If you are looking for an adventure in dining, you need to be willing to leave the comfortable confines of home and try something new. And you may need to do a little travelling. International cuisines are available for the tasting, but if you really want something new, you need to check out the small cafes, markets, bakeries and other shops that are off the beaten track.
Where are the best places to send your taste buds into overload?
Paris, France
From haute cuisine to street carts, Paris will keep you sampling food no matter where you venture. There are many elegant Parisian restaurants to try, but sometimes sampling the food offered by street vendors is the best way to get a good handle on the dishes the locals enjoy. You want to try some of the local baked goods, such as; freshly baked baguettes, as well as the different cheeses made in the city. And don’t forget to finish off your meal with macaroons or chocolates with a cup of coffee under the Eiffel Tower.
Sydney, Australia
The biggest advantage Australia has is the fresh fish that you can find at the Sydney Fish Market. Freshly caught, you will see a variety of exotic seafood during the daily auctions. The Japanese influence in the city offers you fresh sushi. You can also find fusion cuisine, Thai and a great wine list at the most elegant of restaurants, Banc.
Photo credit: Beth Rauch
Rome, Italy
If you’ve ever been to Rome, then you already know that Italian cuisine in Italy is much different than the Italian cuisine anywhere else. The pizza features toppings you wouldn’t think of, such as soft-cooked eggs. The city is also known for its seafood dishes, as well as its veal. Gnocchi is a must to try and you don’t want to miss the sfogliatelle, a desert made from crispy pastry leaves stuffed with ricotta cheese. If you want to quick snack while you’re visiting the monuments, get a gelato to go.
Photo credit: Beth Rauch
New Orleans, Louisiana, United Stats
New Orleans is a city that combines the best of creole and Cajun foods with American cuisine. From fried chicken to gumbo, New Orleans is a foodie’s best friend. You can also find fusion French-Vietnamese dishes. Plus, a walk through the French Quarter will give you chance to try their famous beignets and bread pudding. It’s not to be missed.
Bombay, India
There is no better place to experience all of the regional foods of India. Bombay is considered the countries culinary capital with foods ranging from the fresh fish market at the Sassoon Docks to Tanjore meals showcasing some of the finest flavors of India. Punjabi snacks and mutton kebabs are dishes from the northern part of the country and you need to finish off the meal with ras malai, a sweetened cheese dessert that is popular all over the country.
There are plenty of other places to soothe your need for interesting cuisine, but these cities are a great place to start. You get a fine mix of local flavors with more intricate dishes, as well as some beautiful vistas to enjoy while savoring your meal.
