Perhaps you haven’t been overseas for a while, or even had a staycation in your own country, because the coronavirus has impacted all our lives so dramatically.
Many are taking the opportunity to finally take the vacation of a lifetime and will be planning the minutiae of their holidays down to every last detail. Some will look to add a theme of sorts to their trip, and one such angle that is proving more and more popular is culinary holidays.
There are different ways in which a food-related vacation may be approached. Some will look to visit a country or region that’s famous for its food and, more often than not, a very specific culinary style that reflects the area.
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Others will look to jet off to popular cities known for their fine dining, and there is even the option of using such trips to hone one’s cooking skills by combining a trip with the chance to learn a few tricks in the kitchen.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five great locations that are hugely popular with foodies.
New York
While it’s true that New York is a city that never sleeps, it is also one that has a massive variety of places to eat. It’s home to countless iconic restaurants, and every delicacy is covered.
As a culinary vacation destination, it’s perfect. Everything is within easy reach, and while you are enjoying meals in various restaurants and eateries in its boroughs, you can also take in the sights and make the most of what the city has to offer.
Trying out the best pizza options is a must, as it’s perhaps the type of food that is most commonly associated with NYC, and you can look to either make the most of the affordable options (such as the many excellent soul food institutions) or push the financial boat out and try out the upscale joints where the restaurant chairs and the decor are as important as the food on your plate.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is perhaps one of the most notorious locations for those who love food to travel to, as brought to life in the hilarious TV series The Trip (starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon).
On this type of trip, you would ideally hire a car and drive along the coast, having arrived in Naples, and, at any given moment when you feel like trying a bite to eat, you are almost guaranteed to be within touching distance of a charming restaurant or cafe.
The views are sumptuous, the people are friendly and eccentric, and the food is just out of this world. You can try dishes from the region, from Mozzarella di Bufala to a simple but gorgeous Pizza Napolitana. Wash it all down with copious amounts of espresso and a glass or two of wine, and basically, you are as close to heaven as you’ll get.
Singapore
Now, you may not at first have thought of visiting this Southeast Asian country, but it’s becoming a veritable hot spot in terms of its remarkable restaurants and culinary styles. It should be on your list of places to consider.
Singapore is a place unlike any other, with unique cuisine and many great restaurants, some of which are considered among the best in the entire world. Incredibly, given Singapore’s relatively small size, there are 49 restaurants in the city-state that have been awarded at least one Michelin star.
As well as opulent restaurants that will set you back a pretty hefty sum, there is the opposite end of the spectrum among the hustle and bustle of the street markets and food courts.
Singapore is a vibrant location that isn’t like anywhere else you’ve been, and therefore, as well as offering you exquisite food, it brings an experience that will live long in the memory, or at least until you come again.
Paris
Again, much like New York, this city needs no introduction, and of course, you’ll be more than aware that Paris has so much to offer for those with a penchant for great food. As well as high-end restaurants, there are plenty of rough-and-ready establishments to ‘slum it’ at, as well as numerous street food markets.
The entire city is built on great food, and it’s almost impossible not to find any type of food that you desire, served with aplomb.
On top of this, you have the city itself to enjoy, and if your foodie tour is a romantic one for two, then you should look no further than the French capital.
Tokyo
Did you know that Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world? There are over 200 prized locations that have been awarded this prestigious honor, and the Japanese capital is a place you simply have to visit.
Be ready to be in awe of the city as you drink it all in. Be warned, it can take a while for your senses to take it all in, such as the lively and energetic nature of the place, and once your head has stopped spinning, you should check out the restaurants, markets, and food courts that are a joy to behold.
One reason why Tokyo is so highly regarded by foodies is the availability of fresh ingredients and the desire for perfection. The Japanese people take great pride in their food, and it really shows. It’s a metropolis that is quite simply a food lover’s paradise.
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