It’s simple: if you like food travels, you’ll love this collaborative post featuring ten tasty tales around the world. Tuck in!
Everyone knows that eating is half the fun of travelling. To discover the soul of a destination, you have to sample its food. Fortunately, I’m not alone in this opinion as the following ten tasty tales around unique food travels show.
Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region…
Anthony Bourdain
Whether you roam markets for delicious produce, join a local person for a meal in their home or discover another kind of culinary delight, food is the most evocative taste of travel.
Mealtimes are for sharing and passing on stories.
I am delighted to present the food stories in this collaborative post. From a foodie bike tour in Berlin, traditional Shabbat dinner in Israel, all the way to a dining experience with a Tibetan nomad, each story delves into cultures, traditions and connections forged through culinary experiences.
Missed the first collab? Check it out after this post.
1. Food travels: Kristina on solo dining in Santorini
I am a frequent solo traveler, so there are many times when I end up eating alone. Thankfully, after several wonderful solo dining experiences, I actually look forward to those meals.
My first truly memorable solo meal was my first dinner in Santorini. I had been travelling solo for three weeks, and most of my meals were quick stops, on-the-go, or with other travellers I met in hostels or tours.
I arrived in Santorini just in time to grab a table to enjoy a sunset dinner, so I thought I’d treat myself a little. Immediately upon sitting, the waiter seemed to know I was dining alone, and we became instant friends. I told him a bit about myself, my love for food and that I wanted this meal to be an experience.
From there, he walked me through the menu. I picked my top two choices in wine, appetizer, entree and asked him to make the final choice based on his tastes. Everything was superb. The moment was so immersive that I forgot my entire day and truly savoured every bite.
When the sun started setting, I FaceTimed my mom because it felt selfish to keep this moment to myself. I sipped my wine while she and I watched the sunset – with headphones on, of course – and then hung up to enjoy the rest of the meal myself.
Looking back I wish I’d taken a picture with the waiter, or had him take a picture of me. Otherwise, it was the perfect start to my stay in Santorini. It felt like I was exactly where I needed to be in that moment.
Keep up with Kristina: Website | Instagram | Twitter
2. Food travels: Efia on a Berlin food tour by bike
When I plan a trip, one of the first things that comes to mind is food. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a new country and, where possible, I like to learn more about what I’m eating.
Earlier this year I travelled to Berlin where I took part in a progressive food tour by bike. In addition to learning about the history of the city, we also discovered more about German cuisine. We gorged on everything from baked cheeses to pickled vegetables. From crumbly falafels that dissolve in your mouth to rich, sugary cakes that left you longing for more. One dish after another, each an explosion on the taste buds with its own tale and place in the past.
As we pedalled through the city streets, with the sun shining down on us, I couldn’t help but think that this was what life was really about. Strangers being brought together, in good weather over delicious food. If you’re planning a trip to Germany be sure to check out my Berlin food guide for even more unforgettable experiences.
Explore with Efia: Website | Twitter | Facebook
3. Cole on a culinary experience with a Tibetan nomad
Enjoying a meal comes down to more than just the food. Sometimes a certain atmosphere lends credibility to the authenticity of cuisine, and this can carry over to the taste. Such was my experience with a Tibetan Nomad on the sprawling grasslands of Tagong, Western Sichuan, China.
I’d been hiking for two days and had run out of my own food. One of the nomads on the high steppe who’d seen my camp while herding yaks invited me to his tent. He began by pouring me yak butter tea. ‘Substantive’ is not a word often correlated with tea. However, it’s appropriate here. The tea was thick and varnished with a layer of salty butter.
Next, my new friend’s wife proffered a haunch of yak meat sliced thinly. Gamey and rung with sparkling fat, the cold meat was just raw enough to populate my mouth with metallic juices.
Momos are one of the staple Tibetan foods in the region. The uninitiated may think of them as cheese dumplings. Filled with a crunchy mix of local vegetables and fresh yak cheese, the momos were a main course and ended up being the best thing I’d eaten the whole trip.
This veritable feast finished with yak yogurt (think Greek yogurt) and fresh, unpasteurized yak milk. It’s hard even now to go back to regular milk. The pure, creamy flavour worked as a final bulwark to my fatigue. It was a satisfying, one-of-a-kind culinary display.
Catch up with Cole: Website | Twitter | Check out Cole’s Quest in Western Sichuan
4. Food travels: Vanessa on a garlic-themed workshop in Bucharest
When traveling solo, I love to look for opportunities to dine with locals. Romania was no different. While planning my trip to Romania’s capital of Bucharest, I stumbled upon the Garlic Themed Workshop with My Secret Romania. The lovely Gabi and Ioana run My Secret Romania in a passionate attempt to share their culture with others.
Vampires and garlic are likely the first things that come to mind when you think of Romania, right? Same here. But I quickly realised there is so much more to experiencing Bucharest. I joined the Garlic Themed Workshop with Ioana as my personal guide. The workshop consists of dining (3-4 hours) with a local guide and learning about Bucharest’s history, post-communism life, superstitions and culture, as well as tasting incredible Romanian dishes.
It felt like I was dining with a friend and getting to understand what makes Bucharest tick. Ioana explained the history of how garlic has become such a central part of Romanian culture and why it intersects with practical use, traditions, spirits and Dracula.
It was the most fascinating dining experience, with excellent food and the warmest company. I was on the edge of my seat in delight listening to Ioana’s stories. The Garlic Themed Workshop was the highlight to my stay in Bucharest. Don’t miss this evening of fun, especially if you love storytelling and garlic.
