Culinary experiences are synonymous with exploration. For culinary lovers, every trip is an opportunity to enjoy authentic flavors, local dishes, and eating experiences within the local culture. If you are a culinary lover planning your next food travel trip, this guide will highlight the best destinations where the culinary arts are the centerpiece. Whether you’re looking for Michelin-starred plates or lively street food, these destinations offer an unforgettable culinary experience. And don’t forget, if you are heading to Europe, don’t worry. With a Schengen travel visa you can travel freely throughout the countries to experience even more culinary variety.
Italy
The Land of Pasta, Pizza & Wine Italy is a culinary paradise featuring creamy risottos in Milan, artisan pasta in Rome, and not being to Naples without having an authentic Neapolitan pizza. And wine lovers rejoice, with Chianti wines found in Tuscany’s wineries.
Dishes you won’t want to miss:
- Pizza Margherita (Nápoles)
- Carbonara (Roma)
- Gelato (Firenze)
France
The Culinary Capital of the World French cuisine is all about ingenuity, elegance, and flavor. And, Paris is the heart of haute cuisine with multiple Michelin-star restaurants. However, food lovers should also check out Lyon, often referred to as the “Gastronomic Capital of the World,” in addition to Bordeaux, known for its incredible wines.
Food to Try:
- Baguettes & Croissants (Paris)
- Coq au Vin (Bourgogne)
- Ratatouille (Provence)
Spain
A Heaven for Tapas Lovers: When it comes to food culture, Spain could be described as a vibrant combination of tastes and sensations, from seafood paella in Valencia to pintxos in San Sebastián. If you love tapas, consider a culinary journey through Madrid or Barcelona. Don’t forget to pull up a chair and enjoy a glass of Rioja wine for the authentic Spanish experience.
Food to Try:
- Paella (Valencia)
- Jamón Ibérico (Madrid)
- Chocolate Dipped Churros (Barcelona)
Note: With a Schengen travel visa, you can travel seamlessly between Spanish cities and some European food destinations not so far away!
Japan
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity Japan offers the exceptional dining experience with its merging of traditional culture and modern food. Whether you are enjoying sushi in the metropolitan of Tokyo or ramen in Fukuoka, every meal you will part take in, illustrates the culture of precision and care taken in every traditional dish. You must experience a Kaiseki, a fine dining, multi-course and formal meal in Japanese culture.
Dishes to Experience:
- Sushi & Sashimi (Tokyo)
- Ramen (Fukuoka & Kyoto)
- Okonomiyaki (Osaka)
Thailand
The World Capital for Street Food Nobody else has a street food culture different than Thailand. Whether you are mixing your way through a market in Bangkok or island hopping, Thai cuisine is something to be sought out with its mixed spicy, sweet, sour and salty flavor combinations.
Dishes of Experience:
- Pad Thai (Bangkok)
- Chiang Mai Tom Yum Soup
- Sticky Rice with Mango (Phuket)
Mexico
A Celebration of Flavors Mexico is a country with culinary traditions that represents the blending of Native and Spanish culinary tradition. Every dish, whether it is a taco from a street cart or mole from Oaxaca, is a story of cultures and traditions beyond the indigenous people of Mexico. Here is another note, you will want a shot of tequila to cheer your meal.
Food Experiences You Should Try:
- Tacos al Pastor (Mexico City)
- Guacamole & Churros (Anywhere!)
- Tamales (Oaxaca)
India
A Spice Lover’s Dream Indian food is influenced by the numerous traditions of tastes, depending on the region of India. Butter chicken from Punjab, dosas of south India and Rajasthan and biryanis of Hyderabad, every mouthful is a mix of tastes.
Food Experiences You Should Experience:
- Butter Chicken and Naan (Delhi)
- Dosa and Sambar (Chennai)
- Rogan Josh (Kashmir)
Greece
The Mediterranean Fun Greek food is about using fresh ingredients, good olive oil and expertly grilling meat. Whether you’re eating gyros in Athens or seafood by the beach in Santorini, you won’t forget the tastes of Greece.
Dishes You Gotta Try:
- Moussaka (Athens)
- Souvlaki (Santorini)
- Baklava (Crete)
Morocco
The Mix of Sweet and Savoury Moroccan food borrows from the different food traditions – Arab, Berber, French. Moroccan food is usually very well flavoured and fulfilling. In the world there are not many cities with as much variety of street food as Marrakech has.
Dishes You Gotta Try:
- Tagine (Marrakech)
- Couscous (Marrakech)
- Tea à la Menthe & Pâtisseries
Vietnam
A Young and Delicious Culinary Scene Vietnamese cooking focuses on balance: bright herbs, grilled meats, and flavorful broth. Whether you are enjoying pho in Hanoi or enjoying a banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese food will not disappoint.
Dishes You Must Try:
- Pho (Hanoi)
- Bánh Mì (Hồ Chí Minh City)
- Spring Rolls (All Over!)
Travel, Eat & Experience the World For food-centric travelers, each destination has its own unique story to tell through its food. It doesn’t matter if you are enjoying Europe through the context of a Schengen travel visa or trying the street food of Asia, each bite you experience connects you with the stories and traditions of a people. Thus, gather your luggage (along with your hunger) and set off on an international flavor-seeking journey!