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Have you ever planned a trip around food? We certainly have. Experiencing a culture through their cuisine is one of the most exciting and interesting parts of exploring the world — and it can even be the best part of a vacation. Next time you're planning to travel in the U.S. or abroad, consider stopping into these bucket list-worthy restaurants to try the local specialty.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a food lover's paradise, and tacos should be tops on a visitor's list. Head to Los Cocuyos, a famous taqueria, for everything from cabeza to tripa. All the meats simmer together slowly in a meat jacuzzi for the best flavor and texture.
Singapore
Singapore's famous Hainanese chicken rice is made by simmering whole chickens, then using the broth and fat to make garlic rice and serving more broth alongside. Head to the Maxwell Food Centre in Singapore for many vendor options, including Ah-Tai with its succulent chicken.
Cairo, Egypt
Koshary is Egypt's most popular snack and street food — and a carb-lover's dream. It's got two kinds of noodles, chickpeas, lentils, fried onions, and various sauces. At elegant Abou Tarek, they make a show out of pouring the tomato sauce on top.
Nashville, Tennessee
Hot chicken has become mainstream, but it all started at Prince's in Nashville. The chicken is battered, fried, and coated in an oil-based sauce (so the chicken stays crispy) that's thick with hot cayenne powder.
Hyderabad, India
Biryani is a rice dish that's cooked with spices, aromatics, and often meat like mutton or chicken. Cafe Bahar has been around a long time, and its mild, deeply flavored biryanis are some of the most consistently good in the city.
Philadelphia
Skip the two big cheesesteak places — Pat's and Geno's — and head to Angelo's instead. The seeded, dark brown, and crusty bread is some of the best in the biz, and the tender steak is no slouch, either.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
No-frills Scotchie's has built a name for itself by serving some of the best jerk chicken around. It's cooked directly on pimento wood for a traditional flavor, and packs plenty of habanero heat.
Paris
Each year, there's a French competition for the very best baguette, and 2024's winner is Boulangerie Utopie. The bakery's ethereal baguettes are light and made from sourdough, and come in seeded and black charcoal varieties.
Austin, Texas
Franklin Barbecue is probably the most famous barbecue joint in Texas; people line up for hours every single day just to make sure they get some of its famous meat. Brisket is king — this is Texas after all — but the sausage and ribs are top notch as well.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Doro wat is a spicy chicken stew, often featuring whole hard boiled eggs. One of the best places to get it is Yod Abyssinia, where it's served on an edible plate of spongy, tangy injera bread.
Lima, Peru
Isolina prepares homey, traditional Peruvian cuisine, including classic ceviche. It's served with the usual accompaniments, including boiled sweet potato, corn nuts, red onions, and big fat corn kernels, plus fried octopus for variety.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In a city absolutely packed with iconic restaurants and cuisine, Willie Mae's still stands out as the best place to get Southern fried chicken. It's received countless awards, survived Hurricane Katrina, and is still family run after almost 70 years.
Valencia, Spain
Paella is Spanish comfort food, and at Casa Carmela, they cook it over a fire for a smoky flavor and crispy bottom. The traditional style includes rabbit, chicken, duck, and snails, but seafood versions are very popular as well.
Naples, Italy
Be prepared to wait in line at L'antica Pizzeria da Michele for its superlative margherita pizzas. Opened in 1870, it keeps the menu small and simple (only four pizzas, and one is a half-and-half) in order to pump out enough pies to satisfy everyone.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Phở is one of the best soups in the world, and you can get a bowl with impeccably clear both, tender beef, and hot red chiles at Phở 10. It's so good that it was even recognized by Michelin.
New Haven, Connecticut
Tiny Louis' Lunch has been open since 1895 and claims to have invented the hamburger. They still cook the beef patties in an unusual upright grill today, then put them on toasted white bread along with onions and tomatoes — absolutely no ketchup.
Tokyo, Japan
Open since 1935, Kyubey serves high-end sushi in an accommodating and accessible atmosphere. Get the set course for one price, and the chef will deliver beautifully presented fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and various other dishes.
Miami, Florida
Thought it's a much younger restaurant (2017) than many of the venerated Cuban spots in Florida, Sanguich has made a name for itself as serving one of the best Cubanos in the state. Expect to wait in line for the roast pork, ham, mustard, and pickle sandwich pressed on Cuban bread.
Istanbul, Turkey
Doner kebabs are enjoyed the world over, but the spit-roasted meat sandwiches are everywhere in Turkey. Head to Bayramoğlu Döner for an exceptional version, with meat that's crisp and paper thin, served with fresh flatbread, veggies, and fries in a make-your-own style.
Bangkok, Thailand
Som tam, also known as green papaya salad, is a harmonious mix of salty, hot, sweet, and sour that's irresistibly refreshing in Thailand's hot climate. Som Tam Nua offers many different versions of the salad, including with seafood or fried pork skins.
Chengdu, China
Sichuan hot pot is a communal eating experience that can't be missed. At Shu JiuXiang, tables have their own boiling broth, and everyone at the table adds the meats and vegetables that they like. Naturally, the spicy broth is the way to go.
San Francisco, California
You can't go to San Francisco without getting a Mission burrito, and La Taqueria has a cult following. The burritos are juicy and full of fresh ingredients in a stretchy, thin flour tortilla. Get it "dorado" style, which is grilled on the outside.
New York City
There are now 14 locations of this famous Chinese restaurant in NYC, mostly thanks to its famous hand-pulled and ripped noodles. Get them spicy cumin lamb-style covered in hot chili oil and slurp away.
Chicago, Illinois
No trip to Chicago is complete without trying the famous deep dish pizza, and Burt's is the best place to do it. The crust is thick and extra crunchy on the bottom, and there's an amazing caramelized ring of cheese all around the edge.