So many fond memories of countries are linked to trying the local cuisine. By trying local dishes and drinks, you can better understand the make up of the region and traditions that are passed on by generations. We're keeping record of must-try food in each country that we have visited. Bon Appetite!
Use these links to go directly to your country of choice:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Argentina
Argentina is known for its' steak and Malbec wine. However, we were surprised to see so much Italian influence in the country with many pizzerias and gelaterias.
Austria
Austria is a beautiful mountainous country Between Germany and Italy. The cuisine is similar to southern Germany! Yum!
One of Kevin's favorite dishes that he has ever eaten. Pork, dumplings and sauerkraut.
Belgium
Belgium is known for chocolate, frites and beer. You also can't go to Brussels with trying mussels.
Frites! Belgium invented fries and gets a little upset when people assume they were invented in France. Try the fries with Mayonnaise. You will never go back!
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Delirium pub has a Guinness record for most beers on tap. Our favorite was the Trappiste Rochefort 10.
You can't go to Belgium without trying their chocolates.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
You can definitely see how the rule of the Ottoman Turks influenced the cuisine. Bosnia has wonderful grilled meats. If you are from St. Louis, you should check out the Bevo Mill area to try many of the delicious meats and baked goods featured in our pictures below.
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Bulgaria
Hearty salads, delicious grilled meats and loads of pastries can be found in Bulgaria.
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Bolivia
With the high altitudes of the Andes, Quinoa is a perfect crop to grow and can be found in a lot of Bolivian dishes. It was also wonderful exploring the local markets and seeing other crops grown in high altitudes.
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Cambodia
Cambodia features more sweet curries than their western neighbors, Thailand. The southern region is also known to be the perfect soil composition and climate for pepper farms.
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Chile
Chilean cuisine stems from traditional Spanish cuisine and elements from the native Mapuche cultures.
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Croatia
If you want to experience delicious "Italian" cuisine for less, go to Croatia! It also has many grilled meats similar to many countries in former Yugoslavia.
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England
Enjoy a Pimm's cup on a patio somewhere and some of the local pub grub.
France
France has one of the oldest, purest cooking styles in the world - lot of butter! It's also known for fresh pastries and bread. We can't wait to go back to try more!
Germany
Germans love their meat dishes and sauerkraut, washed down with a pilsner and followed by a fourthmeal of doner kebab!
Pretzels (Brezlen) are in every train station
There are many types of sausages frequently served on a piece of a bread instead of a typical bun.
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While doner kebabs stem from Turkey, the best that we have had so far is in Germany. It is a must try road snack.
Beer mixed with lemonade!
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Hungary
When I think of Hungarian cuisine, I think of paprika! This unique spice can be used for sooo much more than deviled eggs.
Go to the famous Jewish quarter for delicious food in Hungary. Dumplings with paprika goulash and yogurt sauce.
Hungary is also famous for its varieties of spicy and smoky sausage and roasted red pepper.
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Three types of hummus!
Langos: A plate-sized sheet of fried dough that is usually smothered with sour cream and cheese
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Iceland
While the food is expensive in Iceland, a nice bowl of steaming hot fish soup is a must-try.
Fish Soup
Dried fish dipped in butter is a great bar snack!
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Minke whale cooked medium.
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Italy
Pastas, pizzas and gelatos.... What else can a girl ask for?
You can't go to Italy without enjoying Pizza.
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I love how they top gelato with fresh fruit and cookies.
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Japan
Kevin frequently says that his number one food traveling the world is Japanese ramen. Did you know there are over 11 types of ramen based on the regions of Japan?
What else do you think about when eating in Japan? Sushi, duh! Enjoy some of our other favorite Japanese foods below.
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Malaysia
We didn't get to explore Malyasia too much, spending all of our time in the capital city. Kuala Lumpur has a large population of Indian and Arabic people. Therefore, we got a taste of some delicious curries and middle eastern dishes.
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Mexico
5 tacos for $1.25? Yes please! Mexican food is so world renown that we found Mexican restaurants in almost every country we went to. But the best is DEFINITELY in Mexico!
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Panama
When I think of Panamanian food, I think simple, natural flavors. Living in Panama for a year also made us appreciate fresh fruit in our diet.
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We enjoyed many beverages throughout our time in Panama. Beer included Panama, Panama Light, Balboa, Soberana (Audra's favorite). We also fell in love with a smooth dark rum, Abuelo.
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Peru
If you travel to the coast, ceviches are a must try. The regions near the andes mountains feature many heavily-seasoned potato and meat dishes that are authentically Peruvian. It is one of the South American cuisines that can be found almost anywhere in the world.
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Poland
Poland reminded us of our home state, Missouri. It was characterized by rich meat, potatoes and a variety of mushrooms. They also seasoned everything with dill (even 'Mexican burritos').
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We got to learn about vodka culture, and it was surprisingly delicious. I especially liked the buffalo grass vodka mixed with apple juice. We drank flavored vodkas straight including mint, cherry, and honey/herbs.
Qatar
Machboos is a traditional rice dish. Some sprinkle it with lemon juice or rose water for an extra pow!
Serbia
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South Korea
You cook your own South Korean BBQ over an open flame. The pork is fatty and delicious and the kimchi (cabbage in red) is spiced heavily.
Spain
When thinking of Spain, I think rich, powerful flavors. They have the rural products from the fields (olives) and the coast (sardines, snails). We also loved the red wines in Spain. In Grenada, every time you ordered a drink, you received a free tapa to share.
Taiwan
If you go to Taiwan, check out the three local night markets for a unique culinary experience. You can definitely see both the Chinese and Japanese influence in this area.
Thailand
Thailand was some of the deepest, richest flavors in their cuisine. From the variety of curries to the noodle dishes, we just couldn't get enough. There are also really interesting markets from boats selling goods on a river to a market on an active track! We even took a cooking class to try to recreate these flavors in our own kitchen.
Vietnam
Looking for a satisfying meal under $1.50? Vietnam is the place to try delicious soups from little shops and road side vendors.
We want to hear from you!
What is your favorite international food or type of cuisine? Leave us a comment and let us know.