The World’s Most Underrated Countries for Food
Ready to expand your culinary horizons?
Some people just eat to live, but where is the fun in that? If you live to eat, you’re in for a treat. It’s time to move beyond the well-loved destinations and explore countries that produce some of the finest cuisine on the planet. Here are the most underrated, under-the-radar destinations for food lovers.
Instead of India, why not try Sri Lanka? The food here is highly spiced and stupendously tasty. Don’t miss out on the two styles of dining: ‘rice and curry’ and ‘short eats’ or Sri Lankan snacks.
Instead of Italy, consider Slovenia. This small country is divided into 24 distinct gastronomic regions with its own specialties and style. Try the Carniolan sausage and the famous honey.
Instead of Greece, give Malta a chance. With its culinary influences from Italy, France, Spain, north Africa, and the Middle East, you can expect fresh and unfussy food. Don’t forget to try the national dish, stuffat tal-fenek, a stew of rabbit cooked in red wine.
Instead of Japan, why not explore Taiwan? Taiwanese cuisine is deeply savoury, herbaceous, and ranges from affordable to decadently high-end. Feast on beef noodle soup and gua bao, a Taiwanese burger.
Instead of Peru, visit Colombia. This country has a deeply ingrained culinary culture with a wide variety of dishes. Try lechona, slow-roasted suckling pig, and the famous arepa.
Instead of Australia, head to New Zealand. Known for its sustainable cuisine, excellent wine regions, craft breweries, and coffee, New Zealand offers true destination dining. Don’t miss out on the experiences in Wellington.
Instead of Thailand, try the Philippines. Filipino cuisine is dynamic and delicious, with influences from Asia and Europe. Sample lechon, slow-roasted crispy-skinned pig, and adobo, a way of cooking meat and vegetables.
Instead of France, discover the cuisine of Georgia. Georgia is known for its wine culture and a unique set of dishes and traditions influenced by Europe and the Middle East. Don’t miss out on tonis puri, fluffy round bread, and khinkali, meat or vegetable-based boiled dumplings.
Instead of Morocco, why not try Egypt? With its gastronomic traditions stretching back thousands of years, Egyptian cuisine offers classic Middle Eastern flavors with unexpected ingredients. Try koshary and ful medames.
Instead of China, explore the cuisine of Uzbekistan. This country’s national dish, plov, is a delicious rice pilaf with meat and vegetables. Don’t forget to try manti, Turkish-style steamed dumplings.
In addition, here are five under-the-radar cities in popular food destinations worth visiting: Naples in Italy, Fukuoka in Japan, Girona in Spain, Tangier in Morocco, and Lambayeque in Peru.
- Instead of India, try Sri Lanka
- Instead of Italy, try Slovenia
- Instead of Greece, try Malta
- Instead of Japan, try Taiwan
- Instead of Peru, try Colombia
- Instead of Australia, try New Zealand
- Instead of Thailand, try the Philippines
- Instead of France, try Georgia
- Instead of Morocco, try Egypt
- Instead of China, try Uzbekistan
There’s a whole world of underrated countries waiting to be explored by food lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Sri Lankan cuisine or hearty Uzbek dishes, these destinations offer unique flavors and culinary experiences. So grab your fork and chopsticks and embark on a gastronomic adventure!