When I travel, trying different local foods is a must, of course. My first ever trip abroad, to Thailand specifically, was primarily motivated by food. Having always lived in a big city I had access to a lot of international cuisine, but I knew something was missing. I needed to go to the source. My journey as a traveler started there and it hasn’t stopped.
I’ve compiled a list of some of my most favorite regional dishes or particular plates from a series of random restaurants. When thinking back on all the meals I’ve eaten, It’s hard for me to remember everything, but I’ve tried to put something decent together.
Let’s dive into it!
Charbroiled Oysters & Raw Oysters
- Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, New Orleans, USA (Charbroiled)
- Acme Oyster House, New Orleans, USA (Raw)
Oysters in New Orleans come fresh from the Gulf of Mexico and can be eaten raw or broiled. Drago’s serves its oysters hot and savory on the half shell, grilled over high heat with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, topped with a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses, and often a sprinkle of parsley. If you’re not familiar with the raw oysters, they are briny, salty, served cold with lemons, often on ice. The ones in New Orleans are large and super fresh, with a real ocean taste. It’s not for everybody, but I love it!
Nam Tok
- Isaan, Thailand
Nam Tok is a delicious and tangy beef or pork salad topped with the perfect combination of herbs and spices, traditionally eaten with your hands using lettuce and sticky rice. It must be consumed like this with all components to be fully appreciated. I prefer the Isaan version for the spice, but Nam Tok is great in general. My first encounter with this dish was in an alleyway in Bangkok, at a makeshift kitchen in the back of a lady’s house. What a memorable experience! I’ve tried Nam Tok internationally but it’s just not the same, partly because restaurants replace the mint leaves completely with cilantro or don’t have the same chili flakes and fresh ingredients.
Breakfast Sandwich with Bacon Marmalade
- Azai Praia Lovers Via Primavera, Medellín, Colombia
I stumbled across this restaurant in Medellin just walking around. The sandwich is so surprisingly flavorful that I couldn’t believe it. It comes on a bagel with egg, turkey, gouda cheese, green sauce, spinach, and vegan mayo. There is an option to pay extra to add bacon marmalade to the sandwich. YOU MUST ADD IT.
Pan Amasado con Pepe
- Chile
I didn’t spend that much time trying food in Chile, but I ate this (homemade) bread and salsa combination, with the salsa being pebre, kind of like a smooth Chilean version of pico de gallo (and better than pico de gallo). The hand-kneaded bread is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s perfect snack and comfort food if you like bread as much as I do. The pebre is fresh and cleansing to the pallet.
Tacos
- Café Tacobar, Mexico City, Mexico
Eating Tacos in Mexico City is peak gastronomy. At café Tacobar, a cozy gem of a place, the quality and preparation of the tortillas themselves add a sophisticated depth to the taco eating experience. Besides that, the flavor of the meat is superb. I can’t recall which of the tacos I ordered specifically, but if I did, I would have made sure to tell you.
Japanese Pub Burger & Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
- BiXi Beer, Chicago, USA
BiXi Beer used to be an under the radar spot, and kind of still is, but not really. The Japanese Pub Burger and Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich are perfectly crafted, filling, and accompanied perfectly by some beef fat fries. They are easily 2 of the best burgers and fried chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had. No question! It’s hard to mess up a burger, but it’s equally hard to perfect it. BiXi Beer did that.
Fresh Pomegranate Juice
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
You can find freshly squeezed pomegranate juice in Phu Quoc from street vendors. I would rank it as officially my favorite juice in the world. Unfortunately though, it’s only place I have ever found it freshly squeezed. Before this I had never tasted “real” pomegranate from it’s natural habitat. I was honestly shocked by how good it was. One of the real joys of traveling for me is eating tropical fruits, fresh and ripe.
Chef’s Special Omelet
- Camellia Grill, New Orleans, USA
My 2nd choice from New Orleans – The best omelet in the world. What really makes it ‘special’ is the excellent homemade chili topping, perfect for any carnivore or protein feign. During my first visit to the diner, my friend and I were deciding what to eat. The waiter told us with unwavering confidence to just order the Chef’s Special Omelet, assuring us that we wouldn’t regret it. We did not. To be frank, we still talk about it!
Street Food Night Market
- Pai, Thailand
Pai, unquestionably, is home of one of the best night markets for street food on planet earth. From local Thai delicacies to international dishes, the selection is truly remarkable. I stayed in Pai much longer than I expected, and the market was one of the major reasons.
Lamb Souvlaki
- MIX Greek Restaurant, Hoi An, Vietnam
Having no trip to Greece under my belt, you might ask me how I have a Greek restaurant on this list. Well, because it’s amazing. The owner of MIX is Greek and the food is very authentic. Plus, Vietnam just does cooking very well in general. The menu is extensive and I tried a couple different items, but at the time I went for the quickly prepared Souvlaki. I stayed in Hoi An for almost a week and ended up eating it like 3 times.
Gelato
- Amorino, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
I’ve never been to Italy, so I may not be that qualified to judge gelato, but I’ve tried A LOT of ice cream in my life. Amorino serves excellent gelato and I don’t think I’m exaggerating. Feel free to try whatever flavors you want, but typically when it comes to Italian stuff I go with the classic flavors like hazelnut or stracciatella. I don’t try the whole fusion, gentrifying flavors to be cool and modern. I’m the same way with pasta. If it’s not a recipe I can picture my Mom liking, I don’t eat it.
Fusilli All’arrabiata
- El Navegante. Spaghetteria y Resaurante, San Jorge, Nicaragua
Randomly sprinkled around the south pacific coast of Nicaragua near San Juan del Sur are a few authentic Italian restaurants. El Navegante is one of them, located at the port from San Jorge to Ometepe Island. The owner, from Milan, works there. Their fusilli all’arrabiatta, a dish with a spicy tomato sauce, was very very very good. The pasta is perfectly al dente and the portion size was equally perfect.
Smoothie Bowls, Toasts, Coffee & Fruit Drinks
- Betty Bowls, Medellin, Colombia
The freshness of the fruits and vegetables here must be commended. I’ve tried a couple different bowls, the feta avocado toast, the coconut lemonade frappe, and cold brew. Everything was very well prepared, high quality, and locally sourced. As I was staying at a hostel next door, I had plenty of opportunities to try the food. Highly recommended! They don’t miss on anything.
Pies
- Hoosier Mama, Chicago, USA
Living with a permanent sweet tooth has drawn me to quality desserts. Hoosier Mama consistently has some of the best pie around! You can buy full pies or just go in there for a slice. It gets pretty busy so I recommend taking something to go and just eating it at home.
Coconut Cream Donut
- District Donuts Sliders Brew, New Orleans, USA
As you can probably tell by now, New Orleans is an amazing food city. At District Donuts, the selection of donuts changes practically daily. If there’s ever a chance you get to try the coconut cream donut, you better take advantage! It’s the best donut in the world and I stand by that statement.
Halal Thai Food
- Krabi, Thailand
Krabi has a significant Muslim population, making up around 35-40% of the local population. Here you will find a plethora of food options permissible under Is Islamic law. Here I had some of the best Thai food I’ve ever come across. I took a huge liking to the cheap breakfast options but in general everything was good if you know what to look for.
