Whether it’s a local jaunt to a neighbouring town, or an international long-haul to another continent, I’ve developed a true passion for travel – and a palate for the new flavours that I’ve discovered along the way.
My travels in 2018 brought me to over a dozen new destinations, and in each one, I indulged in an abundance of local cuisine. From savoury dishes, to sweet treats, here are five of my favourite foods that are totally worth travelling to try:
1) Maultaschen is a must-try in Baden-Baden, Germany
This year I ventured to Baden-Baden, Germany (my first visit to Europe) to celebrate my 40th birthday, and it was such a magical trip!
Dinner at the Gaststatte Goldener Lowe (The Golden Lion) was a cultural and culinary treat. I ordered the Maultashen – a meat and spinach ravioli with caramelized onion in a wine sauce, with a side of spaetzel noodles and rahm schnitzel with mushroom sauce, and it was a truly unforgettable meal.
Check out my story for the Vancouver Sun on 5 reasons to add Baden-Baden, Germany to your travel bucket list in 2019.
2) Bajan fish cakes are so delicious, you’ll want to bring some home
Traditionally a breakfast dish, fish cakes have now become a beloved snack enjoyed at any hour of the day in Barbados. Essentially, they are fritters made of boiled fish (commonly salted cod), mixed with flour and egg, then seasoned, rolled in a batter of fresh herbs and spices and, finally, deep fried.
They taste best when served piping hot and dipped in a spicy Barbados pepper sauce – such a favourite of mine, that I took a batch on the 14-hour trek home to Vancouver, and it was totally worth it!
The food in Barbados was so delicious, I wrote a whole article on How to eat like a Bajan in Barbados for BC Living.
3) Try the tasty Taiyaki cone in Ventura, California
Ventura Harbour Village is the go-to spot for beachfront eats. Satisfy your sweet tooth and snap an Insta-worthy pic at Coastal Cone Ice Cream, where you can pick up a one-of-a-kind Taiyaki cone – a handcrafted, fish-shaped waffle cone that’s soft in the centre and crispy on the outside. Fill it with one of more than 40 flavours of soft-serve ice cream… and, of course, pick the toppings of your choice.
Haven’t heard of Ventura, California? Read my story for BC Living on 5 reasons to venture to Ventura to learn more about this hidden gem.
Related: How To Snap Insta-Worthy Food Photos With Your iPhone
4) You’ll love the Lau Lau dish in Oahu, Hawaii
For authentic Hawaiian dishes that locals love in Oahu, head to Highway Inn for lunch or dinner. Since 1947, Highway Inn has been providing a taste of old Hawaii, through perfectly-prepared dishes featuring Poi (the go-to Polynesian starch and a staple dish for islanders, made from the root of the taro plant), Loco Moco, and local favourites like the iconic Lau Lau dish, which showcases pork or chicken wrapped and steamed in taro leaves (highlighted in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives earlier this year).
I did a culinary tour of the island of Oahu and shared Where to eat like a local (from farm to feast) on Oahu for BC Living.
5) Satisfy your sweet tooth with to-die-for Egyptian date cake
On your next visit to Victoria, skip the more traditional tea rooms and head to the Venus Sophia Tea Room & Vegetarian Eatery, a warm and welcoming space that sits snug in the centre of Chinatown. Owned and run by a local couple who are passionate about combining wholesome, homemade food with their wide selection of signature loose leaf teas to create the perfect shabby-chic tea spot, Venus Sophia offers a beautiful blend of laid-back and lavish lunch options.
For the signature afternoon tea, a mix of mouthwatering savoury and sweet bites are presented on a three-tier tray, each item equally as decadent. When available, the homemade Egyptian Date Cake (created using a family recipe belonging to the owner’s aunt) will satisfy your sweet tooth, as well as the perfectly-prepared orange zest and white chocolate scones.
Make a weekend of your visit to Victoria and check out my story for the Vancouver Sun on how to surprise your sweetheart with a getaway for Valentine’s Day!
