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Best holiday destinations for foodies

From Thailand to Turkey, check out which destinations are serving up some of the best eats in the world.
Thailand’s great for foodies thanks to its deep-fried street food, while Mexico’s must-try tamales put it on the map for a getaway that packs a punch on flavour. Or, for some epics eats a little closer to home, treat yourself to a trip to Spain, Italy or Turkey. Hungry for more? Here’s a round-up of our five favourite foodie destinations and what dishes we’re ordering first...

Then, read about Dine & Discover to find your foodie escape.

Thailand

Whether it’s Bangkok’s bustling markets or the beachside stalls of Phuket, Thailand’s a hotspot for foodies, and a tasting tour down Khao San Road in Bangkok is the perfect place to start. What’s on the line-up? Everything from chilli-infused curry with freshly strung noodles to Thailand’s speciality snacks – roasted cricket skewers. Or, if you’re after a more laidback setting, head to Khao Lak for the freshest catch of the day. Our main? Pla pao. This net-fresh fish is roasted over hot coals, stuffed with crushed lemongrass stalks and served with a sweet and sour chilli sauce. We’re hungry thinking about it.

Eat at: Takieng, Phuket
Taste: Tom yum soup
Drink: Chang beer


Find out more about our holidays to Thailand.

Couple dining in Thailand.

Turkey

Some travel to Turkey for the spice-laden bazaars. Others for the durums – tasty meat wrapped in flatbread and topped with fresh salad, yoghurt and hot sauce. Us? We’re eyeing up a portion of dolmas. They’re vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, courgettes and aubergines. Seafood more your vibe? Head over to Bodrum’s secluded coves and dine in one of the floating fish eateries docked to the shore. Picture it: soaking up panoramic views of the Aegean Sea as you tuck into fresh octopus. Your choice? Grilled or marinated.

Eat at: Konya Ugurlu, Gumbet (and go for the balloon bread)
Taste: Meze platters
Drink: Turkish coffee, served with a Turkish delight

Find out more about our holidays to Turkey.
Turkish woman making Durums.

Mexico

Food lovers assemble. Meet us at Puerto Vallarta – home to one of Mexico’s best dining scenes and street corners propped up with stalls selling enchiladas packed with fresh fish and mountains of tacos. Local dishes like Chilaquiles are also in the mix – lightly-fried corn tortillas, cut into quarters and topped with spicy salsa, fried egg, pulled chicken and a healthy scoop of refried beans. Or go for a tamale. These pockets of dough are stuffed with your choice of sweet and savoury fillings. So, you can take your pick from different meats, cheese, fruits and chillies before they’re wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Eat at: México Latte, Puerto Vallarta
Taste: Elote – corn on the cob with a helping of salt, chilli and sour cream
Drink: Paloma cocktail

Find out more about our holidays to Mexico.
Mexican food mix.

Italy

Contrary to popular belief, Italy isn’t just about pasta and pizza. Taste your way around the boot-shaped country, and you’ll find that every town and city boast its own regional specialities. Case in point: you’ve got delectable white truffles and wine in Tuscany, fresh farm-to-table plates in Puglia and over 350 varieties of pasta to try across the whole country. Fancy a taste of history? Pick Sicily for its arancini – breadcrumb-coated rice balls mixed with Ragu and cheese. They’re said to date back to Sicily’s Arab rule in the 10th century and to have gained their name because of their similarity to small oranges – arancia in Italian. Then, for dessert, head to Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto in Taormina to taste Sicily’s famous sweet snack, cannoli – fried Italian pastry filled with creamy ricotta – which are believed to have originated around the same time.

Eat at: Pomo & Pomo Sikulo Emporio, Palermo
Taste: Black angus
Drink: Aperol spritz

Find out more about our holidays to Italy.
Homemade arancini balls.

Spain

Spanish food equals tapas, right? Think again. Head to the Basque Country in the north of Spain and you’ll find there’s another trend in town. Cue the pintxos. These tiny edible works of art, stacked on a slice of bread are a staple in cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian. And you’ll find every spot has its own speciality. While spicy pil-pil prawns with pesto and mushrooms may be the go-to in one place, buttery crab drizzled with a herby hollandaise sauce will be the top pick in the next. So, if you’re thinking of a getaway to Spain, ditch the paella and take your taste buds on a pick-n-mix adventure.

Eat at: Bar Roma, Bilbao
Taste: Spinach omelette pintxo with chorizo
Drink: Sangria

Find out more about our holidays to Spain.
Pintxos.
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Author: Conor Braniff

Last updated: 13.01.2025

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