Let’s be honest: We are terrible with food. Everything is processed, our diets are not the greatest, and our palates need an improvement. Perhaps this is an excuse to leave your humble abode and see the world: You’re trying to save your sense of taste!
Before you hop on a jet plane or cruise to travel the world, you need to know which countries offer the greatest meals. Here are six countries with the best food:
1. Italy
Sorry, Italy is no match for your patented spaghetti and meatballs cooked for six guests. Italy is home to not just a diverse array of pasta dishes, but it is also a key destination for pizza, bruschetta, risotto, sandwiches, and the list goes on. Just be sure to complement your meal with a glass of white wine.
Unsure of what to eat? Here are some tasty dishes to try:
- Bottarga (smoked eggs from the rat of the sea).
- Steak Florentine
- Margherita of Naples
- Arancini
- Pasta carbonara
Friendly Tip: Just walk around any Italian city and you’ll find the best food right around the corner. That’s all you should do. This is great for sightseeing, exercising, and being able to actually discover a restaurant that serves high-quality delicious food at a good price. There is a lot to choose from, so don’t be afraid to just wander.
2. France
Although France offers guests an eclectic variety, the nation of love and romance is especially known for its incredible lineup of desserts. Indeed, after just one bite at a Parisian café, you will have gained an extra few pounds from all that butter, whipped cream, and milk chocolate.
There is no doubt that you will return home wanting to chuck away McCain cake in the garbage.
So, what are some iconic French desserts to salivate over?
- Crème brulee
- Crepe Suzette
- Coconut cake
- Crème caramel
- Café liegeois
The list goes on – and thank goodness, too!
Need some ideas? Why not a vindaloo? How about saag? Korma? Just try them all.
3. United States
Unfortunately, the United States gets a bad reputation on the food front. When you have a discussion about American food, critics will say that McDonald’s is not real food. There is no doubt that these people would be right. But American cuisine is not all about Big Macs and Whoppers.
The U.S. has an abundance of food options that will stimulate your senses. You just need to know where to look and how to cook them.
Don’t believe? Take a gander at these options:
- Clam chowder
- Apple pie
- The hamburger
- Texas barbecue
- Deep dish pizzas
These might not seem appetizing in a can at the supermarket, but freshly made meals will be superb.
Friendly Tip: Did you hear about this incredible restaurant chain in New York City? Well, don’t go to it. If you wish to eat like a local, then be like the locals and don’t go to the massive chains. Yes, there are occasions where even the locals step inside a well-known restaurant, but you are not a full-time resident and, as such, you need to weed out the major and the minor.
4. India
The exotic flavours that India has to offer are unmatched anywhere in the world. What makes Indian cuisine even more delightful is the richness, texture, and colours. Yes, you will come across spices, but you will not even notice because the food is just too good.
5. Japan
Oh, God! Who doesn’t love sushi? It is probably one of the greatest foods on the planet. Should we get started? OK, then here are some of the best sushi meals you must have, should you make your way to Tokyo:
- Dynamite roll
- Volcano roll
- Yam avocado roll
- Salmon teriyaki
- Cucumber roll (it’s just a cucumber, but it’s incredible in Japan)
So, now that you have some idea on what to eat in Japan, give sushi a try.
Friendly Tip: It is often said, particularly in major metropolitan cities, that the locals cannot enjoy the city. Why? Mainly because everything is too expensive, or the locals have already been to these diners. How many times has a local been there? You can count on a handful of times. Instead, go to the restaurants in the heart of a city and ask residents about the top places good for your wallet.
6. Greece
Here is paradise: sitting in Greece, enjoying the scenery and the beautiful weather, and ordering all sorts of Greek food. Yes, that is indeed the life. But you can make it a reality, even if you don’t plan to visit Athens anytime soon.
First, make a list of authentic Greek foods, grab all the necessary ingredients, and start cookin’.
Here are some ideas:
- Taramasalata (a classic dip).
- Moussaka
- Octopus
- Courgette balls
- Dolmades
Too hard? Yes, but it is a worthwhile investment of time and energy. Or, you know, you could treat yourself to a trip to Greece and eat the real thing!
Are you getting tired of McDonald’s, frozen dinners, and chain restaurant food? Well, perhaps it is time to diversify your palate and resuscitate your senses. You can either visit countries that serve the greatest of foods or you can grab all the ingredients and treat yourself to an incredible meal at home. It’s up to you.
Just as a reminder, if you’re cooking Italian, be sure to have Enrico Caruso in the background. It will help you a lot.