Moe, our charismatic and knowledgeable guide, started running these tours in 2019, taking visitors on a journey through the city’s rich history and diverse flavours. Upon our meeting, he pointed out the bank of Utah’s first millionaire, who was an member of the church of Latter Day Saints (LDS for short) who couldn’t run for a second term due to a new rule about polygamy (wild!!). The iconic temple stands as ground zero, aligning perfectly with 0 degrees north, south, east, and west.

One of the highlights of the tour was learning all about our tour guide and the cool things he’s done – for example, he runs a doughnut shop which has some of the most solid values I’ve ever seen. Within this program, he takes homeless individuals under his wing, teaching them baking skills, and provides them with a chance of employment.

Moe passionately advocates for continued support post-recovery, leading to a high success rate. He taught us all a lot about history, food, and some of the biggest issues in America today, and as such, this has to be one of the most well-rounded and somewhat personal tours I’ve ever been on.

After a sweet start (and yes, the doughnuts were incredible), our culinary journey took us to Aqua Terra, a steak and sushi haven, and my favourite spot on the tour. We indulged in some of the finest food I’ve ever tried – and this patten of new and delicious cuisine continued for the next few hours. Meanwhile, the conversation flowed as smoothly as the seasoning on our dishes (the thought of the ravioli still has me salivating).

I learnt that Salt Lake City is home to a substantial LDS population, comprising 60% of its residents. As we explored the city, I tried “goat” ice-cream (I will not be giving any further context on this – it is for you to experience for yourself) and Moe continued to fill in my gaps on North American history.

By the end of the tour, I felt as though I’d become friends with some of the other tourgoers, been thoroughly inspired by Moe, and was round enough to roll all the way back down to my accommodation.

Moe’s walking tours offer more than just culinary delights; they’re a narrative of the city’s past and present. They offer a glimpse into the soul of Salt Lake City – a city with a rich history, diverse flavours, and a surprisingly compassionate heart.

So, lace up your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and indulgence.

Ghosts!

But if you think SLC is just about doughnuts and sushi, think again.

As dusk falls, the streets take on an eerie glow, and a different kind of tour emerges: one filled with whispers from the past…

Recently, I had the opportunity to take a tour with US Ghost Adventures Salt Lake City — a chilling and captivating dive into the haunted history lurking beneath the city’s clean-cut façade.

Led by storytellers who know how to chill your spine with a well-timed pause, this ghost tour is not just about jump scares or folklore, but is rooted in true historical accounts, from tales of 19th-century crime to tragedies that still echo through alleyways and old buildings. You’ll wander past infamous sites like the haunted Rio Grande Depot and the eerie McCune Mansion with an EMF in your hand, while learning about SLC’s less wholesome secrets — including spiritualism, death, and the paranormal.

The contrast between day and night in Salt Lake City couldn’t be more dramatic — by day, it’s a warm and welcoming hub of food, culture, and community. By night, it’s a place where shadows stretch long and stories linger. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this tour is an unforgettable way to uncover another layer of the city.

So after filling your belly and your heart with Moe’s soulful storytelling, consider spending your evening peeking behind the veil… because in Salt Lake City, the past is never quite gone.

1. Khlii

2. Bissara

3. Chebakia

4. Mkhamer

5. Msemen

6. Pastilla

7. Nougat

8. Kaab el Ghazal

9. Snails

10. Mint Tea

The Best Food Tours in Fez, Morocco

1. La Rifa Chocolatería

La Rifa Chocolatería was actually both the first and last place I visited during my time in Mexico City – it became a statement to come here with friends, to write, to celebrate, to recuperate, and everything in between.

My absolute favourite thing about this place is the fact that the supply chain is completely transparent, with the staff knowing absolutely everything about the origin, processing, and livelihoods of the chocolate producers. They have built such strong relationships with their farmers and the love from farm to cup is evident in each sip – this is the original, gritty method of chocolate consumption, and it’s absolutely delicious.

Plus, they have these little pig-shaped biscuits which are divine.

C. Dinamarca 47, Cuauhtémoc, 06600

2. Piloncillo y cascabel

I’ll be honest: I’m really not a big fan of mezcal. However, I am a big fan of places where the staff really take their time to care for you and explain the origins and stories behind their products.

Here, I learnt about mezcal processing, the tierra that it comes from, and the many different resulting flavours. Plus, I ate worms for the first time – I was told that the flavour of the small side dishes really brought out the inherent tones of the mezcal.

Honestly, even without liking the taste of mezcal, I absolutely have to recommend this place as one of the top sites you need to explore in Mexico City. I absolutely loved it here – k know that you’re going to, too.

Torres Adalid 1263, Narvarte Poniente, Benito Juárez, 03020

3. Taquería Los Güeros de López

Obviously, whilst in Mexico City you’re really going to be able to indulge in tacos. Honestly, I didn’t know that there were quite so many types – but bloody hell, the taco img list seems endless.

Here, I tried so many different flavours for the first time – No they were all incredible. Namely, I need to recommend the suadero (brisket), lengua (tongue), and tripa (intestines). They also sell tacos de ojo (eye), but I was slightly too weak to give them a try. Let me know how they taste!

C. López 93, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06090

4. Tamales Iztamalli

Av. Luis Hidalgo Monroy 9-29, San Pablo, Iztapalapa, 09000

Upon arriving in Mexico City, I was told that one beverage that I absolutely needed to try was champurrado. Basically, this is a drink made from corn dough and chocolate, and would quickly become one of my favourite things ever.

I tried it for the first time here, accompanied with a tamal filled with chocolate sauce and chicken – believe it or not, this was a divine combination quite possibly sent down from the gods.

When I eventually return to Mexico City, this will be one of the first places that I will stop. No words.

5. Pulquería Las Duelistas

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of pulque, fermented -, but in this pulquería, I started to change my mind.

Not only are the vibes in this place super warm and welcoming, but the pulque is smooth, sweet, and hot too slimy. It’s the perfect introduction to this iconic Mexico City drink, and I adore the artwork that fills the interior of the place. You’re going to love it.

Aranda 28, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06400

6. Churrería El Moro

Any foreigner will recommend this place without hesitation – but then again, so will the locals. This churrería was established in 1935 and since then, it ha produced the best churros in the city without fail.

One of my favourite things about this churrería is that it offers lactose-free options: ideal for someone who loves to binge chocolate products without wanting to risk the livelihood of their stomach.

Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000

7. Por Siempre Vegana

For the absolute best vegan tacos in the city, you need to head to Por Siempre Vegana. During my time in Mexico City, I tried a lot of both vegan- and non-vegan taco places, and this came out as one of my favourites.

The vibes are good, the prices are decent, and the agua de Jamaica is the best that you’ll find in the whole city. Thank me later.

C. Manzanillo 18, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700

8. Taquería El Califa

My absolute favourite taco is al pasto, which has fresh pineapple pieces wedged between the meat. It might sound a little odd, but the mix of sweet and savoury comes together to create something absolutely otherworldly.

And to be completely frank, my favourite al pasto comes from here, El Califa; the flavours combine to almost taste a little like Jaffa Cakes. Try it. Your world is about to be changed.

Av. P.º de la Reforma 382, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600

9. La Puerta de Quetzalcoatl

I have such fond memories of this place. I was first introduced to this place via a Couchsurfing language exchange event, and since then. I’ve visited a handful of times – namely, to celebrate my 24th birthday and to commemorate my (hopefully brief) absence from the city.

