The Travel Bug
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Irish food has accrued somewhat of a bad reputation in America, with bland versions of corned beef and cabbage considered its highest achievement. When I move to Dublin, Ireland in the fall, I know I will experience its true potential, not to mention all the benefits of a modern, increasingly foodie city. As evidenced in my favorite cookbook right now, the beautiful Irish Traditional Cooking by Darina Allen, Irish food is best with wholesome, local food which follows the seasons. Allen includes sections for Game, Food from the Wild, and, of course, Offal. Although I don’t yet live in Ireland, I can’t wait to make homemade pork sausage (no casings needed for the offal-timid) with fresh apple sauce.
For those of you who have caught the travel bug like me, great food can be enjoyed in many cities all over the world. Here’s a starter guide to what and where to eat when traveling, starting with Dublin of course (I’m biased, but otherwise in no particular order). I do not mean to offend anyone by the omission of a city. This guide is simply a random sampling to whet your appetite. Feel free to send us any travel and food ideas or requests for other cities to be added here.
Addis Ababa Vienna Singapore Sydney Toronto Zurich
What to Eat
Black and White Puddings, Lamb Stew, Local Game (Duck, Pheasant, Plover, Rabbit, Venison), Colcannon, Guinness Beef Stew
Where to eat (traditional and modern Irish Food):
Chapter One - Beneath the Irish Writer’s Museum, this restaurant caters to the true gourmands with warm terrine of duck confit and sautéed scallops with potatoes.
Jacob’s Ladder - Overlooking the Trinity College campus, you can enjoy traditional Irish food with modern twists such as smoked trout and shellfish coddle.
Shack Restaurant - Although a bit of a touristy destination, you’ll enjoy live music with avariety of affordable Irish dishes.
Pizza!, Pasta ( spaghetti alla carbonara, gnocchi with meat sauce ), Artichokes “alla romana,” Prosciutto, Veal Where to Eat ‘Gusto - At the Piazzo Augusto, you will find Rome’s only food megaplex, boasting a serious restaurant, wine bar, pizzeria, cheese shop, and more. Go crazy!
La Casina Valadier - Have you seen La Dolce Vita? If not, you should. In the meantime, check out this classic hangout from the movie. This restored restaurant offers some spectacular views and an impressive history.
Il Convivio Troiani - Tucked away in an alley, this restaurant is considered the best in Rome by many critics. To enjoy the best in seasonal fare, reservations are absolutely required.
What to Eat
In the central region of France, Paris offers a variety of delicious cuisine from all over the country. The French certainly have a uniquely passionate love affair with food, influencing gourmet cooking all over the world
Bread (visit a boulangerie), Cheese (visit a fromagerie), Chocolate (of course visit a chocolatier), Coq au Vin, Crepes, Ratatouille – Just to name a few!
Where to Eat
Edible Paris Food Tour - With so many exceptional restaurants in Paris, choosing the right one is a difficult task.Luckily, well-renowned foodie (and blogger) Rosa Jackson will put together a personalized gourmet itinerary based on your tastes and budget.
Citrus Etoile - The chef at this New York Times favorite spent a short time in L.A. before returning to France. Classic French fare stands beside truly creative concoctions at this trendy spot.
Benoit - For something a bit less expensive but authentically French, visit this traditional restaurant.
Buenos Aires, Argentina What to Eat
Be warned that in Buenos Aires, better restaurants don’t open before 9pm. Most locals eat a snack around 6pm and arrive for dinner around 11pm. Smaller, more casual cafes are open around the clock since people living in Buenos Aires spend a great deal of their time in cafes.
Beef (with more per capita beef consumption than anywhere in the world, even tripe is on the menu), ribs, clerico (sangria made with white wine), Dulce de Leche, empanadas
Where to Eat
Las Lilas - You cannot visit Buenos Aires without sampling an Argentinean parilla, or grill. If you are not a fan of red meat, the restaurant has several alternatives.Dora - While the décor is hardly exceptional, the fish at this unpretentious spot is the best in Buenos Aries.
The Street- Pick up four different varieties of empanadas, criollas, tucumanas, tucumanes, and salteñas, from street vendors or get them delivered from places all over the city, such as Lo de Alvarado. Almost everywhere in Buenos Aires delivers, even a few McDonald’s.
Marrakesh, Morocco What to Eat
Tagines (slow-cooked casserole-like dishes), couscous, bisteeya (a triple layered savory pastry), mechoui (roasted lamb), Moroccan Chicken Stew
Where to Eat
Djemaa El Fna - The food stalls at this chaotic marketplace, the center of Marrakesh, will feed you authentic Moroccan cuisine while you are entertained by acrobat, musicians, snake charmers, and more. Ask for your food to be served on paper, but don’t expect utensils since bread is used to scoop up food.
La Maison Arabe - This expensive restaurant is housed at the famous luxury hotel of the same name, and features traditional Moroccan cuisine overlooking a courtyard. Yacout - Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal in the sumptuous surroundings straight from Arabian Nights. The fixed price includes unlimited drinks.
Sushi, tempura, mochi, udon noodles/soup, miso, gyoza dumplings, sunomono (cucumber salad), yakatori, sashimi
Where to Eat
Most restaurants in Tokyo are quite expensive, so visit the noodle shops and markets to eat on a budget.
