Rome, Paris, Peru … what do these places have in common? They’re all some of the world’s greatest destinations for culinary travel. And while these getaways are beloved for their mouthwatering offerings, for every incredible pasta dish in Italy and every refreshing pisco sour in Lima, there’s a budding foodie destination waiting to be embraced. Help your epicure travelers find culinary goodness in unexpected places with these five delicious spots around the globe.
Puebla, Mexico
Located just over two hours from Mexico City, Puebla with its Baroque architecture and colorful storefronts is the perfect getaway for travelers hoping to explore a new side of the Land of Mariachi. And while the region is just starting to make headlines among popular publications like Food & Wine for being “one of the next great food cities,” the historic destination is no stranger to culinary stardom. In fact, as the birthplace of mole, Mexico’s signature dish, it kind of invented it.
Colorful ingredients are the stars in Puebla, Mexico.
What to try: After sampling mole, which, BTW, is a sauce made from nuts, chocolate, chilis and fruits that’s best served alongside staples like tortillas, beans and rice, visitors will find no shortage of other delightful dishes to sink their teeth into. Chiles en nogadas, dulces tipicos and cemita sandwiches are all fan favorites. Alternatively, for travelers who don’t know where to start, Puebla has a variety of food tours designed to help visitors scope out the city’s best spots.
Jamaica
Best-known for jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer and Appleton Estates rum, Jamaica has been tickling travelers’ tastebuds for years. However, with its fresh ingredients and unique Caribbean flavors, the delicious fun doesn’t stop there. In fact, according to Visit Jamaica, the destination is on the rise among foodies who are drooling over the many culinary delights that are home to the beloved island nation.
Red Stripe is a favorite beer among visitors to Jamaica.
What to try: To start the day off right, visitors can order fried ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit, which, when prepared in this way has a surprisingly egg-like quality. Or, for adventurous folks craving some extra protein, there’s stewed goat, oxtail or escovitch-style fish, which is often plated alongside fresh veggies like onions, carrots, garlic and steamed callaloo. To drink, locals recommend ginger beer or sorrel, a picture-perfect hibiscus tea.
New Zealand
Described by 100% New Zealand as “fresh from the source,” the island nation of New Zealand boasts a delectable bounty of culinary offerings, many of which are crafted from local ingredients. Divided into two major regions — North Island and South Island —, visitors will find no shortage of mouth-watering fare to sink their teeth into. To ensure they get a taste of it all, travelers might consider embarking on a locally run food, wine, cocktail or coffee tour.
Authentic Asian food is popular in cities like Auckland, New Zealand.
What to try: On the North Island, cities like Auckland, Waiheke Island and Wellington are top contenders for delicious eats. Auckland has Federal Street — a stretch famous for its upscale dining options —, Waiheke Island boasts wineries and microbreweries galore, whereas Wellington touts colorful cafes filled with delectable scones, lattes and more. On the South Island, Central Otago — with its abundance of cherries and fresh fruit — and Queenstown — with its wine, beer and nightlife — are foodie favorites.
Slovenia
Located in the heart of Europe, it’s no surprise Slovenia, with its proximity to places like Italy, Austria and Hungary, is a natural choice for incredible eats. However, unlike its neighbors, as the only European country to connect the Alps, Mediterranean, Karst and Pannonian Plain regions, Slovenia has an edge on variety as its vast landscapes result in a vibrant array of delicious local offerings from one place to the next. Perhaps it's this same promise of endless scrumptious possibilities that, according to sources like National Geographic, has travel to Slovenia on the rise.
A colorful beehive somewhere in Slovenia.
What to try: In the regions of Podravje, Posavje and Primorska, wine rules the land with rolling vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Of the Slovenian wines, orange wine, with its peculiar hue, is the most famous. In addition to its penchant for fermented fruits, Slovenia is famous for its honey, namely that from the Carniolan honeybee. Travelers will find honey in a variety of Slovenian foods including in spreads, sauces, toppings, pastries, dairy dishes and more.
Sri Lanka
Known for its lush rainforests, sprawling beaches and bustling city streets, the island of Sri Lanka is vibrant and full of life. The country, which is called home by over 22 million people, is situated on the southern tip of India and is famous for its elephants and tea plantations. It's also a rising culinary star among food-loving travelers.
Fried breads are popular in Sri Lanka.
What to try: Many of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations are in the Hill Country region, and they’re definitely worth a visit. During a typical tour, visitors learn about the history of the beloved drink and how the production process works before ending their adventure with, what else, a fresh cup of tea. Other culinary highlights in Sri Lanka include flavorful curries, kiribath, fried sweets, fresh seafood and mallung, a salad made from greens, onion, chili, fish and coconut.
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