Have you ever noticed how even the faintest smell or taste can instantly transport you back to the moment you first experienced it? Food awakens the senses and heightens experiences, so it’s no wonder we spend so much time and money seeking out the very best. Each area of the world is rich with different flavours and textures, combined to create mouth-watering dishes. From aromatic spices to sweet-toothed deserts, here are four cuisines that you must try on your travels around the world.
- Greece
Greek food is known for being fresh and flavoursome. Greece’s location means that its traditional cuisine is inspired by both Eastern and Western foods. There will always be plenty of dishes containing fresh fish and vegetables, with lamb being very popular here too. Other Greek delights include:
- Gyros – hot rotisserie chicken or pork wrapped up in pitta bread with tomatoes, tzatziki and often fries, perfect after a night out!
- Spanakopita – Essentially a spinach pie made from chopped spinach, feta cheese and spring onions in filo pastry
- Dolmades – Vine leaves stuffed with rice and seasoned minced meat, very tasty!
- Italy
When you think of Italy, pasta and pizza immediately spring to mind. Food is a massive part of the culture here. Many Italian-inspired foods are available to us at home, but your frozen supermarket pizza is nothing when compared with a fresh, out-of-the-oven Margherita in the streets of Italy. The Italians like to keep their pizzas simple and don’t use excessive amounts of cheese. There’s no need to overload with toppings when the few selected are of the highest quality and create a mouth-watering blend of flavours.
Other things to try in Italy include:
- Pasta, of course! Go for a traditional Spaghetti Bolognese or try one of the many other dishes available.
- Arancini – Risotto balls covered in breadcrumbs and deep fried. These are fabulous with a tomato-based dip.
- Gelato – Italian ice cream for those with a sweet tooth.
- Coffee – The Italians like their coffee strong but there are many different ways to enjoy it.
- Japan
Japanese cuisine has a whole culture surrounding it. The etiquette is different based on what or where you are eating, and the chefs even go to the effort of matching the décor of the dish your meal is served in to complement the food itself. Foods you should be sure to try include:
- Tempura – Seafood or vegetables that have been deep fried
- Any noodle dishes! There are several different types of noodles including Soba, udon and ramen. Noodles are a staple ingredient in Japan and are often combined with meats and vegetables and cooked in soy sauce.
- Sushi – Contrary to popular belief, sushi is not just raw fish. It’s actually vinegared rice with other ingredients
Morocco
This North African country is home to subtle spices and aromatic flavours. Here, the tagine, a clay cooking pot, is a favoured method of food preparation. Savoury stews are slow cooked with spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, cumin and saffron, creating a mouth-watering delicacy. Another staple dish is couscous. Unlike the bland packet couscous you will find in the supermarket, in Morocco it’s steamed over stewing meat and vegetables absorbing plenty of flavour before being served with buttermilk or sweet raisin preserve.
Whilst you should endeavour to experience as many of these delightful foods as possible, you don’t want food poisoning to ruin your holiday. Check out this guide on how to avoid Delhi belly when travelling and enjoy you
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