Finding exceptional flavors should not be hard to do, so we have put together some of the top culinary destinations around the world. However, if you’ve not traveled much then you may not know where to go for all the amazing food. Learning a bit more about these areas, what they offer, their different tastes, and what makes them different might just persuade you to change that vacation destination this year.
If you’re looking for a savory place to bring your tastebuds for a vacation, then we’ve already done the footwork for you. We have taken the time to look at these top culinary destinations worth exploring a bit more [with your mouth, of course.] Add them to your list of the top places worth visiting!
Peru
Peru is known for some of their top must-have dishes while you’re there. If you’ve never had Peruvian food; it’s a bucket list must. Try some of the below, highly recommended, options:
- Ceviche
- Lomo Saltado
- Cuy
- Papas a la Huancaina
- Rocoto Relleno
- Causa
As a warning to those with weak stomachs, or palates that would rather not have a shock; Cuy is Guinea Pig. This is a delicacy in Peru and something that the locals love and share with visitors from near and far. It might be worth trying if you’re interested in something new.
Myanmar
Tea leaf salad and Shan-styled rice come together to create the perfect mix of meals. You can expect to find many dishes that come highly recommended by the locals in the area. Sweet is what they do, and you can find many sweet layers over those savory dishes you’re used to. Try some of these recommended dishes in Myanmar:
- Burmese Curry
- Burmese Tea Shop Meal
- Burmese Sweet Snacks
- Shan-Style Tofu Noodles
- Nangyi Thoke
- Anything and everything deep fried – try it all, we mean it!
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for many things, but especially the food that they are offering. You can expect to find a delicate mix of herbs, spices, fish, veggies and fruit to wash down. You will be surprised at just how lovely many of the meals are. If you’re looking to try something a bit different, then give one of these highly recommended dishes a try:
- Fish ambul thiyal
- Lamprais
- Polos
- Kottu
- Kukul mas curry
- Hoppers
- Wambatu moju
They have many curries that all use different sauces and spices that come together in the best tasting blend. Rice and coconut is what many of the dishes are centered around, so you can expect to find a lot of these ingredients in the many dishes that you try.
Morocco
Morocco is beautiful, but while you might want to go to hit the beaches and soak up some sun, you might also want to try some of the best cuisine that you’ve ever had before.
As with the tradition, you can expect Couscous to be found in a lot of the meal planning. This is because this is where this dish came from, and many of the citizens are used to eating it regularly. If you’re looking to try something new and delicious, then give one of these many Moroccan dishes a try:
- Tagine
- Zalouk
- Fish Chermoula
- Bastilla
- Khobz
- Harira
- Makouda
All of these have specific tastes that go along with them. Trying something different is exciting, and if you want to know what is in each of the dishes, you’ll have to ask!
Vietnam should be in one of your top culinary destinations
Vietnam is not always brought up as one of the top culinary destinations because of the food they offer, but they should be! This is one place that overdoes themselves when it comes down to street food and offering delicious options that have been passed down from generation to generation. Since their lineage runs so deep, the food you try is just as good. Here are some of the must-have dishes to try while in Vietnam:
- Pho
- Cha Ca
- Banh xeo
- Cao lau
- Nem ran/cha gio
- Goi cuon
- Bun bo Hue
These dishes are all made with specific meats, veggies, sauces, and herbs. Many of the ingredients are sourced right from the country, so you can expect to eat authentic food dishes made specifically for tourists who want to bite off a bit more than they can chew.
Barcelona
Almost everyone is familiar with Tapas but if you didn’t know where it came from, now you do. You can find numerous Tapas bars and restaurants throughout Barcelona which is why it is one of our top culinary destinations. They pair almost everything with wine, so you are in for a treat. The wine is just as good as the food they serve, so unbutton your pants. Here are some of the top dish’s worth trying in Barcelona:
- Seafood Paella
- Jamon Iberico
- Bombas
- Pamtomaquet
- Croquetas
- Tortilla de patatas
- Patatas Bravas
You don’t want to leave without having them pair your wine with dessert next. This is one of the most delicious parts of the meal, and one you don’t want to walk away from. Have them pair and enjoy!
Tokyo
Who doesn’t love a bit of sushi? There is not just these delightful rolls you will find there, but so many other delicious dishes. Tokyo is known for their flashing lights, but if you’re looking for a place that is going to provide a delicious meal, you’re in luck. Tokyo is full of delicious restaurants to eat at, so look and make sure to order one of these highly recommended and loved dishes:
- Ramen – Home of the Ramen, this is where it originated and worth trying a delicious version of it
- Unaju
- Yakitori
- Tendon
- Monjayaki
- Soba
- Tempura
So many delicious meats and veggies are fried, sautéed, and cooked over medium heat to create the perfect dish. Tokyo is known for their sushi rolls too, so make sure to stop by a sushi bar to enjoy some sake and sushi!
Prague
Visiting any place is exciting, but when it comes to a place that is highly rated for their food; you’re going to be even more excited. Prague is one of those places. Known for their dark beer and soups; you can pair the two, try them separately, or try another one of the favorite dishes of the area. Here are some of those dishes:
- Kulajda
- Zelnacka
- Cesnecka
- Tatarak
- Bramboraky
- Vurty na cernem pivu
- Chlebicky
If you’re in the area, don’t worry about trying to say any of the meals but pointing at the menu might just get you the most delicious meal you’ve ever tried in your life. It can definitely be worth it.
France Is A Top Culinary Destination
Known for many of their delicacies, it is important that you try them out for yourself to see which you like. Since France is full of French food, you might find some of your favorites located in this area. From everything to flaming dishes to French onion soup [or soupe a l’oignon as they call it], you have a lot of ways to treat your taste buds. Here are some other dishes worth trying:
- Cassoulet
- Flamiche
- Chocolate souffle
- Salade Nicoise
- Boeuf bourguignon
- Coq au vin
- Confit de canard
If you’re confused by any of the names or dishes, let them know and they’d be more than happy to let you know what is in the dish. The French are known for being courteous and helpful, especially when it comes to the foods you eat.
Denmark
Known for wooden shoes and canals; Denmark is also home to some of the most delicious meals. Known mostly for their open-faced sandwiches or Smorrebrod, this is one place that deserves a medal for all that they cook up. If you are looking for a delicious meal, then here are some of the highly recommended meals worth trying while in Denmark:
- Karbonador
- Frikadelier
- Kartofler
- Risalamande
- Koldskal
These are all hard-to-say dishes, but they’re not hard to eat. You will find that they are delicious and nutritious. You might ask for seconds with some of them. Specialized dishes are served throughout many of the restaurants, and Noma in Copenhagen is the perfect place to do so.
Spain (Of course it is one of our top culinary destinations)
Of course, Spain would be on here because who doesn’t love a great pasta dish? Big on many of the flavors we know and love throughout the United States and Canada, you can be sure to find the perfect dish that meets or exceeds your expectations throughout Spain. Here are some of the favorited dishes that you can ask for:
- Jamon
- Paella Valenciana
- Gazpacho
- Fideua
- Tortilla
- Churros
- Pimientos de Padron
Whatever flavor you’re looking for – sweet, spicy, savory – the chefs in Spain know how to bring all three together to create the perfect harmony between tastes for your pleasure. They’re worth trying.
There are plenty of places to find yourself eating throughout the world, with our top culinary destinations list. These are only a handful of options you can go with. Book your vacation away from home today and make sure to investigate one of the many restaurants in the area you’re staying to find out if they are offering any of these and other dishes. Enjoy your trip to our top culinary destinations, but also enjoy the food you’re going to be able to eat while out and about. Your trip will be worth it in the end.