One of the finest aspects of travelling is the opportunity to try the tantalising tastes and delectable dishes of the area you're visiting. From authentic tapas in Spain to Peking Duck in China, the world is full of flavours just waiting to be discovered.
With that in mind, we've put together a list of our top food and drink destinations for all of you foodies out there.
Top cuisine in Europe
Gelato, Pasta & Pizza in Italy
Italy needs no introduction when it comes to food. Beyond pizza in Naples and pasta in Bologna, there’s nowhere better for ice-cream, known locally as gelato, with every flavour under the sun available at the stands and ice-cream parlours you’ll find on practically every corner. It doesn’t end there though. Italian desserts are to die for, with tiramisu, panna cotta and semifreddo among those that have become household names here at home. In fact there are so many amazing dishes to try, we created another blog: A Foodie Guide to Italy!
Tempranillo & Tapas in Spain
Spain is renowned for its vibrant and diverse cuisine, offering a sensory journey deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Its famous tapas culture features dishes like Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo, and Tortilla Española, best enjoyed with locally produced wines. Along the Costa Brava, fresh seafood such as calamari and sardines takes centre stage. Don’t miss paella, the iconic saffron-infused rice dish, or Pintxos in the Basque region, small skewered bites often served on bread. Pair these culinary delights with a glass of Tempranillo, a sparkling Cava, or a refreshing Sangria for the ultimate Spanish dining experience.
Beer Tasting in Germany
If beer is more your thing than wine, then it must be Germany! Home of the legendary Oktoberfest, Munich is renowned for its beers, with Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten-Franziskaner, Löwenbräu, Hofbräu the main brewers in the area. The city is jam-packed with large atmospheric beer halls and beer gardens, perfect for enjoying the sunshine of the summer months with a Maßkrug (1 litre) and a traditional German pretzel. This is one food and drink experience you will never forget!
Wine & Cheese in France
France is synonymous with gourmet indulgence. In Paris, enjoy the buttery perfection of freshly baked croissants and the rich aroma of baguettes from traditional boulangeries. Savour the vibrant flavours of ratatouille in Provence, enjoy oysters in Brittany and along the French Riviera, don’t miss socca, a delicious chickpea flatbread cooked to crispy perfection, often enjoyed as a snack or starter. Pair your meal with some of the world’s finest wines: Bordeaux with creamy Brie, Burgundy with pungent Époisses, or Champagne with delicate macarons.
Sardines & Pastel de Nata in Portugal
Portugal offers a delightful blend of fresh seafood, hearty dishes, and indulgent sweet treats, showcasing its rich culinary heritage. Savour grilled sardines or Bacalhau à Brás, a comforting mix of salt cod, eggs, and potatoes. In Porto, try the iconic Francesinha, a hearty sandwich with meats, melted cheese, and beer-based sauce, often served with fries. To end on a sweet note, indulge in Pastéis de Nata, the beloved custard tarts with their flaky pastry and creamy filling. Pair these dishes with a glass of Port wine, renowned for its depth and sweetness, or Vinho Verde, a crisp and refreshing white wine that perfectly complements Portugal’s vibrant flavours.
Beer & Chocolate in Belgium
Belgium is a paradise for beer lovers, renowned for its Trappist beers, lambics, and an impressive variety of ales crafted with centuries-old brewing traditions. Pair these world-class beers with moules-frites, a classic dish of fresh mussels steamed in white wine or beer and served with crispy golden fries. Indulge your sweet tooth with Belgian waffles, whether the fluffy Brussels variety or the denser Liège style, topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit. Belgium is also celebrated for its chocolate, crafted with premium ingredients and expert artistry. Iconic chocolatiers like Neuhaus and Godiva create indulgent pralines with rich fillings, making Belgian chocolate a true symbol of quality and luxury.
Baklava & Mezze in Turkey
Turkey offers a diverse culinary heritage showcased in its mezze platters, featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma. Don’t miss lahmacun, a thin, crispy flatbread topped with spiced minced meat and vegetables, often referred to as Turkish pizza. Be sure to try freshly baked simit, often called a Turkish bagel, or indulge in the rich, flaky layers of Baklava paired with a cup of traditional Turkish coffee. The bustling bazaars of Istanbul provide the perfect setting to explore a vibrant array of spices and sweet delights.
View all our holidays to Europe on the Travel Department website.
