7 Delicious Food Destinations You Should Visit in Your Lifetime
Seeking the perfect blend of culture and cuisine is an art form. If you’re planning a trip this year, consider these top foodie stops to experience one-of-a-kind fusion flavors and discover recipes perfected over centuries. Here are seven global food destinations sure to please your taste buds.
1. Valencia, Spain
Sample nightlife, beaches, and never-ending meals full of ambiance all in one spot. Valencia has a flavor for every mood. Discover a new version of the culturally-renowned dish — paella — every day as you explore essential city sights and architecture. The most authentic version of the dish includes a flavor of saffron, rice, and a variety of meats and seafood. Expect nothing except caught-that-day seafood and market-fresh vegetables in Valencia.
Don’t forget the luxurious glass of wine with your evening meal or midnight tapas as you overlook the glowing Mediterranean Sea.
2. Oahu, Hawaii
Venture to the other side of the world for a slightly different flavor. Sure, you have to sample the trademark Hawaiian fruit — pineapple! But get ready for a lot of guava — you’ll find this ingredient everywhere on the island, and it’s to die for. Other Oahu staples include sushi, poke, acai bowls, and Kalua pork.
On a budget? Cook your meals with market-fresh ingredients or eat local and walk your way through the best food on the island. Don’t forget to cap off your meal with a chilled bowl of Hawaiian shaved ice or a fresh coconut and relax while you watch the sun go down on the beach in true laid-back island style.
3. Sydney, Australia
What do Oahu and Sydney have in common? Both have citizens who boast roots from every nationality. This sets Sydney apart from other Australian destinations, making it a logical magnet for global cuisine and travel. It’s hard to choose one type of dish that signifies the typical Aussie food experience. Think edgy Asian-inspired menus with lamb, kangaroo steak, or juicy fresh prawns at the forefront. Sydney is a port town with unbeatable tourist attractions, culture, and shopping. It’s also a great central location if you plan to tour other destinations in Oceania. Don’t forget the lamingtons for dessert!
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is known worldwide for its epic beaches and resort hotel hot spots. An unexpected perk of cruising through Puerto Vallarta — it’s a gourmet food paradise. Expect quaint traditional cantinas on one end of the foodie spectrum for low-key authentic evenings. On the other end, it’s easy to find glamorous multi-course meals and black-tie dinners. For a different vantage point, some of the best meals are found at sea. Puerto Vallarta is a great starting point for a sunset dinner or culinary cruise.
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ask a local tuk-tuk driver to point you to their favorite pho restaurant and go from there. If you can’t decide between Asian and European flavors, this is the place. Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is Vietnam’s culinary jewel. With historic French influence, you can eat your way through the city holding both a baguette and a banh mi, so take your pick! Expect true Asian flair with a French twist — every meal in Saigon is memorable and unique. It’s worth signing up for a cooking class in the city so you can bring the flavors with you when you go.
6. Naples, Italy
Foodie travelers automatically seem to flock to Bologna — voted the “Foodie Capital of the World.” But sometimes the best dining destinations are underrated, and this next locale is no exception. The city of Naples is a sometimes-missed jewel on the southern coast of Italy — and it’s a foodie triple threat. It has wine to die for (think grapes grown in volcanic soil in nearby Pompeii); it’s home to the simple but spectacular Margherita pizza; and it’s often missed by travelers who overwhelmingly seek destinations in the North located closer to classic tourist spots.
7. Tokyo, Japan
Last but not least, for a truly unforgettable culinary vacation, you absolutely must eat your way through Tokyo. Relish the joy of sampling fresh sushi or sashimi in all its glory. It took centuries to perfect the art of detail in every dish, so savor each moment. While you’re there, don’t forget to find a great eel restaurant and try a vibrant teppanyaki dinner. The Japanese take their food seriously — expect nothing but perfection in every bite.
Our top seven food destinations are the perfect addition to your travel bucket list — so pick your top gastronomic hotspot and pack your bags!
