If your travel motto is “Will fly for food”, welcome to the club.
There’s no better way to really experience a country than by grabbing a fork (or chopsticks, or your bare hands if it’s that kind of party) and digging into what the locals eat.
So if you’re wondering what should be on your foodie bucket list, here’s your guide:
One must-try dish in every country because your passport deserves a side of spice.
1. Naples, Italy: Neapolitan Pizza
Do you also love pizza? Do you know what makes it unique? Forget what you think you know about pizza. If you are travelling then you must try the authentic pizza. In Naples, it’s pure, saucy perfection: blistered crust, gooey mozzarella, fresh basil and nothing else fighting for attention. Warning : don’t even think about asking for pineapple.
Where to Taste It:
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples)
- Sorbillo (Naples)
- Pizzeria Brandi (Naples)
- Pizzeria Starita (Naples)
- 50 Kalò (Naples)
2. Tokyo, Japan: Ramen
If you are planning to visit Japan then don’t forget to try the authentic Ramen. Ramen in Japan is basically a religion. We’re talking slow-cooked broth, melt-in-your-mouth pork, noodles with just the right bounce. It’s a full-on flavor symphony in a bowl. Warning: if you love instant noodles then let me tell you that after tasting the authentic Ramen , the instant noodles will never taste the same again.
Where to Taste It:
- Ichiran Ramen (Tokyo)
- Ippudo (Tokyo & global)
- Ramen Street at Tokyo Station
- Afuri (Tokyo)
- Menya Musashi (Tokyo)
3. New Delhi, India: Butter Chicken
Who doesn’t love Indian food? It’s a perfect blend of flavours, fullness and spiciness. and if you are planning to visit India then you should definitely try the butter chicken. It is creamy, spicy, buttery goodness served with fluffy naan. One bite and you’ll be plotting ways to smuggle an Indian chef into your suitcase. It is best enjoyed with Messily, with lots of naan swipes.
Where to Taste It:
- Moti Mahal (Delhi) — The OG butter chicken inventor.
- Gulati (Delhi)
- Bukhara (Delhi)
- Kake Da Hotel (Delhi)
- Rajinder Da Dhaba (Delhi)
4. France: Croissant
Sure, it’s “just a pastry” — until you’re sitting at a tiny Parisian café, biting into layers of buttery, flaky heaven. It’s a whole lifestyle, honestly. The best advice I’ll give is to order two. Your future self will thank you.
Where to Taste It:
- Du Pain et des Idées (Paris)
- Pierre Hermé (Paris)
- Maison Pichard (Paris)
- La Maison d’Isabelle (Paris)
- Boulangerie Poilâne (Paris)
5. Thailand: Pad Thai
Thailand’s Pad thai? A go to dish. It is a blend of Sweet, savory, tangy, nutty flavour. Pad Thai is basically Thailand’s greatest love letter to your taste buds. Bonus points: Watch it made fresh in a sizzling street wok at 2 AM. Trust me it’s a Life-changing moment.
Where to Taste It:
- Thip Samai Pad Thai (Bangkok)
- Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu (Bangkok)
- Jay Fai (Bangkok)
- The Sixth (Bangkok)
- Any random night market stall (Chiang Mai)
6. Mexico: Tacos al Pastor
If you love tacos then, you should definitely try the original one. Tacos al pastor that is prepared with spit-roasted pork, pineapple, cilantro, a squirt of lime… This taco isn’t just food, it’s an experience.
Life rule: If it’s dripping down your hand, you’re doing it right.
Where to Taste It:
- El Huequito (Mexico City)
- El Vilsito (Mexico City)
- Taquería Orinoco (Mexico City)
- Los Cocuyos (Mexico City)
- Tizoncito (Mexico City)
7. Athens, Greece: Moussaka
Ever heard of this dish? It’s a famous Greek dish with layers of juicy meat, creamy béchamel, and perfectly roasted eggplant like lasagna’s fancier, Greek cousin. One of the best ways to enhance the flavour of this dish is to pair up with local wine and seaside views for full effect.
Where to Taste It:
- Taverna Tou Psirri (Athens)
- Klimataria (Athens)
- Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani (Athens)
- To Kafeneio (Athens)
- Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant (Athens)
8. Marrakech, Morocco: Tagine
Tagine from Morocco is famous for its Slow-cooked, spice-packed, and served in a dish that looks like a magical genie lamp. From lamb to lemon chicken, Moroccan tagines are pure cozy deliciousness. The best tip? Sop up every last drop with fresh bread. No shame.
Where to Taste It:
- Café Clock (Marrakech)
- Nomad (Marrakech)
- Dar Yacout (Marrakech)
- Le Tobsil (Marrakech)
- Jemaa el-Fna food stalls (Marrakech)
9. Vietnam: Pho
A steamy bowl of beefy, herby broth with rice noodles and all the add-ins your heart desires. Slurping is encouraged.
Morning ritual: Locals swear pho is best at breakfast. Yes, breakfast.
Where to Taste It:
- Pho Gia Truyen (Hanoi)
- Pho Thin (Hanoi)
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (Hanoi)
- Pho Bat Dan (Hanoi)
- Any backstreet vendor (Ho Chi Minh City)
10. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Asado
If you thought you knew BBQ, then Argentina’s smoky, sizzling asado is about to humble you. Asado is made by massive cuts of beef grilled low and slow, shared family-style.
Fair warning: Vegetarian friends may disown you temporarily.
Where to Taste It:
- Don Julio (Buenos Aires)
- La Cabrera (Buenos Aires)
- El Pobre Luis (Buenos Aires)
- Parrilla Peña (Buenos Aires)
- Fervor (Buenos Aires)
11. Valencia, Spain: Paella
It is saffron rice, with juicy shrimp, mussels, and whatever fresh goodness they threw in that day all kissed by a smoky open fire.
Order like a local: Look for the crispy bottom layer, aka the socarrat. It’s the holy grail.
Where to Taste It:
- La Pepica (Valencia)
- Casa Roberto (Valencia)
- Restaurante Levante (Valencia)
- Casa Carmela (Valencia)
- Can Majó (Barcelona)
12. Turkey: Baklava
A million paper-thin layers of pastry, honey, and pistachios. It’s rich, messy, and 100% worth the sugar crash.
Life advice: Accept that you will get crumbs everywhere. It’s part of the experience.
Where to Taste It:
- Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Istanbul)
- Hafiz Mustafa 1864 (Istanbul)
- Köşkeroğlu (Istanbul)
- Develi Baklava (Gaziantep)
- İmam Çağdaş (Gaziantep)
Every country has its own edible love letter — dishes crafted from traditions, late-night cravings, and somebody’s genius grandma.
If you travel hungry (and let’s be real, you should), the world tastes a lot sweeter, spicier, and downright more magical.
So loosen that belt, grab that boarding pass, and get ready to eat your way across the map.
Taste-test your travels — and maybe your soulmate’s cooking skills while you’re at it.
Bon appétit, wanderlusters!