, there is a restaurant that has the Porto specialty on its menu. It’s primarily a meat dish, but a few places serve a vegan version. We had read that ‘O Oriente No Porto’ has the best vegan Francesinha in town. True to all the reviews, Francesinha here was amazing. As we ate we also learnt why - the restaurant is in fact part of the Iskon temple of Porto. It was started 22 years ago by the family that still runs it to this day. The same woman has been cooking and perfecting the food for decades, to serve the clients and temple visitors with love. Her talent and passion for perfection was apparent in the dishes we had. All the food was authentic and clearly made with care and affection by the owner lady. The service was provided by the friendly son, working towards his education as pilot for commercial aircrafts.

We found many other restaurants that served delicious vegan meals such as:

• A’ Sandes do Porto 
• Vegana by Tentúgal
• Black Mamba and of course
• Majestic café

Read more about all our vegan/vegetarian food recommendations at StoryAtEveryCorner.

The Azores

According to Megan from Megan Starr

The Azores are easily one of the most incredible up-and-coming foodie destinations in the world.  The islands, known for their deep blue waters, volcanic history, and copious Azores whale watching opportunities are starting to gain recognition from their unique cuisine and cooking methods. 

Because of the geothermal energy on Sao Miguel island, the traditional cooking methods utilize this energy source and one of the Azores' traditional food is called cozido de furnas and is a pile of local and sustainable meat with vegetables cooked underground for many hours and then served all together.  The dish has an earthy flavor that is comparable to nothing else I have ever tasted.  Another great thing about the Azores is that the cheeses are renowned and have a unique flavor and that is partly because the cows are 100% free-range.  Since the cows are free-range, their meat can be used until a much later point in their lives and they can die a natural death and then have their meat sourced.  The Azores are truly an experience for all foodies and I hope that more people start to recognize how special their cuisine and cooking methods truly are.

Hungaria

According to Kate from Our Escape Clause

Delicious soups, hearty stews, tasty dumplings, lots of sour cream, and plenty of cakes: Hungarian food is the very definition of comfort food, and boasts a surprisingly versatile array of dishes and flavors (even if they can be a bit hard to pronounce for us English speakers--kürtőskalács, anyone?).

Come here for palacsinta (Hungarian crepes), for lángos (fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese), for delicious sour cherry soup and layered Esterházy cake, for flaky strudel and for so much delicious (and cheap!) Hungarian wine.

And yes, come for the goulash and the chicken paprikash and the dumplings and the sausage--because while Hungarian food certainly goes beyond those things, they’re known for them for a reason (they’re incredibly tasty).

Planning a trip focused around the incredible food in Budapest? Here’s a big tip: go during the winter. Hungarian food has its highlights in the summer--looking at you, sour cherry soup and fröccs--but cold weather is when this hearty, warm, stick-to-your-ribs cuisine truly shines.

Belarus

According to Iris from Mind of a Hitchhiker

Slovenia

According to Teresa from Brogan Abroad

Ljubljana was a real surprise to me. I visited without expectations and knowing very little about the city, but I soon realised that it has so much to offer. There are tons of things to do in Ljubljana, but what I really loved is that it is an excellent foodie destination.

The city is a mixture of Central Europe and the Mediterranean, and this is reflected in its cuisine. And being the capital, food from all the Slovenian regions are well represented here. A great way to explore the foodie side of Ljubljana would be to go on a food tour, but you can also do your own by looking for places that serve both traditional and modern Slovenian food.

Things that you can try in Ljubljana include struklji, the famous Slovenian dumplings, which can be sweet or savoury. I particularly enjoyed the sweet one made with cream and strawberry jam. The most popular place to try them is Moji Struklji Slovenije, at the Central Market. Make sure you don’t miss out on trying kranjska klobasa, or carniolian sausage, from the region of Bela Krajina, at Korbasarna. This place is hard to miss, as it’s in the Old Town and it has a giant sausage hanging outside. These are just two examples, but there are many more dishes that would delight any foodie.

Asian destinations for foodies

I love Asian food.  The past 2 years we traveled several times to Asia and although I am an Africa-lover, I prefer the Asian food.  Delishes soups, Pad Thai, noodles, sushi,...   It's all tastefull and healthy.  And there's no streetfood as Asian streetfood.   

In the beginning of April, we travel to Japan.  I can't wait to taste a real Japanese sushi.

