One of the great joys of travelling is trying local cuisines. And while there are plenty of famous foodie destinations which live up to the hype, the world is also full of unexpected culinary experiences waiting to be discovered. From street food havens to Michelin star-studded cities, here are our top picks for places that any foodie should go and visit.
Hong Kong
Pineapple buns, milk tea, fish balls, egg tarts… Hong Kong’s cuisine is legendary. It does fusion like nowhere else, effortlessly incorporating different flavours to create something new. The most recent trend to get the Hong Kong treatment is plant-based eating, which has been interpreted with all the verve and variety you’d expect. You can enjoy everything from meat-free dim sum and Buddhist cuisine to vegetarian Korean dishes and zero-waste vegan restaurants.
Madeira
When you mention the Portuguese island of Madeira, the first thing that comes to mind is the fortified wine. Of course, it’s well worth visiting a producer or two for a tasting while you’re here. but the island’s cuisine also has plenty to tempt visitors. Fish is a staple, and usually served with malho frito (deep-fried cornmeal), while beef espetada often comes with bolo de caco (flatbread). But humble sopa de tomate e cebola (tomato and onion soup) is perhaps Madeira’s best-known dish – fresh, unpretentious, and delicious.
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Madeira
View BookKansai
With the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Tokyo is a true foodie hotspot. But travel beyond Japan’s capital, and you’ll quickly realise the whole nation is obsessed with good food. In the Kansai region alone, not only do the cities have their own specialities – Kyōto’s elevated kyo-ryōri kaiseki cuisine, Kobe’s famous beef, Ōsaka’s warming okonomiyaki and takoyaki – but even the small towns. The castle town of Izu-shi is home to sara soba, buckwheat noodles served on beautiful, dainty dishes; five plates make up a serving, but many restaurants will give you a commemorative plaque if you manage to conquer twenty.
DK Japan
View BookCape Town
Quite possibly the gastronomic capital of South Africa, Cape Town has a stunning array of culinary experiences for visitors to try. For just a taste of the full range, spend an evening at a braai (barbecue), indulge in Cape Malay dishes like bobotie in Bo Kaap, and take your pick from the casual seaside spots serving up fresh fish and seafood. And of course, visit a few of the Cape Winelands’ excellent vineyards – or just try the local varieties at one of the city’s many chic wine bars.
DK Top 10 Cape Town and the Winelands
View BookNew Orleans
The only problem facing a foodie traveller in New Orleans is: what first? Delve into Cajun and Creole dishes like oysters en brochette, jambalaya, gumbo and crawfish étoufée? Let your sweet tooth lead you to sugar-dusted beignets, colourful king cakes and flamboyant Bananas Foster? Whatever food you’re craving, New Orleans will provide it in inimitable style.
DK New Orleans
View BookNorthern Territory
Though the big cities have plenty of excellent coffee shops and high-end restaurants, it’s in the vast Northern Territory that you’ll find some of Australia’s most engrossing and eye-opening food experiences. Darwin and Alice Springs have some great spots for trying Australian cuisine, but you’ll get more insight by heading out on an indigenous food tour. Your guide will teach you about the area’s food culture, including bush tucker – everything from warrigal greens and yams (vegetables) to kutjera and quandong (fruits), plus meats like witchetty grubs, emu and crocodile.
DK Australia
View BookRio de Janeiro
A huge city home to people from all over the world, Rio has a truly cosmopolitan food scene. One night you could enjoy Japanese or fusion food (Brazil has the highest Japanese population outside of Japan), the next dine in an haute-cuisine restaurant, and the third try traditional Brazilian dishes like feijoada (a black bean stew). Rio’s street food scene is also well worth exploring – deep-fried pasteis, moreish bacalhau, and all kinds of grilled meat dishes.
DK Brazil
View BookLiguria
The Italian Riviera is a culinary hotspot even in a country known for its cuisine. One reason for this is its fine produce; truffles, wines, olive oil, seafood – the list goes on. With so much bounty from land and sea, it’s no surprise that this region near the French border has developed a distinct food culture of its own. Try a warm plate of taggiaen (the dialect word for tagliatelle) with Genovese pesto, and perhaps a drop of wine from La Cantina degli Abissi – the bottles are stored underwater, and sometimes emerge encrusted with barnacles.
DK Italy
View BookMarrakech
A quick walk through the souks of Marrakech will make one thing clear: this is a trading hub. The city’s long trading history has led to its modern-day food culture, which combines varied global tastes with traditional Moroccan dishes. Treat yourself to a hearty tagine, delicately layered b’stilla pie, or grilled fish marinated in a chermoula spice mix. And of course, don’t forget to wash it all down with a sweet, calming mint tea.
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Marrakech
View BookVancouver
The maritime location of west-coast Canada’s biggest city has a profound influence on its food culture, with fresh seafood showing up on most menus. But perhaps even more important is the city’s cultural diversity. A large proportion of Vancouverites have roots in Asia, so it’s no surprise that visitors can enjoy some of the best sushi, curries, dim sum, and adobo in Canada. Gastown and Kitsilano districts are both restaurant hubs, so just stroll the streets there and see what grabs your attention. You’ll find local craft beers on offer at most bars and restaurants, too – make time to visit a brewery if you can.
DK Top 10 Vancouver and Vancouver Island
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