Food is one of the best ways to get a true taste of a new area. I’ve had the chance to visit many different nations over the years, and at each stop I was treated to amazing cuisine that made me want to return. Here are several must-try cuisines I enjoyed while traveling, ranging from rich, filling meals in Europe to flavorful street food in Southeast Asia. These foods not only capture the culture of the locations I visited, but they also made me appreciate the power of regional cuisine.
1. Pho in Vietnam
I was instantly captivated to the famous Vietnamese meal, pho, when I visited. Usually cooked with beef or chicken, this aromatic soup is a well-balanced combination of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and fragrant broth. The aroma of sizzling meat and herbs filled the air at the little eatery on the street in Hanoi where I had my first taste. My senses were overwhelmed by the heated broth as soon as I took my first bite. The supple meat was ideally paired with the thick yet light broth, which had a rich, delicious umami flavor. The meal was robust yet well-balanced, with each taste revealing the freshness of the herbs, lime, and chili. It’s more than simply a dinner; it’s a heartwarming experience.
2. Pasta in Italy
I got to enjoy pasta, the ultimate comfort dish, while I was in Italy. Although there are innumerable variations throughout the nation, I got the unique opportunity to savor freshly produced pasta in the Tuscan countryside. I requested a meal of savory wild boar ragu accompanied by pappardelle, a broad pasta that resembles ribbons. The sauce had the ideal balance of earthy, savory tastes, and the pasta had the ideal texture—soft but just a little chewy. It seemed as though Italy’s culinary legacy was being celebrated with each bite. The lunch reminded me that delicious food doesn’t necessarily have to be difficult, and it was straightforward yet wonderfully enjoyable.
3. Sushi in Japan
Trying sushi is a must-do when visiting Japan. However, I did not simply go to any sushi restaurant; instead, I enjoyed sushi at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, one of the most well-known fish markets in the world. It was the best sushi I’ve ever tasted. The rice was nicely seasoned with vinegar, which complemented the delicate flavors of the fish, and the fish was so fresh that it virtually melted in my mouth. My favorite was a slice of tuna nigiri, which had a velvety feel and was rich and fatty. It was the height of culinary perfection, with the delicate, slightly acidic rice paired with the fresh fish. With each bite, I felt a genuine connection to Japan’s profound regard for premium, fresh ingredients.
4. Tacos in Mexico
I first experienced the delight of real street tacos when I traveled to Mexico. You won’t find anything like these tiny portable gems at your neighborhood taco joint. I had the honor of sampling tacos in Mexico City, where the textures were exquisitely diverse and the flavors were lively. Carnitas (slow-cooked pig), al pastor (spicy marinated pork), and carne asada (grilled beef) were among the meats that were stuffed inside the tacos, which were prepared with soft, freshly formed corn tortillas. With each taste, the beef was highlighted by the addition of fresh cilantro, onions, and lime juice to each taco. The combination of acidic, spicy, and smoky flavors was amazing. The focus on using local, fresh ingredients was what I adored most about these tacos; there was so much genuineness in every bite.
5. Dim Sum in Hong Kong
On my trip to Hong Kong, I had the chance to enjoy one of the world’s most beloved food traditions: dim sum. I visited a bustling dim sum restaurant, where carts of bite-sized steamed buns, dumplings, and savory pastries were wheeled around for customers to choose from. The flavors and textures varied from delicate steamed shrimp dumplings to fluffy pork buns with a sweet filling. I remember tasting the har gow (shrimp dumplings), with its translucent skin that was light yet sturdy enough to hold the plump shrimp inside. The dumpling’s delicate flavor was perfectly complemented by the dipping sauce. It was the perfect mix of tradition and innovation. The joy of sharing this meal with friends and family, picking out different dishes to try, made the experience even more special.
6. Paella in Spain
Paella is a traditional Spanish meal that I had to taste when I was in Spain. In Valencia, where paella originated, I located a neighborhood eatery and placed an order for the classic seafood paella. The dish was a vibrant combination of precisely cooked rice, shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid, all flavored with garlic and saffron, and it was served in a huge shallow pan. The ideal texture was created by the rice’s tenderness and faint crispy edges. Each taste seemed like a celebration of the Mediterranean thanks to the sea, saffron, and vegetable flavors, and the exceptionally fresh seafood.