Japan

According to Kavita from Kavey Eats

There are few countries as delicious and fascinating to a foodie as Japan. Japanese cuisine is hugely varied, so much more than the globally known ramen, sushi, tempura and teriyaki dishes enjoyed around the world. Not only are there many more dishes to seek out and try, Japanese food is also very regional, so you will find local specialities everywhere you visit. Of course, it's definitely worth seeking out the familiar too - the sushi, sashimi and tempura I've eaten in Japan is vastly superior to any I've tried at home, even in the least expensive places. And popping into the nearest ramen-ya, yakitori stall, or noodle place never disappoints. 

But what else should you look out for and try? 

Some of my favourites include:

• gyudon: simply stewed beef and onions over rice
• soba: buckwheat noodles
• udon: thick and chewy wheatflour noodles) served in a variety of ways,
• okonomiyaki: a cross between a pancake and a pizza, made by cooking cabbage-filled batter on a flat plate, adding fillings and toppings such as noodles, meat, and seafood, before drizzling with mayonnaise and brown sauce
• tonkatsu: breaded fried pork, served with shredded cabbage, or alternatively, with curry sauce and rice
• nabe: hot pots in which fresh meat, vegetables and mushrooms are cooked in liquid, often at the table by the diners
• yakiniku:  a Korean import, in which thinly cut meats are cooked on a barbeque, also at the table

Lastly, do plan for at least one splurge night to indulge in kaiseki ryori, a traditional multi-course banquet served at ryokans (Japanese inns) and specialist restaurants. Enjoy course after course of exquisitely presented dishes featuring seasonal ingredients and local specialities, from starters and soups, to sashimi, and on through steamed, fried and grilled dishes, to pickles, rice and miso soup, and finishing with dessert, this kind of meal is expensive but worthwhile for a uniquely Japanese foodie feast. 

According to Lena from The Social Travel Experiment

Japan is famous for having delicious food. And I am just assuming that each and every traveler to Japan has found some kind of Japanese food they loved. People who have traveled to Japan probably also know that each region in Japan has its own delicious local food. Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, Takoyaki in Osaka, Kaiseki Ryori in Kyoto and so on.

But what many people don't know is that Nagoya has a wide range of delicious regional foods that are incredibly delicious. Even though Nagoya doesn't have that many tourist attractions, in my opinion, it makes sense to stop over in Nagoya (for example on the way from Tokyo to Kyoto) just to experience the food. Some of the Nagoya food I would like to highlight is Misonikomi Udon, thick white noodles in a deep red-brown sauce made from Miso (you probably know this from Miso soup). Or how about having some Japanese style chicken wings at one of the many Yamachan restaurants in Nagoya.

In my opinion, the absolute highlight of Nagoya cuisine is Hitsumabushi, Nagoya style prepared eel  Eel is famous throughout Japan, and you can try it on the cheap at most running sushi restaurants, but only in Nagoya, it is prepared in the unique Hitsumabushi style. Hitsumabushi is a delicacy, and it isn't cheap, but it is definitely worth your money. If you have the chance and visit Nagoya, try it!

According to Yuki from Finding Yoki

Did you know that Tokyo is the city which has the most Michelin Stars in the world?  In 2018 there are 314 stars in Tokyo, 173 more than the closest rival, Paris.  Tokyo, the world’s most populous metropolis, is definitely known as the world’s most exciting dining destination.  Tokyo is not only about ramen, sushi, and tempura. What I love about Tokyo is that you can enjoy all kinds of the greatest cuisine. Since many Japanese chefs acquire their skills in foreign countries, cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, French, Korean, and Indian can be found everywhere in Tokyo.

Besides fine dining, there are lots of casual dining restaurants and cute cafes across Tokyo. One of my favorite things to do is visit new cafes in Tokyo. The cafe you can't miss is Reissure. Their 3D latte art is so unique and photogenic! If you want customized latte art, be prepared to show a picture to the server.  They will make your latte, based on the picture you have!

You also can't miss going out in Shinjuku. One of the best places to eat and drink in Tokyo is the alley called Omoide Yokocho. It is a short alley full of amazing food and drink venues. The street gives you a glimpse of old Tokyo culture that’s a bit raw and off the tourist track.  The restaurants serve mostly yakitoris and other grilled items along with local beers and drinks.  I definitely recommend you stop in and grab some Yakitori at one of the restaurants there.  The food is excellent and the ambiance is also not to be missed.  