Vibe with Vanessa: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Check out: Things to Do in Bucharest
5. Food travels: Joyce on a traditional Shabbat dinner in Israel
During my time in Israel, a Jewish local welcomed me into his home to experience a traditional Shabbat dinner with his wife. The Shabbat dinner involved blessing the wine. The warm Challah (Braided Bread) reminded me of a freshly-made loaf of airy agege bread that I used to collect from a local street market in Lagos, Nigeria.
With lit candles and an elegantly laid table, we were ready to indulge in a 3-course Israeli feast with plenty of side choices. The food was simply amazing. I enjoyed spending time with complete strangers, engaging in meaningful conversations and historical stories about Old Jerusalem.
Shabbat is more than just a day off or food experience. Jews typically refrain from using electricity which includes no phones and television. Observing this beautiful tradition gave me a deeper understanding of the value of resting in full form and spending more quality time with family without the usual interruption of technology.
Journey with Joyce: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
6. Food travels: Chichi on a foodie adventure in Prague
Prague was one of my best experiences partially because of a heightened curiosity to try Czech cuisine. In particular, two culinary experiences stood out to me during my 4-day visit.
The first experience took place at the esteemed Café Savoy in Mala Strana. The fancy wooden décor and opulent ambience of the restaurant captivated my attention. I eagerly tried an apple strudel served with warm custard, accompanied by a raspberry lemonade drink. I thoroughly enjoyed the strudel and custard as they complemented each other very well.
The experience at Café Savoy is similar to my many brunch experiences in London. It is certainly the type of venue I would go to for a girly brunch in the future.
For the second experience, I made sure to try traditional Czech red sausage hot dog whilst walking around the Old Town Square. I opted for a hot dog generously garnished with jalapenos, parsley, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce. This was a nice way to round up my trip, along with a filling trdelnik dessert; my go-to dessert during my Prague travels.
I was particularly excited about buying food from stalls due to the fact that they were readily available as a street food option. This further amplified my tourist experience and gave me opportunities to try new dishes and snacks.
Connect with Chichi: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Check out: More on Prague
7. Food travels: Char on a taco factory experience in Mexico
Food, glorious food! Hot sausage and mustard!
While we’re in the mood…
cold jelly and custard!
Is it bad that I sometimes choose destinations based on the culinary experiences I’m going to have? Mexico to date has been the best place I have visited. Tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, tequila… what more could you want?
One of my favourite moments from my 2017 trip to Mexico, specifically Puerto Vallarta, was visiting a taco factory. Seeing and experiencing how food is made gives you a deeper understanding and connection to a culture, versus just saying ‘I love this type of cuisine’. It’s important to do it for you and to also educate yourself about where the things on your plate are coming from.
Check in with Char: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Check out Char’s Mexico photo diary
8. Food travels: Michelle on hygge and communal dining in Copenhagen
Copenhagen was a spontaneous trip. I had no expectations of what I would see or encounter. Learning about hygge became the highlight of my stay, and having dinner at Absalon was a truly unique experience that I will never forget.
The word hygge dates back to around 1800 and means “protected from the outside world”. It indicates an informal time spent together with friends and family.
On a walking tour, I discovered that many redundant churches act as spaces for communal activities. Absalon was one such place that came highly recommended for a nice, cheap meal at 6 euros. I was unsure of what to expect, but I can say it was one of the best places I have dined at. Inside, the tables were arranged as though it was a school canteen.
A host gave a short welcome before inviting us to nominate someone from our table to collect bowls of food from a separate room. I opted for the meat balls which tasted absolutely delicious!
Breaking bread together is an intimate part of bonding with family and friends. Somehow, dining at Absalon did not feel too dissimilar. We chatted, laughed and shared stories as we passed bowls of food between each other as though we were family and had known one another for years.
I am glad I got to experience this way of community dining. I also made a new friend with whom I keep in touch to this day.
As I left with a full belly and warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy, I thought to myself, “this must be the hygge effect”.
Move with Michelle: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
9. Kai on a lunch spot in Kyoto
The perfect lunch spot, Mr Young Men, is located at the Teramachi-Shijo entrance to the historical Teramachi shopping street in Kyoto. This restaurant specialises in traditional style Okonomiyaki, often referred to as Japan’s savoury pancake. This translates to ‘cooked as you like it’, and is usually customisable.
Okonomiyaki consists of flour, cabbage, meat, seafood and vegetables mixed together and fried to form a pancake. Mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, dried seaweed and bonito flakes serve as toppings.
I loved the Okonomiyaki here so much that I ate at Mr Young Men three times during my 10-day stay in Japan! The Okonomiyaki set offered here was my favourite. The set includes: miso soup, 2 delicious rice balls (1 plain and 1 filled with ginger) and okonomiyaki, all for under 1000 Yen.
The restaurant offers an English menu for those who are unable to read Japanese. The inside of the restaurant is cosy and antique just as you would expect from its outer appearance. The staff are extremely welcoming, the service rapid and the food always delicious.
Kick it with Kai: Website | Instagram | Twitter
10. Davida on a sizzling Turkish bbq in London
“Juicy lamb ribs are sizzling on the barbecue, and the aroma makes coherent speech almost impossible. Cansu’s father, Hussein, is standing behind the grill wiping his brow, his satisfaction apparent. He is smiling before we’ve even exchanged names. “I hope you like food, because there’s plenty here!” He says in greeting. I laugh at this line delivered with such paternal impatience, as though I were one of his own, and walk over to greet him properly. Click here to read my full story on the experience.
Thank you…
Well, that’s all, folks! I hope these tales have inspired you to “taste” more of the world. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this post. Check out their blogs and socials for more where that came from, as well as endless travel inspirations.
Over to you, dear reader…got a tasty tale of your own to share? Tell us in the comments below. See you on the next WoW!
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