Top-10 countries for gastronomic tourism: where to try the most delicious dishes?

Gastronomic tourism is a relatively new direction focused on exploring a country through its culinary traditions. It's not just a tour for food's sake; it helps you learn more about the visited region, its cultural values, features, unique dishes, and ingredients.

In a gastro-tour, travelers taste the world's most delicious dishes, get acquainted with the local cuisine not only in restaurants but also by visiting farms, attending master classes, and enjoying vibrant street food, gaining new taste impressions. True gourmets, simple explorers, chefs, and restaurant owners embark on such tours.

Which countries offer the best gastronomic experience?

Since food generally holds great significance in people's lives, it is no wonder that many places in the world are remembered for the sensations derived from traditional cuisine. Thus, every country with a developed tourism sector strives to evoke as many emotions in visitors through food as possible.

Certain stereotypes have developed regarding different regions. For instance, France is invariably associated with croissants, Italy with pasta, Japan with sushi, and Mexico with tacos. To learn more about them, let's explore each country through the lens of its traditional cuisine.

Italy

The country is renowned for its colorful dishes, though few know that local preferences vary by region. For example, in the north, people favor meat, while the south has a strong vegetarian tradition.

Many tourists are surprised at how different Italian pizza is from the kind they see in their local fast-food joints. It's much simpler in terms of ingredients, typically including just a few items such as dried porcini mushrooms, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar.

In Italy, pasta is considered the first course (primo piatto) and is served after light vegetable appetizers. It varies greatly depending on the region. In the north, it is served with fish or meat, complemented by cheeses. Southern cities use more tomatoes, basil, and seafood.

The king of Italian desserts is tiramisu. It's a carnival of flavors combining mascarpone cheese, espresso, savoiardi biscuits, and Marsala wine.

To fully appreciate Italian dishes, you can visit the following restaurants:

• CLUB DEL DOGE RESTAURANT in Venice;

• IL TEATRO in Milan;

• LA DOLCE VITA in Rimini;

• ONLY FOR TWO in Rome.

To explore the culture, traditions, and new combinations and ingredients, you can join food tours like Walkabout in Florence, Eat and Walk Italy in Rome, or enjoy wine tasting at Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona in Montalcino.

France

French dishes are known not only for their elegance and quality of ingredients but also for their impressive presentation. The cuisine is characterized by creating complex dishes with unique flavors from simple ingredients, always complemented by a sauce.

France is associated with croissants, a breakfast staple with coffee. But there's much more to enjoy in a culinary tour of the country. Be sure to try dishes such as:

• Foie gras – goose liver pâté from specially fed geese;

• Escargot – Burgundy snails baked in their shells with butter, garlic, and parsley;

• Onion soup – besides the main ingredient, it includes butter, broth, white wine, and spices;

• Quiche – a flaky pie with fillings like cheese, mushrooms, bacon, spinach, and onions;

• Tartare – raw minced beef served with fries and red wine.

A delicious French baguette is an essential accompaniment to the first courses. For desserts, you can try éclairs, Tarte Tatin, and macarons.

If you're traveling in Paris, we recommend visiting L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon for excellent Burgundy meat dishes. The best Niçoise salad can be found at Le Grand Colbert.

Japan

Japanese cuisine has evolved over centuries, offering true heavenly delights for the taste buds. Besides well-known sushi and sashimi, be sure to taste other traditional dishes.

Ramen noodles – the leader in the number of portions consumed. Essentially, it is noodles with broth, to which various toppings are added. Japan has a real ramen cult, with some recipes kept secret.

Onigiri – a quicker alternative to sushi with a great taste. It's pressed rice balls, typically filled with seafood and wrapped in nori.

Tempura – seafood deep-fried in oil and batter, best paired with sauces and fresh vegetables.

Shabu-shabu – a hearty meat salad with pork, tomatoes, daikon, and aromatic oils.

For desserts, look for senbei and colorful rice balls called dango, often made for the Tsukimi festival.

Each Japanese dish can tell a story of an entire era. To taste traditional dishes, you can visit several renowned restaurants. Wealthy tourists might opt for the Michelin-starred Florilège in Tokyo, while fans of the movie "Kill Bill" should check out Gonpachi, where many scenes were filmed.

Spain

In this country, every region has its own habits, dishes, and preferences. For instance, in Catalonia and Galicia, seafood predominates due to their coastal locations. Closer to the mountains and central areas, meat becomes more prevalent. Vegetables are cherished throughout Spain.

Cocido madrileño – a soup originating from Madrid, includes garbanzo beans, lamb, sausages, ham, and vegetables. Minimal spices are used because the ingredients are flavorful enough. The rich taste comes from long simmering.

Paella – a second course made of rice with added seafood, vegetables, and seasoned with saffron.

The best ham can only be found in Spain. Jamón, a cured ham, belongs to Iberian cuisine and requires a long time to prepare. It is served in all restaurants and snack bars and is loved by nearly everyone. The main feature is its cholesterol-free nature. There are two types of jamón – Jamón serrano and Jamón Ibérico.

For tasting Spanish dishes, visit CAN FABES RESTAURANT in Barcelona, RAMÓN FREIXA in Madrid, or EL CLODENIS in Ibiza.

Thailand

Thai cuisine has absorbed elements from Cambodian, Laotian, Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Preferences vary by region. For instance, the south is influenced more by China and Malaysia, while the north favors meat and poultry. The central area incorporates a bit from everywhere. Most dishes feature a sour, sweet, and spicy taste. Rice is a staple ingredient. What to try:

• Tom ka kai – a coconut milk-based soup with chicken and hot spices;

• Po pia sod – rolls or buns with sausage, omelet, and salad;

• Som Tam – papaya with garlic, peanuts, beans, shrimp, and fish sauce;

• Yam nya – grilled meat with cucumbers and onions, drizzled with lime.

