Food is an essential component of every culture and has a significant impact on the development of a nation’s sense of self-identity. Outside of Europe, there is a diverse range of culinary experiences to be tried, ranging from the fiery sensations of Mexico to the sweet aromas and tastes of Thailand. This article focuses its attention on some of the top destinations to get your foodie fix abroad.
“Food is very representative of a city’s culture. In order to really get to know a place and the people, you’ve got to eat the food.” – Chef Emeril Lagasse
Ethiopia
The cuisine of Ethiopia is distinctive and flavorful, with a primary emphasis on stews known as “wats”, injera, which is a type of flatbread made from sourdough, and a variety of vegetarian dishes. The dish doro wat, which is a spicy chicken stew prepared with berbere spice and served with injera, is widely considered to be one of the most popular dishes in all of Ethiopia. The flatbread known as injera is a fundamental component of Ethiopian cuisine and is utilized for scooping stews and dips and has been dated back to 600 AD.
In addition, vegetarian options such as shiro wat, which is a stew cooked from ground chickpeas, are easily accessible throughout Ethiopian cuisine and are held in very high respect.
Communal dining is highly recommended when consuming Ethiopian cuisine. The injera and the numerous foods are passed around as diners congregate around an enormous plate that is traditionally referred to as a mesob. Consuming food with your hands and making use of broken pieces of injera as utensils to scoop up delicious stews is a great way to enhance the sensory experience.
The culinary traditions of Ethiopia are a living tribute to the country’s extensive agricultural past as well as the ingenuity of its people. Those who are interested in having a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience with their food absolutely have to try it.
Mexico
Mexican food is famous all over the world for its brilliant colors, robust flavors, and long culinary history. It combines traditional native ingredients and preparation methods with European and Middle Eastern flavors. Corn is the backbone of Mexican cooking, and it shows up in many different forms, including tortillas, tamales, and masa. Chili peppers, beans, tomatoes, avocados, and fragrant herbs and spices are all used in novel ways in this cuisine.
Famous examples of Mexican cuisine’s adaptability include tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. Enchiladas use tortillas stuffed with meats, cheese, or beans, coated with rich sauces like mole or salsa verde, while tacos come in a wide variety of styles, from luscious carne asada (grilled beef) to tender carnitas (slow-cooked pig). Tamales are a gastronomic pleasure prepared from masa dough stuffed with various fillings and cooked in corn husks.
Fresh salsas and guacamole created with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime give any Mexican dish an extra kick of flavor. The complexity and variety of Mexican cuisine may be tasted in regional specialties like pozole (hominy stew), chiles en nogada (stuffed peppers in walnut sauce), and mole poblano (a sauce consisting of chili peppers, chocolate, and spices).
In addition to its delicious food, Mexican culture is also renowned for its refreshing drinks, such as the rice-based horchata, fruit-infused aguas frescas, and, of course, the margarita.
There is a wide range of regional flavors and cooking styles in Mexican cuisine, from simple street food to elegant fine dining. It is a tribute to the fervor and originality of the country’s citizens and a celebration of their rich cultural history. Taking a culinary tour of Mexico is like taking a trip through the country’s diverse and delicious regional cuisines.
Thailand
A colorful and diversified tapestry of flavors, spices, and culinary traditions that have captivated the taste buds of people all over the world can be found in the cuisine culture of Thailand. It is defined by its equilibrium of sweet, acidic, salty, and spicy flavors, creating a perfect blend that tantalizes the palette and is recognized by its balance. And whether it’s dining in a restaurant or a side street, Thai cuisine is not to be missed.
Utilizing fragrant herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil, is essential to the preparation of traditional Thai food. These ingredients lend the food they are used in their own unique aromas. In addition, chili peppers, garlic, and shallots are essential components that give Thai cuisine its signature heat and depth of flavor.
In Thai cooking, rice plays an essential role, and the fragrant jasmine kind is by far the most common type to use. It forms the basis of a number of different meals and is served alongside a wide variety of savory foods, curries, and stir-fries. Noodle dishes, such as pad Thai and pad see ew, are also quite popular all around the country.
