Gourmet destinations

Ah, good food! For food lovers like me who enjoy traveling to discover culinary specialties, here's a quick overview of must-try dishes. Just to whet your appetite before your next trip!

Peru

First, Peru. It offers a wide variety of different and unique dishes. One of the country's culinary specialties is ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice with chilies and onions. The fish is served raw, often with a small side salad.

There is also causa rellena, a mashed potato seasoned with chili peppers and onions. The mashed potato is mixed with chicken, tuna, or even langoustines.

Another well-known dish from Peru is lomo saltado. It's a beef tenderloin served in small strips, sautéed with tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and spices.

There is also parihuela, a soup made with fish and shellfish. This typical dish is regularly served as a starter.

France

When we think of food, we quickly think of France, a true paradise for food lovers everywhere. Foie gras, cheese, and bread come first when listing the country's must-try foods (along with wine, of course!).

Black pudding is also regularly served in France, as are rabbit, mussels, duck, and oysters. When we think of France, we also think of pastries and viennoiseries, essential at breakfast. Clearly, our French cousins are masters of the culinary arts!

Mexico

Mexican cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most unique of its kind. Renowned worldwide, it is not only offered in Mexico; many countries also offer Mexican dishes in various restaurants.

Tacos remain one of the most popular specialties. These corn tortillas filled with chicken or beef are usually served hot. Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese can be added according to preference.

Pozole is also a typical dish of the country. It's a corn soup served with chicken, to which chili peppers, onions, lettuce, and radishes are added. But be careful, Mexican food is generally spicy!

Japan

Japan's refined cuisine is among the best in the world. For an exceptional gastronomic experience, be sure to try Japanese sushi. Why not complement your meal with a glass of sake, the Japanese wine usually served warm?

Tempura (small deep-fried batter-filled pastries) is also a must-try in the country. Many vegetables are served in tempura batter, such as broccoli or sweet potato. Sashimi, raw fish, is also on the menu. Practice eating with your chopsticks!

Italy

A must-try when talking about food: Italy! But don't be fooled: Italy isn't just pasta dishes and pizza! Certainly, these dishes are an integral part of the Italian menu, but there's much more to offer.

Osso buco is a well-known dish there, as is risotto. Arugula salads sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, as well as Capreese salads with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, are frequently ordered in Italian restaurants. Veal and, of course, minestrone soup are also local favorites.

In Sicily, the quintessential dish is Caponata. It's a dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, capers, olives, celery, and onions. It's usually eaten cold.

In Tuscany, cantucci are a must-try. These crisp almond biscuits are delicious when dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet and fragrant Tuscan wine. They're easy to find here, and a real treat when served with a good cup of coffee…

China

China is undoubtedly one of the countries with the most unusual dishes, in our opinion. Yet, many dishes are delicious and unique, and the variety is vast (and it's not just Chinese pie!).

Peking duck is one of the most famous dishes in China. Chinese ravioli (which we call dumplings) is also very popular. Fried rice with egg, vegetables, and chicken is also served in Chinese restaurants. Tofu is also regularly cooked, especially in stir-fries and on skewers with vegetables. Sweet and sour pork, stir-fried noodles, and wonton soup are also menu favorites!

Morocco

Highly refined, Moroccan cuisine is primarily influenced by Berber, Arab, and Jewish culinary traditions. Morocco is first and foremost renowned for its wide variety of couscous dishes. This dish, prepared with a mix of vegetables, spices, and various meats, can be served in many different ways. Equally delicious hot or cold, couscous stands out for its unique aromas and flavors.

Tagines are also a staple of the country's cuisine. Served in a terracotta dish topped with a cone-shaped lid, they typically contain chicken, fish, or vegetables. Spices play a vital role in Moroccan cooking, adding flavors and aromas not found in dishes from other cultures.

As for drinks, mint tea remains a must, with delicious Moroccan pastries like briouates or sellou for dessert.

England

England is renowned for its wide variety of beers, of course, but also for its famous fish and chips. These deep-fried fish sticks are served with fried potatoes and usually with peas and carrots. A must-try when visiting the country!

The most popular Sunday family meal is undoubtedly roast beef. The meat is usually served with potatoes and vegetables.

Roast pork is also a must-try, often served with apple sauce. The famous Shepherd's pie is a lamb-based hash brown. It is usually served with vegetables.

Did you know that England is also a major producer of salmon? Indeed, the rivers in the north of the country are teeming with them. Salmon is usually served in salads or simply cooked with a little butter, pepper, and lemon, served with vegetables and potatoes.

For dessert, apple pie is a must-try in the area. It is usually served warm with cream.

There's also summer's pudding, a cold pudding made with breadcrumbs soaked in wild berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries). For a richer flavor, you can add cognac.

You can't miss the famous English afternoon tea, usually served towards the end of the afternoon (between 4 and 6 pm). It's a short tea and snack break. The tea is most often accompanied by cakes, scones, biscuits, or even sandwiches, ham, and/or smoked salmon.

India

Curry is a well-known dish in Indian cuisine. This saucy dish, made with a delicious spice blend called masala, is typically made with chicken and vegetables. Curry is usually served on a bed of rice with naan bread (a small flatbread made from flour) on the side.

Spices are an integral part of Indian cuisine. Saffron, ginger, chili, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, mustard powder, and anise are among the most commonly used to flavor dishes.

Lamb and pork are also staples on the menu. For dessert, Kulfi (pistachio-flavored ice cream) and Gulab Jamun (rosewater cakes) are among the favorites.

Chai, a sweet and spiced milk tea, is one of the most popular drinks in the country. A delight!

Are you hungry? I am! Grab your forks! (and spoons, and knives…)

Enjoy your food!