7 Top international culinary destinations to delight Indian tastebuds

Posted on: Dec 6, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

7 Top international culinary destinations to delight Indian tastebuds

Foodies don’t eat to live, they live to eat. They recognise the fine cultural differences that come with the practices of culinary science but bring people together with the dancing flavours on their tastebuds.

If you are a foodie, then you know how distinguishable a delicacy can become with a few minute changes in the recipe. The simplest of dishes take a twist on flavour when different chefs add their personal touch to it. With that in mind, let us explore the world of food on an international platform that you simply cannot miss. All you need is a plane ticket, international travel insurance, and a penchant for trying flavour-packed cuisines around the globe.

Top culinary destinations that you must visit

As Indians, you already know how a simple few changes in Chinese cuisine resulted in Indo-Chinese delicacies such as chilli chicken, paneer manchurian, be it anything 65s, and more. The same principles applied to international cuisines, and once simple steaks and chips turned into beautiful concoctions that tickle your tastebuds for hours.

So, here is a list of the top culinary destinations to visit where you will undoubtedly encounter foods that will leave you wanting for more. Just get your passport, buy travel insurance online, and set out on a culinary trip around the world to these destinations:

1. Italy

The European destination beautifully carved like a boot is also popular for its delightful cuisine. From Tuscany to Bologna, to Sicily, you can tour the country and delight in the beautiful symphony of culinary arts. You will need a Schengen visa, for which you need to buy travel insurance online first, and you can set out on a culinary exploration.

While Pizza is the most popular dish in Italy, it is not the only item worth craving. Try the pappa al pomodoro soup, any of their delectable steaks, cannolis, bolognese pasta dishes, arancini balls, granita, and of course, Italian wine.

2. Turkey

Mediterranean cuisine has long been considered a good source of nutritional foods with bursting flavours. For vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, Turkey has always been the place to be for Indian foodies. Turkish cuisine has a lot of similarities with Indian cuisine, yet there is a flavourful difference that makes you want to keep gorging on the delicacies there.

You can try street foods such as Söğüş which is a delightful concoction of meats and vegetables, or try their version of burgers and sandwiches called Kumru. You can experience Turkish pastries such as Boyoz or Gevrek for street-style fun. Don’t forget to indulge in authentic Turkish coffee and sherbets as well.

3. Spain

One of the most popular foodie paradise locations in southwestern Europe is Spain. The delicacies that emerge from the local cuisines include basque tapas, patatas bravas, fish stew, paella, tortillas, salmorejo, albondigas, turron, fideua, calcots, and more. There is something for everyone, whether you are a vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or even vegan.

Most Spanish cuisines feature an assortment of veggies and meats wrapped in delightful breads. The ingredients are locally grown, making every dish fresh and nutritious. Of course, you will require a Schengen visa and an international travel insurance plan to visit the country, but the food is to die for.

4. France

If you love pastries, you cannot pass up a visit to France. Travel anywhere within the Schengen country with a visa and international travel insurance to find the softest, tastiest puffs that melt in your mouth. Whether or not you like cheese becomes irrelevant when you have an assortment of deliciously home-grown fromage.

The patisseries have the best pastries and the small cafes feature delicacies of vegetables and meats in the form of soup, grills, roasts, and sometimes just steamed sides. Be careful when placing your order though. If you are uncertain about the French words for certain items, just order in English or ask for assistance from the informed wait staff.

5. Mexico City

Traditional Mexican cuisine is an enigma for the senses. If you are looking to go on a foodie trip around the world, travel to Mexico City with an international travel insurance plan.

To begin with, you have the popular tacos with meat or vegetable fillings. Then there are the tamales, chilaquiles, enchiladas, enmolada, pozole, esquites, pan dulce, and more. You can also try their traditional drinks such as atole, mezcal, etc. Mexican foods feature heavy spices which agree with the Indian tastebuds, but be careful as some of the Mexican chillies will leave you in sweats.

6. Greece

Home of healthy, artisanal foods with a touch of Mediterranean style. Greece sports pristine white beaches and historical architecture, but the food is the main attraction. Biting into fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables in itself is a culinary treat. Add the delicacies featuring the delightful local offerings and you’ve got yourself a foodie haven.

Buy travel insurance online and start applying for a Schengen visa to try the incredible and authentic flavours of Gyros, Dakos, Tsigariasto, Horda, and more. Don’t forget the cheese pies and a taste of local raki or tsikoudia. Greek wine is also a must-try for those of legal age and a taste for the finest grape.

7. Vietnam

The street food of Vietnam is popular worldwide for its fresh produce. When in the country, you can hardly pass up the opportunity to try the dumplings made of white rose and veggies, or the banh mi sandwiches featuring an assortment of meat and vegetables. The thick handmade noodle bowl called Cao Lau is another main dish for Vietnamese folks that is riddled with nutritional value.

You also must try the chicken rice, the soup called pho which is prepared from fresh vegetable or meat broth as per your preference. If you enjoy seafood, definitely take a stab at the fresh catches of the day presented as toppings on soup, salad, noodles, and rice, or you can enjoy the, a la carte as grills. It is advisable to buy travel insurance online before you board your flight to Vietnam since the tropical region can pose several health and safety threats if you are not careful.

A culinary tour is the best reason to travel around the world. All you need is to buy travel insurance online and a visa to set off on an incredible journey around the world, taste-testing the most delightful delicacies. Nothing beats the thrill of trying a new cuisine that lingers on your tongue for gastronomes.

Conclusion

If you are an ardent foodie, all you need to do is international travel insurance and apply for a Schengen visa to try the most delicious foods. The majority of Schengen countries are known for their cuisine. However, if you are not up for a trip around Europe, take a tour of the Middle East. You cannot go wrong with Mediterranean cuisine if you prefer healthy yet delectable dishes.

For those foodies who love a bit of adventure with their food, try the South American countries where flavour meets entertainment. Beautiful panoramic backdrops await you while you indulge in the local culinary arts. And, if you do not want to travel that far, you can take a trip to Vietnam or Japan for authentic Asian cuisines. If all else seems hopeless, a trip to the United States of America can certainly serve as a one-stop destination to try a variety of different cuisines.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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