Whenever we think of travel dishes, we imagine something sweet or savory. But in reality, there are a variety of different types of dishes that can make traveling a breeze. From snacks to main courses, read about some of the best travel dishes out there. From Asia to Europe, these dishes will have you packing your bags and hitting the road in no time.
Top 10 Travel Dishes Around the World
There are many different variants of cuisine worldwide and even within countries. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the most popular dishes travelers make for themselves when on the go. Here are ten travel dishes that you can try on your next trip!
- Naan bread: This staple in India is perfect for dipping into any curry or sauce.
- Curried chicken skewers: These can be made with various flavors and eaten as an appetizer or main course.
- Hummus: This dip is versatile and can be served with anything from pita chips to crackers.
- Pad Thai: This dish is famous for its simplicity but delivers a big flavor thanks to spices like garlic, ginger, and palm sugar.
- Pho: A noodle soup from Vietnam, pho is a popular choice for those looking for a hearty meal on the go.
- Paella: A Spanish dish made from rice, seafood, and chorizo, paella is a great option if you want something hearty but not too heavy-duty.
- Burrito bowl: This unique dish typically consists of rice, beans, cheese, and some type of meat or veggie filling inside a wrap-style tortilla bowl – perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners on the go!
- Soft serve ice cream
Exploring the Delicious Cuisines of Different Cultures
Different cultures have unique cuisines sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or enjoy a savory meal, there’s a cuisine for you. Here are five delicious dishes from around the world that will make your mouth water:
- Indian Curries: If spice is your thing, then India is the place for you. From masala dosas to tandoori chicken, these curries pack a punch and will leave your taste buds longing for more.
- Korean BBQ: Nothing says summertime fun like BBQing meat outdoors! Korean BBQ is about flavoring the meat with different spices before cooking it over an open flame. It’s one of those meals that everyone needs to try at least once in their life.
- Mexican food is another must-try cuisine if you love spice and flavor. From fajitas to enchiladas, these dishes are packed with flavor and can be easily adapted to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Japanese Dishes: If sushi isn’t your thing, but you still want some delicious seafood, check out Japanese cuisine! From sashimi to tempura, these dishes are full of fresh flavors and will leave you wanting more (or maybe even cleansing your palate with some sake afterward).
- Italian Dishes: Italy has something for everyone, and its cuisine reflects that. From gnocchi to cannoli, these dishes are hearty and packed with flavor. Italian food is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for something truly unique.
Healthy and Portable Travel Dishes to Fuel Your Adventures
Are you looking to pack light and avoid unhealthy food choices while traveling? Here are five portable, healthy travel dishes to help you power through your adventures!
#1: Quinoa Bowl with Vegetables | This is a great meal option if you want something nutritious and filling. It’s also easy to make and can be eaten hot or cold, making it perfect for on-the-go eating.
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 onion, diced
One red bell pepper, diced
One green bell pepper, diced
One carrot, shredded
Two cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Three tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil*
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
1/2 cup vegetable broth* or water
Shredded kale or spinach leaves (optional)
Freshly grated ginger (optional)
*You can also use avocado oil if you’re trying to keep the dish vegan. Just omit the butter.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, onion, bell peppers, carrot, garlic, black pepper, and olive oil or avocado oil*.
- Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper as needed.
- Toss well until ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add vegetable broth* or water and toss again until ingredients are evenly coated.
Tips for Packing the Perfect Travel Dish Bag
When packing for your next trip, pack a travel dish bag! Here are a few tips to help you pack the perfect dish bag:
- Start filling the bag with your dishes and utensils. This will help you determine what size bag you need.
- Decide which category your dishes fall into breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. This will help you decide what type of bag is best suited for each meal.
- Choose a color that will help you identify your dish bag when it’s packed away in your luggage.
- If possible, choose a dish bag with dividers so you can organize different meals separately. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for when packing for your trip.
