TRAVEL AND FOOD – A JOURNEY OF FLAVOURS
Travel and food are two of life’s greatest pleasures and when combined they can create unforgettable experiences. Recently, I’ve enjoyed wandering through Ningxia Night Market in Taipei Taiwan in search of Michelin Star street food, I’ve sat at a food counter savouring okomoni-yaki and sizzling oysters in Miyajima Japan, and I’ve dined on moules-frites in a bistro in Bordeaux France.
I believe that travelling the world not only opens doors to new cultures and landscapes but also to culinary delights that awaken the senses and enrich the soul.
So, let’s embrace the adventure of travel and food, and let your taste buds lead the way to new and exciting discoveries.
Travel the world with me on an exciting journey of flavours!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- TRAVEL AND FOOD – A JOURNEY OF FLAVOURS
- THE JOY OF EXPLORING STREET FOOD
- TIPS FOR ENJOYING STREET FOOD
- DISCOVERING HIDDEN GEMS: SMALL LOCAL RESTAURANTS
- HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TRAVEL FOOD EXPERIENCES
- QUIRKY AND UNUSUAL FOOD ADVENTURES
- UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
- EMBRACING THE UNCONVENTIONAL
- THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES
- TIPS FOR EMBRACING CULINARY ADVENTURES
THE JOY OF EXPLORING STREET FOOD
Read more on Taiwan’s Michelin Star Street Food
Street food excites me as I feel that street food is the heartbeat of any city. It offers a window into the local culture and lifestyle and is often the first encounter I have with a country’s food scene.
When I’m jetlagged with travel fatigue and I’m feeling hungry then a simple and delicious baleada from a grab and go food truck in Honduras or a fragrant bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City while sitting on a low plastic stool at a small table on the pavement, provides an authentic taste of local life.
Street food can be stir-fried, deep-fried, flamed, steamed, stewed, sautéed, chargrilled, grilled, poached, broiled, boiled, barbecued, and even served raw.
It can be found off a food truck, from a street vendor with a sizzling wok, in a fabulous food court, a market, or hawker stall, and – as I found in Hakata Japan – in a small pop-up street food tent known as a ‘Yatai’.
Find out more about my Hakata Yatai Food Experience in Fukuoka Japan
TIPS FOR ENJOYING STREET FOOD
Be Adventurous: Don’t shy away from unfamiliar dishes. Many vendors offer samples, so you can taste before committing.
Follow the Locals: Where there’s a queue of locals, there’s usually a culinary gem.
Practice Food Safety: Opt for stalls with high turnover and freshly prepared ingredients to ensure quality and hygiene.
Local Convenience Stores: I love to buy a sandwich from Lawsons in Japan or a snack from a 7/11 in Thailand.
DISCOVERING HIDDEN GEMS: SMALL LOCAL RESTAURANTS
While street food offers a quick and delightful introduction to a culture’s cuisine, I have found that taking the time to find those ‘hidden gems’ in your destination of choice – those small local restaurants typically offering a more intimate dining experience – will often provide a deeper insight into regional cooking and a taste of authentic and seasonal local cuisine.
It’s wonderful to sit down on a balmy evening, enjoying a cozy atmosphere and a delicious meal at a local restaurant, to enhance your travel experience.
Smaller establishments can often take the time to connect with customers, sharing stories about the food and the community, which can lead to memorable conversations and recommendations.
Smaller local restaurants offer their own character and charm, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere with the decor, ambiance, and music. They reflect local culture, serving traditional dishes made from family recipes, allowing you to experience cultural immersion and the flavours of the region.
Many local restaurants are known for certain dishes, so be sure to ask the staff for recommendations. If there is a tasting menu on offer, I would recommend this as a great way to experience the chef’s full range of creativity and expertise.
Small local restaurants – as opposed to the chain or larger restaurants – can be hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Look for places frequented by locals and you’re more likely to have a more relaxed dining experience.
Locals often know the best spots that aren’t listed in guidebooks but I’ve often used online platforms and food forums to gain insights into hidden gems.
You’ll also be contributing to the local economy because your custom helps sustain small businesses and supports local farmers and suppliers.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TRAVEL FOOD EXPERIENCES
Penang: One of my favourite food experiences ever was in Penang Malaysia. Penang is known as the Food Capital of Malaysia and the backpacking husband and I had met up with some friends for an extended dinner out and about in George Town, Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage site and historic capital. During our fabulous foodfest we managed to have our aperitifs, our appetisers, our starters, our main courses – including a seafood BBQ at a fantastic food court – then our desserts plus a night cap at an array of very different and totally unique food venues all over town!
Langkawi: Also in Malaysia – on the island of Langkawi – I’ve eaten the most memorable, fresh, and deliciously flavourful seafood. On both my visits to Langkawi I’ve been sure to dine at restaurants specialising in shellfish and other seafoods. There are street food stalls, small off the street restaurants, and large busy seafood restaurants along the main strip opposite Cenang Beach. All are amazing!
