The Most Underrated Foodie Destinations in the World
Food travel is as popular as ever, but many of the world’s most famously delicious destinations have been spoken about ad infinitum, so we wanted to take a look at some of the more underrated vacation spots on the foodie map.
We all love a food tour in Italy or a unique Japanese dining experience, but it’s no news that these countries have great culinary tradition. Here at Culture Trip food plays a big part in everything we do. Our immersive, authentic trips place great value on the importance of local grub in bringing you closer to your destination, its history, culture and people. From cooking classes in family homes to market visits and street food tours, our trips have always got a tasty snack or two up their sleeves. We also place great value on discovering the undiscovered and introducing Culture Trippers to new, fresh travel ideas. So here’s our selection of tasty tours in the world’s most underrated culinary destinations – perfect for all you foodie travellers out there.
Georgia, for incredible bread and ancient wine traditions
If Jordan is up-and-coming on the wine scene, Georgia is the ultimate OG. This off-the-beaten-path country, high in the Caucasus Mountains, is known as ‘the cradle of wine’, with experts believing it’s the oldest wine-producing nation on Earth. Our nine-day itinerary places a huge emphasis on food and drink, starting with a traditional Georgian lunch of khachapuri – a scrumptious cheese-filled bread – in Tbilisi. On day three we’ll head to the largest market in Georgia, a cornucopia of fresh fruit, pickles and spices. We’ll be met there by a local chef who’ll give a guided tour of the market, purchasing the ingredients required for a cooking class back at her home. The wine experience kicks in on day four, when we’ll take a qvevri workshop to learn about ancient underground fermentation techniques, and have a wine-accompanied lunch with a traditional toastmaster. You’ll also get to visit a local family for home-baked bread and churchkhela, a sausage-shaped sweet mate from nuts and thickened grape juice. On day five, after a day hiking in the stunning Lagodekhi National Park, you’ll have a scenic picnic lunch and go for a well-earned post-hike tasting session at a local winery.
Peru, for authentic cooking experiences and a foodie tour for the ages
Central and South American cuisine is beloved by many, but Mexico’s street food and Argentina’s barbecue culture tends to steal the headlines. Peruvian culinary culture is just as vibrant and exciting, as our nine-day tour of the country showcases. We start the trip in the city of Cusco, where you’ll get a guided visit of San Pedro market, followed by a traditional cooking class. You’ll make a classic pisco sour, an appetiser and a main course, munching down your creations before heading to Three Monkeys Coffee for a tasting session. On the other side of visiting Machu Pichhu, the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon – plus another coffee experience – we’ll end up in the gorgeous old city of Arequipa. This place is known for its picanterias – traditional lunchtime restaurants – and we’ll embark on an amazing food tour, hopping from one to another sampling traditional dishes. It’s the perfect way to end our Peruvian extravaganza.