Travel is not just about visiting landmarks and snapping photos; it is about being in a city. Food is everyone’s passion and some destinations are an ultimate exotic destination for a foodie. Here are 5 cities where you should visit if you love food and culture.
1. Kyoto, Japan: A Culinary and Cultural Mecca.
Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, is rife with culture and food. With its Zen gardens, temples and teahouses, Kyoto represents Japan’s history.
In terms of cuisine, Kyoto is known for its kaiseki (Japanese 3-course meal). The kaiseki way is a dining experience that celebrates the season and its presentation. And don’t forget Nishiki Market, where you can get everything from fresh sushi to street food (matcha snacks).
In addition to the food, Kyoto’s culture bursts into life at festivals like Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s biggest summer festivals. You can stroll the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or glimpse the gold Kinkaku-ji temple to understand Kyoto’s quiet side.
2. Istanbul, Turkey: A Crossroads of Taste and Tradition.
Istanbul is a crossroads between Europe and Asia, a crossroads of cultures whose way of life, its architecture and its cuisines are completely different. The history of the city can be found in Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul will awe the gourmands. Experience mezze bowls, juicy doner kebabs, and freshly prepared simit. There is no visit to Istanbul that is not accompanied by a Turkish coffee or tea with baklava (a dessert pastry filled with nuts and honey).
Enjoy a boat trip on the Bosphorus, or visit the bustling Kadköy Market for cultural immersion. Its vibrant neighbourhoods, such as Beyolu and Sultanahmet, combine tradition with modernity.
3. Barcelona, Spain: A Delightful Experience for the Ears.
Barcelona mixes history and modernity comfortably. Catalonia is renowned for its lovely buildings from the Sagrada Familia to Antoni Gaud’s Park Güell.
Barcelona’s street food is as vivid as its architecture. Tapas bars offer anything from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico, and seafood eateries serve fresh paella in beachfront restaurants. You’ll want a glass of chilled sangria or Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine.
An absolute must-do in Barcelona is to take a walk through the Gothic Quarter or to watch flamenco. Festivals in the city like La Mercè uphold this vitality.
4. Marrakech, Morocco: A Sensory Adventure
Marrakech, the “Red City”, is a crossroads of culture and tradition. Marocaines medinas, souks and riads evoke Morocco’s culture, and make you feel the way Morocco feels.
Marrakech is fiery and spicy. You can feast on a classic tagine, slow-roasted meat and vegetable soup, or even couscous with chopped fresh herbs. It’s the sort of thing you would see on the street: briouats, spiced biscuits, mint tea and chebakia, and a sesame cookie.
In the culture section, Marrakech has tantalising attractions including Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fna square where storytellers, musicians and hawkers put the city to life.
5. New Orleans, US: A City of Parades and Food.
New Orleans, Louisiana is the music, the festivals, and the food capital of the world. It is the home of jazz, a dynamic cultural event that draws people from all over the world.
Creole, Cajun and French foods dominate New Orleans. Eat gumbo, jambalaya and po’boys or indulge in beignets from the venerable Café du Monde. Crawfish étouffée and Rockefeller oysters are just a couple of the seafood dishes you’ll be able to get your hands on.
New Orleans culture comes alive at Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest festivals – parades, dancing and costumes galore. There is more to it than simply wandering through the French Quarter and listening to live jazz on Bourbon Street, it’s something special.
Conclusion
Food and culture are powerful intersections, and they give us access to the past, culture and inhabitants of a city. These cities will give you a taste of Kyoto’s kaiseki, Istanbul’s meze, Barcelona’s tapas, Marrakech’s spicy tagines, or New Orleans’ soulful gumbo. So pack your bags and head off to these cultural and culinary wonders — you will leave with a full heart and full stomach.
