While we don't consider ourselves huge foodies, we do like to eat. We also like to find the best local places to eat when visiting a new destination. We typically don't want to visit a chain unless we really love it and it's not something we have at home (Wagamama or Nando's when in the UK for example when we couldn't find something else local that was open and we were getting hangry).
Through our travel a few places stand out above the rest. We may have to go back and edit this in the future but as of right now, here's our top 7.
7. Puerto Rico
While this is not technically a country, Puerto Rico definitely has its own food culture and heritage and it hard to lump into the USA for it's food. When visiting, be sure to try all the different Mofongo & Sofrito recipes you can find because you'll find they differ from one restaurant to the next.
If you're starting your trip in San Juan, we highly recommend booking a walking food tour to start your trip. The Spoon Experience is probably the best food tour we've ever done and you'll get food, beverages, and history all rolled into one. We hate to admit this but she took us to places we had never even noticed and we done a lot of walking around Old San Juan.
This version of Mofongo can be found at Sazon at Distrito T Mobile in San Juan
6. Germany
If you can visit in the spring and catch the white asparagus in season with the hollandaise sauce paired with a schnitzel you'll be in love. Not to mention the fresh bread from a bakery and if you’ve never had breakfast at a German breakfast buffet at a hotel, you’re missing out.
If you're in Germany in the spring don't miss the white asparagus
5. Slovakia
Everything we had in Slovakia was so good. The local dishes felt like comfort food. The most surprising was a board what felt like a southern BBQ- whole chicken, ribs, a potato salad, some kind of slaw. So good but we were super surprised. I also tried a hearty dish of filled pasta served with meat on top. This can also be served with a goulash on top as well. So good and I can still taste it now.
4. Italy
Ham & Melon (Or Prosciutto and Cantaloupe as we would call it) is a favorite that we had in the summer in Italy as an appetizer.
You might be surprised that Italy doesn't top our list. The food we had was good but keep reading for our favorites. When you're visiting touristy cities try and seek out off the beaten path locations and ask locals where they eat for the best and most authentic experiences. Get pizza but please order any kind except a Pizza Americana - Americans don't put hot dogs on a pizza!
3. Greece
Fresh anchovies & Potatoes in Greece
This really is a food lovers paradise and besides in super tourist areas, you'll find the food to be relatively inexpensive. There are so many dishes to try. Don't miss a Souvlaki or Euro stand for a really inexpensive meal. Try traditional dishes such as Mousakka, Pastisi, and when on the islands and near the sea, order octopus or fresh anchovies. Both served with fried potatoes of course!
When you tell them you are ready for the bill, you'll likely be brought a shot of the local apertif and a plate of fruit or other small sweet treat or candy so don't be in a rush and sit back and enjoy!
You're going to get a second picture from Greece. This is a salad I can't stop thinking about that I've recreated at home many times. I had it at a restaurant called Lefkes near Oia on the island of Santorini. If you're ever there, find this restaurant,
Summer Salad at Lefkes on the Island of Santorini
2. Spain
There's so much to unpack about food in Spain. You might be familiar with the concept of Spanish Tapas, which are small dishes that are typically served as appetizers or snacks in Spain, but they can also be combined to form a full meal. Tapas are often enjoyed with drinks like wine or beer in bars or restaurants. In some places you might sit down and order tapas while in others you might have tapas known as "pintxos" that are served on a toothpick or small skewer. Pintxos are most often associated with the Basque Country in northern Spain. You'll eat what you want and they'll figure up what you owe by counting the toothpicks. Pintxos are usually a small piece of bread topped with various ingredients like cured meats, cheeses, seafood, or vegetables while tapas you order can range from olives or almonds to larger dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. A few of the most popular tapas include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), calamari (fried squid), and albóndigas (meatballs in sauce). One of our favorite tapas dishes is grilled Pulpo (Octopus)!
One of our favorite dishes is Pulpo or Octopus
1. Portugal
The famous Pastel de Nata in Portugal
As much as we like Tapas and Spanish food, we think that Portugal tops our list. The food that we have had is is quite similar and you'll find a lot of fresh seafood here as well as the Iberian ham, mussels, oysters, and of course the Sangria we love so much.
Also don't miss the Famous Pastel de Nata, an Egg Custard Pastry Tart that you'll find all over Portugal and it really is that good.
One of my favorite places to eat in Portugal is found in the town of Cascais near Lisbon called Moules & Gin. You'll find Moules (Mussels) prepared with your choice of seasoning served with either fries or pasta and a selection of Gin, typically served as a Gin & Tonic.
That's our top 7 as of right now, It's possible that as we add more countries to the list, our opinion will change so you'll have to check back.
Want to know the best ways to find the best food when you travel? Or where the top 5 US food cities are? Check out this episode of the podcast where we chat with Chef & TV Personality Jay Ducote about all his tips for finding the best food when he travels and his favorite food finds!
What's your favorite country to eat in?
