Top New Culinary Experiences for Foodie Travelers in 2019
Food tourism is surging, captivating epicureans and social media enthusiasts who chase must-try meals in stunning destinations. In 2019, the world becomes your ultimate culinary playground, brimming with innovative discoveries.
Mil, Cusco, Peru
Elevate your dining at 3,568m above sea level with panoramic Inca ruin views at Mil, led by World’s 50 Best chef Virgilio Martínez of Lima’s Central. Opened February 2018, it features an eight-course menu of “moments” showcasing revived Andean ingredients and ancient techniques with modern flair.
Fly Lima to Cusco (1 hour), then 90-minute drive.
Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark
René Redzepi’s revamped Noma relaunched in February 2018 amid huge acclaim for pioneering New Nordic cuisine. This influential spot offers creative, seasonal menus: Seafood (Feb-early summer), Vegetable (early summer-early autumn), Game & Forest (early autumn-January).
Track @nomacph on social media for seasonal booking alerts, then reserve at noma.dk.
Mihara Tofuten, Bangkok, Thailand
Chef Gaggan Anand (four-time Asia’s 50 Best winner) debuts this Japanese-inspired tofu haven since late March 2018. Omakase-style authentic tofu delights culminate in a soya ice cream dessert with chocolate, matcha, and pistachio tofu bites—perfect for converts.
Reserve via resv@miharatofutenbangkok.com. 16-course menu from THB3900 (US$122); wine/sake pairings available.
Laura, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
A “love letter” to Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, Laura at Point Leo Estate blends fine food, wine, and art amid epic sunsets. Named for Jaume Plensa’s 7m iron statue, it overlooks Western Port Bay and Australia’s largest private sculpture park.
Drive 1 hour from Melbourne via Peninsula Link.
‘Dine in the Dome’, The Summerhouse, Singapore
Since 2017, The Summerhouse’s edible garden has charmed diners; now enjoy air-conditioned igloos under Singapore’s stars. Choose Bohemian, Scandinavian, or Lounge themes for up to eight, scented by lemongrass and wild strawberries.
Seletar Aerospace Park. Book from S$300 (US$225)/couple at thesummerhouse.sg/garden-domes.
Salt at Paul Cluver, Grabouw, South Africa
Revolutionize pairings at Salt with six table salts matched to wines per course. In Elgin Valley’s Paul Cluver winery (famed for chardonnays, rieslings, pinot noirs), chefs Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit ignite your senses.
65km southeast of Cape Town. Open breakfast/lunch: 2-course R275 (US$22), 3-course R340 (US$28).
The Fishmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Co-created by Rick Stein’s ex-head chef Roy Brett and Gary Welch, this spring 2018 newcomer rises on historic Newhaven Pier. Victorian-inspired interiors frame lobster, oysters, or fish & chips with Firth of Forth views.
Best spring/summer: deck fish & chips overlooking the water.
Jordan Food Week, Amman, Jordan
This July festival in Ras Al Ain celebrates Jordan’s culinary heritage with 200 producers, street food from regions, demos, classes, and artisanal buys in carnival vibes.
2JOD (US$2.80) entry; Careem app discounts. www.jordanfoodweek.com.
Moss, Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Within the Retreat hotel at iconic Blue Lagoon, Moss (since April 2018) serves Icelandic classics, a 7-course Chef’s Table, volcanic views, and wines from a 1226-frozen lava cellar.
Between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport; hourly buses.
The Civilisations Supperclub, London
Launched March 2018, this series in unique London venues delivers themed feasts, music, and tales—like ‘An Arabian Feast’ at Leighton House or ‘13th-century Syrian Feast’ at London Canal Museum.
By Sakbeh catering/events.
