One of the best things about going on holiday is the food. Whether you stay in a hotel all inclusive and dine on a three course meal, three times a day or you spend your days at a beachside restaurant, one of the first things you talk about when you get home is the food. However, increasingly in 2015 as we become more ‘good food’ orientated, some holidaymakers are travelling to destinations specifically in search of delicious food. Holiday Numbers has the lowdown on some of the best destinations for foodies, with a little tip from the locals about where to go.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Travel here for unique street food, such as Pho Tiu noodles accompanied by a sweet and sour soup, pork & fish sauce, broken rice with grilled pork or a handmade baguette filled to the brim with mouthwatering pate and chili. Once you’re suitably full, finish with a traditional egg white coffee. Yum!
Local’s Tip: Red Bean restaurant is ideal for that egg coffee, served hot or cold and delicious both ways. Apparently, the banana pancakes are also something to shout about!
Getting there: To reach Hanoi, you’ll often have to stopover in Hong Kong, Malaysia or elsewhere in Vietnam. British Airways has a network of partner airlines to help you get there.
New York, USA
Given that eight million people live in New York from all corners of the world, it’s no surprise that it is home to all manners of cuisines. Not only that but any food trends which crop up hit the dining circuit faster than you can say ‘what’s for dinner?’. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, burgers or a street hot dog, your stomach is sure to be satisfied.
Local’s Tip: Head to Katz’s Deli, founded in 1888, for a pastrami and corned beef sandwich. Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you!
Getting there: Virgin Atlantic is your best bet for a flight to New York from the UK.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state, and it’s food certainly reflects this with a heavy influence on chargrilling and barbecuing. Most famous is the Laal Maas curry, which has 45 chillis to a kilo of goat! It’s extremely hot, but served with flatbread and a yogurt dip to cool down your tastebuds.
Local’s Tip: Baluchi Restaurant is a must for ‘die hard foodies’, with an amazing selection of Rajasthani cuisine and an excellent Laal Maas!
Getting there: Again, a stopover may be necessary to reach Jaipur, if you fly with Jet Airways, you can enjoy a short stopover in Mumbai.
Lake District, UK
The pubs and restaurants in the Lake District are getting themselves a reputation for making the most of local produce. The famous Cumberland sausage has actually achieved protected geographical indication status, whilst Morecambe Bay is famous for it’s fresh brown shrimp. Perfect for settling down to after a long walk across the scenery!
Local’s Tip: L’Enclume has a menu which is dictated by the produce that is available at the time of your visit. It’s also famous for experimental gastronomy and has achieved Michelin star status. Bon Appetit!
Getting there: The Lake District is easily accessible by car and public transport across the UK. Find somewhere to stay with Ebookers.com.
Mendoza, Argentina
Eat and drink like a king or queen in Mendoza, famous for it’s ‘asados’, perfectly cooked juicy and succulent steak. Not only that, but the city is surrounded by some of the best wine growing estates, so you’re sure to have a delicious wine to wash it down with.
Local’s Tip: Brindillas is run by a couple who were trained in Europe and Japan, and only has space for 20 diners. Take advantage of 6 courses if your stomach can handle it and enjoy it with the chef’s choice of wine.
Getting there: Fly British Airways to Miami, and then American Airlines to Argentina.
Bologna, Italy
Italy is pretty much famous all over for it’s food, but Bologna is widely considered the undisputed champion. Nicknamed ‘The Fat One’ purely because of its food, it’s also the home of bolognese sauce and baloney sausage. Plus, it’s filled with food stores, street markets and plenty of dining choices to suit everyone.
Local’s Tip: Trattoria di via Serra is recognised as perhaps the best restaurant in Bologna, with its tortellini in broth highly recommended. Book in advance as in high season it can get booked up for days!
Getting there: Bologna is only a two hour flight from the UK, so save money and fly no-frills with Easyjet!
New Orleans, USA
Despite being most famous for its jazz music, New Orleans is getting a reputation for some of the best cuisine the US has to offer. It can be rather seafood influenced, but each area has its own food style. For instance, head to Freret Street for lobster, roast beef and fried oysters or Dauphine Street for vegan breakfasts and street food.
Local’s Tip: GW Fins is perhaps the best seafood restaurant in the area, with locals recommending its halibut with scallops. Apparently, the cocktail menu is also quite extensive!
Getting there: Delta Airlines can get you to New Orleans following a short layover in Atlanta.
Barcelona, Spain
One word is synonymous with Spain, and that’s tapas. Made up of lots of smaller dishes, it is truly the way to eat like a local. Barcelona has many acclaimed tapas bars, as well as some Michelin starred restaurants if tapas isn’t your thing. It’s a true gastronomic hub for all appetites.
Local’s Tip: Cerveseria Catalana always has a small wait, but it is worth it. Mix classic Spanish tapas with an introduction to Catalan cuisine, order some patatas bravas as well as something from the written specials menu.
Getting there: Easily accessible from the UK. Enjoy a comfortable flight with Monarch.
Wallonia, Belgium
Not Belgium’s most famous city, but located in the South, Wallonia is considered a ‘quadruple threat’, like much of Belgium when it comes to food. The country is famous for beer, waffles, chocolate and frites. Let’s be honest, you’re gonna have to forgo the healthy eating here, but it’s totally worth it!
Local’s Tip: Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette is a tiny shop which usually has a queue stemming out of it, but for good reason. This bakery is home to some of the best waffles and treats in Belgium! Try the cinnamon and vanilla variety, highly recommended by visitors.
Getting there: Why not fly to Brussels then take a road trip across Belgium to Wallonia with a hire car from Hertz?
Fez, Morocco
Fez is Marrakesh’s less touristy cousin. Here, you can get a unique taste of Morocco by visiting the extensive medina, where you’ll find cookery classes to teach you how to make Moroccan classics such as Harira soup, Berber pancakes and of course, tagines.
Local’s Tip: Le Palais de Fez is based above a carpet shop and offers the best views of Fez. Not only that, but a rich array of sharing starters will get your meal off to a great start. Daring diners should try pastilla- a spicy pie stuffed with young pigeons, widely considered to be the best in town!
Getting there: You’ll often have to stopover on your way to Fez, but Trivago makes it easy to find accommodation for overnight stopovers.
I don’t know about you, but writing this article has made me incredibly hungry! We’re lucky to live in a world with such diverse and rich cuisines, so why not take advantage of that and book a trip somewhere?
