For food connoisseurs, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as discovering the perfect culinary scene. Most food lovers relish in visiting the perfect foodie destinations where they can indulge in their favorite dishes and taste new edibles. If you are one of those that love to enjoy a fine dining experience or the best street food a city has to offer, this article is for you! We are going to examine the top gastronomic cities and destinations where you can treat your taste buds with amazing food.
Best Foodie Destinations
When it comes to eating good food, it does not matter where you get it from; the source is irrelevant. You could find amazing meals being prepared at upscale restaurants or at small food stalls-trucks, it all depends on your budget, feeling, love of adventure, and personal preference(s). Through gathering various opinions, we have compiled a list of the top ten culinary destinations worth considering.
1. France
When it comes to savoring the ultimate foodie experience, France is hard to beat. Its years of time-honored recipes and traditional methods of preparing dishes have given rise to some of the most delicious cuisines in the world. That is why our brand is taking a special interest in French culinary traditions; with our French founder Chef Aurélien Dufour we are set to create an amazing list of classic French delicacies.
Lyon is renowned for being the French capital of gastronomy. You can visit the restaurants in Lyon for exquisite wine-tasting evenings while chewing on some exclusive French cuisines like the saucisson de Lyon and others.
2. Malaysia
Curry Laksa is a delectable ethnic dish hailing from the city of Kuala Lumpur. This culinary delight is a must-try for any tourist or traveler visiting Malaysia. You can find curry laksa at Madras Lane, located off Petaling Street. Here, you will also find several food stalls that sell it, and strive for the title of the best curry laksa.
When you try curry laksa, you will notice that all iterations have something in common. They have a mix of various flavors and spices, including galangal, turmeric, candlenut, chili, and shrimp paste. Curry laksa is usually served with coconut milk, which, interestingly, imbues the noodle soup with a fiery orange shade.
There are two options of noodle dishes to choose from - thick egg or thin rice noodles, and various additional ingredients such as shredded chicken, cockles, shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and some fresh chili and mint, all of which will contribute to the complexity of the dish. A squeeze of lime is also typically added to complete the flavor profile.
3. Spain
If you are headed to a food tour in San Sebastian in northeastern Spain, make sure to try out this local delicacy: Pintxos. Pintxos is typically enjoyed with a refreshing beverage. Outside of the Basque country, it is most commonly referred to as tapas. Pinxtos are particularly appealing to international food lovers, since they can be prepared and consumed in various ways. You can either opt for the traditional toppings on bread, or for a more contemporary iteration that often features various flavor-defying tastes. Either way, you’re sure to find something to suit your palate.
Pintxos come in a variety of forms, making it challenging to pick a favorite. Some popular options include mushrooms with garlic, or tuna with battered white asparagus and anchovy tart. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Pinxtos experience, be sure to visit some of the locals’ favorite restaurants in the evening.
4. Japan
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, a sushi masterclass in Tokyo is a must-try experience. To truly savor the best sushi in Tokyo, be sure to visit renowned establishments such as Sushi Saito or Sukiyabashi Jiro. Most professional sushi chefs in Tokyo prefer to serve their sushi in the Omakase style, which allows the chef to select, prepare and serve your sushi while ensuring that you are presented with the best options. To fully appreciate the sushi at these award-winning restaurants, however, one must observe and follow a certain etiquette. For instance, you must first pick up the sushi with your hands, not the regular chopsticks. Additionally, you shouldn’t dip the sushi in soy sauce. Feel free to adventure yourself by experiencing the other many specialities that this wonderful country has to offer like Yakitori, tempura, udon, soba, yakiniku, takoyaki, and more!
5. Thailand
Som tum is a popular vegan menu item that is consumed in Thailand. Bangkok is commonly known as the culinary capital of som tom (also known as green papaya salad). This particular foodie destination offers the most flavorful and savory renditions of the salad. You will like this salad because it is characterized by its sweet, salty, and very fiery taste.
This salad is a medley of ingredients, including peanuts, carrots, and papaya, as well as sweet tomatoes and juicy, succulent shrimp. Som tum can also be paired with some local wines for an even more enjoyable experience.
If you are looking for a quick taste of Thailand, order our Thai sausages to train your taste buds for the different spices regularly used in Thailand.