The owners are all so incredibly lovely and during my celebrations made sure that everything was super special and personal. The food is amazing, the vibes are stunning, and it will forever be a special place in my heart. I love it here.

C. Zaragoza 9, Santa Catarina, Coyoacán, 04010

10. Dooriban

For my final favourite food place in Mexico City, I was almost tempted to talk about the tacos in Orinoco or the pastries in Saint, but I think I’ll go for something completely different: Korean food.

The tea here is the best in the city (the second best is Gin Cha) and the food is absolutely divine. This is my favourite place to go on little dates with friends, and I will always make such a big event out of coming here for the night.

Tabasco, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700

Culinary Backstreets

You’re probably wondering if I have any food tour recommendations.

In every country that has a Culinary Backstreets, I like to join their tour. This is hands down one of the best companies I have ever gone out on and I shall forever be loyal to them. Last time, I went with them in Istanbul.

One of my favourite things about this tour is the fact that not only does it take you to the best food spots in the city but it offers the opportunity to really get under the skin of a place and learn about its stories.

In Mexico City, Culinary Backstreets offered a lot of variety, we walked through a lot of beautiful reas where Elizabeth, my guide, brought out her incredible storytelling skills and made it all come alive. She also showed us ow to use the metro and act around the areas we were in, making it the perfect welcome to become more comfortable in travelling Mexico City sola.

Hungry Nomads

I also have to recommend Hungry Nomads. This was the cheapest tour but also managed to pack in a lot, mainly visiting small stalls…

My guide, John (and also owner of the tour company), was extremely down to earth and easy to get along with, and by the end it felt as though we had been friends. I actually went on this tour at the end of my stay in Mexico City after frequenting the same places for many months and it brought a fresh breath of air that I’d needed – we went through local neighbourhoods which I’d not yet explored.

It was a six-hour tour but it went by so fast, and this tour honestly had the most food and variety.

Eat México

Finally, I’d like to recommend Eat Mexico where I went on a city taco tour. My guide, Adrian, knew an awful lot about tacos (honestly, before the tour I still thought that tacos came in hard shells) and didn’t hold back on taking us to the best stalls in the city.

One of my favourite things about this tour was the fact that Adrian made it clear that we could order as much food as we wanted, and at the end of each stop asked if anyone fancies seconds or thirds.

This was also my first night tour and I loved being able to wander around Mexico City at night and feel completely taken care of.

You may not know it just yet, but Taipei is a real culinary paradise, filled with vibrant night markets and cosy breakfast spots and upscale restaurants and everything in-between. There’s a million delicious dishes that I adore in this city, but today I’m only going to share with you a few.

1. Hou Bing and Shao Bing (Fu Hang Soy Milk)

Start your trip with a visit to Fu Hang Soy Milk for their hou bing (thick bread) and shao bing (flatbread). These breads are traditionally stuffed with scrambled eggs and Chinese fried dougnut sticks (literally the best thing in the world), coming together to create a hearty and delicious breakfast. Hou bing is soft and chewy, while shao bing is crisp and flaky, offering a delightful contrast in textures. Pair it with a bowl of hot or cold soy milk to truly transcend into foodie heaven.

2. Deep-Fried Taro Balls (NingXia Night Market)

NingXia Night Market is famous for its wide array of treats, and the deep-fried taro balls are one of the treatiest treats there are. The vegetable is mashed, shaped into balls, and fried to perfection, resulting in a sweet, rich, and buttery flavour. Is this not just the ideal snack as you explore the lively market, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of everyone’s favourite street food scene?

3. Oyster Omelette (NingXia Night Market)

Another favourite at NingXia Night Market is the oyster omelette, a classic Taiwanese dish. This delight combines fresh, plump oysters with eggs and a starchy batter (the Taiwanese sure do love their batter), fried to create a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior. Topped with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, the oyster omelette is quite possibly the best omelette variation in the world.

4. Pepper Pork Buns (RaoHe Night Market)

At RaoHe Night Market (one of my personal favourites), the aroma of pepper pork buns cooking in tandoori ovens is nothing short of IRRESISTIBLE. The dough is rolled out and filled with a mixture of ground pork, scallions, and black pepper, then baked until golden brown. The result is a bun that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely bursting with goodness. I adore it, and you’re going to, too.

5. Beef Noodles (Yansan Night Market)

Yansan Night Market (have you noticed my love for night markets yet?) is renowned for its beef noodles, a comforting and satisfying meal. Frankly, this was my first love in the city. The beef is typically slow-cooked until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth is infused with a mix of spices and soy sauce, creating a deep, complex flavour. Served with thick, chewy noodles that soak up the broth delightfully, this is going to become one of your staple Taiwanese cravings, I swear.

6. Soup Dumplings (Ming Yue Tang Bao)

Ming Yue Tang Bao offers delicious soup dumplings, also known as xiao long bao or also everyone’s favourite dish. These delicate dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground meat and hot, flavourful broth (nobody does broth like the Taiwanese). I’ve had so many of these soup dumplings during my time here, but frankly, these here bad boys are the absolute best. Be sure to bite into them carefully to enjoy the delicious broth inside without spilling it absolutely everywhere.

7. Scallion Pancake (Tianjin Cong Zhua Bing)

Tianjin Cong Zhua Bing serves a divine little foodstuff referred to scallion pancakes, the dish that made me realise that whilst my body cannot process onion, it sure can process this (it was a very joyous discovery, indeed). These pancakes are made from dough layered with chopped scallions, then fried until crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The flaky layers and fresh taste of the scallions make it a beloved street food item in Taipei and hopefully soon, the world.

8. Lu Rou Fan (My 灶)

Lu Rou Fan, or braised pork rice, is a Taiwanese comfort food staple, and My 灶 serves a version that is going to make you audibly moan. This dish features tender pork belly simmered in soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and spices, and whilst relatively simple, the flavours are nothing short of insane.

9. Shredded Chicken Rice (Liang Kee’s)

This dish features tender chicken perfectly seasoned with a house blend sauce made from chicken fat (mmm) and soy sauce. It’s another simple dish that is truly unforgettable, and I think it really highlights the goodness of Taiwanese cuisine. Note that one day I will be able to successfully eat it with chopsticks, I swear.

10. Taiwanese Burger (Lan Jia Gua Bao)

Oh my god, this alone will keep you full the whole day – so make sure to skip breakfast. These fluffy steamed buns are filled with tender braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro, creating a perfect balance of everything that is good in the world. Imagine, the sweetness of the bun, the richness of the pork, the tanginess of the pickles, and the crunch of the peanuts… yes, I am salivating.

11. Sun Cake (Lee Chi’s)

Lee Chi’s is famous for their sun cakes, traditional Taiwanese pastries that are flaky, buttery, and filled with a rich, malty syrup. It pairs so perfectly with tea (but then again, honestly, what doesn’t?), and as it was one of the first things that I tried upon landing in Taiwan, it will always have a special place in my heart. My suitcase home will literally just be filled with this sun cake.

12. Shaved Ice (Long Du)

For dessert, visit Long Du for their famous shaved ice. Try their signature eight-treasure shaved ice, topped with various sweet toppings such as red beans, mung beans, barley, boba, taro, peanuts, and everything else that your heart could possibly desire. It’ll make you hope you miss your flight home, believe me.

