Cuisine is an integral component of culture and history in any destination, as well as being an opportunity for loved ones to commemorate special moments together.
One of the best ways to discover hidden gem eateries is to seek advice from locals. Taxi drivers or people sitting next to you in cafes may offer up some invaluable insight about which culinary spots exist within their city.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a bustling urban centre engulfed by mountains and glittering glass skyscrapers reflecting in still waters, boasting world-class chefs from various cuisines applying their culinary traditions to fresh produce from the Lower Mainland and seafood from cold waters off Vancouver Island. Their efforts result in West Coast cuisine which blends local ingredients with international influences and traditions for an exquisite dining experience.
Seafood features prominently on many local menus. Wild salmon paired with everything from maple syrup to kimchi ketchup is one of the most sought-after items, while other seafood favorites like sablefish, spot prawns, Dungeness crab and oysters also make appearances regularly. Fish Cafe + Raw Bar and Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar are among Vancouver food options you should visit to try these delicacies.
City of Brotherly Love is also an incredible craft beer destination with more than 50 breweries operating within its region. Local ingredients, from hops and barley to raspberries and honey can all be found in various brews produced here.
Even though Seattle is relatively small, its dining scene boasts an extensive variety of options from Michelin-star fine dining establishments to food trucks and izakayas. Chefs here often prioritize sustainability; menus here often list which farm, fisherman or butcher is responsible for each dish on their plates.
Vancouver stands out as an epicenter of culturally inspired cuisines, from Chinese, Indian, and South Asian styles – particularly prevalent is Chinese food which boasts strong representation here; Chinese-influenced restaurants can be found throughout Vancouver with particularly strong representation in Chinatown.
For something less fancy, head to Devil’s Elbow Ale and Smoke House on Granville Island. Here, grilled or deep-fried calamari is served up grilled, deep-fried or both in this casual eatery – it makes the perfect place for watching sports games with friends while indulging in delectable barbecue dishes!
Cambie Street’s loudly bustling Cambie Eats combines Japanese and Mexican fare into an unforgettable Vancouver foodie experience, with dishes such as their vibrantly spiced Chashu Carnitas with pineapple relish or their tasty Ramen Nachos with Birria and Fried Egg topping off this vibrant mix of flavours.
New York
New York is one of the premier dining cities, offering something for every dining enthusiast. There are high-end steakhouses, old-school delis and iconic diners with long histories – as well as neighborhood spots offering cuisine from around the world such as Mexican tacos in Williamsburg or Central Asian dishes in Queens.
Food trends in New York City are constantly shifting; new restaurants open all of the time while old favorites adapt and adapt their menus accordingly.
Recent years have seen an upswing in restaurants focusing on seasonal ingredients and regional flavors, from Brooklyn to Queens and Staten Island. You’ll find these new eateries popping up everywhere from their locations throughout these five boroughs.
Many of these restaurants have made lists by Thrillist, Timeout and Eater; so be sure to visit!
Spicy Village serves affordable yet spicy Chinese noodles and was featured on Thrillist’s New York bucket list as one of the highest rated eateries. Also, Wildair serves small plates in an intimate space.
Though New York City may be a large metropolis, its five boroughs contain numerous family-run eateries with authentic cuisine that have gained widespread popularity among New Yorkers. You’ll also be able to find authentic Georgian dishes at Chama Mama; another local eatery which has quickly grown popular over time.
New York City is well-known for its delis and breakfast sandwiches, offering a wide range of cuisine. At these establishments you can find anything from fried chicken and waffles at The Fry Bread Factory to Pho Saigon in Manhattan to Old School Deli in Brooklyn brisket! Afterward, sample something new every day by stopping into one of its bagel shops – don’t forget to ask for a “schmear”, which contains just the right amount of cream cheese!
Queens offers some of the finest local dining in NYC. Trendy new spots such as Rolo’s for one of the city’s best burgers and Mama Yoshi Mini Mart for delicious fried chicken sandwiches stand out, while decade-old favorites Rudy’s Pastry Shop and Gottscheer Hall remain beloved staples in this neighborhood.
Sydney
Sydney is known for its multicultural heritage and local passion for food, making it a culinary mecca. Sought-after seafood hails from its Pacific waters nearby while beloved Aussie dishes such as avocado toast, vegemite on toast and lamingtons are known worldwide. There are endless places in which to savor delicious cuisine in Sydney from acclaimed fine dining restaurants to alleyway cafes and glamourous cocktail bars.
Australian cuisine showcases Australia’s oldest culture with indigenous ingredients becoming more prominent at high-end restaurants like Lucky Kwong – situated near an Aboriginal ceremonial site – and Mark Olive’s bush pavlova at the Opera House. Indigenous chefs have also gained prominence at new eateries like Kylie Kwong and Josh Niland.
Sydney is famous for its signature dishes. Begin your exploration by tasting its iconic oysters harvested from its crystal clear coastal waters; these succulent creatures boast robust flavors and tender textures unique to this region, ideal when enjoyed with lemon and salt for optimal enjoyment.
Classic Australian cuisine includes grilled meats, fried vegetables and freshly pressed juices – which YOUNG HENRYS offers as part of their Newtown experience. Enjoy a cold craft beer or glass of Australian wine while exploring their menu of locally-sourced flavours and favourites.
Inner West newcomer Oenophile strikes an impressive balance between European-style wine bar and casual restaurant, offering innovative cross-cultural share plates with an expansive list of natural wines. Chef-owner Pasi Petanen’s sticky licorice cake with sweet carrot sorbet tucked underneath an airy layer of creamy yoghurt mousse is a crowd pleaser!
Busan
Busan, home to Korea’s largest fish market, is a beloved seaside city for seafood enthusiasts. Locals delight in delights like tteokgukbap (crispy wheat noodles in rich beef broth), haemultang (seafood hotpot), and shellfish grills; food streets dedicated to these treats abound along its seafront; yet there are many culinary treasures inland as well.
88 Ganbaji is best-known for their succulent jokbal, or pig’s knuckle dish, prepared in soy sauce with spices such as garlic, ginger and rice wine. Just minutes from BIFF Square, the restaurant also serves other delicious cuts such as oyster blade; its flavourful cut hugging the cow’s liver is popular among diners here too! Diners may opt to cook their meat themselves or go for pre-prepared yuk sashimi (beef tartare) that comes ready-cooked! Each dish comes finished off with tangy kochujang (chill Korean mustard paste) added for extra kick.
Japan, across the Korea Strait, has made its presence felt in Busan cuisine as well. A great place to experience this influence is Tokyo Babsang – designated Bib Gourmand-worthy restaurant near Gwangalli Beach where Chef Edward Kwon often receives accolades for ornate seafood-based dishes like razor clam with mussel pesto, daikon salad, daikon pickled cucumbers and daikon pickle as well as lobster ravioli served with soy bisque sauce, kumquat relish and raspberry gel.
Yukgaejang, a slow-simmered soup made of slow-cooked beef mixed with gosari (fernbrake), mushrooms, green onions, and bean sprouts is an ideal dish that offers both sweet and savoury tastes to satisfy palates alike. Typically served alongside rice.
Busan is famed for its light snacks like eomuk or fish cakes. Similar to Japanese oden, you can find these delectable morsels at most street food markets and restaurants around town – Samjin chain store offers these fish cakes in an addictive salty broth stewed directly onto each fish cake for maximum enjoyment! Gukje Market also offers excellent opportunities to sample this culinary delicacy; vendors here sell steaming vats full of these seafood treats!