The world is your oyster when it comes to traveling for divine cultural foods. From Caribbean grub to South American staples to European delicacies, let the Squire take you on a delectable journey around the globe that will make your mouth water all the way to the airport!
Jamaica
Jamaica is widely known for its gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, and Bob Marley, but its food is just as worthy of celebration. Cue: sing along to that catchy commercial remake of “One Love,” because coming to Jamaica will seriously make you feel alright. Jerk chicken and oxtail spiced with traditional fiery (literally) Scotch bonnet peppers are a meat lovers’ dream on this island. Sweet fried plantain chips and rum punch, along with a few slices of exotic red ackee (Jamaica’s national fruit) will soothe your burning tongue. Another island favorite: Blue Mountain coffee. This luxurious Jamaican coffee is famous worldwide for its refined sweetness, body, and glorious aroma. Totally like an upgraded wake-up call.
Peru
Traditional Peruvian food is bountiful and ardently seasoned to create a perfect fusion of Spanish and Asian. Foodies everywhere must visit this country for dishes such as Pachamanca, aka “Earth oven,” which combines hearty ingredients such as sweet potatoes, beans, meats, herbs, corn, and chilies simmered in a natural hot-rock oven! When in Peru, a must-have is ceviche. Steeped in citrus juice rather than a fire, seafood like shrimp, scallops, fish, and lobster gain a light, fresh taste and perfectly chewy texture. While Peruvians love their savory dishes, sweets are obligatory too. Lucuma, a mango-looking fruit that sort of tastes like a combo of sweet potato and maple syrup (yum!), is great for making ice cream and frozen mousse.
Belgium
When in Belgium, treat yourself to their splendid waffles. There are two styles: the Brussels and the Liege. The Brussels is a lighter, crispier version of the American waffle and is usually eaten in a tearoom on special occasions. On the flip side, the Liege is sort of like street food (think Wafels and Dinges food truck treats) that can be sweetened with scrumptious toppings like chocolate, whipped cream, butter and strawberries, or just the traditional powdered sugar. These waffles are denser and chewier than Brussels waffles and are characterized by their caramelized sugar pearls that deliciously dissolve in your mouth with EVERY bite. In other words, you’ve got to try this! And also pommes frites—Belgian style fries. These crisp, slender fries are served piping hot in a paper cone, accompanied by a tiny fork, with as many unique sauces as your heart desires.
Switzerland
Cheese and chocolate are Swiss favorites, but Switzerland’s finest recipes take these simple ingredients to a whole new level. Fondue, traditionally made with Gruyère and Emmentaler cheeses, is ideal for sharing with a group of friends or family. It’s served in a ceramic pot, called a caquelon, with a small burner beneath that maintains the cheese’s molten gooiness. It’s typically served with small cubes of bread that are dipped into the hot melted mixture and devoured. Venison slices in grape and chocolate sauce is a wonderful dinner option when visiting Switzerland. The butter-seared venison paired with a sauce made of warmed wine, onions, grapes, and chocolate makes for a scrumptiously sweet meat dish. For dessert, pain au chocolat is a buttery puff pastry filled with smooth Swiss chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts—delish!
From sweet to savory, these four awesome destinations are true palate pleasers and are bound to excite any traveling foodie!