The Best Travel Dishes for Vegetarians and Vegans
The best travel dishes for vegetarians and vegans can be as simple or inventive as you like. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Quinoa Pilaf with Carrots and Raisins: This style dish is perfect for a quick and healthy meal on the go. Quinoa is a great source of protein, fiber, and iron, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Top it with sweet carrots and juicy raisins for a nutritious meal.
2. Pad Thai: This popular Thai restaurant dish can easily be made vegan by substituting tofu for the meat in the sauce. Be sure to mix plenty of fresh herbs, such as basil and mint, to give it that unique flavor profile that makes pad Thai addictive.
3. Tofu Burrito Bowls: These versatile bowls can be filled with all sorts of toppings, such as black beans, fresh veggies, avocado, or even garbanzo beans if you’re feeling adventurous (or filling). They make a great vegan lunch or dinner option and are easy to customize to your liking.
4. Roasted Vegetable Plate: This uncomplicated but delicious plate features roasted vegetables – such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini – dressed in a vinaigrette or pesto sauce customized to your taste preferences. It’s perfect for anyone who loves simple but flavorful dishes that they can enjoy.
A Guide to the Most Popular Street Food Around the World
Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. Some of the most famous street foods around the world include Thai chicken satay, Vietnamese banh mi, Turkish kabobs, Brazilian pão de queijo, and Mexican tacos.
Thai chicken satays are made from skewers of chicken breast covered in a sticky sauce and served with vegetables on a stick. Vietnam’s banh mi is a sandwich made from a French baguette filled with fresh meat, pickled vegetables, and mayonnaise. Turkish kabobs consist of grilled mutton or beef on skewers dipped in a seasoned yogurt sauce. Brazilian pão de queijo is a cheese-filled pastry that is typically eaten as an appetizer or snack. Mexican tacos are small corn tortillas filled with different types of meat, beans, and toppings, such as salsa or sour cream.
Must-Try Local Dishes While Traveling Abroad
There are so many unique foods to try when traveling, but sometimes it can take time to know where to start. Here are some must-try local dishes while traveling abroad:
- Juicy beef skewers at a Persian restaurant in Istanbul. This is excellent if you want something more substantial than your average street food.
- Malagueta sauce from the Spanish city of Málaga, made with fresh red tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. This sauce is perfect for fish or chicken dishes.
- A bowl of pho at a Vietnamese restaurant in Bangkok. This famous soup is made with beef broth and rice noodles and garnished with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. It’s hearty and delicious and worth trying out if you visit Thailand!
- Baklava from Greek pastry shops worldwide – especially in Athens – is made from layers of sweet dough filled with nuts and syrup. It’s always a hit with tourists!
How to Find Authentic Restaurants While Traveling
Looking for a great meal while traveling? Here are nine tips to help you find authentic restaurants.
- Ask locals: If you’re feeling adventurous, try out local eateries that need to be listed on tourist maps or guides. Ask your hotel concierge, taxi driver, or fellow travelers for suggestions.
- Check Yelp: One of the most popular resources for finding restaurant reviews is Yelp. You can search by city, cuisine type, and price range to get a good overview of what’s available in each location.
- Search Google Maps: If you are okay with narrowing down your search geographically, Google Maps can help you find hidden gems near your current location. Type in “restaurant + city name” and start exploring!
- Use online menus: Another great way to explore a variety of restaurants without leaving your room is to use online menus. Many hotels offer complimentary access to these menus, so it’s worth checking before dining.
- Scan food magazines: Food magazines come with handy restaurant listings at the back or inside, so be sure to take advantage of this resource when traveling!
- Check ratings and reviews online: Finally, one of the best ways to decide if a restaurant is worth trying out is by reading user reviews online before visiting. This will give you an idea of what others who have dined at the establishment thought about it.
Unique and Creative Ingredients Used in International Cuisines
There are many unique and creative ingredients used in international cuisines. For example, taro is a root crop from the South Pacific that is often used in East Asian cuisine. It is starchy, so it needs to be cooked for a long time to get rid of its starchiness, which gives it a substantial texture.