Malaysia

According to Thomas from Trip Gourmets

Ipoh

When you speak about Malaysia and food, most people will immediately think about the food destinations of Penang and Kuala Lumpur. But in recent years, another candidate for the title of Malaysia’s food capital has emerged: The pretty town of Ipoh. Only an about 130-minute train ride away from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh offers a great choice of mouthwatering dishes and refreshing drinks. 

There are several meals we recommend trying if you visit this charming town, but there are some highlights you simply have to try when you’re there. The best and most unique of them is the legendary Ipoh Chicken and Beansprouts. This meal consists of tender chicken, juicy and fresh beansprouts, rice and a delicious chicken broth. The best thing about it? All the ingredients get served in different plates, so you can mix it yourself! We had the best version at the Lou Wong Bean Sprouts Chicken Restaurant.

Another winner is definitely the Salted Chicken (Ayam Garam). This is basically a takeaway meal and only consists of the chicken itself. Everybody in Ipoh knows and loves this dish! What makes the chicken so special is its marinade, consisting of rice wine, ginger, Chinese herbs and, of course, salt. Visit “Happy Delicious Salted Chicken” for the best Salted Chicken in town.

TIP from WorldWideWendy

Fly to Kuala Lumpur and make a roadtrip.  They serve amazing streetfood everywhere but I keep the best memories to the juicy tropical fruit and the Steamboat Soup I tasted in Tana Rata!

According to Alex from Swedish Nomad

Penang in Malaysia is known as a foodie haven, and it's a true melting pot between Malay, Indian, Chinese and Western culture and cuisine. People come here from all over the world to enjoy the delicious dishes served in the local markets. 
Street food is the type of food you should really try while visiting Penang, especially in Georgetown. It's cheap and there is something to suit every taste palate. 

I suggest to join a food tour to get the most out of your visit, but it's also easy to order and taste different things by yourself. If you see a place where there is a long line, you can be sure that the food is delicious. 

Street food dishes range from 4 MYR to 13 MYR ($1-$3 USD) and every vendor serve their unique recepy. I suggest Curry Mee, Crispy duck with rice, Murtabak, Lok Lok, Popiah, Asam Laksa just to mention a few dishes that you shouldn't miss!

Flights are available from several destinations in Asia directly to Penang, and from the airport you can easily get yourself to Georgetown via taxi or bus. 

Philippines

According to Paul from BoracayCompass

If you're visiting the Philippines and love food, Boracay island is a must-visit.  Its selection and variety of restaurants is huge, and you won't find that many food choices in such a congregated area anywhere else in the country. It isn't just limited to Philippine food either, it's quite the cosmopolitan place actually.

As for where to eat, I mostly eat on a budget so keeping that in mind... For Filipino food I recommend Smoke Resto in D'Mall. Their dishes are tasty and affordable, plus they usually play pretty good music that gets you in the mood for the night. Their Beef Mushroom and Kao Pad dishes are my absolute favorites.

If you’re in the mood for Spanish, I highly recommend feasting on the yummy Fajitas at Munchies, located left of the lake when coming from D’Mall. It’s a bit more pricey, but worth it and still relatively easy on your wallet.

For seafood the best place used to be D’Talipapa which unfortunately burned down. They’ve been rebuilding it but progress has been painfully slow. Luckily there’s an alternative place that’s sprung up named Tindahan it Boracay. It’s at the far southern end of Station 3, best reached by tricycle. There you can then buy seafood in the market, and have it prepared for you in a nearby restaurant, all for a relatively low price.

And last but not least, nothing beats having a good cup of coffee with a slice of banana cake on the side and overlooking the beauty of White Beach. That’s where Cafe del Sol comes in, my favorite place to do just that. It’s a beachfront restaurant located next to the northern beach exit of D’Mall.

Vietnam

According to Markus from The Roaming Fork

The food of Vietnam is one of the main reasons to visit this south east Asian country. 

It is a cuisine that is healthy, often with robust flavours, and can be characterised as having the perfect balance between spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet, with herbs, spices, and fresh meats and seafood all playing a harmonious role.

Food is at the heart of Vietnamese daily life, and holds a significant cultural importance. Specialty dishes will depend on the region, with history and climate being contributing factors, with well-known examples including the smaller serves and snacks of Hue, to the dishes using the fruit and vegetables grown in the cooler climate of Dalat.   

