On your next vacation, get excited about the local food culture by trying some of their famous delicacies. From paella to Philly cheesesteak and from shawarma to spaetzle, broaden your culinary horizons and engage in a little food tourism. No matter what country you’re in, a delicious piece of local flair is always waiting for you. These are only a few of the best local delicacies you should try at least once; you can discover dozens more as you travel.

Jerk Chicken

The Caribbean encompasses many distinct cultures and offers up an array of different ethnic dishes, but jerk chicken is one of the most famous. It’s different from other chicken dishes due to its spicy marinade (often made with Scotch bonnet peppers—be ready for a strong kick!) and slow cooking over a fire. The smoke from that fire, traditionally fueled by green pimento wood, gives jerk chicken a taste you just can’t find anywhere else. Ya’mon!

Pavlova

Visiting Australia? Well, try their most famous dessert. It is named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s, it features fluffy egg whites baked slowly in an oven. The final result has a meringue-like crunch on the outside and a marshmallow texture on the inside. Topped with fresh whipped cream and succulent Aussie fruits, a good pavlova will melt in your mouth and remain in your memory for a long time. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free!

Kobe Beef

You might’ve heard this before: all Kobe is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe! Kobe beef is made from Wagyu cows and is only made in Kobe, Japan. It’s like champagne in that way—a regional delicacy made extra special in its exclusive location. Enjoy the exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth taste that comes from the marbled fat. Farmers breed Wagyu cows specifically for their ability to store fat within their muscles, creating that succulent marble effect. Indulge in some Kobe at the source when visiting Japan!

Poutine

After you travel to Canada, you may find yourself still craving a big bite of poutine. What’s not to love? French fries and cheese curds smothered with delicious brown gravy will give you an iconic taste of Quebec. The heat from the gravy melts the cheese curds just enough to give them that soft, gooey texture. Try a plate of poutine next time you travel to Canada—then go back for more.

The Scoop

Give your taste buds a tour while visiting your next destination by trying local dishes. Food is an essential part of an area’s culture! These are some of the best local delicacies you should try at least once, but next time you’re in a new place, ask the locals what their favorite foods are. Food tourism is all the craze these days! You may find yourself adding to this list of must-try dishes from your favorite destinations. Please see the Tavola Tours Facebook page for updates on our fun and educational culinary adventures in Italy.