Travel Destinations for Food Lovers. Is your mouth watering just thinking about traveling to the weirdest and best food destinations? Sure, there’s Paris, Tokyo, and New York City, but several lesser-known cities serve delicious food without the tourist headache.
5 Underrated Travel Destinations for Food Lovers
1. Porto, Portugal
A Culinary Haven on the Atlantic Coast
Porto is the second most important city in Portugal and is a true gastronomic treasure for those who want to taste real Portuguese food in beautiful surroundings. Nestled along the Douro River, Porto combines flavors of tradition with the latest in foodie innovation.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Francesinha: A hearty sandwich with cured meats, steak, and melted cheese, topped with a rich tomato and beer sauce.
- Trips à Moda do Porto: Traditional tripe boiled with white beans, vegetables, and spices.
- Pastéis de Chaves: Lightly fried puff pastry with either a savory or sweet filling and very pleasant for an afternoon snack.
Dinner Recommendations:
- Mercado do Bolhão: Typical market where the customers can enjoy seafood fresh local cheese and handicraft products.
- Rabelo Restaurant: Due to the brilliant views it offers on the river, it allows highlighting what has been the best produced up until now regarding the Port cuisine.
- Cantinho do Avillez: This trendy restaurant is run by the well-known chef José Avillez, where traditional and modern flavors of Portugal merge.
Why Porto?
The rich gastronomic tradition, energy in the food scene against charming architecture, and scenic landscapes make Porto unique. A combination that turns the town into the ultimate ideal setting for gastronauts looking for a dose of both authentic taste and varieties.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Heart of Northern Thai Cuisine
Chiang Mai, a mountainous city in northern Thailand, acts like a haven for food lovers to try all sorts of dishes in various flavors. From night markets down to street food, Chiang Mai is a place where one gets along with delicious and affordable food.
Must-try Dishes:
- Khao Soi: A curative coconut noodle soup topped with crispy noodles and fresh herbs.
- Sai Oua: This Northern Thai sausage has a spicy smell, fermented by lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chilies.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet dessert dish of ripe mango served with sticky rice doused in coconut milk.
Food Highlight:
- Night Bazaar: Experience a super variety of night market food and snacks besides local specialties in the Night Bazaar.
- Dash! Restaurant and Bar: Enjoy traditionally classic northern settings.
- Khao Soi Khun Yai: It is famous for its magnificent Khao Soi, which draws both locals and tourists to it.
Why Chiang Mai?
The flamboyant street food scene and unique Northern Thai cuisine make Chiang Mai a must-stop destination for food tourists. As it is, the eateries here are inexpensive, with equally friendly people, which makes the food experience even more worth it.
3. Oaxaca, Mexico
A Cultural and Culinary Treasure
Oaxaca is one of the must-travel destinations in southern Mexican states that is well-known for its food and how strong the gastronomic traditions are. Being called the gastronomic capital of Mexico, Oaxaca presents flavors from indigenous and Spanish roots.
Dishes Not to Miss:
- Mole: A complicated sauce made out of a combination of chiles, spices, chocolate, and other ingredients. It is typically served over chicken.
- Tlayudas: Huge, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, meat, and fresh vegetables.
- Chapulines: Toasted grasshoppers flavored with chili and lime, a popular local snack. Dining
Highlights
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre: A busy marketplace with a vast array of traditional Oaxacan dishes and ingredients.
- Casa Oaxaca: A highly regarded restaurant that fuses traditional and contemporary Oaxacan cuisine.
- La Biznaga: A creative menu that showcases local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
Why Oaxaca?
The deep gastronomic roots of Oaxaca, along with food diversity, enable foodies to dive into a new atmosphere. It focuses on fresh ingredients and a traditional way of preparing them-promising a great gastronomic journey.
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
A Hidden European Culinary Destination
Up until now, Ljubljana has been one of those few unexploited European towns, being the capital of Slovenia and about to get famous amongst food lovers. This gastronomic city can boast of local and seasonal ingredients, accenting innovative culinary practices.
Some Dishes not to be Missed During the Travel Destination:
- Kranjska Klobasa: Traditional Carniolan sausage served with mustard and bread
- Štruklji: Rolled dumplings filled with ingredients such as cheese, spinach, and meat.
- Potica: Sweet pastry with nuts, honey, or poppy seeds, served for dessert.
Dining Highlights:
- Central Market: A sneak look at fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, combined with handicraft delicacies that form this bustling market.
- Gostilna Sokol: Traditional Slovenian cuisine in rustic and cozy surroundings.
- JB Restaurant: A Michelin-starred restaurant that deals in innovatively prepared Slovenian cuisine with a modern twist.
Why Ljubljana?
From traditional to modern, the gastronomic delights of this beautiful European city combine in a unique blend. Greater commitment towards sustainability and local sourcing further makes it a coveted destination for conscious food travelers.
5. Penang, Malaysia
A Melaka of Flavors
Penang is an island state in Malaysia, famous for its food culture combined with influences of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cuisines. Reputedly known as the “Food Capital of Malaysia,” Penang offers an unparalleled variety of street food and fine dining options.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Char Koay Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, eggs, and Chinese sausage.
- Nasi Kandar: Steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes.
- Laksa Penang: A tangy and spicy noodle soup made with tamarind and shrimp.
Dining Highlights:
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre: A famous food court offering an array of Penang’s best street foods.
- Siam Road Char Koay Teow: Known for serving some of the best Char Koay Teow in Penang.
- China House: A multi-story venue that combines a café, restaurant, and art gallery, perfect for a leisurely meal.
Why Penang?
This multi-cultural little island, along with a street food scene, makes Penang a gastronomic haven. Budgeting options and amiable locals complete the gastronomic experience, during the travel destination.
Conclusion
For the food enthusiast who would want to venture into more unknown regions than those common for a tourist, these five underrated travel destinations offer a treasure of food items and eating experiences.
From the hearty flavors of Porto, vibrant street food in Chiang Mai, rich traditions in Oaxaca, charming streets in Ljubljana, to the diversity of tastes in Penang-each destination promises flavor and memory to cherish.
Let yourself get fascinated by such hidden treasures of cuisine and savor the authentic taste of regional specialties from each destination.
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