However, no discussion on Vietnamese cuisine would be complete without mentioning Vietnam’s most famous dish, Pho. Each morning, locals and visitors alike huddle together around their favourite street vendor, sitting on little plastic stools, slurping their way through their breakfast.

A bowl of Pho starts with a bone broth that has been cooked overnight, with added spices including star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. This broth is combined with a flat noodle, a protein (with raw beef being the most popular), and a bunch of herbs depending on the vendor and region, with a plate of chilies and limes not too far away.  

Just one of the many fresh and delicious Vietnamese dishes.

Taiwan

According to Sharon from Dive into Malaysia

In my option, Taipei is the best foodie destination in the world because, no matter what you order, it all tastes brilliant. Eating is also a big part of the local culture which means it is very easy and affordable to eat out and try many different things. In fact, I think the best places to visit in Taipei, whether you are a foodie or not, are the fun night markets which are all about eating!

The top night markets are Shida, Raohe and Shilin and I recommend you make it a priority to visit a night market most nights you are In Taipei. There can be a language barrier which is where night markets are extra handy as they are made up of many small stalls where you can see what they are cooking so you have a much better idea of what you are eating. Many items only cost about US$1 which is an extra bonus!

However, the good news is that all food in Taipei seems to be so good that even though we often didn’t know what we were ordering, it still tasted perfect!

Some must-try foods are beef noodle soup,gua bao and stinky tofu.

Nepal

According to Michelle from Full Time Explorer (Nepal Travel Blog)

Bhaktapur, Nepal is known as the “cultural capital” of Nepal. Although it’s famous for its architecture and craftsmanship, the food scene in this tiny city is part of what makes it so special. Today, it’s a diverse city, but it’s roots are deep in Newar culture. Newars are a Hindi caste that are commonly found in and around the Kathmandu Valley. While they have many dishes that are special to their culture, it’s the famous samay baji that captured my attention.

Samay baji is a dish that’s popular during festival season. Often, Newar families will serve this as part of their feasts. Although it’s a special dish, you can find it at any good Newar restaurant in town. My favorite place is the Temple View Palace Restaurant which is located right in the historical Bhaktapur Durbar Square among ancient palaces and temples.

Samay baji consists of an assortment of several different items served on one plate. Usually, you’ll get a spicy barbequed chicken, beaten rice, a vegetable curry, bara (potato and egg pancake), a bean curry, peanuts, and a fried fish. Each samay baji varies based on where you order it and the cooks preferences. This is known as a very spicy dish, but you can order it without chili if you don’t want too much heat.

Bhaktpur is more than just samay baji though. There’s a huge varieties of food available here that is specific to this region. Some other items to try are choila (spicy chicken or buffalo), chura (beaten rice), king curd yogurt (made from buffalo milk), dal baht, bara (potato and egg pancake), kwati (bean soup), and so much more. 

Singapore

According to Callan from Singapore N Beyond

With the diversity of its multi-cultural citizens, it’s a no-brainer that Singapore would become an epicurean delight. It’s a place with a rich heritage and deep culture which is manifested in its various food options. A visit to Singapore will definitely keep your tummy active with a wonderful morning coffee culture, yum cha delights for tea and a bustling, hip gastronomical nightlife.

While it can be fairly expensive to eat at major restaurants with Michelin credibility, there are actually options for every budget. So while only the top tier can afford the $500++ pp to dine at the amazing Waku Ghin or Shinji, mostly anyone can treat themselves to the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world for $2 at Liao Fan Hong Kong at around (or Hawker Chan). 

The entire city-state is basically a foodie’s delight with treats for the palate at every corner. I would suggest that first time visitors go straight to one of the many Hawker Centres that dot the Lion City. Newton Hawker Centre was made famous by blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians. here you can try the various local dishes from chili crab and laksa to satay or Hokkien Mee. 

Hawker Chan is based in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, which is also home to some famous local stalls like Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao or Jia Ji Mei Shi both selling traditional local dishes like Yam Cake with Chee Cheong Fan. There are also traditional Nyonya stalls selling authentic Peranakan flavors. My favourite lesser known hawker centre is Golden Mile along Beach Road. Try Sen Sen Stew Soup for the richest, melt-in-your-mouth Pork Trotters. 

TIP from WorldWideWendy

Singapore is heaven when it comes to food.  I loved the hawker stalls.  If you want to dine a bit more fancy, go to the Lantern at the Fullerton Bay Hotel.  They have a nice rooftop terrace and serve great food.