Extreme eaters can try fried caterpillars, grasshoppers, and scorpions. Sweet tooths should try coconut marzipan kanom luk chup.

For an exciting tasting experience, visit the Sirocco bar-restaurant on the 67th floor rooftop or the The Grotto restaurant located inside a cave. Animal lovers will enjoy Little Zoo Cafe in Bangkok.

To avoid planning gastro-routes yourself, you can purchase A Chef's Tour or choose Chef LeeZ Thai Cooking Class with master classes.

Mexico

Mexican cuisine is officially recognized by UNESCO as a heritage. It has absorbed elements from Aztec, Indian, and Spanish dishes and cooking methods. The most commonly used ingredients are beans, meat, corn, and seafood. The most famous dish is tacos, made from corn flour with beef and tomatoes.

The vibrant ready dishes can impress even the most experienced gourmet. Be sure to try real nachos with melted cheese, pepper, and tortilla. Or tickle your taste buds with spicy guacamole, made from avocado, lime juice, and chili pepper.

Many Mexican dishes include the corn tortilla. It is filled with various products: meat, vegetables, sauces, cheeses.

While traveling through Mexico, don't forget to visit the following restaurants:

• Gotan Restaurante Argentino in Mexico City;

• Perico's in Cancun;

• Marganzo in Campeche.

For unique taste sensations, try fried nopales, a cactus popular in Mexico.

Greece

Exploring traditional Greek cuisine brings to mind associations with olives, feta cheese, and yogurt. Greek dishes are healthy, made from fresh vegetables and seafood. They are suitable for everyone, including children, because they are mildly spicy and prepared by baking, stewing, or served raw as salads. What culinary masterpieces should you definitely try:

• Kleftiko – lamb baked in clay. The meat turns out incredibly tender and juicy;

• Gemista – stuffed vegetables with minced meat or vegetable stew. Peppers, eggplants, and zucchini can be used;

• Moussaka – a kind of pie with layers of eggplants, lamb, tomatoes, and béchamel sauce;

• Souvlaki – miniature skewers of pork, but can also be made from beef, lamb, or poultry;

• Magiritsa – a soup served at Easter, made from lamb offal.

Enjoying not only the food but also the presentation and views from the window can be found at the small restaurant Sunset in the village of Pelekas. In Santorini, visit TAVERN METAXY MAS. In Mykonos, don't miss MARECHIARO.

India

It is difficult to convey on paper the full color and aroma of Indian dishes. Visiting this magical country, you must try:

• Curry – the most famous dish, or rather a sauce, made from tomato paste, onions, garlic, spices, and coconut milk. It is served with rice, meat, and fish dishes;

• Samosa – deep-fried dough with various fillings. Usually made in the shape of pyramids;

• Biryani – rice with vegetables, with optional addition of meat or fish. All ingredients are cooked separately and then mixed;

• Aloo Gobi – suitable for vegetarians, made from potatoes and cauliflower, spiced;

• Dal – a puree soup made from legumes, with tomatoes, curry, garlic, onions, and coconut milk.

Chefs at the following restaurants can prepare any of these and other dishes:

• Aer Bar in Mumbai;

• Hospedaria Venite in Panaji;

• Kandahar in Delhi;

• Thalassa in Goa.

Sweeten your tour with traditional desserts like jalebi, rasgulla, and soan papdi. Each will leave unforgettable impressions of the country of yoga and dance.

Turkey

Planning a culinary trip to Turkey, be prepared for gluttony. The locals love to eat heartily, especially meat dishes. Despite this, Turks care about their health and consume a lot of vegetables. The cuisine is thus very versatile and varied. Pay attention to these treats:

• Kebab – has many varieties: shish kebab, iskender, doner, adana. All include meat, vegetables, and sauces in the filling;

• Meze – a general term for appetizers that can be made from greens, vegetables, yogurt, pâté, lentils, and cheese;

• Mercimek çorbası – a spicy lentil soup with pepper, lemon, and vegetables;

• Sucuk – a dry spicy sausage made from lamb or beef;

• Baklava – an oriental sweet made from puff pastry with nuts and honey syrup.

  

Turkey is hospitable to guests, so you will be served first-class in any restaurant. Visit Çiya Sofrası in Istanbul, SALAŞ BALIK & RESTAURANT in Antalya, and Dimçay in Alanya, located inside a waterfall.

China

Chinese cuisine is considered the oldest, reflecting the philosophy of the country and its inhabitants. A distinctive feature is that they cook almost everything that is edible. For extreme sensations, you can try shark fins, dried jellyfish, and lotus seeds. From traditional dishes, we recommend:

• Xiao long bao – steamed dumplings, the filling depends on the season. Options include pork, shrimp, crabs, and bamboo;

• Peking duck – a famous dish where the duck meat is marinated for several days, resulting in very tender meat with a crispy crust;

• Youtiao – resembling donuts, they can be served as a dessert or with meat. The deep-fried dough can be bought in a restaurant or on the street.

Tasting traditional dishes is a special pleasure, available in large restaurants and small cafes. For example, The Red Capital Club is styled in communist China, or Lost Heaven in Shanghai, featuring Yunnan cuisine.

Conclusion

A gastronomic tour is a comprehensive vacation combined with the exploration of traditional cuisine. Even if you've had pizza in your city, it's not the same as what is made in Naples. Such a trip includes visits to establishments of various levels, acquaintance with culinary masters, and the specifics of the cooking process. It's worth embarking on such a journey at least once.