Shevelle McPherson on Exploring Local Cuisine: A Foodie's Guide to International Delights | Cherry Hill, NJ

For many travelers, exploring local cuisine is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. It’s a way to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and try new flavors and dishes you’ve never experienced before. For those looking for a culinary adventure worldwide, here are some of the best international delicacies you must try!

Asia

Let’s start in Asia, where you can find some of the most flavorful and exotic dishes. In Thailand, for example, you can enjoy a bowl of Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour soup made with lemongrass, shrimp, chili peppers, and other herbs and spices. Or try the famous Pad Thai, stir-fried noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, and a sweet and tangy sauce. In Japan, you can savor the simplicity of sushi, a dish of seasoned rice and fresh fish, or indulge in the richness of ramen, a hearty noodle soup with pork, chicken, or seafood broth.

Europe

Moving on to Europe, there are countless culinary treasures to be discovered. In Italy, for instance, you can sample the classic dish of spaghetti carbonara, a creamy pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, and pancetta. Or try the famous Margherita pizza, with its fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves. In France, you can indulge in the richness of escargots and snails cooked in garlic butter or enjoy a croissant, a buttery and flaky pastry that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.

Americas

But let’s remember the Americas. In Mexico, you can savor the fiery flavors of chili peppers and cumin in dishes such as tacos al pastor, a marinated pork taco, or enchiladas, a baked tortilla filled with cheese, meat, or beans and topped with a spicy sauce. Or head to Brazil for the ultimate churrasco, a barbecue feast of juicy and tender meat served on skewers. And for a sweet treat, try the Argentinean dulce de leche, a caramel-like spread made from condensed milk.

Of course, these are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can find worldwide. And while food is undoubtedly a delightful part of travel, there are also many benefits to exploring local cuisine beyond just the pleasure of the senses. For one, trying new foods can expand your palate and help you appreciate new flavors and textures. It can also be a way to connect with the local community, learn about their customs and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture.

Eat International at Home

But exploring local cuisine is more than dining out at restaurants or street food stalls. You can also bring a taste of your travels home by trying your hand at cooking some of these international dishes yourself. With the help of cookbooks, online recipes, and cooking classes, you can learn to prepare everything from Indian curries to Spanish paella in your kitchen. This can be a fun and rewarding way to continue your culinary journey even after your travels have ended.

Exploring local cuisine is a fantastic way to enrich your travels, expand your horizons, and connect with the world around you. Whether you’re a foodie at heart or just curious about new flavors and dishes, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. So next time you plan a trip, research the local cuisine and prioritize indulging in some of the culinary delights that await you. Bon appétit!

This blog was previously published on June 5, 2023 at ShevelleMcPherson.info

About

While Shevelle McPherson calls Cherry Hill, New Jersey, home, she is always looking for great opportunities to travel elsewhere. She lives a life of freedom, wholeheartedly embracing remote work and taking her professional endeavors across the world.