Hong Kong

According to Winnie from MIllion Dollar Winnie

• Hong Kong style French toast 

Everyone knows about Hong Kong egg tarts, but many people don’t pay enough attention to Hong Kong’s version of French toast. Get this at any diner in town. Don’t worry, this dish is so good, you can’t go wrong with it, no matter where you order it. 

It consists of two thick slices of sandwich bread with a generous amount of peanut butter in the middle and then soaked in egg before being deep fried. Yes, that’s right, deep fried. And to top it all of, you get a slab of butter and as much syrup as you want. 

It’s the ultimate comfort food to indulge yourself in. 

• Curry Fish balls

Hong Kong curry has a distinct flavour palette, which locals love to pair with fish balls, squid tentacles or chicken. But the most iconic of the 3 must be the curry fish balls sold on a skewer at street stalls. 

• Egg waffles 

Waffles don’t sound like the most exciting thing to eat when you’re in a foreign place, but the Hong Kong egg waffle is a dying part of Hong Kong’s food culture you should try before you can’t. 

A traditional street food since the 50’s, you can get them freshly made to order for you. The special part is how it’s eaten. The waffle is slathered in butter and peanut butter, drizzled with condensed milk and sprinkled with sugar before being folded in half and shoved into a paper bag so you can eat it on the go. 

Thailand

Bangkok

According to Claire from Claire's Footsteps

Bangkok is a world-class destination for so many reasons, not least because of its incredible food scene. Any Bangkok itinerary should include sampling some delicious Thai food, which ranges from noodle dishes, to soups, to spicy curries.

From the street food stalls lining Koh San Road, to classy restaurants providing pricier yet delicious dishes, you’ll find something to tickle any type of tastebuds in Bangkok. Some Thai classics, which are sold throughout the city, include the spicy Thai green and red curries and the Massaman curry which is served with potatoes.

But possibly the most famous Thai dish is pad thai. This noodle dinner is typical street food fare, found all over Bangkok. Noodles are cooked up with peanuts, fish sauce, tofu, prawns, some vegetables and spices and the dish is served either on its own or wrapped in an egg.

Thip Samai is regarded as the best pad thai restaurant in Bangkok, and it should be visited by any fans of the dish. Be prepared to queue – however, during it you’ll be able to see the chefs cook the noodles with amazing skill, making it possibly the most entertaining wait for a meal you’ve ever had! A vegetarian and vegan option of the dish is available here.

If you want to learn more about pad thai and other Thai food, the Siam Museum has a great interactive food exhibition.

TIP from WorldWideWendy

I was in Bangkok last year and I can confirm that Thip Samai is the best place to  taste the Pad Thai. But for the most special experience you have to go to Jay Fai, only 50 meters from Thip Samai.  The owner, Fai, is the queen of Thai Street Food.  He crab omelette convinced the people from Michelin to give her a Michelin Star.

You can read more about Bangkok Streetfood in this blogpost.

Indonesia

According to Halef and Michael from The Round The World Guys

Indonesia is a vast archipelago made up of more than 300 ethnic groups. It's been a foodie destinations for hundreds of years (if you count the original European explorers). The Spice Islands, part of the Eastern province of Maluku, produced many exotic spices that attracted European and Arabic traders. Most of those spices are now intrinsic parts of how we experience food around the world today.

It can be a bit of a task describing Indonesian food. These 17,000 islands have a vast selection of dishes and cuisines endemic to various cultures and islands. Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Satay Ayam (skewered chicken on a stick) are two of the most popular dishes in Indonesia that you'll find just about everywhere.

Want to dig deeper into the delights of Indonesian cuisine? Start with West Sumatran cuisine - Nasi Padang - which widely agreed among Indonesians to be some of the tastiest food in the country.

Everywhere you go in Indonesia – from Jakarta to Bali and Papua, you will find a Padang restaurant, usually with a distinctive ornamental pointed roof. Try the rendang beef dish, steamed cassava leaves with a side of sambal balado – a signature condiment in any Padang cuisine.

Prepare to become an Indonesian food addict when you try these dishes lathered in spicy sambal sauce. You can learn a few things about Indonesian food here before you visit.

Tip from WorldWideWendy

Allthough I loved the numerous temples, I have to admit Bali charmed me the most with it's local cuisine.  It's cheap, tasty and of great quality.  In Bali we also tasted the famous durian (or stinky fruit).  Not my cup of tea! During our trip we stayed in The Mulia, the best hotel I ever visited when it comes to food. You can read all about the island of the 1000 temples over here.

