Tour added to wishlist!
Support Centre
Call us, we're open today 9.00am - 7.00pm GMT Open today 9.00am - 7.00pm GMT +41 44 551 0566 +41 44 551 0566
Swiss Opening hours
  • Monday 9.00am - 7.00pm GMT
  • Tuesday 9.00am - 7.00pm BST
  • Wednesday 9.00am - 7.00pm GMT
  • Thursday 9.30am - 7.00pm BST
  • Friday 9.00am - 7.00pm GMT
  • Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm BST
  • Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm BST
My Explore
Wishlist
Trip Search
Menu
Last minute trips
Need a last minute getaway? Great savings on
Last minute trips

Best destinations to sample local cuisine

Whether you're meandering the colourful souks of Fes in search of aromatic spices, or trying your hand at making cornbread beside the Douro River, there's nothing quite like sampling local cuisine. Here are our top destinations to indulge in authentic dishes.

 

Jordan

Dive into Jordan’s culinary scene and you’ll be treated to bold flavours, invigorating coffee and traditional cooking techniques. In the highlands of Ajloun, visit a traditional biscuit house to learn how sweet treats such as halva (a fudge-like sweet made from tahini) and baklava (a layered pastry of nuts, syrup and spices) are made, followed by a stop at a traditional rest house. Here, local women cook up regional dishes such as makmoura (roasted chicken with onion served in a blanket of dough). Join a week-long Jordan food adventure to sample these unique creations.

India

Travel from the coastal city of Kochi to the flourishing highlands of Munnar in southern India and you’ll find plenty of regional dishes to sample. An Indian Food Adventure kicks off with an exploration of Fort Kochi’s alleyways and markets, where you’ll find freshly prepared masala vada (a fritter of lentils and spices). After descending from the highlands you'll visit a spice garden and farm, accompanied by a resident expert, followed by a cooking demonstration to showcase these top quality spices in action.

Portugal

From the fine wines of the Douro Valley to catch of the day in Mercado de Matosinho, the northern regions of Portugal are home to abundant fresh produce and delicious local dishes. During a Portugal Food Adventure, get stuck into a cornbread-making workshop in a quaint village before sampling fresh bakes with Serra D’Arga honey. Next, spend an afternoon cooking traditional Portuguese specialties at a cosy wine estate on the Douro river, before tucking into a rustic three-course lunch.

Mexico

During a two-week Mexico food adventure you’ll be immersed in the flavours of locally produced cuisine. The trip kicks off with exploration in the heart of Mexico City, complete with authentic tacos de canasta (basket tacos) at a traditional taqueria. In Oaxaca, with the guidance of a local expert chef, you’ll also source freshly produced ingredients in the city’s market before trying your hand at a cookery class with a mother-and-son team. While the menu may vary, expect dishes along the lines of flavourful stuffed chillies or spicy Mexican mole (a traditional marinade).

Colombia

From the lush green coffee region of Armenia to the modern, bustling city of Medellin, Colombia boasts numerous ways and places to enjoy local dishes. As you explore the contrasts of Colombia you’ll observe the production of aromatic coffee from planting to harvesting, and finish off with a cup of local brew. Nearby to Solento you’ll also make fiambre (rice, potatoes, egg and meat wrapped in plantain leaf) under the guidance of a local chef.

Morocco

Home to countless souks bursting with spices and scents, Morocco is teeming with culinary and gastronomic experiences. On a Morocco food tour, wander your way around the winding streets of Fes’ aromatic souks before arriving at a communal oven where locals serve up their nourishing bassira (a hearty bean soup or dip). Amongst the peaks of the Middle Atlas landscape, spend time with a Berber family and enjoy home-cooked lamb as you learn about life in the mountains.

Vietnam

Embark on a Vietnam Food Adventure and you’ll go straight to the source of fantastic ingredients and big flavours. In the remote village of Ninh Binh, start your day with com chay (crispy rice combined with meat, vegetables and spices) before heading outdoors to learn about the ancient Vietnamese farming practices used to produce this delectable cuisine. In the city of Hue you’ll step it up a gear with a 10-course Royal Banquet. From preparation to presentation, every dish is traditional and elaborate, such as the nem cong (a starter styled as a peacock) and Tom ngu thuyen ron (shrimp in a tangy passion fruit sauce).

POPULAR BLOGS

8 Best Vegetarian Trips
Take your taste buds on a tour on our best vegetarian trips.

9 Best Vegan Trips
Discover our 9 best vegan trips for a culinary experience you’ll never forget. Join plant-based cookery classes, tuck into farm-to-table cuisine and more on our top

World Tapas Day: 9 must-eat tapas dishes
In celebration of World Tapas Day, we're diving in on some of our favourite tapas dishes from around the world.

5 must-try foods and drinks in Portugal
Discover our must-try Portuguese foods and drinks to sample on your trip to Portugal.
VIEW ALL BLOGS