For foodies, traveling is not just about seeing new places and experiencing new cultures; it’s also about trying out new and exciting dishes. If you’re a foodie looking to explore the world, here are the top 5 cities that should be on your list:
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is a country with a rich and diverse culinary tradition, influenced by its history and location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Here are some popular dishes and foods to try in Turkey:
- Kebabs: Kebabs are a staple of Turkish cuisine and can be found everywhere in the country. From lamb to beef to chicken, kebabs come in many variations, including Adana kebab, Iskender kebab, and Shish kebab.
- Meze: Meze refers to a variety of small dishes that are served as appetizers or snacks. Popular meze dishes in Turkey include hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), and Turkish-style meatballs (köfte).
- Pide: Pide is a type of Turkish pizza, made with a boat-shaped dough that is topped with meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of these. It’s a popular street food in Turkey and can be found in many bakeries and restaurants.
- Turkish breakfast: Turkish breakfast is a feast for the senses, with a variety of dishes served on a single tray. It typically includes cheese, olives, honey, jams, eggs, and bread, as well as a variety of hot and cold beverages.
- Baklava: Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup or honey. It’s a popular dessert in Turkey and can be found in many bakeries and restaurants.
- Turkish delight: Turkish delight is a type of confectionery made with sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings like rosewater, lemon, or pistachio. It’s a popular sweet treat in Turkey and can be found in many shops and markets.
- Turkish tea and coffee: Turkish tea (çay) and coffee (kahve) are an integral part of Turkish culture and are served throughout the day. Tea is typically served in small glasses, while coffee is served in a special pot called a cezve.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle and fine dining scene, with a plethora of high-end restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. However, it’s the city’s street food that’s truly a delight for foodies. From shawarma and falafel to manakish and luqaimat, Dubai’s street food scene is a melting pot of flavors from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that boasts a diverse and multicultural culinary scene. As a traveler who has visited Dubai, I can attest to the variety of delicious foods that can be found in the city. Here are some popular dishes and foods to try in Dubai:
- Shawarma: Shawarma is a popular street food in Dubai, made with grilled meat (usually chicken or beef) that’s sliced and wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce.
- Hummus: Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a staple of Dubai cuisine and can be found in many restaurants and cafes.
- Grilled meats: Grilled meats are a popular dish in Dubai, especially during the summer months. Whether it’s shish kebab, lamb chops, or grilled chicken, the meat is always tender and flavorful.
- Arabic sweets: Dubai is known for its Arabic sweets, which are made with ingredients like honey, dates, nuts, and rosewater. Popular sweets include baklava, kunafa, and halva.
- Emirati cuisine: Emirati cuisine is the traditional food of the United Arab Emirates, and can be found in many restaurants in Dubai. Some popular dishes include machboos (a spicy rice dish with meat or fish), thareed (a bread and meat stew), and luqaimat (deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey).
- International cuisine: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and as a result, it offers a wide variety of international cuisine. From Italian to Japanese to Indian, you can find it all in Dubai.
- Dates and coffee: Dates and coffee are an important part of Emirati hospitality, and are often served to guests. The dates are usually served with Arabic coffee, which is strong and flavored with cardamom.
Kharambar Lake, Pakistan
Nestled in the Karakoram Mountains in Northern Pakistan, Kharambar Lake is not only a sight to behold but also a foodie’s paradise. The area is known for its traditional Balti cuisine, which includes dishes like Balti chicken, Balti lamb, and yak meat dishes. The flavors are intense and rich, and the use of local spices and herbs adds a unique touch to each dish.
As a traveler I visited Kharambar Lake,I am Hashir Aka Prince. I can tell you that the local cuisine in this region of Pakistan is both flavorful and unique. Here are some popular dishes and foods to try around Kharambar Lake:
- Chapli Kebab: This is a traditional Pashtun dish that originated in Peshawar, but can be found in many restaurants and food stalls around Kharambar Lake. It is a spicy beef or chicken patty that’s cooked on a griddle and served with naan bread.
- Karahi: Karahi is a popular dish in Pakistan, and is made with chicken, lamb or goat meat, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. It’s often served with naan bread or rice.
- Halwa Puri: Halwa Puri is a traditional breakfast dish in Pakistan, made with a sweet semolina pudding (halwa) and deep-fried bread (puri). It’s a popular street food and can be found in many food stalls around Kharambar Lake.
- Biryani: Biryani is a spiced rice dish that’s popular all over Pakistan, and Kharambar Lake is no exception. It’s often made with chicken or lamb, and is flavored with a blend of spices, saffron, and sometimes yogurt.
- Chapati and Lassi: Chapati is a type of flatbread that’s commonly eaten in Pakistan and is often served with a salty or sweet lassi (a yogurt-based drink). It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick bite.
- Barbecue: Grilled meat is a staple of Pakistani cuisine, and around Kharambar Lake, you’ll find plenty of options for barbecue. Whether it’s chicken, lamb, or beef, the meat is marinated in spices and grilled to perfection.
- Fresh fruit: The surrounding area of Kharambar Lake is known for its abundant fruit orchards. Fresh fruits like apples, apricots, cherries, and peaches are readily available and make for a refreshing snack or dessert.
Kashmir
As a traveler I visited Kashmir, I can tell you that the local cuisine in this region of India is both rich in flavor and diverse in ingredients. Here are some popular dishes and foods to try when visiting Kashmir:
- Rogan Josh: This is a signature dish of Kashmiri cuisine, made with tender chunks of lamb or mutton that are cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s flavored with a blend of aromatic spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and fennel.
- Kashmiri Pulao: Kashmiri Pulao is a fragrant rice dish that’s flavored with saffron and a variety of spices. It’s often made with dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, and cherries, which give it a sweet and nutty flavor.
- Wazwan: Wazwan is a traditional feast that’s typically served at weddings and other special occasions in Kashmir. It’s a multi-course meal that includes a variety of dishes, such as kebabs, curries, and rice dishes.
- Tujji Chicken: Tujji chicken is a popular street food in Kashmir, and is made by marinating a whole chicken in a blend of spices and then roasting it over an open flame. It’s often served with flatbread or naan.
- Kahwa: Kahwa is a traditional Kashmiri tea that’s made with green tea leaves, saffron, and a variety of spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom. It’s often served after a meal or as a welcome drink.
- Nadru Yakhni: Nadru Yakhni is a traditional Kashmiri dish that’s made with lotus stem cooked in a creamy yogurt-based sauce. It’s flavored with a blend of spices, such as cumin, fennel, and ginger.
- Phirni: Phirni is a sweet rice pudding that’s flavored with saffron and nuts. It’s often served chilled and garnished with chopped pistachios and almonds.
In conclusion
If you’re a foodie looking to explore the world, these top 5 cities are a must-visit. From the unique flavors of Istanbul to the street food delights of Dubai and Bangkok, each city offers a unique culinary experience that’s sure to delight your taste buds. And for a truly immersive foodie experience, be sure to try the traditional dishes of Kharambar Lake and Srinagar, which offer a glimpse into the local cultures and flavors of Pakistan and India-administered Kashmir.