There are culinary giants around the world that draw hundreds of thousands of foodies each year. Places like Japan, Italy, and France. And there’s no denying that these destinations have incredible and unique food scenes. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and to have a unique and truly hidden-gem foodie experience, these are three up-and-coming foodie destinations across the world.
Slovenia
Slovenia is Europe’s most surprising foodie destination. Located in central Europe, this small country is surrounded by some incredible culinary neighbors. Slovenians have incorporated a little bit from each into their traditional cuisine. Goulash from Hungary, tortellini-like dumplings from Italy, and sausage from Austria. Wrapped up in its unique indigenous food – Slovenia holds its own against these powerhouses.
Slovenia’s cuisine is steeped in seasonal, local farm-to-table eating. A country that’s covered in forests, close to the Adriatic Sea, and ranked highly in terms of sustainability. Slovenia prides itself on local produce and sustainable practices from wines to stews.
[Photo Credit: Neven Krcmarek via Unsplash]
Given that, Slovenian food is hearty, traditional, and cozy. Think sausages, freshly foraged berries, and thick stews. It’s not unusual to see wild asparagus canapes garnished with forget-me-nots both gathered from the forest nearby. It’s easiest to say that Slovenia combines ancient roots with modern influences.
Top Traditional Slovenian Dishes To Try
Jota – The nation’s favorite soup. A mix of beans and sauerkraut, potatoes, garlic, turnips, onions, and tomatoes.
Ajdovi žganci– Buckwheat flour fried, mixed with water, and left to simmer – a basic version of porridge. Served with cuts of meat or sprinkled on top of soups and stews.
Kranjska Klobasa – A very traditional smoked sausage. Also called a Carniola sausage – minced pork cuts with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Bograč stew – A hearty stew with three types of meat in the recipe. Pork, beef, and seasonal game like venison or boar. Served with seasonal vegetables and lots of paprika.
[Photo Credit: Klara Avsenik via Unsplash]
Štruklji – Dumplings made from a unique filo pastry made from buckwheat. They can be either savory or sweet. Traditionally a festive treat – filled with cheese, meat, apple or tarragon.
Prekmurska gibanica – One of the best loved pastries. A hefty cake with layers of poppy seeds, walnuts, raisins, apples, and quark cheese. With a layer of cream on top.
Potica – A delicate, thinly rolled yeast dough spread with a sweet filling before being rolled and baked. Classic filling of walnuts poppy seeds hazelnuts cottage cheese or even dried fruit.
Dining Customs
It’s normal to tip about 10% for good service in restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Restaurant menus are divided into the typical Western sections and dinner is usually between 7 – 9 pm.
Thailand
Thailand’s cuisine, a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas, offers a culinary journey unlike any other. From the bustling street food markets of Bangkok to the elegant fine dining establishments, there’s something to enjoy at every turn. Thailand features bold flavors, fresh local ingredients, and simple yet sophisticated cooking techniques. You can indulge in a fiery curry and savor a delicate seafood dish. Thailand is the best place to sample a range of complex flavors and a perfect balance of spices paired with bright fresh fruit.
Of course, we recommend eating where the locals eat to get a true sense of the best Thai food. Taking a food tour is a great introduction to these local haunts with small menus and incredible dishes. Another perfect way to experience the cuisine is to take a cooking class!
Thai food consistently uses garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chili, and fish sauce in their foods so you can expect a bold base of flavors. Central Thailand has the sweetest food while the South offers the spiciest.
[ Photo Credit: Marissa and Derek via Shared Adventures – read about their Thai Honeymoon Here ]
It’s fairly easy to be a vegetarian in Thailand as a lot of the food revolves around rice, noodles, and veggies. If you’re looking for powerful yet balanced flavors – Thailand is the perfect place for you.
Traditional Thai Dishes to Try
Khao Soi – Fried noodles in a creamy soup
Sai Oua – A spicy pork sausage -typically found in the North.
