Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about different cultures. There are many ways to learn about different places: through their history, seeing how the past has influenced the present, spending time with locals, or even exploring a destination at your own pace. However, one of the best ways to learn about a place is definitely through its local food. Every place’s cuisine comes with history, tradition, and authenticity, and in many cases, it is unique to that specific place.
Throughout my years of traveling, I’ve tried a lot of delicious food. However, these five dishes definitely deserve a special shout-out.
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Moqueca, Salvador, Bahia
This dish combines the indigenous culture of Brazil, Portuguese culture, and African traditions in a unique and delicious way, creating a fish and seafood stew that is characteristic of the region. This dish is made with fish, onions, tomatoes, peppers, olive oil, coconut milk, cilantro, and green onions, and it is slowly cooked in a clay pot.
There are two different types of moqueca: Moqueca Baiana, one of the traditional dishes of Salvador, Bahia, and Moqueca Capixaba, from Espírito Santo. Even though they are both delicious, Moqueca Baiana is prepared with coconut milk and palm oil, which gives it a little more flavor and a distinctive yellow-orange color.
This delicious dish is usually accompanied by white rice, pirão (a purée made from the moqueca broth, flour, and yucca), and farofa (toasted cassava flour). If you decide to try this delicious meal, make sure to mix all of these sides into the stew to get the full experience.
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Tajine, Morocco
Moroccan tajine is both the name of the dish and the traditional ceramic cooking vessel in which it is made. This traditional dish is slowly cooked and served in the same casserole.
In this unique dish, meat is combined with vegetables, spices, and olive oil to create a delicious and distinctive flavor. There are many types of tajine; however, the most common ones include chicken, lamb, beef, tuna, sardines, or simply vegetables.
Even though my favorite tajine was the chicken one, trying different varieties will give you a great understanding of the traditional flavors of this country. And, of course, it will be a delicious way of learning.
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Sancocho, Colombia
Many times, when we think of soups, we think about an entrée rather than a full meal. Colombian sancocho is a thick soup made with meat, plantain, yucca, corn, and potatoes, and believe me, this will be your entire meal.
Sancocho is typically accompanied by arepas, rice, avocado, onion, and cilantro, so make sure to add all of these to your soup before you start eating. This unique soup will make you feel at home, even if you are not Colombian. If you want to add some spice to your dinner, make sure to ask for a shot of aguardiente, the traditional Colombian liquor.
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Egg Custard Tart, Portugal
Portugal has delicious food, and without a doubt, it is important to mention the fresh seafood of this country. However, that’s not what I’ll be focusing on today. I will be talking about the delicious egg custard tarts, also known as Pastéis de Belém.
This traditional dessert is a small pastry filled with a sweet custard made from milk, eggs, and sugar. In my opinion, the size of this pastry is just perfect, and it is not too sweet, so you might even find yourself eating more than one.
You can get these pastries at different bakeries throughout the city! And if you want to have some extra fun, make sure to try a few different ones and find your favorite. Enjoy the best resorts in Mexico with Royal Holiday.
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Carimañolas, Panama
Carimañolas are made from fried yucca dough filled with meat, chicken, or cheese, and they are part of Panama’s traditional cuisine. Although carimañolas aren’t a full meal, they are often served as a side dish or an entrée.
In many cases, carimañolas come with a special sauce that not only gives them a little more flavor but also adds some extra moisture.
Although these are five dishes that I have loved, there are thousands of other dishes, desserts, and entrées that are worth trying. However, if I kept writing them all down, I would never finish the list.
Trying the local food of a place is not just about enjoying a delicious meal, but also about understanding more about the culture, history, and identity of every destination. Travel the world with Royal Holiday and TravelXtra.