A massive thank you to Taipei Eats for showing me the best food in the city – frankly, I wouldn’t travel with anyone else. Not only do they offer a unique and immersive way to explore the vibrant culinary scene of Taiwan’s capital, but you will be shown around by a local guide who is both passionate and incredibly knowledgable.

Note that a tour with Taipei Eats is not just about tasting food – it’s also about understanding the stories and cultural significance behind each dish. The guides offer an experience that you’re simply not going to find just by yourself, with insights into the history, ingredients, and preparation methods of the foods you try. You can meet the chefs, ask as many questions as you like, and rest easy knowing that all the food stops are going to be absolutely incredible.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Taipei and try some of the best food in the world. I’ll still be here (Taiwan is my new home, after all), just snacking on a scallion pancake or two.

Make My Day Cooking Lab

I’ve always loved cooking classes, but the one at Make My Day Cooking Lab was special. I spent the day learning from Chef Wayne, a passionate instructor with nearly 30 years of culinary experience and a warm, easygoing teaching style. It was so bloody fun.

When we met, Wayne explained that he’d honed his cooking skills in Melbourne as an overseas student—where he mastered everything from Italian classics to Taiwanese home cooking—and returned to Taipei in 2015 to found this charming little kitchen-lab. He was the perfect guide and teacher for a very in-depth Taiwanese cooking class (plus, he was super easy to banter with!).

Market Tour: Where It All Begins

Our morning began in the bustling Dongmen market, where Taipei’s daily rhythm hums to life among crates of leafy greens, fragrant herbs, and chatter in lilting Mandarin. Wayne led us both through the maze of narrow aisles with the easy familiarity of a local. He paused often, plucking up plump peaches, bunches of crisp water spinach, or bundles of pungent basil, explaining not just what they were, but how they fit into Taiwanese home cooking.

We lingered at stalls brimming with glistening fish on ice, marinated tofu, and baskets of bright chilies. Wayne offered cooking tips—like how to balance flavours with a dash of rice wine or how to choose the best ingredients. Between lessons, he encouraged me to taste: tiny cups of cooling herbal tea, slices of fruit I’d never seen before, and bite-sized Taiwanese snacks that seemed to burst with umami and spice, each one a miniature souvenir of local flavour.

These market visits are at the heart of Make My Day’s philosophy that cooking should be rooted in place and story. Here, you don’t just learn a recipe—you soak up the sights, smells, and sounds that bring a dish to life. By the time we left the market, bags brimming with fresh ingredients, I felt more connected to Taipei itself, ready to turn these local treasures into a meal I could truly call my own.

Traditional Taiwanese Food (No Onion!)

Back in the kitchen—a bright, welcoming space that feels more like a friend’s home than a classroom—we rolled up our sleeves and got to work transforming the fresh market finds into classic Taiwanese dishes. Each recipe came straight from Wayne’s collection, thoughtfully adapted to pack in layers of umami and fresh herbs, but never a hint of onion (due to my allergies).

Wayne patiently guided me through each step, peppering his instructions with tips and stories. He even revealed a trick I’d never come across before: stir-frying with just water instead of oil. Watching vegetables sizzle and soften without a single drop of oil felt almost like kitchen magic—and the result was light, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Plus, I learnt how to make mushrooms sweat.

We made several dishes, but my absolute favourite was the three-cup chicken: fragrant with holy basil, its glossy sauce clinging to every tender piece, it was sticky, savoury, and irresistible. Every bite was a window into real home cooking: straightforward techniques, bright, balanced flavours, and just honest, nourishing food.

Bubble Tea from Scratch

As if the feast weren’t enough, Wayne saved a final treat: bubble tea, made completely from scratch. We started with warm tapioca starch, kneading it into a pliable dough, then rolled it out and cut it into dozens of tiny circles, rolling them into pearls. There was something meditative about forming each pearl, watching them drop into a pot of boiling water, and waiting for them to float.

Once cooked, we layered them into tall glasses with ice, fresh-brewed Oolong tea, and sipping our homemade bubble tea—sweet, toasty, with just the right chew—felt worlds away from grabbing one at a café. Soooo good.

A Personal Takeaway

When the last dish was plated and the final sip of tea poured, Wayne and I swapped stories about family cooking and chatted about life in Taiwan. It felt less like a formal class and more like gathering around a family table.

By the time we said our goodbyes, I realised I hadn’t just learned recipes. I’d stepped into a slower, more thoughtful way of cooking and eating, one that celebrates fresh ingredients, everyday rituals, and the joy of sharing a meal made with care.

Whether you’re a foodie, travel lover, or just curious, Make My Day Cooking Lab is a warm invitation into Taiwanese culture—served up by Chef Wayne with care and story. If you ever find yourself in Taipei and want to roll your own boba, taste home-style dishes in a cosy kitchen, and walk away with a full heart (and belly), this is the class to book <3

The city is a melting pot of cultures, each contributing unique histories and flavours to the culinary scene. And within Sambal, one of the last remnants of old Kuala Lumpur, neighbourhoods like Chow Kit and Kampung Baru retain their traditional charm with wooden houses and bustling markets influenced by Malay, Indian, and Arab flavours.

Now that you’re salivating, here’s 10 street foods you simply can’t miss in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang: This iconic Malaysian dish features fragrant coconut rice served with tender rendang chicken, crunchy peanuts, crispy anchovies, and spicy sambal. This was honestly one of my favourite things to eat in the city, and is the sort of dish that will leave you full all day.

2. Mee Ayam: A comforting bowl of egg noodles served with succulent chicken slices and savoury broth, mee ayam is a popular street food that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

3. Satay Malaysian: Skewered and grilled meat, often chicken or beef, served with a side of peanut sauce and rice cakes, satay is a beloved street food that showcases Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. Don’t tell the Indonesians this, but I personally think that Malaysian satay is the best in the world.

4. Putu Bambu: A delightful snack made of steamed rice flour filled with palm sugar, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and served with grated coconut. Honestly, I was so full on the food tour that I had to take this one to go – and boy, it was still delicious several hours later. Soft, fluffy, and a little sweet, it was moorish to say the least.

5. Cendol: A refreshing dessert consisting of shaved ice, coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and palm sugar syrup, I wasn’t expecting cendol to be as delicious as it was. Ideal for breaking up heavy meals, several bowlfuls of this dish really went a long way.

6. Roti Canai: This flaky and crispy flatbread, served with flavourful curry dipping sauce, is a breakfast favourite that can be found on quite literally every corner of Kuala Lumpur. I ate this dish several times during my time in Kuala Lumpur, but the absolute best was only found on the A Chef’s Tour street food tour.

7. Mee Goreng: This dish might look simple, but I promise you, these looks are extremely deceiving. Stir-fried noodles tossed with an assortment of spices, vegetables, and meat or seafood, there are so many flavours in this dish that you’re probably going to have to focus to unearth them all.

8. Otak Otak: I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from grilled banana leaves filled with fish paste, but it was surprisingly tasty. It’s easy to see why this is such a popular snack around here, and I probably wouldn’t have tried this one had I not been showed it by my guide.

9. Ikan Bakar: Malaysia can never be accused of serving weak flavours, especially when it comes to dishes like this. Grilled fish marinated in spices and served with a side of sambal chili sauce, ikan bakar is a mouthwatering dish that shows you that you’ve really never experienced so many flavours before.

10. Fruits: I’d never tried so many exotic fruits before, but honestly, loved every single one of them (okay, that’s a lie: I could have lived without ever trying durian). Don’t miss out on trying mangosteen, rambutan, mata kucing (longan), and salak (snake fruit), available fresh from street vendors.

