The Best Meals I've Had Abroad
- Devyn
- Jan 15, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2019
Food and travel go hand in hand for me. One of the best parts of going somewhere is all the new foods and dishes I get to try. I’ve tried foods I never thought I would – raw sea urchin anyone? – but have discovered dishes that have become constant cravings. Whenever I research a city we are visiting, scouting out must-stop eateries is at the top of the list. But often we find our favorite meals through other means. Whether it’s coming from a well-informed concierge worker, a friendly tour guide, or simply stumbling upon a new place, good food just seems to find us.
Throughout my world travels, I’ve managed to narrow down a list of the best meals that I can remember eating. I’m only noting ones from abroad – I feel like I’ve had too many great experiences in the United States to include those in the mix. Desserts have also been excluded, but I did make a separate round-up for those HERE. Hopefully this inspires you to go out of your way to stop at these places if you ever find yourself in the area…
5.) Currywurst at Curry at the Wall Berlin Mitte
This has made the list as it stands as one of the best things my husband has ever had. This is a relatively simple dish – pork sausage with curry-ketchup smothered on top and a side of fries – sold from an outdoor stand. But just mentioning currywurst leaves my husband with his eyes rolling backwards, lost in a memory of deliciousness. Don’t skip this cheap, amazing meal. Veg-heads delight: they sell a vegetarian version.
4.) Omelegg in Amsterdam
Breakfast is seriously underrated. Most people tend to remember the amazing dinners they’ve had, but the breakfasts we had at Omelegg in the heart of Amsterdam are remembered fondly. This quaint eatery features the most unique omelettes I’ve never even dreamed of. From traditional ham and cheese to banana peanut butter (trust me, not as weird as you think), you’ll find endless combinations that are simply fantastic.
3.) Aburi Oshi Sushi at Miku in Vancouver
This is one of the most frustrating dining experiences because it has forever ruined sushi for me. I have rarely had sushi since dining here in 2017 because nothing will ever be this amazingly delicious - other sushi joints just don't compare. These rolls are flame-seared and truly the definition of mouthwatering. Order all three aburi oshi rolls and prepare to be transported to another realm of food.
2.) Kiki’s Tavern in Mykonos
Outside the hustle and bustle of Mykonos Town sits Kiki’s Tavern, a restaurant you would easily overlook if you didn’t know it was there. It doesn’t have electricity and takes effort to get to (you’ll need to either rent a car or take a taxi to get here). This little tavern features amazing grilled food and daily salad specials. Come hungry and early – there are no reservations and the line starts growing up to two hours before it opens at 12:30. It’s overlooking a quiet bay where you can go for a swim, and if you get stuck waiting, you’ll be treated to free wine to pass the time. Get the grilled feta to share and don’t miss out on the pork chops. Closing time is whenever the sun goes down.
1.) L’Abeille in Paris
I feel this is unfair to include because not many people have the capacity to dine at a two Michelin starred restaurant in the culinary capital of the world. But if you are ever considering a splurge meal, please make an effort to dine here. Nestled in the Shangri-La, this swanky restaurant offers all the luxuries of a five-star meal with none of the judgment you think you might encounter. The entire staff was almost too polite and accommodating – they folded our napkins if we got up to use the restroom and replaced our water after every sip. Plus, they sent us home with literal gifts. We were rewarded with an amazing array of dishes that didn’t disappoint. We had expert wine pairings along the way and no less than three dessert courses. The menu varies daily depending on what’s in-season. You might end up trying things you never expected (like caviar) but it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t let the price discourage you. Yeah, this isn’t cheap, but we got four drinks and seven (or eight? I lost count) courses over a three hour span for about $450 (including tip). That’s how much it would have cost to catch a dinner show at Moulin Rouge or take a touristy Seine dinner cruise. PS – no pictures of this meal because I was too busy enjoying this honeymoon highlight.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Narrowing this down to a top five was really difficult, so I’ve decided to list some honorable mentions!
· Liondi in Athens, Greece – a short walk from the Acropolis, this traditional Greek restaurant served up the best spanakopita we had in all of Greece. Order the tzatziki and make a reservation. This is sandwiched between other similar restaurants so don’t be fooled into visiting a neighboring imposter.
· Na Winklu in Poznan, Poland – While most people will probably not find themselves in Poznan, if you do, stop here for the best perogies. With a variety of fillings and baked to perfection, it’s a perfectly Polish meal in a quaint part of town.
· Distrikt Coffee in Berlin – another breakfast favorite, this cute spot serves up a variety of dishes that are fresh and delicious. The avocado toast gets top marks.
· Estrella in Prague – this vegetarian restaurant was even considered a favorite by my carnivore husband. This place is cash only and small but served up a delicious menu with inventive veggie-forward dishes. Try the ginger tea while you are there.
· Vlaams Friteshuis in Amsterdam – who doesn’t love hot, crispy, fresh fries? Tolerate the line and get yourself a cone of this delicious snack as you walk around the town. You’ll get a choice of sauce to add on top – the curry ketchup is spot on, but you can’t go wrong with the “classic” mayo.
The foodie in me craves traveling just for the amazing eating experiences I’ve encountered. If you were looking for another reason to travel, let the food guide you! Hopefully these top suggestions will help you find some great places to hit up. I’ll try and update this list as I trek to new locations and savor new meals. Be sure to check out my list of desserts HERE if you are looking for something on the sweeter side!
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