Foodie Travel: 6 Places To Visit If You Love Cultural Food Experiences

[Alice Porter]

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If you’re a major foodie, wherever you are in the world you’re undoubtedly looking for the best restaurants to enjoy traditional cuisine. What with such a varied and diverse selection of places to visit in the world, it can be hard whittling your shortlist down to one – particularly if you’ve got food in the equation. If you love immersing yourself in the local lifestyle of the areas you visit, food is a huge part of it! So, calling all foodies, here are 5 places you simply have to visit if you love cultural food experiences:

Greece's Aegean Islands

Of Greece's hundreds of islands, some of the best experiences - and culinary delights can be found on Aegean Islands including Andros, Ios, Kos, Mykonos, Naxos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, and many more, Thanks to the rich landscape and proximity to the sea, there’s plenty on offer, from fresh octopus with a slice of lemon to succulent, fragrant lamb on a bed of locally-grown pulses (don’t forget the Aegean wine too, a firm favourite with everyone who visits).

Matera, Italy

It’s no surprise that Italy has made it onto this list. Though, the region of Matera is likely not what you expected. This uniquely-preserved city is one of this year's European Capitals of Culture, showing just how much character and history is in the area. Its relatively remote location means that whenever you make it here, you never want to leave. The local menus feature chickpea soups, fennel flavoured Lucanian sausage and roast game dishes. Definitely one for meat lovers!

Algarve, Portugal

In recent years, the Algarve region of Portugal is becoming known for its exclusive beach clubs, luxury Algarve villas and fine dining restaurants. If you want to treat yourself to some seriously fancy dining experiences, then Algarve is the place to go. The restaurants here are no stranger to a Michelin star or two, with innovative dishes including plenty of fresh ingredients from the surrounding area. They’re big on seafood in the Algarve, so you can fill up on all the fish you can eat before retreating back to your hotel.

Mexico City

Mexican food is pretty big all over the world, but of course, no one can do it quite as much justice as the local chefs in Mexico City. Burritos, tacos, enchiladas and a lot of guacamole come as standard here, packed full of flavour and absolutely delicious. Mexico is perhaps one of the best places for travelling foodies to visit because of the many street food stands offering tasty snacks everywhere you go.

Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan

You might not think it, but Japan has a seriously impressive mix of eclectic dishes. There’s a street in Osaka called Dotonbori, here many of the restaurants plating up the famous Osaka dish Okonomiyaki – a must if you’re in the area. The area is also home to countless restaurants serving every single type of food speciality Japan can offer. There’s nothing that Japan won’t be able to offer, for even the fussiest of eaters!

London

Britain's capital is home to some of the world's most exciting culinary delights. As well as some of the more mainstream restaurants, London has boroughs that offer lovely street food. Be sure to check out the restaurant deals throughout London, as this means that you can eat more for less!

Where Will You Visit For Your Next Culinary Experience?

Naturally, the first reason people go travelling is to visit new areas and explore parts of the world you’ve never seen before. But a close second is surely to sample as many different types of food as you can! With Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Italy and Greece all competing to be your next getaway, which will you choose for your cultural food experience?