A Culinary Explorer's Guide: Must-Visit
Destinations for Food Lovers by Michael Mikulec
Michael Mikulec explained that discovering a country's soul often starts with its food, and for adventurous food lovers, a culinary journey can be a gateway to the world's hidden stories
and cherished traditions From family recipes passed down through generations to creative interpretations of classic dishes, these destinations deliver the full flavor spectrum.
Portuguese cuisine is a harmonious blend of land and sea In Lisbon, you can savor bacalhau à brás (salted cod with potatoes and eggs), while Porto offers the hearty francesinha, a sandwich stacked with cured meats and cheese The pastel de nata, a creamy egg custard tart, pairs perfectly with a bica (espresso)
Lebanon’s cuisine offers a rich mosaic of flavors Beirut’s meze, a selection of small plates like baba ghanoush, kibbeh (spiced meat with bulgur), and fattoush, showcases the country's diversity. Grilled shawarma and kafta are street food staples, while a traditional feast often ends with baklava and strong coffee
Japan balances tradition with innovation in its cuisine. Tokyo's sushi restaurants are renowned for their precision and freshness, while Osaka is known as the nation's street food capital with dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) Kyoto’s kaiseki meals offer a refined experience with seasonal ingredients.
Argentina’s culinary culture centers around its exceptional beef Buenos Aires’ steakhouses serve asado (barbecue) with chimichurri sauce, while empanadas are ideal for snacking. Patagonia’s lamb dishes bring a unique flavor to the southern region, and a glass of Malbec wine completes any meal
South Korea’s cuisine strikes a balance between the fermented and the fresh. Seoul's vibrant markets offer steaming bowls of kimchi jjigae (stew) and bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) Street food includes tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes). Don’t forget the banchan (side dishes) that accompany every meal.
Travelers seeking to connect deeply with culture will find that food provides an immediate and delicious way. From the tapas of Spain to the tagines of Morocco, each cuisine reflects centuries of tradition and innovation Grab a seat at the global table and experience these destinations firsthand, discovering the world through the flavors that unite us all.