A Michelin restaurant with a three-star rating is a place with “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” But how do we define exceptional? Is great food based on ingredients, taste, cultural heritage, or the chef’s personality? Sure, organic fruits and vegetables are better than non-organic ones. A greasy piece of meat, high in saturated fat, is probably not as healthy as a grass-fed Argentinean steak.
Yet, exquisite cuisine is more than that. It’s more than the sum of its parts. It is an adventure, a time for joy. It is the opportunity to share a few precious moments with those we care about. It is also a destination for foodies, a chance to explore new countries and cities while indulging in what they most like, eating.
Before deciding on your next holiday destination, take a look at these countries and their food cultures. All three will provide you with not only great food but also an unforgettable experience.
Mexico
For casual food lovers, there is no better choice than to invest in a fast-casual food franchise. Having a franchise of your own will allow you to splash out on your food cravings and make money while doing it. For those of us with fewer financial resources, a trip to Mexico will suffice.
Mexico has arguably the best and most varied casual cuisine in the world. Contrary to popular belief, Mexicans don’t only eat tacos, fajitas, and burritos. There are plenty of other dishes for you to try. You can start your day with a plate of chilaquiles in the western Mexican city of Guadalajara. You can then travel to Puebla in the afternoon for a delicious supper including mole, tamales, and a shot or two of traditional Mexican tequila.
The best thing about Mexico is being able to experience regional and local culture through food. As some Mexicans say, “sightseeing is best enjoyed on a full stomach.”
Japan
It’s no secret that Japan is one of the top food destinations in the world. Like Mexico, most people only know a fraction of its cuisine. The average person has probably tried sushi, ramen (traditional Japanese noodles), and tempura. But few have tasted monjayaki, ochazuke, or jingisukan. If these dishes are not familiar to you, fear not. Japan offers a smorgasbord of dishes that only a few countries can rival. Thus, it would be impossible to know them all.
A good strategy is to base your food choices on the time of year in which you travel. Focus on seasonal foods and the prefectures where they are most popular. If you visit Hokkaido in winter, try some zuwai-gani snow crab. The best time to eat it is after enjoying the many health benefits of an onsen or traditional Japanese spa. If you travel to Osaka during the summer, treat your family and friends to some okonomiyaki.
Greece
Greece rarely ranks as one of the top food destinations in the world. It is usually known for its history and cultural contributions to western societies. But if you go to Greece, you shouldn’t just enjoy the sights. Try its cuisine. Some examples of mouthwatering Greek dishes are moussaka, baklava, and choriatiki, a Greek traditional salad. There are also many others. If you’re in the mood for a party, a night out with friends is best enjoyed with a few glasses of ouzo or Metaxa.
As always, do your research before flying to Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini. Greece is much more than Zeus, Achilles, and the Olympics.
Mexico, Japan, and Greece are three fantastic holiday destinations. They provide not only great sightseeing spots, entertainment, and culture but also wonderful cuisine. Instead of going to Paris, New York, or London, why not visit one of these places on your next vacation? It is an experience you won’t soon forget.