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A Chef’s Tour

I have travelled with A Chef’s Tour before in Bogotá and honestly, loved it. This is my absolute favourite food tour company and I will forever book with them wherever I go. And why?

• Authenticity: A Chef’s Tour doesn’t just take you to the most popular tourist eateries; it guides you through hidden gems known mostly to locals, offering an authentic experience that can’t be found elsewhere. The company prides itself on deep research and local connections to ensure participants enjoy genuinely authentic culinary experiences.
• Expert Guides: The guides are not just tour leaders; they are culinary experts, often local chefs or food enthusiasts with deep knowledge of their city’s culinary history and traditions. This expertise ensures that each tour is not only about tasting food but also understanding its cultural significance and origins.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Participants get to experience cooking demonstrations, visit local markets with chefs, and even enjoy meals in private homes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the culinary world that typical tourists rarely see.
• Small Group Sizes: By keeping groups small, A Chef’s Tour provides a personal and intimate experience. This allows for more interaction with the guide and deeper engagement with the food culture of each destination.
• Global Footprint: From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the vibrant markets of Mexico City, A Chef’s Tour operates in various destinations around the globe, offering a wide range of culinary experiences that cater to diverse tastes and interests.
• Personalised Attention: Reviews often highlight the company’s attention to detail and personalised care, ensuring that dietary restrictions are accommodated and that each participant’s experience is memorable.
• Value for Money: While providing exclusive and authentic experiences, A Chef’s Tour also offers great value for money. Participants often rave about the quality and quantity of food, the knowledge gained, and the overall experience compared to the cost.

Basically.

What is Chicago-Style Pizza?

First off, let’s talk about the reason why I flew all the way from Wales to Chicago: the pizza. And namely, the little curiosities that make up a Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

To begin with, there’s the crust: thick, sturdy, and ready to carry the weight of all your pizza dreams. It’s like someone decided pizza needed more carbohydrates – because, you know, pizza is clearly lacking in the carb department.

Now, onto the cheese. Imagine a cheese blanket so thick and gooey that you’ll wonder if you accidentally ordered a fondue pot with a side of dough. Mozzarella, the superhero of cheeses, takes centre stage, resulting in me pre-gaming with a handful of lactase tablets.

But we’re not done yet, oh no. The pièce de résistance is the tomato sauce, but this isn’t your ordinary marinara. It’s chunky, hearty, and bursting with flavour. It’s not just a topping; it’s art.

And toppings? Oh, honey, load ’em up! This pizza can handle it all. It’s like a pizza canvas, and you’re the artist, free to create your masterpiece. Pepperoni, sausage, veggies – it can handle everything. But personally, a handful of basil leaves is all it takes to transcend this marvellous work of art.

When this bad boy comes out of the oven, golden and bubbling, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. Chicago-style deep dish is the pizza for when you want to feast like a king and nap like you just conquered a food mountain. So, if you want your pizza to be an event, not just a meal, Chicago-style deep dish is waiting for you with open arms and a cholesterol warning.

Worth travelling all the way to Chicago? I certainly think so.

The Best Way to Experience Deep Dish Pizza

Now, we all know me and my love for food tours – and what better way to experience the best pizza in the city than with a wonderful Chicago Pizza Tour?

The owner of the company, Jon, took me and a small group of other pizza enthusiasts around the city to sample the very best that Chicago had to offer. And boy, did Chicago have some gems.

I was able to meet Robert of Robert’s Pizza, who told us all about his 25-year-old dough starter, the fermentation journey of said dough, and about the importance of sourcing good cheese. I learnt about American tomatoes (apparently very different to Italian tomatoes), the Great Fire of Chicago, and the significance of using gas-fired brick ovens to create the perfect base.

And then finally, I was blessed enough to try my first ever Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

The cheese was light and melty, the tomato was chunky and sweet, and the base was thick enough to contain all of these flavours. Quite frankly, all of my deep dish dreams had finally come true.

Jon continued to fill us in on everything pizza-related, but I was too lost in elation to write more notes about the experience. Frankly, I’m not even sure I was present at the end: a part of me ascended to a pizza-fuelled utopia.

After breaking bread four times with strangers and consuming some of the best pizzas that the world has to offer, I decided that Chicago has to be the best place on earth. And without a pizza tour, I would have missed it all.

And so, with this post sounding suspiciously like a pizza love letter, I’m signing off.

A massive thank you to Jon and the team at Chicago Pizza Tours for showing me the wonders of the city – I will forever reminisce on the joys of the deep dish.

As you can probably already guess if you’ve read this blog for long enough, the first thing I did upon arriving in Quito was join a food tour. Frankly, this turned out to be the best way to familiarise myself with the city and begin to learn about Ecuadorian culture.

I was taken on this tour by Santiago of Bondabu, and he was honestly one of the greatest tour guides I’ve ever had. He explained things simply for me, gave me further suggestions for the rest of my trip, and absolutely spoiled me with some of the most divine food in the country. He was un wey muy chido, vdd. (But clearly couldn’t exchange my CDMX slang for Quito slang.)

As it turns out, Ecuadorian food is even BETTER than Colombian food – controversial, I know (Colombianos, no me odien). And to back up my point, I bring you ten foods that you absolutely MUST try during a trip to Quito*.

*and surrounding areas

Encebollado: The Fisherman’s Soup

Start your culinary exploration with encebollado, a hearty fisherman’s soup that combines tuna, yuca, and onions (believe me, it’s a lot nicer than it sounds). It’s a bowl of comfort that warms the soul and gently eases you into the heart of Ecuadorian street food.

Colada Morada: Purple Corn Elixir

Quench your thirst with colada morada, a refreshing purple corn drink sweetened with fruits and spices. Before arriving to Ecuador I was told that this would be one of the best things I’d try during my trip – and boy, were they right! I swear, my mouth is watering just thinking about the drink.

Menestra: Ecuadorian Stew

Because apparently the people of Ecuador just really love soup?

Menestra is a savoury stew featuring beans, rice, and your choice of meat. This wholesome dish mirrors the diversity of Ecuador’s agricultural offerings and is something that you’re going to want to try HUNGRY.

Espumilla: The Sweet Cloud You Can EATTTT

If anyone’s ever been to a festival and been covered in espuma, this dish might bring back traumatic memories (just me..?). But regardless, it’s absolutely worth the flashbacks: with espumilla you can indulge your sweet tooth with a whipped meringue dessert filled with fruit. Light and airy, it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sugar cravings.

Quimbolito: The Sweet Steamed Cake

Experience the unique taste of quimbolito, a steamed cake made from corn flour and packed with delicious surprises like raisins and cheese. Yes, you read that right – this sweet treat has CHEESE inside of it. It is a delightful Ecuadorian answer to comfort food.

Tamal de Morocho: A Corny Delight

Tamal de morocho is a corn-based tamal that offers a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours. A popular choice among street food enthusiasts, it’s a must-try on your culinary journey – it even rivals the tamales of México, it’s that good.

Sopa de Fideo Ecuatoriano: Ecuadorian Noodle Soup (wow, Amy did a word-for-word title translation instead of something weird and whimsical?)

Elevate your soup experience with sopa de fideo ecuatoriano, a comforting noodle soup that showcases Ecuador’s passion for simple yet flavourful dishes. Believe me, this bad boy is deli. There’s nothing else to say.

