In celebration of World Food Day on Monday 16th October, there’s never been a better time to dig into delicious dishes and culinary specialities from across all corners of the globe. From hearty Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, Japan to Oysters down under in Sydney, discover 13 incredible culinary delights from far-flung destinations to please all palates.
USA
Stone crab in Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades
With Everglades City known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World, Florida’s Paradise Coast – which includes Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – is one of the largest producers of stone crab claws. This unique culinary culture is celebrated annually with the Stone Crab Festival(27 – 29 October 2023) at several connecting locations on the Old Naples Waterfront, kicking off with the ceremonial “Cracking of the Claw” at Pincher’s restaurant. Florida’s Paradise Coast
Fish tacos in San Diego, California
Renowned as San Diego’s signature dish, fish tacos have long been served in the city. The exact origins of this dish aren’t known, but regardless of whether it was the influence of Japanese fishers on the Northern Baja coast or the Tipai-Ipai Indigenous people also fishing on Baja coast, the dish today is delicious. Head to the iconic, The Taco Stand in San Diego which was the first Taqueria in La Jolla and has since opened up many other restaurants. Order the Baja Taco and prepare for your taste buds to be thrilled. www.visitcalifornia.com
Barrio Bread in Tucson, Arizona
A trip to Tucson would be incomplete without enjoying an artistically designed heritage loaf at Barrio Bread. Founded by James Beard-winning baker Don Guerra, this local bakery is beloved within the city’s thriving culinary scene for serving a variety of delicious loaves created from heritage grains. Committed to supporting Arizona farmers, Guerra obtains local flours, such as White Sonoran Wheat, to make his irresistibly crispy and chewy bread. Order a loaf of the fan-favourite heritage or pan de kino which are embellished with the iconic saguaro or Arizona state flag design, making them almost too pretty to eat. www.visitarizona.com
Honey in Yolo County, California
The Hive in Davis, Yolo County has been a family business since 1980 and has the largest selection of honey and mead in California. Founder Isahai Zeldner began beekeeping in Israel before moving to California and studying at University of California, Davis – one of the most well-established honey bee research facilities in the country. The Hive, opened by Zeldners growing family in 2021, is a sustainable educational learning centre with the largest selection of honey and mead in California. Here visitors can taste over 30 different types of honey made in Yolo as well as honey beer. www.visitcentralvalley.com
Truffle fries at Ajax Tavern, Aspen Snowmass
One of the most popular mountainside dining spots for locals, Ajax Tavern is located in the five-star, five-diamond, The Little Nell hotel, at the base of Aspen Mountain. This luxurious establishment is renowned for its signature Ajax Wagyu double cheeseburger and tower of truffle fries loaded with parmesan, the perfect mountain meal after a long day on the slopes. www.aspensnowmass.com
Pierogies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
During the Industrial Era, Eastern European immigrants flocked to Pittsburgh by the thousands to work in the steel industry, open businesses and settle in the USA. The most well-known dish is a heart-warming dumpling, the Pierogi. A Pittsburgh Pierogi is a crescent shaped dough that is filled with a mashed potato and cheese mixture. Head to S&D Polish Deli in the Strip District or Pierogies Plus in McKees Rocks to sample tasty homemade dumplings. www.visitpittsburgh.com
Taste Palisade peaches in Palisade, Colorado
Palisade peaches are grown in the Western Slope town of Palisade, at a variety of local farms and are the main peach of the State due to being extra juicy and sweet compared to anywhere else in the world. One prominent grower is the very old Talbott’s Mountain Gold Farm, which is about 100 years old and was one of the first fruit companies to manufacture cider and apple juice in the state. The climate of Western Colorado is the reason behind the beautiful, juicy taste. Featuring hot days and cold nights, the destination offers the perfect growing conditions for the sugary fruits. www.colorado.com
Shellfish in Seattle, Washington
Synonymous with seafood, travellers will find it hard to escape the cuisine in Seattle. Shellfish is a Seattle staple, with many authentic restaurants serving oysters and geoduck (pronounced ‘gooey duck’), a huge clam that sometimes catches newcomers off guard. Expect freshly caught fish, crab, oysters and other local catches on every menu. Offering the freshest seafood in the city, The Athenian is most known for its appearance in the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle, which this year, celebrates its 30th anniversary. Nestled in the famous Pike Place Market, the eatery was first opened in 1909 by three Greek brothers. visitseattle.org
ASIA-PACIFIC
Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, Japan
Better known as a Japanese pancake, Okonomiyaki is Hiroshima’s soul food. With more Okonomiyaki restaurants (2,000) than anywhere else in Japan, Hiroshima has a long history of loving this dish. Traditionally filled with shredded veggies and meat, the Hiroshima style of the dish includes noodles, a unique addition that is not found anywhere else. For the best experience of the Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, head to the Okonomimura building – a seven-story building with two floors dedicated to Okonomiyaki restaurants, each putting their own twist on the much loved dish. www.japan.travel/en/uk
Oysters from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Head 45 minutes north of Sydney for an immersive foodie experience to try Sydney’s native rock oysters. A guided boat tour of Mooney Mooney oyster farms – where visitors will learn about oyster harvesting and farming – is followed by a one-of-a-kind, in-water tasting experience of some of New South Wales’ tastiest fresh oysters. Other experiences include the Oyster Elegance Tour, which includes a trip to a secluded beach after a tour for a white tablecloth oyster experience with a gourmet seafood lunch and refreshments.
EUROPE
Smoked meat and homemade bread in MontenegroProsciutto, especially the Njegusi prosciutto, can be considered as Montenegro’s national dish. Different types of sausages, hams and other finely chopped smoked meat are probably the best representation of Montenegrin cuisine and its traditional food. The smoked meat from Montenegro is one of the most valued in the world, despite there being many similar products in the Balkans. To accompany this delicacy, domestic corn, rye or wheat flour is mixed to provide a hot golden loaf of bread. see.montenegro.travel/en
Paella in its birthplace, Valencia, Spain
Paella is to Valencia what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris – a cultural icon emblematic of its heritage and people. Originating from Valencia, there is no better place to try an authentic dish, made from rice, vegetables sourced from the local farming region, l’Horta, and animal protein such as chicken and rabbit. Head to Nou Racó, in the National Park of Albufera for the perfect taste of the dish. Albufera is the best place to try the dish as it is the cradle of Valencian paella, the place where it was created back in the 16th century by farm workers, who made it with whatever produce they could source from the land. www.visitvalencia.com/en
The Cèpe mushroom in Méribel, France
Perched perfectly on the hillside of Méribel Morel, Le Cèpe is a chic, contemporary Alpine-style restaurant with a unique menu centred around wonderfully wild mushrooms. A local speciality, the Cèpe mushroom is the restaurant’s flagship shroom and can be found in Méribel’s surrounding forests amongst others such as the Chanterelle and Black Trumpet mushrooms. The mushroom cappuccino is a must try if you are looking for something totally unique but absolutely delicious. www.meribel.net