Whether you’re a risk-taker who enjoys sampling unfamiliar cuisine or you prefer to stick with ingredients you know, food is an essential part of any travel experience. Some destinations, like New York, Paris, and Rome, have well-established reputations as gastronomic hotspots, but that doesn’t mean that good food can’t be found elsewhere. In fact, there are plenty of lesser-known destinations that can give these cities a run for their money. Read on to learn more about our favorite underrated food destinations.
Oaxaca, Mexico
In the mountains of southern Mexico, Oaxaca offers food-loving travelers the opportunity to sample a lesser-known side of Mexican cuisine. The city’s rich culinary heritage is shaped largely by native ingredients such as corn, beans, and fresh herbs, with many dishes prepared using traditional smoking methods. Most popular among them is mole, a spicy sauce made with seeds, nuts, and sometimes even chocolate, ground together and served over meat and tamales.
Chengdu, China
While Beijing and Shanghai tend to steal the culinary spotlight, Chengdu sits quietly in China’s Sichuan province as a secret haven for spice enthusiasts. As local tradition dictates using liberal amounts of garlic, chili, and the indigenous Sichuan pepper in most dishes, cuisine in the region is flavorful and bold, with meats and rice typically serving as a base. Try some authentic Kung Pao chicken, or stick with hot and sour noodles for a vegetarian option.
Porto, Portugal
When it comes to food destinations in Europe, Italy and France reign supreme, but Portugal can also certainly hold its own. Porto, in particular, has a unique gastronomic charm influenced heavily by the city’s position along the Atlantic coast. Fresh seafood and wine serve as staples within the local dining culture, with hearty soups and sandwiches filling in some of the more casual gaps. One of our favorites is Francesinha, a sandwich of toasted bread and cured meats, topped with melted cheese and a ladle of spiced tomato broth.
