For many travellers sampling local foods and embracing the gastronomic scenes of their host countries is a huge part of the adventure. Of course there are firmly established foodie hotspots the world over, from Paris and Peru to New York and Naples. But there are so many more culinary delights to discover for those willing to get off the beaten track.
Why not head on a foodie tour of Slovenia’s 24 gastronomical regions? Or if you’re feeling like taking a trip somewhere tropical, Phnom Penh - ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ - is suddenly bursting with unique culinary experiences, while Colombia is finally making a well-deserved name for itself in South America.
Whatever gastronomic experience you’re after, why not sink your teeth into the Flexicover team’s list of its favourite emerging foodie hotspots!
Slovenia Slovenia is fast-rising in popularity as a tourist destination, with visitors flocking to vibrant Ljubljana and breathtaking Lake Bled. But did you know it’s also one of the hottest new foodie locations in Europe? Travellers are slowly awakening to the scrumptious potential of Slovenian cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the culinary traditions of neighbouring Italy, Austria, and Hungary. Think hearty dishes like soups, stews, and dumplings, served with a selection of sublime local breads. Potatoes are a huge deal in Slovenia too: there’s even a Roast Potato Festival sure to delight spud enthusiasts. Slovenia boasts 24 gastronomic regions, which have spawned 170 different local dishes. Why not set yourself a challenge and try tasting as many of these as you can.
Colombia Until now, the culinary delights of Colombia have been overshadowed by other South American foodie hotspots, such as Peru and Argentina, but the country is finally making its mark on the gastronomic map. The Colombian capital of Bogota is the nation’s most famous foodie destination, with a heady mixture of local food and international-acclaimed gourmet restaurants like El Cielo and Leo. The Caribbean city of Cartagena is another favourite among foodies – a must-visit here is Bazurto Market where you can peruse the local ingredients and spices. For authentic cultural dishes try the city of Popayan, the only Latin American UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Here you can wolf down empanadas, carantanta and tamales de pipian drizzled with sublime peanut chile sauce.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
As the bustling Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh has regenerated its foodie scene has gone from strength to delicious strength. Here you’ll find myriad high-end yet unique restaurants serving international cuisine and celebrating Khmer culinary traditions. Malis is one of the most famous: borne out of a desire to rediscover recipes lost during the Khmer Rouge regime, the chefs serve authentic dishes with a story. Alternatively try Topaz, a long-standing cornerstone of the city’s haute cuisine scene. Like your food served in painfully hip surroundings? Chinese House is set in one of the last remaining authentic Chinese houses in Phnom Penh. Here Eastern ingredients are blended with Western techniques to create beautifully decadent dishes.
Pittsburgh, USA
The US boasts a plethora of famous foodie hotspots, from New York to Texas to San Francisco to Charleston. But why not get just a little off the beaten track with a trip to the up-and-coming gastronomical destination of Pittsburgh? Previously the Pennsylvanian city was best known for local lad Andy Warhol. But its artsy heritage doesn’t stop there: the city’s industrial landscape is coated with vibrant street art and it’s become a serious creative hub. Visit for ambitious, creative cuisine plated up by vibrant young chefs within an exciting, urban-trendy foodie scene. What’s more, af&co named Pittsburgh the US Foodie City of 2019 - so get there quick before everyone wants a slice!
Tainan, Taiwan The whole of China can move over - Taiwan’s second city is now the cool place to be for weird and wonderful East Asian food. If you’re brave enough, try duck neck, oyster omelette or stinky tofu at the city’s many vibrant cafes, stalls and restaurants. There are regional specialties too: breakfast is either spicy beef noodles to kickstart your day, or fish congee. And be sure to check out the Po-Jen which specialises in soup brewed with ancient herbal medicines. With the bullet train from Taipei taking just two hours, it’s a must-visit stop while in the country.
Wherever you’re heading away to for that break from the norm it’s good to know that Flexicover Travel Insurance is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.
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