North American destinations for Foodies

When Europeans think about foody destinations, North America isn't the first destination that crosses their mind.  Nevertheless North America has a wide variety of restaurants from all over the world and I don't say no to a real American breakfast. Pancakes with maple syrop are to die for!

Cuba

By Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic

Cuba is often overlooked as a food destination because many people stay on all inclusive resorts, which never have great food no matter the country. Or they go to tourist trap restaurants.

But the country has a fantastic culinary history created by a blend of Spanish conquistadors, French immigrants and slaves from Africa. It created a cuisine that is completely unique in Latin America - there are no tacos here!

But what you will discover is incredible Cuban coffee, delicious fruit and a cocktail scene that goes far beyond the mojito and daiquiri. 

Cubans make incredible braised meat dishes and are experts at cooking off cuts of meat. But nothing beats the national dish of Cuba. Ropa vieja means old clothes but it is far more appetizing than that. Beef is braised with tomato and onion until it is so tender that it can be shredded with a fork and served with olives and sometimes raisins. 

It can be found in most restaurants in Cuba but a particularly great version of it is is Taberna La Botija in the colourful city of Trinidad. The Taberna features tapas style food and is open 24 hours a day. It has great happy hour prices and features live music at night.

Jamaica

According to Amber from With Husband in Tow

Jamaica is known for many things, stunning beaches, Bob Marley, and crystal blue water. Its cuisine is often overshadowed but that’s a mistake. Traditional Jamaican food is vibrant, flavorful and steeped in history and influences from Africa and the Caribbean. It is reason enough to visit the island.

At the top of Jamaican food pyramid is Jerked Chicken. Jerk is the most popular dish in Jamaica. It is considered by many to be the national dish of Jamaica. Practically anything can be “jerked” including pork, fish and seafood. A close second to Jerked Chicken in the race for national dish of Jamaica and arguably the most controversial dish in Jamaica, is the Jamaican beef patty. Consisting of a light and flaky pastry stuffed with spicy beef, chicken or seafood and then deep fried, the Jamaican beef patty is the most popular fast food on the island. So, why is it so controversial? There are two chain restaurants in Jamaica who have cornered the beef patty market, Juici and Tastee (think McDonald’s versus Burger King). For Jamaicans you’re either a Juici lover or a Tastee lover and whichever side you land on, the other brands’ beef patty isn’t as good. With sweet and juicy fruits, a bounty of seafood, and a long culinary history, Jamaica is a top foodie destination in the heart of the Caribbean. 

TIP from WorldWideWendy

Not sure if Jamaica is your thing?  Board a cruise to discover the Caribbean.  We visited Jamaica this way and were surprised.  I am sure we will return for a longer stay someday.  By the way, Amber is right, the Jerked Chicken is superb.

San Francisco

According to Noel from Travel Photo Discovery

If you love to travel and combine your interest in food with visiting amazing destinations then put San Francisco on your bucket list. A popular city to visit on its own, San Francisco is also a world re-known foodie destination with an international caliber of foods, food markets, Michelin star restaurants, food truck venues and food courts. One of the most popular places that is food inspired is the Ferry Building in the Embarcadero. Still used as a ferry terminal, the interior halls are filled with food stalls, cafes, food shops and all types of food inspired goodies. One of my favorite things is to go to the weekend market at the Ferry Building and check out the latest of the best in season fruits, vegetables and even prepared foods to snack on. Or if you want something local, try the fresh Dungeness crabs or oysters from the seafood bar at Hog Island Oyster Bar with spectacular water and bridge views of San Francisco Bay. 

There are so many fascinating neighborhoods to also visit in the city with ethnic neighborhoods spanning Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and other mixed nationalities within each area. Check out my must eat San Francisco foodie post here for more images and inspiration to visiting the city.

New York

according to Talek from Travels With Talek

New York City, The Big Apple, City of Dreams, The City that Never Sleeps, Fun City, The Empire City.  My home town is called many things, but it is never called dull. 

No where is the city’s electricity and bravado more apparent than in its cuisine, delicious offerings contributed by every single country on earth.  The constant immigration that has enriched New York City, from the first Dutch settlers to the latest arrivals, has made New York the ultimate foodie destination.

