For those of us that care deeply about what goes into our diets, going on holiday is an amazing opportunity to sample as many dishes as possible from a new cuisine. If you’re a dedicated foodie, you may even make reservations before you pack your suitcase, or plan your days around which local eateries you want to be near for meal times.
For ultra-keen eaters, incorporating some kind of culinary activity into your agenda can be an enjoyable way to learn about how the food is made, rather than simply eating it. Not only does this allow you to dive into the culture and history of the place you’re visiting, and learn from the experts, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn skills that you can use at home. Your holiday will last far past the moment your passport goes back in the drawer.
In this post, we take a look at some of the unique culinary experiences every foodie has to try in Europe.
Truffle hunting in Umbria
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Have you ever heard of black truffles? These precious little fungi are highly sought after by both chefs and foodies alike. They grow underground, attached to the roots of specific trees, and can only be located by a trained truffle-hunting dog or pig. The resulting flavour of these delicacies is often described as earthy and musky, with hints of nuttiness and even chocolate. Black truffles are a true delicacy that are not only delicious, but also an experience in themselves.
Getting a guided tour is the best way to hunt out these little delicacies in the wild. Not only will this ensure that you’re certain you’ve got the real deal, but there is so much history surrounding truffle hunting. In Umbria, many families have been doing it for generations and so booking a workshop or tour is the best way to enjoy this experience and support the local economy.
Pastel de Nata workshop in Lisbon
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These sweet little custard tarts are a treat for the taste buds. With their flaky, buttery crust and creamy egg custard filling, they're the perfect balance of textures and flavors. They originated in Lisbon, in the Jerónimos Monastery in Santa Maria de Belem. The nuns were using egg whites to starch their habits, which left a huge quantity of leftover yolks. The monks at the monastery got creative and turned these leftovers into the tasty tarts that we still know and love today.
While you’re in the beautiful city of Lisbon, why not take a class to learn about Pastel de Natain the place where it all began?
Go meze style in Cyprus
Photo by Filipp Romanovski on Unsplash
Cyprus is an amazing holiday destination for a whole range of travellers, including kids. However, it can be tricky for foodie parents to try new culinary experiences when traveling with little ones, as you often don’t have the luxury of being able to book a tour or spend the afternoon in a vineyard. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out.
The Cypriots love to order food in the meze style, with lots of smaller plates on the table, resulting in a whole host of flavors all at once. Not only does this allow you to experience a wider variety of dishes, but it can also suit picky eaters in your party who may prefer to have plain meat, roasted vegetables, or simply pitta bread and dip. It’s a surefire way to ensure that everyone is happy – and that the adults (or even adventurous kids) can try new food without committing to a whole meal’s worth.
The world is full of amazing culinary delights. No matter where you decide to go for your holiday, it’s well worth doing some research beforehand to make sure that you don’t miss out.