Food is hands down my favourite part of travelling. I find so much joy in discovering dishes I’ve never tried before or stumbling upon a cuisine that I’ve yet to try. Wandering through the local markets to see what’s on offer, finding out what people eat beyond the typical dishes that make it to the menus back home. There’s been times I end up ordering something unknown to me because I’ve spotted it on another table and it looks too good to ignore… After all, The Travelling Sloth’s tagline is Made of Adventure, Beer, Questionable Food and No Fear.
Maybe was all influenced by watching Anthony Bourdain growing up.
Every destination, country, region has their own food traditions. All shaped by its history, geography, local ingredients and the people who cook its dishes. Exploring these places is personally the appeal of travel – whether it’s trying a bowl of noodles in a small local restaurant, sampling street food at a busy market or what someone’s grandma is cooking.
Food is our common ground, a universal experience.
– James Beard (American Chef)
Here, you’ll find a collection of my food guides from just some of the destinations I’ve explored – covering local dishes, specialities and food worth looking out for whilst travelling. This collection currently includes Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and South Korea. I will add more destinations as I continue to travel.
Disclaimer: Some links earn me a small commission – same price for you, slightly less tragic bank balance for me.
Traditional Food Around the World
Curious to know what people in other parts of the world eat and consider as their comfort food? Or simply looking for traditional meals to try on your next trip? Start with the destination below or browse somewhere new.
Taste the Uzbek Cuisine
I don’t think I’ve fallen in love with a cuisine more quickly than Uzbek food. It is hearty, generous and closely connected to the country’s history along the Silk Road. Plov is probably the best known example of Uzbeki cuisine – a rice dish usually prepared with carrots, onions and meat. But don’t be fooled, there’s plenty more to discover… Hand-pulled noodles, steamed dumplings, oven-baked pastries, grilled meat and freshly baked bread all have a place in the country’s food traditions, with regional variations adding even more variety.
For travellers exploring Uzbekistan, food is a useful way to get to know the country beyond its historic cities and Silk Road architecture. Home to some of the most iconic ancient cities of the Silk Road, you’ll see influences from all parts culminate on the plate. The result? Delicious food. My guide introduces traditional Uzbek food, the dishes worth knowing about and the local specialities to look out for during your visit.
Read my guide: Find all the tasty cuisines from Uzbekistan.
What to eat in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani cuisine brings together culinary influences from the Caucasus and neighbouring regions, with rice dishes, grilled meats, fresh herbs, stuffed vegetables and fragrant seasonings featuring prominently. There are so many similarities shared with Uzbekistan. Similar to a lot of countries in the region, Plov is also considered a national dish here. One of the differentiators is the cooking methods in Azerbaijani cuisine. Tea also has a place in Azerbaijani hospitality, often accompanied by sweets and preserves.
Admittedly, not many people would know what to try while in Azerbaijan – plenty of dishes you may not even recognize! Whether you’re visiting Baku or travelling further afield, there is an abundance of dishes to sink your teeth into… This guide brings together traditional Azerbaijani food and local dishes to help you discover what the country’s cuisine has to offer.
Read my guide: What to know about the amazing dishes in Azerbaijan? Find out here.
Discover South Korean Dishes
South Korean food goes well beyond kimchi and Korean barbecue, although both are worth knowing about. Traditional Korean cuisine includes comforting rice dishes, bubbling stews, savoury pancakes, noodle dishes and an assortment of small side dishes. Fermented ingredients are central to many Korean recipes.
For anyone planning a trip to South Korea, learning a little about Korean food beforehand can help make sense of the menus and introduce you to dishes you might otherwise overlook. Street food offers another side of the country’s food culture. Local restaurants that have been around for decades serve everything from everyday stews to Korean barbecue cooked at the table. Here you’ll find different South Korean dishes worth trying on your travels.
Read my guide: What to know what the amazing dishes in South Korea? Find out here.
Discover a destination through food
When you pay attention to it, food can reveal a lot about a destination. Ingredients are a reflection of what’s readily available locally, recipes can carry traces of trade and migration… cooking traditions and how food is served/eaten reflective of the cultures and customs. Even a dish you’ve eaten several times in your home country can be so different when you try it elsewhere…
Markets are a good place to start exploring local food. Wander through the aisles and see what grandma buys for her daily shop. Get curious about the unfamiliar ingredients or the dishes being prepared. Small restaurants and food stalls are another goldmine. If you’re unsure of what to get, observe what others around you are eating before deciding what to order.
I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.
– Anthony Bourdain (Chef + Travel Documentarian)
If you’re planning a trip around food, I’d also recommend looking beyond individual dishes and paying attention to regional specialities, seasonal ingredients and local eating habits. Also a beautiful and culturally immerse way of learning about food is by joining Food Tours or Cooking Classes to
Stay tune for more food guides for your next trip
This collection will continue to grow as I explore more destinations and publish more food guides. I’ll be adding more traditional dishes and local food experiences along the way.
Whether you’re researching what to eat in a country you’re about to visit or looking for inspiration for a future trip, choose a destination above and explore its food guide. There are plenty of cuisines to discover and this is only the beginning.
Planning a trip? Here’s where to start:
Accommodation: Find somewhere to stay with Booking.com. Whether you’re after a centrally located hotel, a cosy guesthouse or somewhere with a mountain view, compare your options before booking.
Looking for budget accommodation? My favourite backpacker accommodation website is HostelWorld with some fantastic options all around the world.
Tours & Experiences: Fancy borrowing my plans? Browse GetYourGuide and Viator for day trips, guided tours and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
Transport: Travelling within Europe? Compare routes and tickets with Omio. Globetrotting around Asia – your best friend will be Trip.com
Travelling in South East Asia? I would recommend having a look at Trip.com for tour options and 12Go.Asia for transportation tickets (ferries, boats, buses).
Car Rental: Want a little more freedom to explore? Compare rental options with DiscoverCars and check the pick-up location, insurance terms and mileage allowance before committing.
eSIM & Internet: Stay connected without hunting for a local SIM card at the airport. Airalo eSIM has plenty of options or Saily eSIM is another solid option.
Travel Insurance: I always recommend looking into travel insurance before a trip. Compare policies that cover your activities, medical expenses, cancellations and any other risks relevant to your plans.
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