Lonely Planet's Top 10 Foodie Holidays: Iconic Dishes from Around the World
For many travelers, gastronomy is the highlight of any trip. Discover Lonely Planet's top 10 foodie holidays, featuring the world's most mouth-watering iconic national dishes that showcase culinary heritage and local flavors.
Tapas in Barcelona, Spain
Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes in tomato sauce), calamares fritos (fried squid), boquerones (anchovies), croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes), chorizo (pork sausage), pimientos asados (roasted peppers), albóndigas (meatballs), and berenjenas gratinadas (cheese-baked aubergine) are just some of Spain's beloved tapas. Barcelona excels in this tradition, especially along La Rambla, where locals and visitors graze southward from Plaça de Catalunya.
Doner Kebab in Istanbul, Turkey
The traditional doner kebab features grilled mutton served on buttered rice, a staple in many Turkish restaurants. Its popular fast-food version—pita bread wrapped around spit-roasted meat, salad, and yogurt sauce—is a must in İstanbul. Grab one and stroll through Sultanahmet or along the Bosphorus, savoring every bite.
Pasta in Naples, Italy
Whether introduced by Marco Polo from China or embraced earlier by the Etruscans, pasta became an industry in 18th-century Naples, the world's pasta capital. Here, it met crushed tomatoes, creating timeless classics. In Naples' historic center, head to a trattoria for authentic pasta napolitana.
Steamed Dumplings in Shanghai, China
These seemingly simple dough balls hide a delightful surprise: hot broth infused with ground pork, crab meat, or vegetables. The secret is gelatin that melts during steaming. To enjoy safely, nibble the edge to let the liquid seep out without burning your mouth.
Feijoada in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil's national dish, feijoada, is a rich, spicy black bean and pork stew that sparks a flavor carnival. Restaurant versions use trimmed pork, but traditional ones may include ears, tails, and tongues. This hearty meal is best followed by relaxation, not beach activities.
Gumbo in New Orleans, USA
As essential to New Orleans as jazz or zydeco, gumbo is a robust broth of seafood or smoked meats, thickened with okra or roux, and served over rice. From Creole elegance to bold Cajun, variations abound in the city's kitchens.
Couscous in Casablanca, Morocco
Head to Boulevard de la Corniche in Casablanca for mint tea and Morocco's staple, couscous—semolina grains steamed in a couscoussier and topped with spicy vegetable or meat stew (chicken, lamb, or fish). A true taste of North African tradition.
Nasi Goreng in Penang, Malaysia
This 'fried rice' stir-fry with chicken or seafood, vegetables, eggs, and sweet soy sauce shines in Penang's hawker centers. Blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Baba-Nyonya influences, it elevates a simple dish to street-food stardom.
Curry in Mumbai, India
India, curry's birthplace, offers the most authentic versions. Mumbai's seafood and coconut curries, spiced with masala (turmeric, coriander, ginger, chili), capture the subcontinent's bold flavors.
Hot Dog in New York City, USA
Amid NYC's dining diversity, the iconic street hot dog reigns: grab one from a cart with ketchup, mustard, onions, sauerkraut, relish, or chili. For thrill-seekers, join Nathan's Coney Island contest on July 4—the record is 53.5 in 12 minutes.
