The ultimate food-lover's bucket list

12 iconic dishes worth traveling for — from Paris pastries to Peruvian ceviche

Taste your way around the world

If your favorite souvenirs are edible, this one’s for you. Whether you dream of pasta in Italy, tacos in Mexico, or sushi in Tokyo, food is one of the best (and most delicious) ways to connect with a destination.

From Michelin-starred masterpieces to street eats that steal the show, here are 12 must-try foodie experiences every traveler should add to their culinary bucket list.

Pasta perfection in Italy

Italy is pure comfort in edible form. In Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, meals are slow, soulful, and full of flavor. Picture tagliatelle al ragù, fresh bread dipped in golden olive oil, and sunsets that make you want to stay forever.

Where to eat: Trattoria da Me (Bologna): authentic, cozy, and every bit as good as the locals say, serving traditional dishes and modern Italian cuisine.

Street tacos in Mexico City

Few things in life are as satisfying as a perfectly made taco, and Mexico City does it best. The aroma of sizzling pork, the warmth of fresh tortillas, and the late-night buzz of locals lining up for their favorite taquería? That’s flavor with feeling.

Bucket-list bite: El Vilsito: car repair shop by day taco heaven by night, especially known for tacos al pastor.

Buttery croissants in Paris

Paris has turned breakfast into an art form. One bite of a perfectly flaky croissant with hot chocolate (or chocolat chaud if you’re feeling fancy) and you’ll understand why the French never rush their mornings.

Where to eat: Du Pain et des Idées: buttery perfection in a bakery, no explanation needed, located in the 10^th arrondissement. One of its famous pastries is the Chausson a la pomme fraiche (fresh apple turnover).

Sushi dreams in Tokyo

Tokyo redefines precision and simplicity. Sushi here isn’t just food — it’s an art form, made with deep respect for the ocean and decades of skill.

Where to eat: Sushi Saito (Tokyo and the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong):  One Tokyo location is in the basement food market of the Azabudai Hills – ask the staff at the Yamayuki tuna stall for directions. Warning: it’s extremely difficult to secure a reservation!

Traveler tip: Even a small neighborhood sushi bar in Tokyo will blow your mind.

Gumbo & jazz in New Orleans

New Orleans feeds your soul, literally and figuratively. The city’s food scene is as vibrant as its music, filled with deep flavors, Creole magic, and joy you can taste.

Where to eat: Commander’s Palace:  located in the historic Garden District. It’s in an iconic, bright blue building, and is vibrant, flavorful, and full of history (considered an icon).

Pad thai & night markets in Bangkok

Bangkok is one giant open-air kitchen. You’ll find food carts everywhere — serving noodles, curries, and desserts that blend sweet, sour, spicy, and salty in perfect harmony.

Where to eat: Thip Samai: home of Bangkok’s most famous pad thai, still made over charcoal flames. It began as a street stall in the 1950’s and became a storefront in 1966.

Traveler tip: Visit late evening when the neon signs glow and locals gather; it’s pure magic.

Tapas hopping in Barcelona

Dinner in Spain isn’t a sit-down affair, it’s a social event. You wander from one tapas bar to another, nibbling, chatting, and sipping as you go.

Where to eat: El Xampanyet, a well-known tapas bar & restaurant. Serves a sparkling wine called Xampanyet, preserved foods, tapas, salty anchovies, and pure joy.

Dim sum mornings in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, dim sum (dumplings) are a love language. Steaming baskets, clinking teacups, and bite-sized perfection fill the morning air with joy.

Where to eat: Tim Ho Wan: the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred meal and authentic dim sum. Also has locations in New York, Irvine, Las Vegas, Houston, and Honolulu.

Pro tip: Go early; once the locals fill the tables, it’s a wait.

Fresh ceviche in Lima, Peru

If freshness had a flavor, it would be ceviche in Lima. Bright citrus, tender fish, and that hint of chili heat create a dish that’s both simple and extraordinary.

Where to eat: La Mar Cevichería:  modern, fresh, and full of Peruvian pride, this restaurant is a popular lunch choice. Make sure you arrive early, because no reservations are accepted.

Seafood & sunshine in Charleston, South Carolina

Lowcountry cooking is comfort with a coastal twist. Shrimp and grits, buttery crab, and hushpuppies that crunch in all the right ways — Charleston has quietly become one of the best seafood cities in America.

Where to eat: 1167 Raw Oyster Bar:  local, lively, and always a good idea. Although known for oysters and raw seafood, it also serves a variety of seafood. A second location is in Nantucket.

Churros & chocolate in Madrid

There’s dessert, and then there’s churros dunked in thick, molten chocolate at midnight. Madrid keeps this tradition alive and well, and it’s reason enough to book a flight.

Where to eat: Chocolatería San Ginés: serving joy (and sugar) since 1894. Famous for thick hot chocolate with delicious crispy churros.

Fun fact: Locals consider this breakfast. We consider it genius.

Lobster rolls in Maine

Maine’s coast serves up one of life’s simplest pleasures: a buttery lobster roll by the ocean. No fancy plating, no fuss — just pure flavor and sea breeze.

Where to eat: Red’s Eats (Wiscasset): long lines, big rolls, zero regrets. Besides seafood, they serve burgers, steaks, and hot dogs.

Bonus bites & honorable mentions

• Gelato in Florence (although similar to ice cream, the flavors are more intense and the smooth, dense texture)

• Pierogi in Kraków (dumplings, often filled with a cheesy, creamy mashed potato filling or other meat or veggies)

• Cheese fondue in the Swiss Alps (Swiss fondue consists of bread & melted cheese)

• BBQ in Austin, Texas (brisket, beef ribs, sausage are the most popular)

Travel tip for food lovers

Want to turn this list into your next adventure? A personalized culinary itinerary makes every bite even sweeter. From market tours in Oaxaca to Michelin-star dining in Provence, we’ll help you plan the food journey of a lifetime — without the stress.

Let’s plan your next flavor-filled getaway → Start here