What’s your pleasure? Do you crave well-known, go-to standard fare like Italian pizza, Chinese dumplings, Mexican tacos or the quintessential NYC dish, pastrami on rye from the Jewish deli?  If the exotic is more to your liking, try a Bolivian salteño, a savory meat pastry stuffed with quinoa and oysters introduced by Bolivia’s native population, or Ethiopian injera, a plate of up to 10 tasty dishes that you scoop up with flat bread and eat with your hands. Korean kimchi, Singaporean laksa, Cuban pastelitos, Nigerian afang. It’s all here in one place, New York City.

My favorite restaurants in this endless array of delectable delights? It’s a toss-up between Victor’s Café in the Theater District for killer Cuban food or Xi’an Famous Foods for mouthwatering treats from China’s Shaanxi Province.

TIP from WorldWideWendy

When I think of New York, the first thing that comes to mind is Lobster Rolls.  The best ones I ever tasted are sold in the Lobster Place in Chelsea Market.  The most expensive and disappointing dinner was at Nobu.

Canada

According to Sherianne from Out of Office

Canada is an amazing country. There is so much to see and do… Vancouver’s iconic skyline, Whistler’s world class slopes, Calgary’s famous Stampede Rodeo, Alberta’s gorgeous Banff National Park, Toronto’s CN Tower, Montreal’s grit and Quebec’s charm. There is also so much to eat… my Canadian must haves are maple bacon anything and poutine.

Poutine is a mix of french fries, brown gravy, and cheese curds. Story goes poutine originated in Warwick, Quebec at Le Lutin qui rit restaurant after a customer asked to add cheese curds to the french fries and the owner said “Ça va faire une maudite poutine” (that’s going to make a dreadful mess). Amusing. My first encounter with poutine was when a friend’s husband got it at the Calgary Stampede; my first thought was “that’s too messy” and he couldn’t convince me to try it. Silly me.

Fortunately poutine is found throughout Canada and I have had many encounters with it since. The french fries are double fried and do not become soggy in the gravy and the cheese curds are soft and warm but not completely melted. This is the ultimate comfort food and will leave you saying Oh Canada! Oh Poutine!

Wisconsin

According to Sue from Food Travelist

Our favorite midwestern destination is Madison, Wisconsin. Home of the Badgers this town has more going on than just brats and beer. The lure of this town, listed in just about every “best town to live in and visit” article ever written should be its food. 

You will find international cuisine from around the globe.  Food from Korea, Peru, Ecuador, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Germany and more are plentiful and delicious. 

The local ingredients are the stars of the show at many Madison restaurants. Whether you’re looking for farm-to-table menus at the trendy L’Etoile by James Beard award winner Chef Tory Miller or a cozier spot like Lombardino’s for their brick-oven pizza.

Love local? Then visit the Dane County Farmers Market in Madison anytime from April through November.  The largest producers-only market in the U.S.A.  Prepare to spend at least a few hours checking out the produce, cheese and bakery items you won’t be able to resist. Afterward, stop in the Old Fashioned restaurant for a taste of Wisconsin and the best Old Fashioned in town.

While on the square check out Fromagination for an unbeatable selection of Wisconsin and imported cheeses. Then make a trek out to a local pizza farm for outstanding pizza made with fresh dairy and farm ingredients. 

Chicago

According to Patti from Savvy Globetrotter

Chicago is one of the best foodie cities in the world with an endless array of dining options for every budget.  Chicago is famous for its two most well known dishes:

• Chicago-style hot dogs
• Deep dish pizza. 

A Chicago-style hot dog (or Chicago dog) is an all-beef hot dog served on a poppy seed bun and topped with mustard, pickle, relish, peppers, onions, sliced tomato and celery salt (but ketchup is not allowed).  Thousands of restaurants in Chicago serve Chicago dogs, some vary the toppings and put their own spin on the dish, but one of the most convenient and popular spots to try the classic version includes Portillo's with many locations throughout the city.

There are numerous lists which name the best restaurants for deep dish pizza - the most recommended restaurants include Giordano's, Lou Malnati’s, Pizzeria Uno and Pequod’s. 

However, there is more to the Chicago food scene than just hot dogs and deep dish pizza.  Chicago is a city with a large number of immigrants and you will find restaurants serving food from every type of cuisine including Italian, Polish, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Indian and more.  For foodies that prefer fine dining, Chicago has a large number of acclaimed restaurants serving food from famous chefs.

