The top five countries for foodies

Guest blog

What’s this all about?Here’s a little something for all of our foodie travellers to chew on. Travelling the world can expose us to all sorts of diversified cultures and customs. Whether it’s a country’s architecture, beauty or attractions, the deal-sealer of any enjoyable trip is undeniably whether that destination can provide us with food that is both mouth-watering and explosive in its taste.

So let us guide you through the top countries we believe to be the best providers of blow-your-socks off transatlantic cuisine:

1. ItalyItalian food is more than food; it is a way of life for the culture and Mamma Mia can the Italians cook. Italy is majestic in its ability to inflame your taste buds with rich and warming flavours. Attached to their influential heritage of food and wine, Italy’s love of traditional cuisine has been ingrained in their culture from many generations ago. This has resulted in their food becoming as acclaimed as the country’s historical and artistic assets. Visit Italy for wholesome and home-cooked foods that will undoubtedly include the genius employment of a tomato that no other culture can quite conquer in the same way. Whether it’s a pasta or pizza dish, you will find the ingredients to be rich in olive oil and garlic, sprinkled with the imperative accent of an Italian cheese. Most probably, a succulent parmesan or mozzarella.  Also notorious for its gelato, Italian ice-cream is a definite must when visiting the country. Ensure you indulge in the feast of light bites that are involved in an antipasto board, such as cured meats, olives and vegetables.

2. MexicoIf you’ve got a thing for spice, then Ariba Ariba over to the home of authentic and fiery food, Mexico.  Infuse your mouth with the fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking and you’ll find yourself in a world of garlic, onion, cilantro, oregano, cumin and chili flavours. Don’t think Taco Bell is all there is to offer from the Latin American country. These spices are usually the counterparts of the country’s notorious trademark dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas... the list goes on.

3. India Tantalise your taste buds with Indian dishes that are as diversified in their flavours as the country is in its culture, geography and climate. There are flavours injected into Indian cuisine from all corners of the subcontinent, however the full-flavours that bring any curry to life are chilli pepper, black mustard seed and cumin. You will find your food’s spices, vegetables and meats will be localised to the area of the country you visit. In northern India you will find they satisfy a creamier pallet with yoghurt based dishes, eastern India caters to the sweet tooth with its popular sweet deserts soaked in sugar syrup, whereas western India is for the savoury meat eater where pork is a regular component, whilst the south is not for the fainthearted due to being famous for their brave use of spices. Nonetheless, your weekly Saturday night chicken Balti won’t stand a chance.

4. FranceEveryone knows that food is the way to someone’s heart. However, we all also know that when it comes to people falling in love, France is the place is to go. So why not go and fall in love with the French cuisine. The French manage to air a grace of sophistication into their food and is noted as one of the world’s most refined and elegant style of cooking. The finesse of flavour in French foods is achieved through their love of garlic and onion seasoning.  Red wine, a selection of cheese and beef bourguignon completed with the delicious desert of a chocolate soufflé is not something to be missed, and will assuredly leave you feeling rather Va Va Voom.

5. Thai Balance, detail and variety are of paramount significance to Thai chefs. Despite reflecting the same Asian elements of Chinese with its use of rice, noodles and vegetables, Thailand offers a cuisine that is light, intricate and colourful, reflective of its culture, environment, ingenuity and values. Either play it safe with a fragrant Thai green chicken curry or be brave with hot and sour shrimp soup.

What now? Want to read the full blog?

For access to all the top destinations, all you have to do is visit our website or hit the link below!

The top five countries for foodies