Gaeng Hung Lay – Tender pork belly in a red curry.
Pad Thai – The national dish. Conceptualized to represent Thailand on a plate.
Pad Kra Pao – A simple meal of steamed rice topped with a spicy basil mince meat and fried egg.
[ Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – Read about her epic Thailand adventure here]
Thai Curry – Choose from the spicy red, piquant green or aromatic yellow.
Tom Yum Goong – A spicy sour soup with fresh lime, lemongrass , mushrooms and shrimp.
Tom Kha Gai – A creamy soup with coconut milk and chicken.
Som Tam – A spicy green papaya salad with shredded papaya, tomatoes, string beans, carrots, peanuts and a light sweet and spicy sauce.
Dining Customs:
Most meals are eaten family style – sitting around a communal table and ordering lots of different dishes for everyone to share.
Shoes are usually removed before entering a restaurant or home and locals often sit on the floor or at a low table. However, many restaurants will have western-style tables and chairs.
Typically meals are eaten with a fork and a spoon which is used instead of a knife.
Just add the word “Krap” (if you are a man) or “Ka” (if you are a woman) to the end of every sentence to make it polite. It’s like saying “please” and “thank you” all in one.
Telling the chef that it was “aroi” (delicious) will go a long way!
Argentina
Argentina is often celebrated for its vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage. But did you know it offers a culinary experience that is equally captivating? Beyond the renowned red meats and hearty wines, Argentina boasts a diverse and evolving food culture. Argentinian culture often revolves around good food and good company.
Shaped by centuries of colonial influence and indigenous traditions. Portions are large and cheese is ever present as Argentina takes its culinary influences from an influx of Italian, Spanish, and Native cuisines. The food of Argentina offers a European feel with a South American flair.
[ Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – read about her Argentinian adventure with her daughter here]
From mouthwatering stews and sweets to traditional pizzas and pasta. From the rustic steakhouses of Buenos Aires to the elegant vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina’s cuisine invites you to embark on a journey of taste and discovery. Every dish tells a story of the country’s rich heritage and passion for good food.
Of course, delicious food is paired with delicious wine! You can enjoy not only a vibrant Malbec but also a Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontes – a native Argentinian wine. The traditional dishes are left untouched, but there’s room for new creations and experimentation. Argentina is perfect for those foodies who want to experience a little bit of everything (but with a heavy focus on good meat.)
[ Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – read about her Argentinian adventure with her daughter here]
Traditional Argentinian Dishes To Try:
Parrillada -A mixed grill designed for sharing with different types of meat, and paired with salad and fries.
Provoleta – Provolone cheese that is grilled until it melts and bubbles.
Locro– A hearty stew made with beans, corn, meats and veggies.
Humita En Chala – Argentina’s version of tamales. Made with corn cheese and spices.
Choripan – A type of sandwich with chorizo sausage in crusty bread and smothered in sauce.
[Photo Credit: Delfina Iacub via Unsplash]
Empanadas – A pastry filled with meat and baked or fried.
Medialunas – Argentinian version of the croissant. Smaller than a typical French croissant.
Morcilla – Black pudding.
Mollejas – A traditional sweet bread
Alfajor – Two shortbread cookies sandwiched with a creamy filling.
Helado – An Argentinian spin on gelato – rich and creamy with unique flavors.
Dining Customs
Expect a relaxed service pace- you are meant to enjoy the meal. There is no sense of turning over the table and therefore you may wait longer for service than in an American restaurant.
There is a cover charge added to the bill. However, this is not a tip and a ten percent tip is typical.
Dinner usually starts at 9pm – Midnight so prepare for a late-night affair.
Is your mouth watering? Which culinary style are you most drawn to? The hearty and farm-to-table Slovenian? The bold and vibrant Thai? Or the meat-focused and multi-cultural Argentinean? If this blog has inspired you to explore beyond the traditional foodie destinations – let us know! We’d love to help you plan your next foodie adventure!