Jugo de Tomate de Árbol: Tree Tomato Juice (gasp, she did it again!)

Quench your thirst with the unique taste of jugo de tomate de árbol, a refreshing tree tomato juice that’s both sweet and tangy. Personally, I have an intolerance to tomatoes but my dumb ass didn’t quite clock the ‘tomato’ in ‘tomato juice.’ You can use your imagination as to what came next.

(Worth it though.)

Maito: Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Maito is a culinary gem that involves wrapping locally-caught fish in banana leaves and grilling it to perfection. It’s a dish that captures the essence of Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems – and one which I was able to try in the rainforest before Quito (hence my side-note at the beginning of this post).

Masamora – The Forest Catfish

Since you mentioned the rainforest (it’s on you, not me), I have to end this rundown with masamora. From what I could gather, this is a mysterious catfish dish that also features a bunch of locally-sourced ingredients that don’t quite have translatable names in Spanish. It was pretty good, tbh.

Bondabu

I discovered a lot of these dishes with Bondabu and the aforementioned Santiago, who also introduced me to fritada, Ecuadorian quesadillas, and the delightful empanada de verde. Plus, I tried more fruits on this tour than I’d ever had in one day before, including guanabana, uvilla, granadilla, chirimoya, achotillo, and naranjilla. Ecuador has INCREDIBLE fruits, let me tell you.

I have plans to return to Ecuador and absolutely gorge myself on colada morada and maito once again at the end of the year, perhaps even moving myself there permanently. And if that doesn’t prove to you just how good the food is, I don’t know what would.

Thanks, Santiago and Bondabu!

Food Tour Quito

I also recommend Food Tour Quito as they offer an immersive culinary journey through the vibrant flavours and rich cultural tapestry of Ecuador. With expert guides leading the way, guests delve into local markets, savouring authentic dishes while learning about their historical and cultural significance. Their commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that each experience not only delights the palate but also supports local communities and preserves Ecuador’s culinary heritage.

Not just that, but Istanbul truly is a foodie haven – I don’t know how they do it, but every single morsel produced in the city is incredibly delicious.

And so, without further ado, I will share with you my complete food guide to Istanbul, Turkey. Of course, a lot of these places are located in Kadıköy – because a girl’s allowed to have favourites, right?

Boğaziçi Kuruyemiş Baharat

I’m going to start off this post with a classic – because if there’s one thing that Turkish cuisine is known for, it’s sweet, dried fruits. You’ll find these almost everywhere: served at celebrations, almost always with a slightly astringent cup of black tea, oftentimes following a number of more savoury and salty dishes.

As such, if you’re looking for the best dried fruit and pork-free gelatine sweets in the whole of Turkey, I cannot recommend anywhere better than this place. Usually, I go here twice a week to placate my sweet tooth and stock up on seemingly endless supplies of dried figs, plums, sultan grapes, and satsuma tangerines. Believe me, they are divine.

Çamlık, Selçuklu Cd. no:24/d, 34000 Pendik

Altan Şekerleme

As you can imagine, I have consumed almost an unholy amount of Turkish delight since arriving in Istanbul – and without a doubt, this place comes up top. It has been running for four generations and is currently managed by a kindly chap called Hakan Altanoğlu, who still works with secret recipes passed down from his father, from his father’s father, and so forth.

My advice? Try the rose delight. It feels like falling in love.

‪Demirtaş Mh. Kıble Çeşme Cad, Kantarcılar Cd. No:68, 34134 Fatih

Perla Çikolata

This is the first chocolate shop that I ever explored in the city and I am still incredibly fond of it. My Turkish speaking level is very weak so I always need to partake in a game of charades with the owner – but honestly, that usually ends up with me receiving a few free chocolates for my effort. The chocolate here is so delicious that I went three times within my first two days in the city, and now each time I return, I stock up on what I assume is an abundance of lactose-free chocolates but which only usually last me a few hours, at most.

All in all, it’s a pretty sweet place to indulge in everything cocoa-related.

Haseki Sultan, Hekimoğlu Alipaşa Cd No:16, 34096 Fatih

Melodi Çikolata

Not to be an absolute chocolate fiend, but this is another amazing place in the city where you can purchase a whole array of chocolate. There’s a couple branches so it feels less personal than the above, but the quality of chocolate is still so fine that I had to mention it.

My favourite is the dark chocolate-covered raisins – you can thank me later.

Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:17, 34710 Kadıköy

Lezzet duragi

This place is so insanely good, it honestly makes me wonder if I’d ever even eaten cheese before. Everything is always so fresh and full of flavour, and each time I return, I seem to try numerous new cheeses that I didn’t even know existed. As you can imagine, this is another place that I somehow find myself at almost all the time. Lactose intolerance, who?

Osmanağa, 12, Nüzhet Efendi Sk., 34714 Kadıköy

bungee dumpling

Honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about this place. Without a doubt, Bungee Dumpling has the best vegetarian dumplings in the whole city – and they are so cheap, too!

One of my favourite things to do in Istanbul is simply sit in this shop’s window seat, order rounds after rounds of dumplings, and watch the world go by. It brings me peace and warmth.

Caferağa, Zuhal Sk. No:1/B, 34710 Kadıköy

Mr dumpling

Okay, guilty, I have another favourite dumpling place. I don’t know why or how, but dumplings here are so bloody good that I tend to order way too much food here almost every Friday.

Here, you can try dumplings from all around the world, and there are plenty of vegan options. This is where I tried the traditional Turkish dumplings for the first time, and I’m ashamed to say that I have since turned into an addict. Manti for the win!

Osmanağa, Halitağa Cd. No:25, 34714 Kadıköy

yüce büfe

For those looking for the best fresh pomegranate juice in the whole of Turkey, I’ve got you covered! This little street stall is very nondescript and could easily be missed – but luckily, you now know where to look. Tell the guys that I say hi.

Osmanağa, Gençlik Sokak & Halitağa Caddesi, 34714 Kadıköy

Antepli Beraat Tatlı Ve Çiğ Köfte Salonu

Without a doubt, this place serves the nicest baklava that I’ve ever had in my entire life (and I used to live close to a baklava bakery, so that’s really saying something).

The owner here is super lovely and will play cards with you when there’s no one else in the shop; I strongly believe that you won’t find a better baklava, tea, and atmosphere combination in the world. I think that it must be one of life’s finest pleasures to be able to sit here, eating sweet-nutty-malty baklava, sipping tea which has a balancing slight bitterness to it, sitting in the shade, and petting every dog that goes by. Ahh, bliss.

Rasimpaşa, Karakolhane Cd. No:45, 34716 Kadıköy

Aslım fırın. Ekmek fırını

If there’s something that you truly need to indulge in Istanbul, it’s fresh simit. Basically, simit is a circular bread which is usually decorated with an abundance of sesame seeds, and has a crunchy outside and a soft inside. It feels a little like being caressed by a lover.

Of course, simit is the baked good of Istanbul, and it’s something that I eat every single day without fail. Do you know how much you need to love something to eat it every single day? Well let me tell you, it’s a bloody lot.

And this bread shop here serves the absolute best simit in the whole of Istanbul – believe me, I’ve tried them all.

Rasimpaşa, İzzettin Sk. No:113, 34716 Kadıköy

gozde sarkuteri

Because what would an article about Istanbul’s best food be without touching upon the Kadıköy Pazarı (market)? This is the area that locals go to buy the freshest, cheapest, and tastiest ingredients, and is a real foodie haven.

