Can you imagine France without its famous bouillabaisse or Vietnam without banh mi? Food is an essential part of traveling, helping you immerse yourself in the culture of a new country.
- Francesinha, Portugal
Despite its rather ordinary appearance, Francesinha is an iconic dish and one of the best sandwiches in the world. It appeared in Portugal in the 1960s: it was brought from France, which is why it translates as “little French girl.”
This hearty and delicious sandwich consists of two slices of white bread with juicy meat, ham, smoked sausage, bacon, and medium-rare steak in between. This delicious meat “bomb” is then covered with melted cheese and dipped in tomato sauce with beer.
- Calçotada, Spain
When visiting Barcelona, you will definitely want to try paella and sangria. These dishes are considered iconic for Spain, but they are not typical Catalan food. If you want to discover the real culinary traditions of the region, be sure to try calçotada with barbecue.
Every year from November to March, locals gather with friends and family to eat seasonal onions (calcots), which are roasted over a strong fire and served with a special sauce made from tomatoes, red peppers, and nuts. This meal will definitely be one to remember.
- Bouillabaisse, France
Originally, this dish was prepared by Marseille fishermen, who cooked the meat of flounder that they could not sell at the market. In recent years, traditional bouillabaisse has become an exquisite dish that combines the best types of fish from the Mediterranean Sea.
Real bouillabaisse is prepared in two stages. First, a broth is made from garlic, olive oil, saffron, tomatoes, thyme, and other herbs. Then, various types of fish and sea urchins are added. The price of the dish varies depending on the type of fish used.
- Acarajé, Brazil
Acará is an important ritual dish used in Afro-Brazilian religious traditions. It can only be found in the city of Salvador.
Each country’s national cuisine is unique in its own way. And if you really want to immerse yourself in a new culture, you can’t do without tasting traditional dishes.
So what is acarajé? It is peeled cowpeas that are fried in palm oil until golden brown. It can be filled with fried shrimp, tomato salad, and vatapá (shrimp paste). This dish is not only incredibly delicious, but also inexpensive. It will cost you about $1.
- Banh mi, Vietnam
When in Vietnam, be sure to try banh mi, a baguette that recalls the country’s past as a French colony. Described by renowned chef Anthony Bourdain as “a symphony in a sandwich,” this typical Vietnamese snack consists of a baguette stuffed with juicy roast pork, liver pâté, fresh cilantro, and pieces of vegetables (cucumber, carrot, and daikon radish). You will find this dish in literally every shop on the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, and you will certainly not be disappointed.