If you’re traveling, living or studying abroad, immersing yourself in a new culture is an important part of the expedition. When exploring a new country, its history, people and traditions all create a unique setting, landscape and taste. Since food is such an important part of our lives, it’s no wonder we learn so much about a new country through its culinary specialties. We’ve picked out a few of our favorite cities when it comes to food.
5 Cities Every Foodie Should Visit
Madrid
The Spanish love food for a reason – there are tons of tempting specialties! – and Madrid is a challenge for tourists’ taste buds throughout the terracotta-colored city. After sampling the obligatory Spanish tortilla and churros con chocolat, top things off with hearty cocido madrileño stew, bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari in crusty bread) and bacalao (salt cod). On the weekend or in the evening, order tapas at La Cava Baja and La Cava Alta, two streets lined with bars and restaurants in the La Latina district.
Melbourne
Discover flavors from around the world at Australia’s foodie hub. Thanks to the great wave of immigration that took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Melbourne has dining districts that offer the best food from Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Head to Londsdale Street to try irresistible Greek food; Ligon Street has Italian delights and Australia’s oldest Chinatown has a variety of eateries in and around Little Bourke Street, some open since the 1860s.
Rome
Italian cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most famous cuisines in the world, and a food trip to Italy would be incomplete without visiting the country’s capital, Rome. Look out for Pizza Bianca, Fiori di Zucca (zucchini flowers), Carbonara (try Da Danilo or Roscioli in the center) or Roman-style pizza (start your search for the best at Prati’s Pizzarium). For places outside the tourist traps, head to the Testaccio and Trastevere neighborhoods and stop at the markets, including the Trastevere Fish Market.
Berlin
For many, croissant is the culinary hallmark of Berlin in a small bowl, but don’t forget the wide selection of dishes from Turkey and the Middle East that make the German capital proud home. Start with a visit to Türkenmarkt, an outdoor Turkish market for fresh produce, spices and Turkish bread. In addition, Berlin has some of the most famous (and cheapest!) restaurants in the world: from a Vietnamese burger joint to a fantastic fusion of Asian cuisine.
Tokyo
Fresh, tasty and creative – Japanese food tops many lists, and it’s easy to keep the promise of good food in Tokyo. From sushi to unagi, tempura, shabu-shabu and okonomiyaki, you are spoiled for choice. Try ramen (egg noodles) at the ever-popular Tokyo Train Station Ramen Street, or grab a few simple yakitori bites to eat at the stalls on Yarakucho Street. Do you dare to do more? Intrepid travelers will marvel at the tuna auctions and seafood restaurants at Tsukiji Shijo Market.
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