Within this foodie haven is Gozde Sarkuteri, a store which the Financial Times actually referred to as “one of the best 50 stores in the world”. It’s basically a bustling little deli filled with every single one of your produce needs, and is the place to go to buy kaymak: buffalo clotted cream. Trust me, you need to try it.

Güneşli Bahçe Sok. No:8 Kadıköy Balıkçılar Çarşısı, 34710 Kadıköy

Koz

Koz is the absolute best place for mulberries. You’re probably thinking, Amy, that’s so niche, why would you include a place just because you like the mulberries?

Well let me answer you this: have you ever tried mulberries from Koz? No? Then you have no idea how life-altering these little sweet bursts of joy can be.

Long story short: you need to go here.

palmiye gurme

I’ll be honest, Palmiye Gurme is my tea dealer in the city. I know, I know, snitches get stitches and all that, but I just couldn’t help it.

Here, you will find a type of Ceylon black tea which is full, rich, malty, and a little sweet, and is perfect to go alongside your morning simit and kaymak. Believe me, I’ve been doing it for months.

Osmanağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No: 9, 34710 Kadıköy

veganarsist

If you’ve been trying to scout out the best raw vegan brownies and baklava (which is a very specific hunt but I respect it) then this is your place!

I’ll be honest and admit that I’ve never actually stepped foot in this store – I just tend to order sweet treats and kombucha from them online every time I’m at home writing and the dried fruit isn’t quite cutting it for me. They never ask questions like ‘but isn’t this your fourteenth time ordering from us today?’ and I love them for that.

Osmanağa, Canan Sk. 20/A, 34714 Kadıköy

moda de nata

Pastel de nata is a type of Portuguese egg custard tart pastry which is often decorated with cinnamon, and which quickly becomes an addiction once you’ve scored your first blow.

The chef at Moda de Nata is actually from Portugal, meaning that you get to try the real thing whilst within the bustling cultural hub of Kadıköy. I really didn’t think that I’d find a favourite place for vegan Portuguese tarts here, but there you have it.

Moda da Nata, Caferağa, Dr. İhsan Ünlüer Sk. no:14/A, 34710 Kadıköy

Füj

One of my favourite breakfast and brunch spots in the city is Füj. They have amazing potato omelettes, salads, toasts, cakes… and their tea is served in the prettiest little diamond-esque glasses. Plus, every now and then the staff will whip out some instruments and have a little jam session in the corner, and I have to respect them for that.

Rasimpaşa mah, Uzun Hafız Sk. 96A, 34716 Kadıköy

brox

Okay, I know that it’s bordering on ridiculous to feature a place just because it has the best garlic chips that I’ve ever had, but gosh dang, this is my blog and I’m going to do it.

I can’t even describe how deliciously perfect their garlic fries are – I’ve been known to pop in even after stuffing myself on a full meal somewhere else.

BroX is my weird little guilty pleasure – I don’t know what sort of witchcraft they put into their fries, but I tend think about them at least once a day. And I want you to experience that, too.

Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:39, 34710 Kadıköy

CM noodle

I am not being dramatic when I say that I searched though MILLIONS of different noodle places in the city (okay, maybe I am), but have come to the conclusion that this is the best. The prawn noodles are something truly divine – and because their location is right amongst all of the pubs, you get free entertainment as you watch the drunkards stagger home.

Caferağa, Arayıcıbaşı Sk. No:20, 34710 Kadıköy

Tarihi Eminönü Balık Ekmek

The clue is in the name: this place specialises in balik ekmek. It is the cheapest place that I have found this exquisite fish sandwich, and the guys that work here are always so bloody lovely. They salt the fish, add a squirt of lemon, and when you tell them how incredible it is, they slap you heartily on the back. What more could you want?

Kalyatai Barbaros, Rüstem Paşa Mahallesi, 34116, 34110 Fatih

pokemate

This is one of the more expensive options in this guide (still only coming in at around $10 for a full meal), but believe me when I say that it is worth every penny. The chunks of raw, marinated fish amongst bowlfuls of vegetables feels incredibly healthy, and helps me detox a tad from the sheer amount of chocolate and kaymak that I consume on a daily basis. I didn’t expect to find a Hawaiian restaurant here, but I am so glad that I did.

Teşvikiye Mahallesi, Poyracik Sk No:10/A, 34365 Şişli

Cafe guide

Obviously, working as a writer, I know an almost unhealthy amount of good cafes in the city. I’ll be honest: I mainly base a good cafe on three things: good tea, good vibes, and good wifi.

You have been forewarned: now please go ahead in peace.

otaku cafe

This is one of my favourite cafes both because of the fact that it is so different from the rest in this post (namely, there’s anime paraphernalia everywhere!) but also because it’s the only place I have found that serves good genmaicha.

Whilst Turkish tea truly is something sent down from the Gods, genmaicha is a humble green tea with rice which was created by a farmer when he noticed that his people were suffering.

As such, one of my favourite things to do is sit here with a steaming cup of genmaicha, write about my woes, and make cooey noises at the super cute cat which often makes itself at home in the half-open sitting area where the cool people (e.g. yours truly) sit.

Caferağa, Dr. Esat Işık Cd. No:40, 34710 Kadıköy

Küff cafe

This was the first cafe that I ever drank tea at in the city, and it quickly became one of my favourites. It’s basically a funky little warehouse filled with books and plants and snazzy music. Plus, good tea.

Apparently, only the most fashionable, hippest people in the world go here – but unfortunately, I did not become hip by proximity. But perhaps you will..?

Osmanağa, Ali Suavi Sk. No:9/B, 34714 Kadıköy

Moda kitap

This is just the cutest darnedest cafe-cum-bookshop in Moda, and taught me everything that I needed to know about Ahmed Nedim, Turkey’s most esteemed poet.

Plus, there’s a neat little space where you can sit overlooking the street, watch the world go by, and ignore the fact that you have many deadlines fast approaching that you really need to work on. Instead, lose yourself in the world of Ahmed Nedim.

Osmanağa, Kazasker Sk. No:12, 34714 Kadıköy

Annapurna Cheesecake

I found Annapurna in the most unexpected of ways: I was scouring my local area on the search for a delicious vegan gluten-free and sugar-free cheesecake (I’d been overindulging a lot by that point), and would you believe it, this place had exactly that.

Plus, they also have a good selection of teas and serve this delicious cold basil drink that will forever live in the pit of my soul.

Rasimpaşa, Karakolhane Cd. No:50, 34716 Kadıköy

cafe MU

No lie, I think that I’ve written some of my best pieces in this cafe. It has the nicest vibes, delicious tea, and vegan banana bread that I might have started obsessing over a little bit.

Every now and then, you’ll find a cat curled up on the seats – I find that if you move it closer to you veeery slowly, it will eventually sit quite happily in your lap as you write.

They also serve really fancy coffee which smells amazing, but as I’ve never tried it (I’m not adult enough for coffee), I can’t vouch for it – perhaps you can go and fill me in?

Rasimpaşa, Karakolhane Cd. 46/A, 34716 Kadıköy

wanderlust Yeldeğirmeni

This cafe has the cutest outdoor seating area that I’ve ever seen – it’s like stepping into a jungle. There’s green stuff everywhere, and the tea is pretty bloody good. This cafe is a little more expensive to drink at than the others, but I think that the funky decor really makes up for it.

