It probably includes eating a whole pizza in Napoli, to begrudgingly taste snails in France, sip sangria in Spain or slurp Ramen in Japan.
Well, now you’ve got a few more things to add onto your list! Eat a coconut shrimp taco in Mexico, a truffle in Croatia or even a spit-roasted wild pigeon in Italy!
So, if you’re striving to bring more diversity into your travels, here’s the list, laying out the best but lesser-known gems for gastronomes.
Todi, Italy
Umbria is heaven for foodies and the medieval hill town of Todi is a shining example of what the region has to offer. The town itself is a beauty, with meandering narrow streets and revered frescoes in grand churches. But the cuisine merits a visit all by itself. Umbrian food puts an emphasis on fresh, high quality ingredients used in simple recipes and with a lot of good meat. A classic dish is palomba alla ghiotta, spit-roasted wild pigeon with sage, rosemary and garlic. Expect out-of-this-world local olive oil, foraged greens and mushrooms and juicy fat figs warmed by the Umbrian sun.
Motovun, Croatia
Istria is known as the land of truffles, and Motovun is the jewel in its crown. This pretty hilltop village with extensive views is surrounded by woods perfect for foraging and hunting. Looking out over them while sipping a crisp local wine and tucking into fine cheeses and hams in the charming main square is a must.
Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita is a treasure trove for tasty street food, as well as having a huge range of restaurants to choose from. Take in the colourful atmosphere and relaxed vibes of this lazy jungle beach town while enjoying a Margarita in one of the brightly-decorated cafes. Expect affordable, filling fare, with every kind of taco under the sun, from coconut shrimp to organic steak.
Kagoshima, Japan
Kagoshima is generally known for Sakurajima, a very active volcano that sits just opposite this seaside city on Kinko Bay. But its unique cuisine makes it a great destination for foodies. Varied, interesting local dishes include ‘black pork’, ‘Satsumaage’ (fried fish cakes) and tempura sweet potato. Shabu Shabu, a hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water is a must-try – think flavourful meat and delicious vegetables boiled to perfection and then dipped in aromatic sauces.
Tanunda, Australia
Tanunda is at the heart of the Barossa Valley wine region of South Australia, a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. You can feel the influence of the 19th-century German settlers here, with lots of German bakeries and sausage shops. But there’s also a variety of fine dining options that have cropped up to cater for the wine connoisseur crowd and most of the local wineries are open seven days a week for tastings and sales.
Aït-Benhaddou, Morocco
Sitting along the old trading route between the Sahara and Marrakech, the ancient fortified settlement of Ait Benhaddou has the dramatic appearance of being carved into the desert. Wander the streets of earthen clay architecture glowing orange in the African sun and head to the perfectly preserved Kasbah before tucking in to a tasty lunch. Expect authentic Moroccan dishes full of spices and mouthwatering flavours.
Rockport, USA
Rockport’s quaint, laid-back atmosphere has lured visitors for some time but it’s not just lobster rolls with lighthouse views. This mid-coast haven is big on slow food and offers some blissful waterfront dining options. Look out for sustainable local produce and an impressive assortment of food trucks offering high quality goodies.
