Top 10 Countries You Should Visit in 2024 (For Food Lovers)
Are you a food lover who likes to travel and explore new cuisines? Do you want to know which countries offer the most delicious and diverse dishes in the world? If so, this article is for you!
Whether you are looking for spicy, sweet, savory, or exotic flavors, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds in these countries. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 best countries to eat something special in 2024:
1. India
India is a paradise for vegetarians and spice lovers. The country has a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by various religions, regions, and cultures. You can find everything from curries, biryanis, dosas, chaats, samosas, dal, roti, naan, and more in India. Some of the dishes are so popular that they have become national dishes in other countries, such as chicken tikka masala in England. If you want to try the best tea in the world, head to Darjeeling or Assam and enjoy a cup of aromatic and refreshing chai. India is also famous for its sweets, such as gulab jamun, jalebi, laddu, kheer, and halwa.
2. Mexico
Mexico is another country with a vibrant and colorful food scene. The country has a fusion of indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences, resulting in a variety of dishes that are full of flavor and texture. You can find everything from tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, guacamole, salsa, mole, pozole, ceviche, and more in Mexico. Some of the dishes are so iconic that they have become part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list . If you want to try the best chocolate in the world, head to Oaxaca or Chiapas and savor a cup of hot chocolate with cinnamon and vanilla. Mexico is also famous for its drinks, such as tequila, mezcal, margarita, michelada, and horchata. You can learn more about Mexican cuisine here: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings/great-food/mexico
3. Italy
Italy is a food paradise for anyone who loves pasta, pizza, cheese, wine, and gelato. Italian cuisine is famous for its simplicity, quality, and diversity. Each region has its specialties and traditions, so you can never get bored of exploring the different flavors of Italy. Some of the dishes you should try are:
Tagliatelle al ragu: This is the original version of the spaghetti bolognese that you might know from other countries. It consists of egg noodles with a rich meat sauce made with ground beef and pork, cooked for hours. It is served with Parmesan cheese and sometimes butter. You can find it in Bologna, the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, where it originated.
Pizza: Pizza is probably the most iconic Italian dish, and you can find it everywhere in Italy. However, not all pizzas are the same. Depending on the region, you can find different styles of pizza, such as thin and crispy in Rome, thick and fluffy in Naples, or rectangular and sliced in Sicily. Some of the toppings you can choose from are tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil, ham, mushrooms, olives and more.
Gelato: Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, but it is not the same thing. Gelato is made with milk instead of cream, which makes it lower in fat and more dense in flavor. It is also churned at a slower speed, which makes it smoother and creamier. You can find gelato shops all over Italy, offering a variety of flavors, from classic ones like chocolate and vanilla to more exotic ones like pistachio and lemon.
4. Japan
Japan is a country with a rich and sophisticated culinary culture that reflects its history, geography, and philosophy. Japanese cuisine is known for its freshness, delicacy, and balance. It also has a strong aesthetic sense, as the presentation of the food is as important as the taste. Some of the dishes you should try are:
Sushi: Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes in the world and for a good reason. It consists of vinegared rice topped or wrapped with raw fish or other seafood, such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, or eel. It is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger. You can find sushi restaurants all over Japan, from cheap conveyor belt ones to expensive Michelin-starred ones.
Ramen: Ramen is a noodle soup dish that originated in China but was adapted by the Japanese to suit their taste. It consists of wheat noodles in a broth flavored with soy sauce or miso, topped with various ingredients such as sliced pork, boiled egg, seaweed, and green onions. You can find ramen shops all over Japan, each with its style and specialty.
Tempura: Tempura is a dish of deep-fried vegetables or seafood coated with a light batter made of flour, water, and egg. It is usually served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, dashi (fish stock), and grated radish. You can find tempura restaurants all over Japan or as part of other dishes such as soba (buckwheat noodles) or donburi (rice bowl).
5. Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, bold spices, and vibrant textures. Start your day by indulging in a bowl of pho, a fragrant beef noodle soup, packed with tender slices of beef, fresh herbs, and delicate rice noodles. As you explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi, don't miss trying banh mi, a mouth-watering sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and a medley of flavorful sauces. For seafood lovers, coastal regions like Da Nang and Nha Trang offer an abundance of delights, such as grilled fish in banana leaves and succulent prawn spring rolls.
6. Lebanon
A Mecca for Middle Eastern Cuisine: Lebanese cuisine is a true feast for the senses, with its vibrant colors and distinctive flavors. Start your culinary adventure with a mezze platter, a selection of small dishes including creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and tangy tabbouleh. As you explore the lively food markets of Beirut, be sure to sample kibbeh, a savory mix of ground meat and bulgur wheat, and don't miss the opportunity to savor shawarma, tender strips of marinated meat wrapped in warm flatbread. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try knafeh, a delightful pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and a drizzle of fragrant rose syrup.
7. South Korea
South Korea boasts a rich culinary heritage, characterized by an exquisite balance of flavors and textures. Begin your culinary journey by experiencing the sheer joy of street food in Seoul. Devour a plate of tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes stir-fried with gochujang (fermented chili paste), or relish the crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken. For a unique dining experience, try a traditional Korean barbecue, where you'll grill an array of meats and vegetables right at your table. And be sure to sample the infamous kimchi, a fermented side dish made from cabbage or radishes, which offers a tangy and spicy kick.
8. Peru
Peru is a melting pot of flavors, blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences into a truly captivating culinary scene. Begin your culinary adventure by indulging in ceviche, Peru's iconic dish consisting of fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and a touch of fiery chili pepper. For heartier fare, try lomo saltado, a stir-fry dish that combines marinated beef tenderloin, tomatoes, onions, and french fries. And no visit to Peru is complete without savoring the nation's beloved pollo a la brasa, succulent roast chicken, marinated in a secret blend of spices and cooked to perfection on an open flame.
9. Morocco
Moroccan cuisine takes you on a tantalizing journey, with its exotic spices and aromatic flavors. Dive into the world of tagines, slow-cooked stews that simmer to perfection in earthenware pots. Sample the medley of flavors found in a classic lamb tagine, with tender meat cooked alongside sweet dates, savory olives, and fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron. Don't miss the chance to try couscous, a versatile grain dish often served with tender slow-cooked meats or colorful vegetables. As you explore the bustling souks, be sure to savor harira, a delightful soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs.
10. Greece
Greek cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, freshness, and emphasis on local produce. Start your culinary journey with a traditional Greek salad, bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a drizzle of golden olive oil. Experience the joy of sharing delicious small plates known as mezedes – from spanakopita, a savory spinach and cheese pastry, to dolmades, delicate vine leaves stuffed with flavorful rice and herbs. Indulge in moussaka, a baked casserole layered with eggplant, potatoes, and spiced ground meat, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. And no Greek food adventure is complete without enjoying a plate of tender and juicy souvlaki skewers alongside freshly made tzatziki.
Brazil
Brazilian cuisine is a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse culinary influences. Begin your culinary exploration with feijoada, a hearty black bean stew that combines different cuts of pork and beef, served with farofa (toasted cassava flour) and white rice. Experience the joy of pão de queijo, pillowy cheese bread rolls that are crispy on the outside and delightfully gooey on the inside. Indulge in a traditional churrasco, a barbecue feast that showcases a variety of succulent meats cooked on skewers and served with farofa, chimichurri sauce, and a refreshing caipirinha cocktail. For a sweet ending, try brigadeiros, mouth-watering chocolate truffles made with condensed milk and rolled in sprinkles.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the Top 10 countries you should visit in 2024 to taste magic food. If you did, please share it with your friends, and leave us a comment below.
We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about your trip, your food experience, or both!
So, pack your appetite, embrace the flavors of these lesser-explored culinary destinations, and let the magic of global cuisine tantalize your taste buds.
Bon appétit and happy travels!
