Pasta and pizza lovers may have Italy at the top of their bucket list, but the birthplace of our favorite carb-heavy meals isn't the only country that food lovers should visit. Some countries are more well-known for their mouthwatering cuisine than others–France attracts bread and butter fiends by the droves (not to mention oenophiles), tourists hit up Greece for the best gyros and baklava, and straight off the heels of White Lotus season 3, you know people are clamoring to head to Thailand for fresh curry and mango sticky rice.
But that doesn't mean you should relegate your passport solely to these more popular destinations. Aside from these countries that are practically synonymous with food, there are countless hot spots that not only have delicious cuisine but are likely a bit less crowded than some of the more popular European and south-of-the-border summer playgrounds you're accustomed to.
If, like me, you plan your vacations around the destination's food scene, broaden your horizons and add these more off-the-beaten-path destinations to your must travel list before flights start booking up. Just make sure to thank me when you get back.
Singapore
While Thailand's food attracts plenty of travelers (and perhaps too many), it's time to fly south and dine your way through Singapore, where eating has long been described as a "national pastime." In addition to the country's rich street food (a.k.a. hawker) culture—where you'll find dishes like chili crab and ice kachang—the wider dining culture in Singapore is a deliciously unique blend of Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian influences.
Portugal
Once you eat (and drink) your way through Portugal, you'll wonder why it took you so long to get there. Between the pastéis de nata, the ever-flowing bottles of port wine, and freshly grilled octopus and bacalhau (a.k.a bacala), you'll want to do yourself a favor and add a few more days of eating to your travel itinerary. Whatever you do, don't forgo a visit to the Portuguese island Madeira to throw back a glass of poncha or two.
Colombia
A flavorful mix of Arab, African, and Spanish influences, Colombian cuisine varies wildly from region to region, whether you land near the ocean or post up closer to the Amazon. But one thing is true: you'll want to stuff your face through all these regions. Be sure to try a hearty bowl of sancocho, cheesy-stuffed aborrajado, and (naturally) legendary Colombian coffee if you need a jolt.
Indonesia
If Bali has long been on your bucket list for a wellness retreat or surfing getaway, you should make some time to eat the food of this expansive archipelago that spans 6,000 populated islands and 1,300 ethnic groups. While hitting up all of those islands would take much longer than just one vacation, you can certainly eat a solid amount of the dishes popular to the country, such as nasi goreng, mi goreng, tumpeng, and laksa curry in one trip.
Bolivia
With very little European influence compared to other South American countries, Bolivian cuisine is unique in how it highlights traditional Incan and Andean staples, such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, and beans, and makes them extraordinary. You'll want to make sure to eat your way through the country's famous empanadas salteñas and a glass or two of singani, a favorite Bolivian-made brandy.
Jamaica
As a result of the horrific slave trade, along with the spice trade and colonization, Jamaican cuisine's influences range from West Africa and India all the way to Ireland and England—with no lack of spices throughout. Many dishes result from creative spins on dishes from these far-flung countries and are well worth a flight to Kingston. Sample your way through popular dishes like Jamaican patties, callaloo, and jerk chicken, along with ackee and saltfish.
Senegal
One of the most delicious cuisines of West Africa, Senegal's dishes are heavily influenced by its Islamic population, its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and its former status as a French colony. What does this mean for your eating schedule? Expect plenty of seafood, traditional thieboudienne, and fattaya, a street food made of fried dough filled with French fries, savory onion sauce, a fried egg, and a bit of ketchup and hot sauce.
Peru
Much like Bolivia, Peru takes staples such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, and beans and — with a mix of cultural influences (from Japan, West Africa, Spain, and Italy) — makes a cuisine all its own. While there, you'll want to dine on the best of the best Peruvian dishes, like fresh ceviche, papas rellenas, and fan favorite lomo saltado.
Philippines
An archipelago nearly as wide-ranging as Indonesia, the Philippines has a rich and diverse culinary tradition with a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. So if you can't get enough adobo chicken, halo-halo, or lumpia at your favorite Filipino restaurant stateside, why not go to the source and keep eating? Brb while I book my flights.
Norway
Denmark may have many world-renowned restaurants, but we think you need to go slightly further north to really eat your way through the best of Scandinavia. Especially if you want to eat the freshest gravlax (heck, seafood in general) of your life, get yourself to Oslo (or foodie center, Trondheim) and ready yourself for a krabbefest, which is exactly what it sounds like: a crab party eaten seaside with plenty of beer and wine.
Czech Republic
Often overlooked as it's quite literally surrounded by nearby German and Polish cuisine, Czech cuisine is ready for its time in the spotlight. In fact, the Czech Republic might just do many Central European dishes even better than other countries: think strudels, dumplings with cabbage, and goulash-adjacent guláš.
Vietnam
If your tastebuds have gotten even slightly bored while traveling, I suggest you head to Vietnam, where classic dishes will always feature the five signature tastes (sweet, spicy, bitter, sour, and salty). Aside from grabbing the requisite bánh mì and phở, be sure to grab a refreshing glass of sinh tố while you're there, too. And last but not least, make sure to try the ugly yet tasty deep-fried elephant ear fish if you find yourself in the Mekong Delta area.
Austria
Let it be said: Austrian food is not the same as German food. While yes, both countries love their pork, beer, and bread, Austrian food takes some tasty detours that are worth noting, like sweet sachertorte, savory tafelspitz, and apricot-filled Marillenknödel dumplings. Wander away from the more popular German classics and try your hand (and tastebuds) at some delicious and adjacent Austrian dishes.
Taiwan
Night owls, it's your time to shine. The early birds do not get the worm when it comes to Taiwan's famous night markets, with stalls hawking sweet sticks of tanghulu, Taiwanese meatballs, and Taiwanese popcorn chicken from sunset to sunrise. Set your alarms for midnight and save your days for exploring the sites.
Nigeria
Okay, okay, Nigerian food might just be tied for the #1 food country with that of its distant West African neighbor, Senegal. What should you expect in Nigeria? In short, a feast. Come hungry and ready to stack your plate with plenty of jollof rice, pounded yam, and steamed moi moi pudding. Snag Nikki May's best-selling novel Wahala for the flight over to get your mouth watering.
