A true foodie dreams of traveling to taste the world’s finest foods, traditional and modern-day baked goodies included! We all have a list of what we dream of eating. A few of us may have been fortunate enough and already tried some of these. Let’s look at some popular and not-so-popular ones that are worthy of being on our food bucket list.
Travel the World for Food
The world is best experienced through food. Here are some must-tries you can not miss out on when you visit these places.
Sweden’s Semla
Semla is a seasonal delight that should be making its presence known after Christmas and stays till Lent. Customarily these are eaten just before Lent. However, the love for semla might be stronger than tradition. Semlor (the plural of semla) are sweet-smelling cardamom buns filled with almond marzipan and whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar. Semla is aromatic, creamy, and unforgettable.
Portugal’s Pastéis de Nata
These fragile, flaky custard tarts have been around for centuries. The contrast between the crust, the smooth, creamy custard, and the not-so-sweet delectability of this dessert makes it popular worldwide. This dessert is the inspiration behind the egg tarts from Macau and Southeastern China.
Italy’s Cannoli
Cannoli is probably one of the most iconic desserts. These deep-fried tube pastries are filled with a mix of ricotta and cream. It may sound like a simple pastry, but it is certainly a classic. However, this dessert has evolved into many versions, and we would love to try them all.
Germany’s Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
If Germany is a fairy tale, then a black forest made of cake would be the fantasy land of boozy cake enthusiasts. Cherries soaked in kirsch (a liqueur made from cherries), a sprinkling of kirsch, and whipped cream make this chocolate cake one of the best in Germany.
Egypt’s Kunāfah
This lovely, subtly sweet cheese-based pastry is filled with tradition and flavors. Made with shredded pastry dough, soaked in rose water, and layered with cheese and pistachios, kunāfah is absolutely a feast for the palate.
China’s Mooncake
China’s Mid-Autumn Festival brings families together, and moon cakes are part of the celebrations. Traditional mooncakes have different fillings, such as red bean paste and lotus seed paste. Usually, they have salted duck egg yolks in them. The modern-day ones you can get from almost anywhere in southeast Asia may have savory ham and nuts, chocolates, or ice cream fillings.
India’s Gulab Jamun
India and its cuisine are wonderfully exotic, with spices and herbs that can tease your tastebuds and leave you desiring more. Gulab jamun is an underdog. It looks really simple: deep-fried bread soaked in sugar syrup infused with saffron, rose water, and green cardamom. This is like eating cake pops with a soul. The character the flavors give this lowly dessert is worth the sugar.
Your Local Confectionary
One thing you can not miss out on is your local confectionary. Traveling doesn’t mean you need to get on a plane. Confectionaries and dining establishments near you may offer unique and splendid treats. Some might even have versions of pastries from all over the world. If you are curious but unable to take a trip now, check them out.
Pro-Tip
If you are stuck at home drooling, go online to see what is around you. You might find authentic foreign dining establishments nearby that can cure your curiosity. As soon as you can, go out to search the world for a life-changing food experience.
