They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. So, let’s begin this romantic journey by exploring eight destinations around the world sure to entice you with their gourmet delights, and lead you to savour some stunning sights along the way.

BY PRACHI JOSHI

If visiting new destinations and experiencing the remarkable excites you, then we’re certain your itineraries are packed with legendary landmarks and attractions. But this time, make sure you travel to experience some of the most appetising culinary treats on offer—a signature dish that embodies the soul of its home. Whether it’s a piping hot pho in Hanoi or a sweet lamington in Sydney, get ready to sample local delicacies across the globe to satisfy your wanderlust appetite!

Florence, Italy

Go For The Flavours: Savour classic Tuscan fare like pappardelle al cinghiale, a ribbon-like pasta in a rich ragù of wild boar. Try it at Osteria Cinghiale Bianco, a few steps from Piazza Santo Spirito. Another must-have is schiacciata all’uva, a mildly sweet focaccia with grapes, available at bakeries like Forno Pugi (multiple outlets).

 

 

Stay For The Sights: Just across Arno River, Piazza Santo Spirito is the real heart of Florence. This treelined square features the 15th-century Church of Santo Spirito. Pop inside to gaze upon a wooden crucifix attributed to Michelangelo. Make sure to explore the vintage stores and leather boutiques in the area.

Chennai, India

Go For The Flavours: The already perfect dosa is elevated by the addition of spicy milagai podi, a condiment of lentils, sesame seeds, and spices. The podi dosa is best eaten at any ‘mess’ or at Saravana Bhavan (multiple outlets). Another local favourite is atho, Chennai’s take on the Burmese khauk swè thoke. This noodle salad with grated carrots, cabbage, and fried onions is topped with spices and bejo (deep-fried rice flour crisp); try it at Atho Man in Royapuram.

 

 

Stay For The Sights: As this city’s most historic neighbourhood, Mylapore is blessed with several rich offerings. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must-visit, particularly for its colourfully intricate carvings and the towering 40-metre-high gopuram (ornate tower). About a kilometre away is the neo-Gothic-style San Thome Cathedral in all its whitewashed glory. Don’t miss browsing at the old-school shops in Luz Corner for trinkets, footwear, and household items.

Dubai, UAE

Go For The Flavours: To savour original Emirati food, try the rustic Bedouin dish of machboos. It consists of rice with meat or seafood arranged in layers and slow-cooked with spices. Harees is another local speciality, a mixture of cracked wheat and meat cooked for hours to a porridge-like consistency. Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (multiple locations) is the best place to try these dishes.

 

 

Stay For The Sights: If you think this Emirate is all about shiny skyscrapers, step into the past at the ancient Al Fahidi neighbourhood. Its winding streets are home to the eponymous fort, markets, museums, and galleries.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Go For The Flavours: A beloved meal here, bunny chow is a hearty dish of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. This fusion of South African and Indian culinary traditions can be found everywhere, but the best version is in the Fordsburg neighbourhood’s cafés. Also try the Kota sandwich stuffed with fries, cheese, and sausages; head to the eateries in the Soweto township for the real deal.

 

Stay For The Sights: Known as ‘The City of Gold’ for its history of gold mining, it’s no surprise that the top attraction here is built on top of a defunct gold mine! The Gold Reef City Theme Park is your stop for thrilling rides, entertaining shows, underground mine tunnels, and more.

Marrakech, Morocco

Go For The Flavours: Morocco’s iconic dishes are couscous (steamed semolina served with vegetables or meats) and tagine, a slow-cooked stew. Lamb tagine is most common, although chicken and veggie options abound. While most restaurants serve both dishes, the eatery at the Amal Women’s Training Centre is worth trying given their mission to empower local women.

 

 

Stay For The Sights: The magnificent Bahia Palace stands on the southern rim of the Medina. Built in the late 19th century, it boasts several rooms with graceful stucco, ornate mosaics, and intricate carvings, as well as sprawling courtyards and lawns with fragrant orange and jasmine trees.

Montreal, Canada

Go For The Flavours: Since you can’t go wrong with a combination of crispy fries, brown gravy, and cheese curds, it’s no surprise that poutine is Montreal’s favourite comfort food. Locals have their go-to spots, but La Banquise (open 24 hours!) is the most popular. Then, there’s the Montreal-style bagel, a smaller, thinner, and denser version of the NYC bagel, that is hand-rolled and baked in a wood-fired oven; it’s also mildly sweet since it’s boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked. Try it at St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel.

Stay For The Sights: The Jardin Botanique de Montréal or Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the largest of its kind in the world with 22,000 types of plants, flowers, and trees spread across 30 thematic gardens, including Chinese, Japanese, and First Nations. It also hosts a full calendar of events: Don’t miss the spectacular ‘Gardens of Light’ show! It’s on from 30 August to 31 October this year. Book your spot in advance.

Sydney, Australia

Go For The Flavours: Australians love their chicken parmigiana (or chicken parm)—crumbed chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s available at most pubs, but The Glenmore at The Rocks is your best bet—grab a rooftop table for sweeping harbour views. Round off your meal with a lamington (sponge cake dipped in chocolate and covered in desiccated coconut): try the classic version at Flour and Stone in Woolloomooloo or head to Tokyo Lamington in Newtown for innovative recreations.

 

 

Stay For The Sights: Situated on Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is a must-visit if you’re travelling with kids. It houses some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, among others. Sign up for exciting up-close encounters with them, under the supervision of expert zoo keepers, of course!

Hanoi, Vietnam

Go For The Flavours: Often considered Vietnam’s national dish, pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) originated near Hanoi in the early 20th century. This delicious combination of flat rice noodles and meat-based broth is best eaten at Pho 10 in the city’s Old Quarter. The other staple is banh mi, a product of the French colonisation of Vietnam in the 19th century. Banh Mi 25 is a popular spot in the Old Quarter to savour this dish; the queues are long but service is quick and they offer vegetarian choices, too.

 

 

Stay For The Sights: The frantic pace of this capital-city can be overwhelming, so the peaceful environs of the Temple of Literature come as a welcome relief. Tucked behind a walled compound and ensconced in landscaped grounds, the attractive complex is spread over five courtyards. Built in 1070 in honour of Confucius, it soon became the site of Vietnam’s first university. This is a great place to see well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and admire the beautiful gardens.

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