Latin American Cuisine
Steak & Malbec in Argentina
As well as being one of South America’s prime wine growing regions, Argentina is famous for its steak. You won’t turn a corner in an Argentinian town without passing a typical steakhouse. In many, you can choose your own cut from a meat counter on arrival, before selecting a choice of sides and sauces. Try the local chimichurri sauce, a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats made from olive oil, parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and white or red wine vinegar.
Feijoada & Caipirinhas in Brazil
Brazil’s national dish, Feijoada, is a hearty black bean stew slow-cooked with pork cuts, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices to balance its rich flavours. Pair this comforting meal with a refreshing Caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail, made with fresh lime, sugar, and cachaça, a sugarcane spirit. For snacks or sides, don’t miss Pão de Queijo, delightful cheese-filled bread with a chewy texture, perfect for any time of day. Finish on a sweet note with Brigadeiros, soft and fudgy chocolate truffles made with condensed milk, cocoa, and butter, rolled in chocolate sprinkles for an irresistible treat.
Ropa Vieja & Mojitos in Cuba
Cuba is celebrated for its rich cuisine, blending Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Despite challenges in sourcing ingredients due to economic constraints, Cuban dishes showcase remarkable resourcefulness, transforming limited ingredients into flavourful creations. Ropa Vieja, a slow-cooked shredded beef stew, is a must-try, alongside refreshing Mojitos or Cuba Libres.
Arepas & Coffee in Colombia
Colombia is a treasure trove of flavours, offering a mix of hearty and vibrant dishes. Must-tries include arepas, versatile corn cakes filled with cheese or meat, and the famous bandeja paisa, a generous platter featuring beans, rice, plantains, and various meats. Colombian coffee, celebrated as some of the finest in the world, perfectly complements these meals, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage
View all our holidays to North and South America on the Travel Department website.
Top Asian cuisine
Dim Sum & Peking Duck in China
China boasts a vast and diverse culinary heritage, offering an array of iconic dishes and flavours. Enjoy Peking Duck in Beijing, with its perfectly roasted skin and tender meat, or indulge in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in Shanghai. From hearty noodle dishes to delicate dim sum, China’s cuisine reflects a deep cultural history. Pair your meal with traditional Chinese teas, celebrated for their variety and refinement.
Curries & Chaat in India
India is a land of incredible culinary diversity, reflected in its rich array of dishes. From butter chicken in Punjab to dosas in South India, every region offers unique flavours. Goa adds its own charm with Portuguese-inspired dishes like spicy vindaloo, fish curry, and bebinca, a traditional layered dessert. Street foods like chaat, a tangy and spicy mix of fried dough, potatoes, chutneys, and yoghurt, pani puri, bhel puri, and samosas are a must-try, alongside sweet treats like gulab jamun and jalebi. Pair these delights with a refreshing lassi or a steaming cup of masala chai.
Sushi & Ramen in Japan
Japan offers a culinary experience like no other, with each city offering its own specialities. In Tokyo, savour the freshest sushi, while Kyoto is renowned for its elegant kaiseki cuisine and matcha-based desserts. Nara offers traditional flavours rooted in history, and Osaka is the ultimate destination for street food, including takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). Pair these delights with a glass of sake for a truly authentic experience.
Pho & Banh Mi in Vietnam
Vietnam is a haven for fresh, aromatic dishes, blending local traditions with a touch of French influence from its colonial past. Pho, a fragrant noodle soup with a delicate broth, and Banh Mi, a crispy baguette sandwich filled with a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, are absolute must-tries. The French influence is evident in the use of baguettes, pâté, and mayonnaise in Vietnamese cuisine. Don’t miss rice paper rolls or Vietnamese coffee, made with condensed milk and brewed over ice.
Barbecue, Bibimbap & Kimchi in South Korea
The cuisine in South Korea is a perfect blend of bold and comforting flavours. Korean barbecue is a must-try experience, where diners grill their own meat at the table, accompanied by a variety of banchan (side dishes), including the iconic kimchi—fermented vegetables, typically cabbage or radish, seasoned with chilli, garlic, and ginger. Kimchi is not just a side dish but a cultural staple, offering a tangy, spicy kick that complements many Korean meals. Other highlights include bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg) and hearty stews like kimchi jjigae.
View all holidays to Asia on the Travel Department website.
Try the best food and drink in the world in their original destinations by travelling with Travel Department. With many of our guided group holidays offering opportunities to experience traditional cuisine and culture with native families, there’s no better way to try local foods.
Browse our wide range of holiday destinations today.