Tokyo: In Tokyo Japan I wanted to try several types of sushi. Firstly, I tried a budget chain restaurant where the sushi is delivered to your table by conveyor belt. Then, I dined at a small independent sushi restaurant, sitting at a narrow counter, while watching my sushi being expertly prepared by skilled sushi chef with a very sharp knife. Each carefully crafted piece of sushi was presented individually and by hand and each piece was delicate and bursting with flavour!
Read more about my experiences of the Tokyo Japan Food Scene
Miyajima: Also in Japan, while exploring Miyajima Island, I discovered grilled oysters and oyster curry bread and oysters baked in lemon sponge dough balls and the famously yummy Miyajima Okomoni-Yaki – a Japanese dish cooked and served on a griddle. ‘Okonomi’ means ‘what you like’ and ‘yaki’ means ‘grilled’.
Read more on my Miyajima Food Guide
Taipei: While in Taiwan, I went in search of Michelin starred street food at one of the most famous street food markets in Taipei – The Ningxia Night Market. I was told on authority that the oyster omelette (O-a-chian) here is the very best in Taiwan. It has a delicious signature sweet and tangy Taiwanese sauce drizzled over it and has a Michelin Star to its name!
Taichung: Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung City is famously the largest night market in Taiwan with around 400 vendors offering their wares every night. We could hardly wait until after dark to try the amazing variety of traditional Taiwanese street foods on offer. Although, we found that waiting is often necessary, as the most popular vendors had long lines of people patiently waiting in anticipation of something so good it’s absolutely worth the wait!
Hong Kong: Feeling hungry in Hong Kong, the backpacking husband and I found a restaurant called Dim Sum Square. We actually went twice as they had the best dim sum we’d ever tasted. As you might expect, I believe the best dim sum is in Hong Kong!
Dining All Over The World: It looks from my enthusiasm for food in Asia that I’m advocating Asian food as The Best In The World – but I’ve also enjoyed delicious and memorable food in Central America, the Caribbean, USA and Canada, in parts of Africa and The Middle East, as well as the UK and Europe.
So I’m on the fence about calling out any one fabulous foodie destination – The Very Best – I will say that lots of the food I’ve experienced and enjoyed while travelling around the world has made my life a flavourful journey!
QUIRKY AND UNUSUAL FOOD ADVENTURES
For the adventurous at heart, quirky and unusual food experiences can add an extra layer of excitement to your travels.
From dining in the dark to eating insects – see my section on unique culinary experiences below – these experiences challenge the conventional and often lead to memorable and interesting stories to tell.
I do consider myself an adventurous eater – as I’m far from fussy – BUT I’m not sure I’d ever be able to eat insects, bugs, or worms! What about you? Would you be prepared to try creepy crawly cuisine?
UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Korean BBQ: I love to eat at an authentic Korean BBQ restaurant when I’m visiting my son in South Korea. It’s such a unique experience to cook your own food as supplied to you raw to sizzle on your hot coal firepit in the centre of the table!
Dining in the Dark: Restaurants like Dans le Noir in Paris invite guests to eat in complete darkness, enhancing the senses of taste and smell.
Insect Cuisine: In countries like Thailand and Mexico, insects are a common delicacy. Trying dishes like chapulines (grasshoppers) or fried crickets – I’m told – can be a fascinating and tasty experience.
Molecular Gastronomy: At establishments like The Fat Duck in the UK, chefs use scientific techniques to create surprising and delightful dishes that defy traditional culinary boundaries.
Read more on my fabulous travels and experiences in South Korea
EMBRACING THE UNCONVENTIONAL
Keep an Open Mind: Approach every dish with curiosity and openness, even if it seems strange at first.
Share the Experience: Dining with others can make unusual food experiences more enjoyable and less daunting.
Document the Adventure: Take photos and notes to remember the unique aspects of your culinary journey.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES
Travelling is not just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing them fully and food plays a crucial role in this. Being open to trying new tastes and food experiences can significantly enrich your travel adventures. It allows you to connect with different cultures on a deeper level, understand their traditions, and appreciate the amazing diversity of our world.
Read more about Liuhe Night Market Kaohsiung Taiwan
TIPS FOR EMBRACING CULINARY ADVENTURES
Educate Yourself: Learn about the local food culture before your trip to enhance your appreciation and understanding.
Engage with Locals: Conversations with locals can provide insights into the history and significance of certain dishes.
Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time to reflect on how these culinary adventures have broadened your horizons and enriched your life.
Take a Local Cooking Class: Get hands on and learn how to cook authentically from a local.
I’ve found that travel and food are inseparable companions on the journey of life. Each destination I’ve travelled has offered a unique culinary landscape just waiting to be explored. From the vibrant flavours of street food to the refined artistry of fine dining. As you travel, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and savour the unfamiliar.
Let the world be your kitchen and let food be your guide!
What is the most memorable food experience you’ve had while traveling?
How has trying new foods influenced your perception of different cultures?
Are there any dishes or cuisines you’re hesitant to try? Why or why not?
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