For passionate travelers, experiencing a new culture isn’t complete without tasting its local flavors. From sizzling street stalls in Southeast Asia to rustic European kitchens, every destination tells its story through food.

Join us on A Foodie’s Journey across continents as we explore the best local dishes you simply must try — plus insider tips on where to find the most authentic bites and how to avoid the usual tourist traps.

📌 Want more cultural travel tips? Browse our Planet Earth Holidays blog for more guides and foodie adventures!

1. Vietnam 🇻🇳 – Pho in Hanoi

What to try: Pho Bo (beef noodle soup)
Where to get it: Family-run stalls in Hanoi’s Old Quarter — try Pho Gia Truyen on Bat Dan Street.

Why it’s special: It’s not just soup — it’s an art. The broth simmers for hours, flavored with cinnamon, star anise, and beef bones, served with fresh herbs and lime.

Pro tip: Go early — locals line up before sunrise. Skip restaurants near tourist squares and head to side streets.

🥢 Read how Vietnam’s street food culture is UNESCO-recognized in this CNN article.

2. Mexico 🇲🇽 – Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City

What to try: Tacos al Pastor (marinated pork tacos with pineapple)
Where to get it: El Huequito or Taquería Orinoco, both staples in CDMX.

Why it’s special: A delicious fusion of Lebanese and Mexican flavors — pork cooked on a vertical spit, sliced thin, and served with a burst of sweet pineapple and salsa.

Pro tip: Look for stalls with locals eating on their feet — that’s always a green flag.

3. Japan 🇯🇵 – Okonomiyaki in Osaka

What to try: Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
Where to get it: Mizuno or Chibo in Osaka’s Dotonbori district.

Why it’s special: Translates to “grill it how you like” — it’s a customizable dish made with flour, cabbage, egg, and toppings like pork belly or octopus.

Pro tip: Sit at the counter and watch the chefs work their magic. Many places let you grill your own.

4. Morocco 🇲🇦 – Tagine in Marrakech

What to try: Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds
Where to get it: Rooftop restaurants in the medina like Nomad or local stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Why it’s special: Slow-cooked in a clay pot, the lamb becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly paired with sweet and savory flavors.

Pro tip: Skip overly polished tourist restaurants and ask your riad host where locals eat.

5. Thailand 🇹🇭 – Pad Kra Pao in Bangkok

What to try: Pad Kra Pao Moo (stir-fried basil pork with rice and fried egg)
Where to get it: Jay Fai (Michelin-starred street food) or roadside vendors near Victory Monument.

Why it’s special: Spicy, garlicky, and full of umami — this is the real Thai comfort food.

Pro tip: Learn to say “not too spicy” in Thai: “Mai phet mak na khrap/kha.” Otherwise, brace yourself!

6. Italy 🇮🇹 – Cacio e Pepe in Rome

What to try: Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper pasta)
Where to get it: Felice a Testaccio or Roscioli in Rome.

Why it’s special: Just three ingredients — pasta, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper — but with rich, creamy results.

Pro tip: Avoid restaurants with big “TOURIST MENU” signs. Walk a few blocks away from major landmarks.

7. Peru 🇵🇪 – Ceviche in Lima

What to try: Ceviche Clasico (fresh fish marinated in lime juice, chili, and onions)
Where to get it: La Mar Cebichería or stalls at Mercado Surquillo.

Why it’s special: It’s vibrant, spicy, and fresh — a perfect introduction to Peruvian coastal cuisine.

Pro tip: Go at lunchtime — ceviche is traditionally a midday dish. Never order it for dinner.

8. South Korea 🇰🇷 – Kimchi Jjigae in Seoul

What to try: Kimchi Jjigae (spicy kimchi stew)
Where to get it: Local diners (shikdang) or Bukchon Son Mandu near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Why it’s special: This bubbling hot stew with fermented kimchi, tofu, and pork is the ultimate Korean soul food.

Pro tip: Try it with a side of banchan (small dishes) and don’t be shy about asking for refills — they’re often free.

9. India 🇮🇳 – Chole Bhature in Delhi

What to try: Chole Bhature (spiced chickpeas with fried bread)
Where to get it: Sita Ram Diwan Chand or Haldiram’s in Connaught Place.

Why it’s special: A North Indian classic — spicy, fluffy, and deeply satisfying.

Pro tip: Always drink bottled water and avoid raw salads when eating street food in India, especially if you’re new to the region.

10. Turkey 🇹🇷 – Künefe in Istanbul

What to try: Künefe (cheese-filled dessert with shredded pastry and syrup)
Where to get it: Hafız Mustafa 1864 or Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

Why it’s special: It’s warm, gooey, sweet, and slightly savory — everything a dessert should be.

Pro tip: Pair it with strong Turkish tea (çay) for the full experience.

💡 Tips for Navigating Local Food Like a Pro:

  • Follow the locals – The busiest stalls often mean the best food.
  • Use Google Maps reviews in local language and translate.
  • Learn a few food words – or bring photos of what you want to try.
  • Avoid plastic menus with photos — usually a sign of tourist-targeted food.
  • Be cautious with water and raw foods in regions where hygiene standards vary.

Final Bite 🍽️

The best meals often come from unexpected places — a street corner, a family-run kitchen, or a market stall buzzing with locals. As you plan your next adventure, make food a central part of your journey. The flavors you discover will stay with you long after your trip ends.

👉 For more culinary adventures and travel guides, visit our Planet Earth Holidays blog.

🌍 Want to deep dive into global food culture? Check out this great guide to world cuisine from National Geographic.