If you love continental exotic food, you might be already planning a culinary trip that will indulge your taste buds. There are several places you can visit for a culture holiday to taste the traditional food of the country, try some of the specialties, sample the local wine, and engage with locals. Below you will find the top five destinations for a culinary trip rated by fellow travelers.

  1.   Phuket, Thailand

“ต้มยำกุ้งมะพร้าวอ่อน #seafood #spicy #thaifood #thailand #delicious #famous-food #Tomyumgoong” by woot is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whenever you visit Thailand, you will find colorful streets and mouth watering food on every street corner. There are plenty of traditional authentic Thai restaurants, and if you already love the country’s cuisine, you will definitely taste the difference, thanks to the locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Try the traditional chicken skewers, fried noodle dishes, fried sausages, and the authentic spring rolls. You can even sign up for a food tour to experience the tastes different regions of Thailand have to offer.

  1.           Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting  Istanbul, you will find yourself at the melting point of cultures. There is a variety of food offered in the city; from Meze, or a selection of cold starters to authentic kebab and fish dishes, such as the Lufer. Make sure that you wash down your fresh dishes with a local Raki, which has a strong anise seed and a high alcohol content. Try the Turkish version of Ravioli, called Manti, which look like dumplings filled with beef or lamb meat.

  1.           Bordeaux, France

If you are a true foodie, you should not miss planning a trip to the wine region of France, Bordeaux. This place is home to several huge food markets and quality restaurants. You can get a wine tasting tour, including all your authentic local meals, and explore what local kitchens have to offer. Sign up for a gastronomic experience to taste various local cheeses, find out the secrets of making the perfect baguette, or preparing the perfect steak.

  1.           Oxaca, Mexico

“Curras Tamales” by Stephanie is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The special Oxaca cuisine of Mexico is full of flavor and spices. You will find Mole, a black sauce that is added to rice and meat dishes, and the corn-based Tamales, which comes with either sweet or savory fillings. If you feel really hungry, try the oversized tortillas, called Tlayudas, served with rendered pork fat and black bean sauce. You can get sausages, pork, or beef with it.

  1.           Singapore

Before you visit this destination, you should check the US PASSPORT GUIDE and its Singapore-related sections. There are plenty of food items you should try, and many of them will challenge your taste buds. Try the meat bone tea, the fried carrot cake, and the traditional Dim Sum, or a meat-filled bun in Singaporean style. Taste fresh crabs on the street, and if you are brave enough, order a curry fish head.

Creating a bucket list as a foodie can be challenging. There are so many flavors, spices, and traditions to explore, and too little time. If you want to make the most out of your culinary holiday, check the dishes and gourmet tours offered in the country you are planning to visit, and prepare to be amazed by the colorful dishes prepared in different parts of the world.

 

Written by Jacqueline Chambers

Jacqueline Chambers

Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.