Tsukiji Fish Market - This famous fish market, so important to the Japanese diet based around fresh fish, is also a great place to grab a relatively inexpensive meal. Sit down at a sushi counter for the freshest sushi you’ve ever tasted. Another market stand offers a tempura bowl, a typical Japanese lunch. Try not to get lost in the biggest fish and seafood market in the world (also one of the biggest wholesale food markets of any kind). Heirokuzushi - Another budget pick, people at this fast-food style sushi bar pick plates up from a conveyor belt moving around the restaurant. Cha Cha Hana - The entrance to this restaurant might be hard to find but the food is a nouvelle pleasure, with items like grilled Japanese yam and scallop dumplings.
What to Eat
Traditional Ethiopian cooking is characterized by the use of an injera, a thin, spongy flatbread, with which you scoop up the food. Just don’t eat with your left hand as this is a sign of disrespect for God’s gift of food.
Heavily spiced stews called wat, Tej (honey wine), vegetables, tibs (beef cooked in butter), kitfo (marinated ground beef), firfir (shredded injera fried with spices)
Where to Eat
Addis Ababa Restaurant- This restaurant features traditional decor in an old mansion and serves delicious tej and Ethiopian food.
Ghion Restaurant - The restaurant at the Ghion hotel is shaped like a mesop, or Ethiopian dining table. Enjoy folkloric dance and traditional cuisine surrounded by beautiful gardens
Habesha - The NY Times reports on the elaborate hand washing at this establishment and the delicious mixed-vegetable wat.
What to Eat
Schnitzel, boiled beef (tafelspitz), sausages, goulash, duck, potato-noodles
Where to Eat
Coffee Shops- Well at least have a cup of coffee. Many consider Austrian coffee to the best cup of coffee to be had in the world, and coffee shops are an integral part of city life. At Café Blaustern, watch the coffee beans being roasted behind the counter (and enjoy the smell!). Sperl is one of the oldest coffee ships in Vienna, with beautiful, old-world furnishings to prove it.
Alte Backstube - This family restaurant, previously a bakery, traces its origins to the early 18th century! This charming establishment serves traditional Viennese dishes like Wiener schnitzel, seasoned pork medallions, and rich chocolate pudding, with a selection of wines from Austrian vineyards.
Schweizerhaus - If it’s your style, visit this hugely popular beer garden, specializing in pig’s feet, and other traditional Viennese dishes.
Himmelsstube - For something a little more upscale, dine at this stylish restaurant in the Hotel Am, above the rooftops of Vienna. Enjoy the view and a creative take on Austrian classics, such as saddle of hare in tempura with shallots, mango, and basil-linguine.
What To Eat
Char Kway Teow- wide noodles fried in pork fat with egg, sprouts, prawns, and vegetables, Ah bo leng- gluttinous rice balls filled with peanut, sesame, or read bean paste, Black Pepper Crab, Nonya cuisine- a blend of Chinese recipes and wok-cooking with ingredients popular in the Malay community
Where To Eat
Hai Tien Lo - Considered the best Cantonese food in the city by many, this restaurant also boasts one of the best views of the city.Be warned that it’s very expensive.
Belachan- For authentic Nonya cuisine, try this stylish establishment, serving gluttionous rice dishes and more.
Lagoon Centre/Newton Circus- Numerous food hawkers sell, fried Indian bread, satay, grilled prawns, and more.
What to Eat
Damper- traditional Australian bread made without yeast, Lamingtons -sponge cake covered in chocolate and rolled in coconut,kangaroo (restaurants starting being able to serve it in 1993, often called the bush-tucker), calamari, salmon, bush tomatoes, macadamia nuts - native to Australia, lemon myrtle, meat pies and beer
Where to Eat
Harry's Cafe de Wheels - According to many, this popular place serves the best meat pies and pastries in Sydney.
The Rocks - Visit a famous entertainment spot in Sydney featuring more than 50 restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Award-winning Rockpool serves contemporary Australian food.
Bills 3 - You must try the celebrate brunch at this famous spot, including the famous ricotta pancakes.
What to Eat
Buffalo, oxtail, maple syrup, Maple Rice Pudding, Plum Custard, Fried Pickerel, salmon and other seafood
Where to Eat
Tundra - Aptly named, this restaurant attempts to embody the tastes and images of Canada.
Allen’s - Voted Toronto’s best bar, drink and dine outside here under century-old willows. The bar has an extensive old-fashioned menu.
Bb33 Bistro and Brasserie - This elegant Canadian restaurant only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients.
What to Eat
Chocolate, fondue, Birchmüesli (like cereal often served with milk, honey, and apples), sauerkraut, Apfelküchlein- deep- fried apple cookie,Zürcher Geschnetzeltes-meal made with cut veal
Where to Eat
Petermann's Kunststuben - Labeled the best European restaurant by Zagat, this restaurant may be well worth the price.
Blindekuh - “Blind Cow” is a truly unique dining experience. An all-blind wait staff serves delicious Swiss cuisine in complete darkness.
Kronenhalle - For another unique yet expensive dining experience, visit this restaurant meets gallery with original artworks from Matisse, Picasso, Degas, and more.
