World's best gourmet food tours: The planet's ten best culinary adventures

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This was published 6 years ago

World's best gourmet food tours: The planet's ten best culinary adventures

By Ute Junker
Hibiscus marengue with lemon curd and yogurt ice cream from Gustu restaurant, La Paz, Bolivia.

Hibiscus marengue with lemon curd and yogurt ice cream from Gustu restaurant, La Paz, Bolivia.

DISCOVER SOUTH AMERICA'S NEXT DINING DESTINATION

One great restaurant can do wonders for a country's culinary cred. Sao Paulo's DOM restaurant did the job for Brazil, and Santiago's Borago did the same for Chile. Peru scored a double dose of gourmet gravitas thanks to Central and Astrid y Gaston restaurants, both in Lima. Now it's Bolivia's turn. La Paz's refined Gustu restaurant – launched by NOMA co-founder Claus Meyer – puts the spotlight on the amazing ingredients of this remarkably biodiverse country; llama, quinoa and 1000 varieties of potato are just some of the items on the menu. Throw in a burgeoning wine scene, and adventurous foodies are in for a treat. See gustubo.restaurantgustu.com

EXPLORE THE WORLD'S OLDEST WINE CULTURE

No, it's not Greece. It's not even Lebanon, where the Phoenicians kickstarted things more than two millennia ago. No, the proud possessor of the world's oldest winery – an extraordinary 6000 years old – is Armenia. There is a whole range of indigenous varietals to explore – from the red areni noir and the white kangun – and local winemakers are embracing innovation, with Armenia's first ice wine label just being launched. Specialist tour operators such as Old World Wine Tours can introduce you to the country's best wineries. See oldworldwinetours.com/en/wine-tours-in-armenia

CELEBRATE SPRING AT A SUGAR SHACK

Winters in Canada are cold and long, so it's no wonder the Quebecois celebrate the coming of spring in a big way. From late February on, to coincide with the maple sap harvest, locals tuck in to a long lunch at one of the many rustic cabanes au sucre, or sugar shacks, that pop up throughout Quebec. Menus tend to be hearty, featuring pork, maple syrup and cider. For an authentic experience, try long-time favourite, Bouvrette; alternatively, the sugar shack run by Montreal's infamous Au Pied de Cochon restaurant is also a winner. See bouvrette.ca, cabane.aupieddecochon.ca/

ENJOY AN OUTBACK FEAST

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So you know a few things about bush tucker, hey? Have you ever tried kulyu, or youlk, or even the midjim berry? These unusual indigenous ingredients – the first similar to a sweet potato, the second with a radish-like flavour – feature proudly in Paul Iskov's pantry. The WA-based chef specialises in pop-up degustation dinners in some of Australia's most remarkable landscapes, all showcasing indigenous ingredients. Next year's calendar includes events in the beautiful Karijini Gorge in April, the Kimberley in May, and the Mackerel Islands off WA's coast mid-year. What better excuse to head west? Full event listings will be posted on the company website in December. See fervor.com.au

FEEL FULL OF BEANS IN COLOMBIA'S COFFEE TRIANGLE

It's not just coffee addicts who will fall for the charms of Colombia's Coffee Triangle. Full of tranquil towns nestled amid rolling hills, this is one of Colombia's most beautiful areas, and also boasts a UNESCO Cultural Heritage listing. Many of the area's coffee plantations offer atmospheric accommodation, and also give guests the opportunity to get their hands dirty working in the fields. Alternatively, there are fabulous hikes of offer; or you could just laze on the verandah nursing an aromatic cup of coffee. See seecolombia.travel

GET BUBBLY IN FRANCIACORTA

Prosecco may be Italy's most famous sparkling wine, but its most respected is franciacorta, made in the region of the same name, an easy drive from Milan. Made using not just the same grapes as champagne but also the same method, franciacorta is known for its delicate bubbles and its creamy texture. The Strada del Vino touring route wends its way through the areas 100 wineries; top stops include Fratelli Berlucchi, housed in a medieval palazzo, and Ca' del Bosco, which boasts an impressive art collection. See fratelliberlucchi.it, cadelbosco.com/en

EAT FARM-FRESH IN MACEDONIA

Sailors rave about the Croatian coastline, mountain buffs sing the praises of Slovenia's alps, but another Balkan country is making a pitch for the foodie dollar. Macedonia is betting that its small-scale farms and artisanal wineries will appeal to visitors as much as its scenic lakes, mountains and ancient monasteries. What's on the menu? A combination of Mediterranean and Ottoman influences, which means you may find yourself munching on everything from flaky pastries to slow-cooked stews, fresh fish dishes and plenty of game. See macedoniaexperience.com/specials/culinary-experience-trip-around-macedonia

LEARN WHAT'S COOKING IN IRAN

Most travellers who head to Iran are drawn by the magical combination of ancient history and elegant cities such as Shiraz and Esfehan. When they head home, they are usually raving about the fabulous food, from chicken served with walnuts and pomegranate to sweet treats redolent of rosewater and cardamom. Intrepid Travel has just launched a trip that puts Iran's food front and centre. Along with ticking off the big sights, there are cooking classes, shopping trips to the bazaar and, of course, the chance to discover some delicious regional delicacies. See intrepidtravel.com

JOIN THE FESTIVAL FRENZY IN ADELAIDE

Adelaide has a way with festivals, so we're excited about the new gourmet celebration being launched this October. Taking place over four days from October 19, Ferment the Festival will harness the talents of top chefs such as Mat Lindsay of Sydney's Ester and Jock Zonfrillo of Adelaide's Orana, to celebrate all things fermented. That includes everything from chocolate and cheese to prosciutto, with 120 specialist provedores showcasing their wares. The festival includes master classes and bars dedicated to whisky, beer and G&Ts. See fermentthefestival.com.au

Fresh blue corn tortillas on the comale at the Xochimilco Market, Oaxaca Mexico.

Fresh blue corn tortillas on the comale at the Xochimilco Market, Oaxaca Mexico.Credit: Shutterstock

INDULGE YOUR SENSES IN OAXACA

Hands up if you know which was the first country to score a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity listing for its food. Full marks to anyone who said Mexico. For those sceptics who still think Mexican cuisine is limited to tacos and tamales, it may be time for a trip to Oaxaca. Universally acknowledged as the country's culinary capital, Oaxaca's colourful markets and celebrated street food – try a tlayuada, a pizza-like tortilla laden with toppings – are just the start of a culinary adventure, which also includes the celebrated mole sauces and artisanal Mezcal distilleries. See oaxacaculinarytours.com

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