Washington

According to Alex from Wanderlust Marriage

Washington, DC is the capital of the USA, and home to the world’s largest collection of free museums, the Smithsonian. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the National Gallery of Art and the National Portrait Gallery. Visitors should take the US Capitol Tour and consider a White House tour if you plan well in advance. 

You can also visit the National Archives (home to the US Constitution) and see the memorials on the National Mall and Tidal Basin. The new National Museum of African American History and Culture is an important reminder of the dark side of American history related to the slave trade. An underrated spot in DC is the US National Arboretum, home to 22 columns that were previously part of the US Capitol Building. 

Washington, DC is home to a diverse culinary scene, and a thriving happy hour culture. With so many culinary options it’s hard to pinpoint a must visit restaurant or must eat dish. But for those that appreciate tasty food paired with a vibrant and upscale happy hour, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Succotash. Chef Edward Lee is a James Beard Award nominee and his restaurant is a fusion of southern cuisine with a Korean twist.

Two great dishes at Succotash are southern favorites: chicken & waffles and shrimp n’ grits. But don’t miss trying their smoked dry rub chicken wings with celery slaw and Alabama white bbq sauce. When you stop in for their daily and generous happy hour from 3pm-8pm at the bar, the wings are just $1 each. They pair well with their house brew Succotash Rye, or a popular local craft beer like DC Brau pale ale. 

Read more about DC in Romantic thing to do in Washington DC.

South American destinations for foodies

When I think of South American food, I think of beans. But the local cuisine has so much more to offer.

Colombia

According to Thais from World Trip Diaries

Colombia is our favorite foodie country in the world, right next to Japan.  The food there is always delicious and mostly cheap. 

In Bogota, our favorite restaurant is Andres Carne de Res, highly popular, delicious and fun! The specialty is the steaks but there were many vegetarian options too. 

In Medellin, Mercado del Rio is a food court with the best foods ever and for a more traditional Colombian food, you can't miss Mondongos! The bandeja paísa (as per photo) is perfect!

In Cartagena, Chocomuseo has the best chocolate and chocolate-related food, and amazing workshops!

Available in the whole country, there's our favorite street food, buñuelos. They're round cheese buns, so good! You can find them in coffee shops too, but they're better on the streets.

And for the coffee lovers, Juan Valdez. Heaven on earth. Even their souvenir coffee meringues are to die for. 
For those wanting a more coffee experience, there's Arte Y Passión barista school. Try out the different coffee styles and learn about the history of this type of coffee with the baristas there. My kids loved watching them make the designs on their coffee at the table for them to see!

African destinations for foodies

I have such great memories of a blissful restaurant in Marrakech, I ate the best oysters ever in Knysna (South-Africa) and I will never forget the tasty lobster from Senegal.  Several South African restaurant are listed in the World's  100 best restaurants.

Morocco

According to James from Travel Collecting

Marrakech is a foodie’s dream.  The most popular dish is tajine, which is a kind of stew cooked in conical earthen pots also called tajines.  Chicken and lemon, meatballs with egg, and lamb with prunes are common options.  It is eaten with a flatish, round bread that is ubiquitous in Morocco. Bread is baked in communal ovens, which you can visit to see bread being baked.   Eat like the locals and use the bread to scoop up the food instead of a fork or spoon. 

Couscous, a version of semolina, is a special occasion dish typically enjoyed on Fridays (though you can get it any day in restaurants) with meat and vegetables.  Lamb is common and lamb tangia, lamb slow cooked in ovens deep in the ground, melts in your mouth.  Another local specialty is snail soup – earthy, cinammony and delicious.   At markets, you can also get olives, dates and fresh juices.  Try a date or avocado smoothie.   My favorite dish, though, is pastilla.  This is a round ‘pie’ with chicken or pigeon (most traditional) and egg in filo pastry sprinkled with cinnamon.  It is heavenly. 

The heart of Marrakech is Jemaa el Fnaa square, and there are plenty of restaurants with great food on and near the square, though my absolute favorite way to experience the food of Marrakech is to take a food tour, where you can sample most of these dishes, plus street snacks including fresh donuts dipped in orange blossom syrup.  What’s not to love? 

TIP from WorldWideWendy

During your citytrip to Marrakech, you have to go to Palais Jad Mahal. It's situated beside Louis Vuitton. After entering the gate, you end up in a fairy tale.  They serve amazing tajines in a unique atmosphere.

What's your favourite foodie destination?

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