Thai cuisine features a wide variety of foods, including fragrant curries such as green curry and massaman curry, classic street food such as spicy papaya salad (som tam), grilled satay skewers, and delicious soups such as tom yum and tom kha, and grilled skewers of grilled satay. The subtle harmony of flavors that is created by deftly combining different components of a dish is what gives Thai cuisine its reputation as a culinary art. Bonus points if you try Thai iced tea with your meal! It’s a black tea made with spices such as star anise, cardamom, and crushed tamarind and has a very milky and sweet taste to cut the spiciness of the food.
The practice of eating together as a group and the idea of sharing food are firmly ingrained in Thai society. Dishes are typically put in the middle of the table so that everyone at the meal can partake in them. Meals are typically enjoyed in the company of family and friends. This helps people feel more connected to one another and enhances the enjoyment of food as a shared social experience.
Lebanon
The cuisine of Lebanon is an invaluable cultural asset, with its complex history and unique combination of ingredients. The freshness, vitality, and quantity of herbs and spices in traditional Lebanese dishes are all hallmarks of the cuisine and serve as a reflection of Lebanon’s many cultural influences. The cuisine of Lebanon is widely regarded as among the best in the world, and the culture of communal dining is highly valued.
The concepts of hospitality and kindness are important to Lebanese cuisine. The table is spread with an assortment of mezze (small dishes/appetizers) for everyone to share and although small, pack a powerful assortment of flavors for the palette. These include everything from hummus and baba ghanoush to tabbouleh and falafel to stuffed grape leaves (warak enab). These meals feature the bold tastes of aromatic spices like cumin and sumac, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and sour components like lemon and pomegranate molasses.
Shish taouk (marinated chicken skewers), kofta (grilled minced meat), and kafta (seasoned ground beef) are all examples of the central role grilled meats play in Lebanese cuisine. These are typically served with a pilaf made of aromatic rice or bulgar wheat and a selection of pickled vegetables. To eat mezze, wrap grilled meats, or make wonderful sandwiches like shawarma and falafel wraps, Lebanese bread, especially the round and thin pita bread, is a mainstay.
Lebanese food also comes fully equipped with the balance of the savory with the sweet. Delicious sweets like knefeh (sweet cheese pastry), maamoul (stuffed cookies), and baklava (layered pastry with nuts and syrup) are the perfect ending to a classic Lebanese supper. These can pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Japan
One of the most highly bucket-listed foodie trips is Japan. Japanese food culture is a captivating blend of precision, tradition, and reverence for natural flavors. It embodies the principles of balance, simplicity, and harmony, creating a culinary experience that is both visually stunning and gastronomically delightful. Japanese chefs take pride in sourcing local, sustainable ingredients and showcasing their natural flavors.
Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and it is considered the essence of a meal. It is meticulously prepared and served alongside a variety of dishes, such as grilled fish, tempura, or sushi. Sushi itself is a testament to the artistry and precision of Japanese culinary traditions, with its delicate balance of vinegared rice, fresh seafood, and carefully crafted presentation.
The aesthetic aspect of food, known as “mukimono,” is highly valued, and dishes are meticulously arranged to please the eyes as well as the palate. Traditional Japanese tableware, such as lacquerware and ceramic dishes, adds to the visual appeal of the dining experience.
Washoku or Japanese cuisine, is a traditional dietary practice, that has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. It promotes a balanced meal consisting of rice or noodles, accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as vegetables, seafood, and pickles. This approach highlights the importance of a diverse and well-rounded diet. In addition to its rich culinary heritage, Japanese food culture embraces a sense of mindfulness and respect. The act of savoring a meal is considered a meditative experience, where one appreciates the flavors, textures, and subtle nuances of each dish.
From the elegant simplicity of a bowl of miso soup to the intricate artistry of kaiseki multi-course meals, Japanese food culture offers a journey of discovery and appreciation for the beauty of nature and the art of cuisine. It is an immersive experience that delights the senses and nurtures the soul.
Any true foodie knows how exciting it is to travel the globe in search of new and exciting sensations. Top international food places offer a delightful culinary excursion, from the crowded street food vendors of Bangkok to the charming cafes of Paris. Each location serves as a portal to a thriving culinary culture, where delectable dishes are the result of the synergy of time-honored recipes, fresh local ingredients, and the skilled hands of dedicated chefs. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmet or just starting to explore the world of food, these places will tantalize your taste buds and teach you to appreciate the rich diversity of cuisines around the world.