Travel and food are the perfect companions. Some of the best travel experiences come from exploring the unique, fascinating, and unusual cuisines of other cultures and countries around the world. Food can be an incredible way to bring people together, as well as the perfect framework for a travel adventure.
As the new year unfolds and travelers begin to plan their trips for the year, there is no better time to consider new food travel experiences. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in discovering exotic flavors, uncommon ingredients, and amazing new recipes, while any traveler will enjoy eating and drinking to their heart’s content while on the road!
So whether you are boarding a last-minute cruise from Southampton or carefully planning a series of food travel experiences, here’s a taste of what you might want to have on your plate in 2024!
Tokyo, Japan
These days, sushi needs no introduction. But for true sushi fans a pilgrimage to Tokyo offers a genuinely next-level gastronomic experience. Tsukiji Outer Market is somewhere that all sushi aficionados must visit, whether to sample authentic, freshly prepared sushi or to join a class to learn the skills. For a more formal, upmarket experience the historic district of Asakusa boasts several Michelin-starred eateries, perfect for indulging your gourmet side.
Marrakech, Morocco
Behind the remarkable ancient walls of Marrakech lies the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with bustling souks and the fragrant aromas of ras-el-hanout and mouthwatering tagines. Exploring the markets of Marrakech can be a sensory overload, but it offers the chance to try the stunning flavors of North Africa in the most authentic setting imaginable. From rich stews flavored with dried fruits to exquisite pastries and sweet desserts, Morocco offers an extraordinarily immersive gastronomic experience and one that will entertain, delight, and satisfy even the pickiest travelers.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca, Mexico, is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world. Boasting a cultural culinary heritage that goes back thousands of years, it offers gourmet experiences everywhere you turn. From the simple joys of grilled meat on the Pasillo de Humo or the exotic flavors of tlayudas in the main market to the complexities of mole, mezcal, and pulque, Oaxacan food is a journey of discovery from start to finish. With more top-drawer restaurants than anywhere else in Mexico, it is a truly unmissable destination for committed foodies.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is possibly the ultimate street food destination. The food truck scene in Hanoi is astounding, with vendors in the chaotic Old Quarter serving up iconic Vietnamese delicacies for astonishingly affordable prices. From pho and bahn mi to bun cha and cha ca, the fresh, electric flavors of Hanoi’s street food are truly mindblowing. The experience of joining locals on plastic stools in a busy market or on a street corner might seem uncomfortable at first, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to discover amazing food on your travels.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is synonymous with culinary innovation. The simple delights of tapas have been at the forefront of Catalonian cuisine for centuries, and have resulted in some of the finest restaurants and greatest chefs in the world emerging from the Barcelona food scene. Whether wandering the streets of El Born or diving into the bustling chaos of La Boqueria, a visit to Barcelona is a symphony of smells and tastes at every hour of the day.
Curating your 2024 travel experiences with a focus on exotic food will give you a series of unforgettable culinary destinations and extraordinary new favorite dishes!
