5. Istanbul, Turkey
Kahvalti, known as the Turkish breakfast, is a feast fit for a (Ottoman) king. The extravagant spread consists of menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), tomatoes and cucumbers drizzled with olive oil, cheeses, oven-warm bread, and kaymac (clotted cream) swimming in honey. That, with the view of the other continent across the Bosphorus, will turn you into a morning person, if you’re not already. I still have dreams about kaymac, though.
Recommended: Turkish breakfast at Kale Cafe. Doner kebab and wet burger at Kizilkayalar. Mezze at Sofyali 9. Baklava at Güllüoğlu. Turkish coffee at Fazil Bey.
4. Bologna, Italy
Bologna, known as La Grassa or The Fat One is home to lasagna, ravioli, tagliatelle, and all the other pasta shapes you and I can probably think of. It is only right that this girl who practically worships pasta gives tribute to the city that gave us all of our heart’s desires. Bologna’s culinary history is as rich (and marvelous) as its signature dish, Tagliatelle al Ragu. Or in layman’s term, Bolognese pasta. But no, don’t go to Bologna looking for Bolognese pasta. Learned that the hard way.
Recommended: Start with an aperitif. My personal favorite, spritz. Tagliatelle al Ragu at Osteria dell’Orsa. Pizza at Ranzani 13. Gelato at Sorbetteria Castiglione.
3. Seoul, South Korea
There’s something highly satisfying about grilling bulgogi, samgyeopsal, and all the other meats that I can’t remember nor pronounce. Then wrapping it in lettuce leaves, dipping it in the mysterious sauces in front of me, taking a shot of soju here and there, and the rest is history. Of course, there is more to Korean food than its barbecue. From the classics to the fads, from high-end to street food, Seoul is bringing its A game.
Recommended: Visit Myeongdong for the street food. I highly recommend the egg muffin. Korean BBQ at Maple Tree House. Korean fried chicken at Two-Two.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is every foodie’s wet dream. It’s cheap, it’s unpretentious, and it’s hella good. This is probably the only place in the world where I don’t need to use Google and search Where To Eat. Okay, maybe I did once or twice, but that’s neither here nor there. The point is, I could just be walking down the street then I’ll find something interesting, and (because I’m me) I’ll obviously eat it and will be totally blown away. Speaking of being blown away, Thip Samai does pad thai like how it should be. And, consequently, just ruined all the other pad thais out there for me. Thanks, Thip Samai.
Recommended: Thai breakfast at On Luk Yun. Pad Thai at Thip Samai. Tom Yum Soup at P’aor. Fried Chicken and green papaya salad at Somtam Nua. Mango Sticky Rice at Mae Varee and Mango Tango.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Never mind the fact that Tokyo has the most number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. We can let that trivial detail slide. Stepping into the Japanese food scene is like stepping into a different world—a world where every bite is precious, every slurp is spellbinding, and food etiquette is once again essential. The otoro (fatty tuna) brought me tears of joy (and maybe actual tears too because of its price tag). Gorging on my spicy Ichiran ramen was almost like a religious experience. And oh matcha, I must’ve done something right with my life to deserve you. Indeed, the Japanese are always one step ahead of us.
Recommended: Sushi breakfast at Sushi Dai, Tsukiji Fish Market. Tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran. Tatanmen Ramen at Afuri. Takoyaki at Gindaco. Tsukemen at Rokunrisha. And if you want to splurge (and can manage to book a seat), sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro should be worth it. I have yet to cross that off my bucket list.
Bon appetit!
