Your Guide To Worldwide Cuisine

People travel for a myriad of cultural experiences; travelers seek new places to discover and to find themselves in the world. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are grabbed on the go or indulged in fine restaurants. Ingredients such as pasta, rice and couscous are the same globally but, each varies according to where they are made. Cuisine is what ties a traveler to a place because they are literally digesting the culture into themselves. Food is one thing all humans can agree on as vital nourishment; however, cuisine and taste differ depending on local traditions.

Good food is found anywhere- local diners, touristy cafés. It is usually the great meals that require searching because they are found off the beaten path. When beginning any trek for an amazing meal, it is best to determine a favorite local dish. One can always delve into the many high tech gadgets available for a recommendation or a Michelin guide. However, for those who are adventurous and welcome a challenge, then follow the locals to determine where they are headed for their meals (without any help from an online or paper guide!). Sometime, places will be hostile if you do not look or sound the part of their usual customer. If this happens, be polite and move on. No one likes the feeling of an unwelcome attitude while enjoying a meal. There is always another great place where you will be welcomed for “discovering” a local favorite.

The world has plenty to offer in popular and fabulous meals, but three cultures and cities stand out for remaining true to their indigenous roots. First Morocco, the fabled land of North Africa commonly associated with camels, Bedouins, and brightly colored souks. The cuisine of Morocco is phenomenal. Ethnic and indigenous spices warm colorful plates of tanjine, the traditional stew of couscous, meat and vegetables. Hot food is prevalent in a city surrounded by dessert. Even mint tea is served piping hot in etched glasses and tea pots. This tea is amongst the best in the world- infused with real mint; coffee is often is served with cinnamon and paprika. Marrakesh offers great cuisine for all budgets. In the famed Djemaa el Fna Square, brightly illuminated tents offer many dishes to locals and tourists alike. The prices are incredibly inexpensive for ethnic food as waiters hustle potential customers onto their crowded tables. For an even memorable experience, climb the stairs to one of the any terraces in Marrakesh to watch the sunset over mint tea.

In the gastronomic world, the French are the best for a reason. France indulges and cultivates its cuisine in a way unlike any other country. Chefs train for years until they gain even the slightest recognition. Five star restaurants will always be packed with reservations for months. However, the best food in Paris is arguably down a cobble stone road and tucked away in an ethnic corner. In a city of high class gourmet restaurants, Paris has street street food. Vendors stay open around night clubs in the streets surrounding the Louvre serving kabobs and crepes late in the night. The best of Parisian street food is found on Rue de Roisier in the Marais district. This district is the Chelsea of Paris but, it is also home to Hasidic Jews. Falafel stands line the roads with ques wrapped around corners. Falafels are stuffed in pitas with layers of eggplants, cabbage, hummus and falafel. The most famous stand is L’as du Falafel where people visit from all over the world. They have seating inside but, it is much more enjoyable grabbing your falafel to head to a nearby park or walk the neighborhood. Bagels, brownies and potato pancakes are also abundant and a must when in this area. The cuisine of Paris is as varied and spectacular as the people who live there and that one must experience to truly appreciate.

New Orleans is the home of American southern cooking at its finest. Cajun food is a mixture of early settlers reigning from Haiti, Spain, France and more. Today, Louisiana’s staple cuisine is rich in spices and seafood. Restaurants around the world try to capture an element of the bayou. However, nothing comes close to the real thing. When in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde is a must for beignets. The Court of Two Sisters offers a fine cup of gumbo and the best bananas foster in the world. The city plays great tribute to its culture and the cuisine is an important part of this town. Stop by New Orleans for crawfish etoufee and let the good times roll.

In conclusion, cuisine is an important art of each culture. As represented by just these three cities that draw heavily on their history, people and geography to make a mark on the foodie map.