Rasimpaşa, Karakolhane Cd. No:55/A, 34716 Kadıköy

benazio coffee

Despite what the name might suggest, Benazio also serves really good tea and the most amazing chocolate smoothie in the whole world. Weekends here are my favourite: simply sitting back with a table full of Turkish breakfast plates, warm blood-coloured tea, and that semi-sleepy morning conversation is one of the most rejuvenating things for the soul.

Rasimpaşa mah, Karakolhane Cd. no:48/A, 34716 Kadıköy

Cafe stellar

Located on my favourite street in the whole word (I swear, it’s not just because it has the cutest street dog residents), Cafe Stellar has good vibes and good music, and the staff members are all so lovely.

Plus, they have the nicest tea glasses out of all of the cafes mentioned (they’re just so thicc), and it’s so cosy, it’s easy to consider this place almost as a second home.

Rasimpaşa, Uzun Hafız Sk. No:103, 34716, 34716 Kadıköy

coffee manifesto

Honestly, this place feels a little more corporate than the others, but if you’re looking for somewhere you can write for hours without anyone talking to you, then this is probably the best place. It is a chain, albeit small, and there are several locations – I chose this one as it almost always has a gorgeous ginger cat stretching across the seats. Go on, drink tea and pet the cat!

Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:40A, 34710 Kadıköy

Made by Mari

And finally, I end with my favourite chocolatier in the whole world. Over the past few months, the owners and I have become quite good friends, and I am so grateful to have accidentally stumbled upon this humble shop.

One of my absolute favourite things to do in the city is sit outside with one of the local cats, drink the best hot chocolate in existence, and learn more about the heavenly world of cocoa.

In fact, I wrote a whole post about this chocolate shop, where I interview Mari and her husband, Murat, and share trade secrets. You should give it a read: I think it’s one of the best pieces on this blog.

Rasimpaşa, Rasimpaşa Mah. Uzun Hafız Sk, Yeldeğirmeni Sk. No: 73/A, 34716 Kadıköy

Culinary backstreets

To be completely frank with you, my first few months in Istanbul would have been nothing without Culinary Backstreets. When I first arrived, I was dazed and confused and a little overwhelmed. But then I met Gonça, the coolest food tour guide that I’ve ever had, and everything changed.

When I first met Gonça, I immediately loved how fun and charismatic she was. When she told stories, her eyes lit up, and she has a way of explaining things which really makes you stop and listen. Over the course of a day, she took us to the most delicious spots in the whole city, filled us in on its histories and anecdotes, and introduced us to shop keepers that I would continue to build relationships with throughout my stay.

Frankly, Gonça was incredible.

Not only did she teach me about which areas to avoid and where to go instead, but she also shared with me many cultural insights. Remember when I said that the owner of the balik ekmek shop slapped me on the back because he was so happy I’d learnt how to compliment his food? That was all thanks to this tour. It helped me forge the building blocks which would make me me feel comfortable in my new home.

It truly was more than “just” a food tour.

“The beautiful thing about Istanbul,” Gonça told us when we were halfway through the tour, “is that people come here from all over Turkey, bringing their food, their culture, and even their tea with them. You can taste the whole country in just one city – isn’t that incredible?”

I promised Gonça that I wouldn’t write about the specific places that she had taken us to because they were all so special to her – and I completely understand. As such, in order to find the absolute best food places in Istanbul… you’re going to have to go on a tour with Culinary Backstreets.

“Be nosy, be invasive; experience all of the city in the deepest way you possibly can. Savour your food, connect with people, pop your head into stores even though it might feel scary. That’s the only way you can experience the real Istanbul.” – Gonça

I personally think that the local food is extremely underrated – and let’s be honest, ‘food’ isn’t the first thing you think of when you think Bangkok. But from guay jab to suki, there’s so many dishes to fall in love with. And I’m a strong believer that once you’re familiar with the food, a place can easily become home.

Also, quick side note: if you’re new to the city and want a local introduction, MagicalTrip is a great way to dip your toes in (and I recommend their Bangkok food tour via TukTuk). Their small-group tours are led by local guides who share their favourite hidden food spots and little cultural insights along the way. It’s such an easy, welcoming way to get a feel for the real Bangkok – especially if you’re still finding your footing in all the beautiful chaos.

So, without further ado, here’s 10 of the absolute best street foods to try during your time in Thailand, with a special emphasis on Bangkok and Phuket.

1. Steamed Shrimp and Pork Dumplings (Khanom Jeeb) – I’m going to start this article with my absolute favourite dish. I tried my first ever khanom jeeb whilst exploring the city with A Chef’s Tour – and I’m not going to lie, I have since frequented their recommended dumpling place way too many times. These delicate dumplings are a work of art, each one carefully handcrafted and steamed to perfection. The texture of the shrimp really adds to the dish, and the people making them are all super lovely.

2. Grilled Meat with Satay and Cucumber Relish (Moo Satay) – After trying satay in both Indonesia and Malaysia and discovering that it’s one of the most convenient and yet delicious street food snacks to ever exist, I was pleasantly surprised to have satay again in Thailand. Here, I was met with skewers of juicy, grilled meat served with a zesty cucumber relish and creamy peanut sauce. My mouth is watering just writing about it.

3. Chicken Sukiyaki Noodles (Suki) – Craving something comforting? Look no further than a steaming bowl of sukiyaki noodles. Tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and glass noodles (my personal favourite type of noodles) come together in a flavourful broth, and I swear, it heals something inside of me each time I eat it.

4. Pennywort Juice – I’d never tried anything like this juice before, but apparently pennywort is good for circulation and due to how often I fall during rollerskating, when I went out with A Chef’s Tour I was absolutely covered in bruises. The taste of the drink was herbal with a hint of sweetness, and frankly, it’s the perfect companion as you explore the vibrant sights and sounds of the city. Plus, it’s a great way to cool down under the Bangkok sun (who knew it could be both so hot and humid??).

5. Rolled Rice Noodles and Crispy Pork Soup (Guay Jab) – Dive into a bowl of guay jab and experience the comforting embrace of rolled rice noodles and crispy pork in a super delicious broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any noodle lover, and whilst I very rarely eat pork, even I recommend it.

6. Soy Sauce Ice Cream – Due to my lactose intolerance, I couldn’t eat more than a spoonful of this strange little treat – but believe me, it’s absolutely delicious! It was completely unexpected – after all, how often do you hear about soy sauce ice-cream?! It surprised me just how well the savoury and umami tones of the soy balance out the sweet creaminess of the ice-cream, and it’s not a dish I’m going to be forgetting any time soon.

7. Fried Chinese Chive Dumplings (Gui Chai) – I’d already noticed these dumplings on several street corners in Bangkok, yet was a tad shy at trying them myself – hence why A Chef’s Tour was so handy! Each bite revealed a burst of savoury chive goodness, making it another one of those dishes that I would end up consuming what can only be called an impressive amount of times.

8. Spicy Seafood Soup (Poh Teak) – Personally, I’m a tad too weak to handle a lot of spice – but a bowl of spicy seafood soup was actually a great way to sweat out against the heat of the city and accustom myself. Filled with shrimp, fish, and fragrant herbs, it’s a flavour-packed dish that’s sure to leave you feeling both satisfied and warmed to the core.

9. Wok Fried Morning Glory (Pad Pak Bung) – Now I don’t know about you guys but I absolutely LOVE morning glory, and apparently especially when paired with garlic and chilli. I could probably eat this one dish with every single meal from here on out.

