Some travelers travel the globe for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa or to wait in line for a fresh croissant from a boulangerie. But true foodies seek out new experiences that satisfy cravings and ignite their sense of adventure.
Washington, DC, is undergoing a farm-to-table renaissance, boasting slow-cured charcuterie and artisanal bakeries. Sample the region’s best at a chef-inspired restaurant or visit a nearby farmer’s market.
San Miguel de Allende
The town of San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico is a classic, historic colonial Mexican city. Its cobblestone streets are lined with architectural achievements from the 17th and 18th centuries—sights that helped give UNESCO recognition to this special place.
Among the top things to do in San Miguel de Allende is to explore this artistic city’s food scene. Many restaurants and bars have outdoor patios, making for a pleasant way to enjoy the weather and the sights of this beautiful town. Some of the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende include La Posadita, which offers rooftop views of the central part of the city and the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel Church.
Another great option for a fun culinary experience in San Miguel de Allende is to join a cooking class. The Marilau Cooking School, for instance, offers classes that teach you how to prepare traditional Mexican recipes. The school also offers cooking tours that let you taste local dishes from different restaurants in the area.
For a unique shopping experience in San Miguel de Allende, head to Fabrica La Aurora, which is a popular destination for arts and crafts lovers. This former fabric factory is now home to a wide variety of art studios, jewelry shops, and home decorating stores, among other things. Some of the most popular shopping items here include high-end original paintings and hand-woven textiles.
Singapore
According to tourguiderio, the diminutive island nation of Singapore packs a gastronomic wallop with its Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and other cuisines. Its multicultural fabric reflects its history as a trading post, with immigrants bringing along their own cooking traditions and blending them into the local cuisine. From credit card-denting tasting menus in Michelin star restaurants to hawker center stalwarts offering affordable eats, the variety of dining options in Singapore is staggering.
Orchid Road is a shopping boulevard with several popular dining spots. Nearby, the upscale mall Palais Renaissance has a number of upscale dining options. Across from it, the mall Far East offers Asian food in a swank atmosphere.
For a more laid-back meal, head to Clarke Quay for Zorba The Greek Tavern, where you can chill out on the riverfront terrace and savor homemade Greek specialties like moussaka and chicken souvlaki. The restaurant also offers a bar that serves up wickedly good cocktails. Another option is Jigger & Pony, which serves creative cocktails in a friendly setting. This is a great place to try signature drinks like the yuzu whiskey sour. You can also grab a quick bite at the stalls in the Chinatown Complex that line Smith Street.
Paris
Whether you are sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe, shopping for French food at the famed Rue Montorgueil, or enjoying a multi-course meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Paris is an unforgettable culinary destination. A bevy of recent openings prove that the French capital is more cosmopolitan than ever. Young French Malian chef Mory Sacko is creating stunningly original dishes at Menkicchi, while Korean-born chef Sukwon Yong demonstrates the growing influence of Asia on contemporary French cuisine at Mosuke.
Located in the heart of Paris, the Marais is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Here you’ll find LGBTQ friendly venues, vintage boutiques and the best collection of art galleries in town. We recommend grabbing lunch at L’As Du Fallafel, a legendary falafel shop that is worth the line (we suggest getting there before 11am).
Another popular activity in Paris is to visit one of the local markets. Rue Mouffetard, a market street in the 5th Arrondissement, is a true local gem. It was once the main market serving all of Paris and is now home to a variety of independent artisans. Here you’ll find everything from a cheese shop to bread bakery.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to take a Chocolate & Patisserie Walking Tour in the posh Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood. The three-hour gourmet stroll takes you to eight different stops, where you’ll taste a variety of French chocolates, macarons and pastries.
Osaka
Osaka is renowned for its cuisine, with many local dishes considered the nation’s favourite. These include octopus balls (takoyaki), Japanese savory pancakes (okonomiyaki) and deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu). The city’s streets are filled with food vendors that offer authentic tasting dishes at low prices, so make sure to book a tour to sample some of the best local food in Osaka.
The street food in Dotonbori is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with a variety of restaurants offering all kinds of delectable treats. Popular fillings for takoyaki include pork, squid, octopus and scallops with sauces such as brown and mayonnaise. Another popular street snack in Osaka is kushikatsu, which are deep-fried pieces of meat or vegetables served with a variety of sauces and powdered seaweed.
Another great place to visit for food is the Nagai Botanical Garden, which offers a unique experience for visitors. The gardens contain a collection of varying flowers and plants that change seasonally. It is also home to several species of animals, including a large herd of elephants and giraffes. The park is open all year round, making it a great option for visitors who want to experience the best of Osaka’s nature.
Buenos Aires
If you’re looking for the latest culinary trends, head to Buenos Aires. Here you’ll find a vibrant food scene with 10 of Latin America’s best restaurants, from mouthwatering steakhouses to cutting-edge experimental gastronomy. You can splurge at the fine dining restaurant Aramburu or go with a more laid back experience at BIS Restaurante in Recoleta. Both ventures push Argentine cuisine to the next level.
The city is also known for its tango and offers tons of authentic milongas (dance halls) where you can learn or watch the pros dance. You can also visit one of the many tango clubs and enjoy a dinner-and-tango show.
Another must-do is sampling some dulce de leche, a sweet milk confection that’s often paired with coffee or mate. You can buy them at a Kiosko or order them when ordering a cup of tea or coffee at a cafe.
A few tips for travelers visiting Buenos Aires: When it comes to tipping, the country is not a culture of gratuity, but you can leave a 10% tip if you’re pleased with the service. You’ll also see a cubierto charge on the bill, which covers bread, cutlery and placements of items at the table. This fee is optional and doesn’t go to the server. If you want to try the tango, make sure to book in advance and bring comfortable shoes! Also, it’s worth noting that the city’s most important art museum is the Buenos Aires Museum of Fine Arts.
Barcelona
Whether you’re enjoying paella on the beaches of Barcelona or snacking on tapas in the city’s oldest neighborhood, you can’t help but get caught up in the Catalonian capital’s culinary excitement. From a traditional Spanish bodegas to a modern Mediterranean menu, there are many delicious things to eat in Barcelona that will keep you coming back for more.
Located on Barcelona’s main street, the Ramblas, the Boqueria food market is a favorite stop for both locals and visitors alike. Known for its seafood and a bustling ambiance, the freshest foods are served here all day long. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite and recharge after a day of exploring the city’s top attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia.
Other famous foodie destinations include Cairo, where exceptional urban snack vendors serve savory dishes such as falafel and shawarma. Similarly, Bangkok is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to sample authentic Thai cuisine, including khai jiao and pad thai.
With so many great foodie destinations around the world, the options are endless. These Jacada travel blogs are sure to inspire your next foodie adventure – wherever it may take you. Interested in learning more about how to travel? Request a free consultation today. Jacada’s expert travel consultants will be happy to help plan your dream trip!