People take vacations for a variety of reasons. Some want to feel the warmth of the sun, while others want to spend time near the beach. Of course, others want to see the architecture of different places. But one universal theme among all vacationers is that they want to experience the food in different cultures – good and bad.
With travel becoming more affordable, especially during the low season, many people are seeking food vacations outside of North America. This is a foodie’s paradise, especially when he or she has attracted the urge for an adventurous palette.
Here are seven best food vacations in the world:
1. Malaysia
If you love hot, spicy, and sweet food with ample coconut in every dish, Malaysia is one of the best food vacations in the world. Many travelers consider Malaysia to be the premier destination for a street food vacation. You can get everything from noodle dishes, Satay to shaved ice desserts. And the best part is that food is very cheap and even traveling to and staying in Malaysia is quite affordable.
While food may be a priority for you, there are also some great sights to see in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia. You can also experience different cultural norms of this country and plan your trip during major celebrations and/or festivals to get the most out of your visit.
2. Bangkok
One of the hottest destinations for food lovers has to be Bangkok in Thailand. Bangkok is a city that never sleeps and almost on every street, you can get all many types of foods including:
- Guay Teow (Noodle Soup)
- Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
- Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
- Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
- Yam Talay (Spicy Seafood Salad)
- Laab (Spicy Salad)
- Pad Phuk Tong (Stir-Fried Pumpkin).
Like Malaysia, the food is relatively cheap and fresh. Just head down to the floating market, and you will get to experience Thai cuisine at its best. We all eat Thai food offered in other countries, but the Thai food in Bangkok is the real deal. Bangkok is also a great destination to shop and relax.
3. London
England was never really famous for its food, but things have changed over the last two decades. The days of just eating bangers and cornish pastries – and a cup of tea – are over.
Today, apart from the English pubs that offer delicious hot lunches, you can also visit the many markets in London that sell exotic cheese, shawarma, Indian biryani, veal, chicken satay, east Indian curry, vegan steaks and much more. There are at least a dozen large markets in London that are regularly open and offer cuisine from all over the world. Unlike the restaurants, street food in London is not only cheap but is also freshly made.
Also, since London is so diverse, you can experience different cuisine by people who are originally from that region. Thus, this is not just a “wannabe” experience, but instead, you will be able to get the original taste for many different types of cuisine.
4. Athens
Greece has always been one of the best food vacations in the world. All over the city, there are hundreds of unique street carts that offer high-quality mouth-watering menus. From the Falafel to the Greek souvlaki to the delicious Greek pastries, you can find a wide variety of food items.
And at the Central Market, you can get tasty wine which is very affordable. The great thing about Athens is that the locals are friendly and go out of their way to ensure that you have a great time.
5. Karachi
Karachi is another great destination for food lovers. From biryani to seekh kabab to chicken tikka, not to forget the chaat, pani puri, and bun kabab, Karachi offers some of the tastiest and most affordable food in the world. If you love hot and spicy cuisine that not only tastes great but also wouldn’t put a dent in your pocket, Karachi is a great food vacation spot if you love to travel.
6. New York
Queens in New York has become the mecca of different cuisines. Almost every type of international food can be found in this borough of New York. You can find some of the best traditional Italian pizza and authentic Chinese cuisine here. Every single day there is something different but come early as the lines are long.
7. Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas – except for indigestion.
This small city has 24/7 buffets that rival any place on the planet. Of course, when you come to Las Vegas, things tend to be a little bit more expensive, but you will definitely not be disappointed with the variety of food. And Las Vegas is not only known for its food but also for its nightlife, entertainment, and casinos. If you want to experience all of it, along with good food, Las Vegas is one of the best food vacations to take.
At the end of your adventures, you think that a party just took place in your mouth and everyone was invited. The Las Vegas ribs, the New York pretzels, the Bangkok stir fry – the world is your oyster for culinary treats. Are you hungry yet?