10. Mango and Sticky Rice (Khao Neiw Mamuang) – Can you believe that after months of travelling South East Asia, Bangkok was the first time I tried mango sticky rice? But boy, am I glad that I did! This is now my #1 sweet treat to get here (less than an hour ago I ate it for my breakfast), featuring ripe mangoes served with sticky rice and drizzled with coconut cream. It’s sweet, it’s salty, and it’s super refreshing. It might just be one of my favourite things about Thailand.

Eating with A Chef’s Tour

I’ve spoken about A Chef’s Tour and my love for this company previously on this blog (for example, when talking about Bogotá, and then my favourite food scene, Kuala Lumpur), but after going out with them in Bangkok wanted to hype them up again a little more.

It started in Phuket Old Town, right by Ranong Market: scooters buzzing past, the air rich with turmeric and lime, locals setting up for the day. The city was waking up and frankly, so was my appetite.

We spent the morning wandering through narrow backstreets, meeting vendors who’ve been serving the same dishes for decades. Each stop came with a story about family recipes, about how the south’s food reflects the mix of Thai, Malay and Chinese influence, and about how every ingredient carries a bit of history. We tried Michelin star roadside snacks (divine!!) and visited areas I absolutely would not have found by myself.

We tried everything from warm savoury bites fresh off the wok to bright, fiery southern curries and noodles I’d never seen before. The flavours were bolder than I’d expected: spicy, tangy, full of herbs and coconut, but balanced in that perfect Thai way.

My personal favourite was dessert: it was delicious, it was a little fancy, and it was the perfect way to end my trip. I’m not going to tell you what it is though: you have to try it for yourself.

By the time we ended the tour, I was full of food and full of connection: to the city, to people, to a side of Thai cuisine I’d known existed but hadn’t really experienced. I wandered back under the mid-morning sun with new favourite flavours, and contact info for the vendors (yes, I asked). This wasn’t just a food tour: it was a lesson in how much culture and memory can live in a bowl. <3

La comida de Colombia es diferente a todo lo que comerá en otros lugares – incluso los nombres suenan extraños. Pero la comida de acá se va a ganar tu corazón por sus increíbles sabores, y nunca vas a olvidar los deliciosos platillos de este país.

En Medellín me uní a un tour de comida con una empresa llamada Real City Tours. Esa fue la mejor manera de aprender cosas sobre la ciudad y probar la comida de la zona, y recorrimos el corazón de la ciudad, y al final, acabé enamorada de todo.

1. Bocadillo

Voy a empezar con mi cosa favorita de todo del tour: el bocadillo.

Durante el tour, probé muchas cosas – pero mi favorita fueron los bocadillos. Básicamente, están hecho de pulpa de guayaba con panela de caña de azúcar o azúcar normal; tienen un sabor muy dulce. Necesitas probarla eso cuando está mezclada con queso – los dos sabores juntos crean un manjar que vas a querer a todas horas.

2. Empanadas

Algunas personas dicen que las mejores empanadas son las de Argentina – pero obviamente yo prefiero las de Colombia. Eso es porque en Argentina las empanadas son horneadas, pero en Medellín, probamos las empanadas fritas. El sabor es inigualable.

Por supuesto, son menos sanas que en Argentina, pero, ¿a quién le importa?

3. Buñuelos

Los buñuelos de Colombia son muy diferentes a los buñuelos de México y de España – no son como los donuts de Andalucía y no son como las cosas planas de México. De hecho, los buñuelos de Colombia son absolutamente únicos.

Acá, los buñuelos están hechos de una masa con queso, y puedes comerlos con mermelada, sirope, salsa de chocolate, o arequipe. Son irresistibles.

4. Arepas

Una de las comidas más colombianas son las arepas. Se trata un tipo de pan de harina de maíz, normalmente con carne o queso dentro. Hay más de treinta tipos de arepas, y todas son redondeadas y planas.

Mi arepa favorita es la arepa de queso, que es una de las arepas más comunes. Tiene un sabor salado y puedes comerla a cualquier hora: desayuno, almuerzo, cena, y para llenar el gusanillo.

5. Ajiaco

En Bogotá probé mi primer ajiaco, y obviamente lo amé. Fui con una empresa llamada A Chef’s Tour con la que exploré la ciudad por primera vez.

En ese tour, mi guía (llamado Andrés) nos mostró dónde podríamos encontrar la mejor comida de la ciudad – y durante los siguientes tres meses, regresé una y otra vez a estos lugares. Debo mucho a ese tour por mostrarme la comida que comería en los días siguientes.

El ajiaco es un caldo con pollo, alcaparras, y maíz, con aguacate y arroz al lado. Contiene una hierba llamada guascas, y cuando todo está mezclado, se crea un sabor muy rico.

Es un plato para cuando tienes mucha hambre, porque te llenará muy rápido. Cuando estuve enferma, me ayudó mucho, por lo que creo que este plato lo puede curar todo (especialmente un corazón roto, ay, Bogotá).

6. Tamales

Probé mi primer tamal en México, y pensé que los tamales de Colombia serían lo mismo. Pero estaba equivocada, porque los tamales de Colombia son mejores.

En Colombia, los tamales tienen una forman distinta con sabores diferentes, y llevan menos especias que en México. Obviamente, tienes que probarlos y experimentar los sabores de acá – mi tamal favorito es el de arroz y pollo.

7. Bandeja Paisa

Este es un plato aún más grande que el ajiaco, con carne, frijoles, morcilla, plátano, y aguacate – todo en un solo plato.

Algo parecido al ‘English breakfast’, es un plato que puede llenarte para todo el día – perfecto para cuando estás viajando. Los sabores se mezclan de una manera perfecta, y cuando extrañaba a mi país, regresaba a comer esto.

8. Obleas

Las obleas son una comida tipo sándwich, que consiste en dos galletas extrafinas redondas extrafinas rellenas con deliciosos ingredientes.

Puedes encontrarlas en casi cada esquina en los centros de las ciudades de Colombia, y son muy baratas. Así que, son el snack perfecto para llenarte de energía y explorar. Además de su precio muy conveniente – ¿qué más puedes pedir?

9. Jugo de Lulo

Este es un jugo que bebía casi todos los días.

Lo probé por primera vez en Bogotá con un crudo fatal, y me curó. Es un jugo hecho de la fruta del lulo, que crece solamente en Colombia y algunos países cercanos como Ecuador. El sabor es dulce y agrio, y va perfecto con un plato de bandeja paisa o ajiaco.

10. Chocolate Santafereño

Y al fin. Mi bebida favorita de todo de Colombia es el chocolate Santafereño.

Básicamente, es una bebida de chocolate caliente con una pieza de queso adentro. Cuando lo bebes, el queso debería haberse derretido, resultando en un sabor entremezcla de dulce y salado.

Generalmente lo bebes con un tipo de pan llamado almojábana que tiene queso también, y ambos juntos crearán un plato muy único en el mundo.

Ahora me encuentro escribiendo este artículo desde Reino Unido después de casi cuatro meses viviendo en Colombia, y extraño un montón la comida.

Estoy muy agradecida con Real City Tours y A Chef’s Tour por mostrarme la mejor comida típica del país, y espero que cuando los visites, puedas unirte a sus tours para descubrir los mejores lugares dónde probar estas delicias. En realidad, cuando regrese, voy a apuntarme otra vez a los tours. Gracias por todo a mis guías – ustedes hicieron que el viaje fuera mucho más sabroso!