As travel proverbs go, wherever you go, there you are. Well, you, a Starbucks, and a McDonald’s.
Personally, as a self-proclaimed “travel junkie” and only slightly obsessed with trying new foods, I like to try a variety of dishes and eateries during my travels. From chocolate-covered termites in Peru, to my favorite Middle Eastern street food, lamb shawarma, to Croque Madame Muffins in Paris, I have most certainly tried numerous dishes, but there is plenty more to be discovered. Here you will find the top foods that you should add to your itinerary.
Belgium
If you are traveling to the country that claims to have invented fries (or chips, depending on where you are from) you should try moules frites, because it’s just a big pot of mussels, drowning in a white wine sauce, served alongside a hot bowl of fries. Ultimately, the most highbrow-meets-lowbrow combination of deliciousness.
And if you’re a vegetarian?
If you thought you knew the glory that was a Belgian Waffle, you have not truly experienced it until you try a Liege (their name in Belgium). They’re made with buttery brioche dough and chunks of pearl sugar that caramelize on the crust when cooked.
Vietnam
There is a reason why your parents told you that chicken noodle soup could cure any malady. Everyone knows that soup is ultimately one of the most comforting dishes around. Chicken soup and broccoli cheddar might be good, but have you ever tried Phô (pronounced fuh)? It’s basically heaven served in a very large bowl. You can have it meat-based or go veggie. I doubt that it will disappoint.
Chile
Who doesn’t like avocados? Certainly not Chile! Chile is one of the world’s top avocado producers. So check out the completo. It’s a hot dog, twice the size of an American hot dog, topped with avocado, tomatoes, sauerkraut, mayonnaise, chili, sauce and cheese. If that’s not your thing, don’t despair; avocados are indispensable to the Chilean diet and there are plenty of options to include avocado in each meal.
Peru
I must admit, the chocolate covered termites were not the greatest of my culinary experiences in Peru, despite the fact that they tasted just like peanuts. In fact, my favorite dish was ceviche. It’s like seafood meets garden delicacies meets tangy sauces. Throw it in a taco shell, and the game is over. Simple ceviche consists of seafood cured in lime juice and simple spices.
Morocco
If you have yet to drool over this list, this Moroccan dessert might just hit the spot! Ktefa, the dessert that epitomizes having a “sweet tooth,” is made with crispy warqua pastry is layered with sweetened almonds and a milk or custard sauce, called creme anglaise. Not only does it taste good, but it smells delicious too. Ktefa is scented with orange flower water.
Beijing
Dim sum is ultimately a step-up to your brunch game. With a variety of buns, soups, and dumplings to try, the one that should definitely be on your list is the Machu Steamed Bun. It is simple and delicious. It is a steamed bun stuffed with sweetened mashed beans and wrapped with perilla leaves.
Mexico
Actual Mexican street tacos. You can try to imitate them, you can tell your friends that your TexMex is just as good, but if you have ever ventured beyond the Southern border, you know that is a lie. There is no way around it. Just through it. And that way is with your mouth.
Kenya
Every country seems to have their own version of comfort food, and for Kenya, it is a dish known as irio. This well-loved dish, originally a Kikuyu staple that has spread through Kenya, is made of mashed-up potatoes, peas, beans, corn and onion and often served with spiced roasted meat to make a delicious dish called nyama na irio.
Nepal
Nepal’s contribution to the culinary art that is dumpling making is the momo. Usually containing steamed vegetables or meat, the filling is encased in a flour dough, and is then steamed or fried. Momo are usually accompanied by one or two dips, often with a tomato base or fermented vegetables. Condiments in Nepal are sometimes quite spicy, and often contain raw chili and garlic.
New Zealand
What better way is there to finish a meal (or this list) than with a cup of coffee? If you ever find yourself in New Zealand, be sure to try a flat white. It is prepared by pouring steamed milk over a double shot of espresso. It is somewhat similar to cappuccinos and lattes, but smaller in volume, thus a higher proportion of coffee to milk – allowing the espresso to dominate the flavor.
Now, I’m sure that you are ready to whip out your passport and take off on the next flight out.
What’s your favorite international dish?
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