6. Texas
Nothing hits better than mouth-watering, barbecued meats from Texas. When you visit Franklin Barbecue in Austin, you will find the best pulled pork, sausage, ribs, and more. However, the most sought-after dish, however, is undoubtedly the beef brisket. Franklin Barbecue is a local favorite, since it prepares its beef brisket by marinating the meat in a blend of black pepper and salt, slow-cooking it, and using oakwood smoke to imbue the beef in a unique flavor, and encase it in a thin, salty crust.
7. Denmark
When taking a culinary excursion to Copenhagen, tasting the legendary Smørrebrød is an absolute must. With its locally-sourced ingredients, Restaurant Schonnemann produces one of the best meals you can eat while in Denmark. This esteemed establishment is widely considered to be one of the top foodie destinations in Copenhagen, especially because it has a beautiful, idyllic culinary landscape.
Restaurant Schonnemann prepares Smørrebrød using traditional ingredients, such as onions, dill pickled herring, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, dill and lemon, and pickles. Additionally, they add some unconventional ingredients, like shrimp, roast beef, onions, horseradish, apples and bacon and blue cheese, making for an interesting and delicious food experience.
8. South Korea
Visitors to South Korea often give rave reviews about the flawless quality of the country’s cuisine. One of the most notable meals is made of a mix of sautéed vegetables with seasoned beef called Bibimbap. You will find in it ingredients like zucchinis, white rice, spicy chili paste, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms.
You have the liberty to choose between the jeonju-style or the dolsot-styled bibimbap. The former comes in a cold bowl, while the latter comes in a hot earthenware bowl. While you are visiting this amazing country, do not forget to try their various “banchan” - side dishes that come with a meal - and more especially Kimchi. It is the most traditional Korean side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables, such as napa cabbage and Korean radish, with a wide selection of seasonings.
9. New Zealand
New Zealand's South Island boasts some of the finest crayfish, and is a must-try during your food tour. While New Zealand is renowned for its national rugby team, its native Maori culture, and its scenic landscape, it also offers a variety of specialty foods. Commonly referred to as koura by the Maori, crayfish are very similar to small lobsters in appearance and stand out from the rest of their seafood offering.
You can enjoy crayfish in the picturesque village called Kaikoura, located approximately 255 kilometers south of Wellington, which is famed for its fresh seafood and other culinary delights. One of the best spots in New Zealand where seafood lovers can enjoy quality food is Nin's Bin.
10. Hong Kong
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, Hong Kong is a prime destination to enjoy a light snack called Dim sum. For a traditional taste of these bite-sized treats, DimDimSum is a popular choice among locals and visiting tourists. Their menu features a perfect blend of steamed shrimp and pork dumplings, as well as perfectly prepared barbecue pork steamed buns.
For a more upscale and elevated dining experience, There are several Michelin-starred restaurants like Food Lam Moon and Duddell's that you can enjoy. Each one of these Michelin-star establishments boasts a beautiful restaurant setting, and provides the perfect classics with a refined and creative twist.
11. Italy
Italy is the renowned birthplace of pizza, and Naples stands out as the epicenter of the best Italian food. You can visit Di Matteo, which serves up some of the best pizza you will find in the entire world. If you want to enjoy perfectly-prepared pizza, you must visit the streets of Italy to experience a memorable culinary treat.
12. Home
Who says you must travel to enjoy all the foods you want to enjoy? There are some exciting brands that can allow you to recreate a foodie destination-themed experience in the comfort of your home. If you are one of those that do not enjoy the thrills of travel but would love to get the full foodie package, you can always count on Chef Aurélien Dufour from Dufour Gourmet to save the day. It does not matter the occasion; you can always place your order and get your meals delivered to your doorstep in minutes.
Conclusion
Whether it may be the impeccable southern cuisine of South Korea, the succulent crayfish of New Zealand's South Island, the delicate dim sum of Hong Kong, or the iconic Italian pizza from Naples, each of these destinations offers a unique and delicious culinary experience.
We hope that our guide serves as a valuable resource for those planning to embark on a food tour and seeking to savor the best these destinations have to offer. With so many delicious options to choose from, you are sure to have a wonderful time indulging in the local flavors and traditions of each place. Be sure to tag us along with your travel and culinary adventures.