If you love to eat, you already know that travelling is one of the best ways to try new flavours, dishes and experiences. From diner-filled road trips to hot-spot culinary destinations like France, Italy, Spain and Mexico, there are plenty of renowned food countries out there to explore.
But, if you ask Billy and Dom Eat The World hosts Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd, sometimes it’s the underdogs that have the best nosh. In the spirit of good eats and unexpected treats, here’s our list of underrated but must-try culinary destinations.
Watch new episodes of Billy and Dom Eat The World on Fridays at 10PM on Flavour Network. Stream Flavour Network with a STACKTV subscription. Try it free today.
Related: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan
Singapore
This food city (which is also a country and an island) offers a wide range of culinary delights, including more than 280 eateries listed in the Michelin guide. The real draw, though, is the hawker centres. These open-air food courts are a large part of Singapore culture and feature stalls with a variety of dishes. These meals are sociable, affordable and delicious, whether you’re munching on chicken rice and satay or fresh spring rolls and fried carrot cake.
Denpasar, Indonesia
If you’re headed to Bali, you’ll want to include the capital city of Denpasar on your journey. There, you can sample some of the country’s best foods, from markets and street food to established restaurants. Some of our personal favourites include babi guling (roast suckling pig) and nasi goreng, a rice dish with meat and veggies. You can also find sambal, an addictive Indonesian chili paste, on almost every table.
Montreal, Quebec
There’s no better place in Canada to procure smoked meats, dense bagels or foie gras. But we also love Montreal for its old-school vibes and variety of restaurants. The plates in Montreal are full of cultural influences, so you need some time there to experience it all. There are also seasonal fruits and veggies to take advantage of at the markets, some of the freshest maple syrup around, and of course, everyone’s favourite, poutine.
You May Also Like: 10 Montreal Spots to Visit for the Ultimate Food Tour
Jeonju, South Korea
If you’re as obsessed with bibimbap as we are, you’ll want to add this bibimbap birthplace to your bucket list. There are other dishes to devour too, of course, like fresh dumplings, handmade pies, Tteok-galbi (minced short ribs patties), mochi and all the street foods — like grilled cheese or meat skewers and kimbap (similar to sushi but without the rice vinegar). Fill up on your faves before taking in the country’s breathtaking views and diverse experiences, like the Jagalchi Fish Market.
Getty Images
Cape Town, South Africa
Seeing the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo) isn’t the only reason to head to South Africa. There, a fusion of African, Dutch, and Malaysian influences makes it a great place to eat. In addition to some world-class wine, you’ve got classics like bunny chow, bobotie (a sweet and savoury meat dish), curry, and Gatsby (a large shared sandwich stuffed with French fries and other fillings). We’re also huge fans of snoek braai, a smoky, barbecued fish that’s cooked over coals.
Related: Local Escapes: Exploring Montréal and Montérégie’s Delicious Destinations
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
It’s all about the local ingredients in Canada’s easternmost province, from the fresh seafood and cod to moose and berries. There, you can try unique dishes like touton (dough cakes), cod tongue and the traditional meat dish Jiggs dinner. You can also sit down at one of the famed restaurants, like The Merchant Tavern, Portage, or Rabble, head to George Street for some pub food and music, or venture to the Quidi Vidi Brewery to sample an Iceberg Lager — a local beer made from actual iceberg water.
Getty Images
Tbilisi, Georgia
When visiting Georgia, you can take in plenty of history, nature, and culture. But the country is also renowned for its good food and wine. Some of the more popular offerings include a bean stew called Lobio, dumplings, and a grilled meat called mtsvadi, but the real indulgence is khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread that will forever change your view of wine and cheese night.
Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton hasn’t always been known for its food culture. But over the past few years, it has gained traction as one of Canada’s most underrated culinary stops. These days, Steeltown is home to some of the highest-rated pizza, not to mention authentic Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and Eastern European eats. There is a growing list of must-try restos like The Burnt Tongue, The Mule and Rapscallion & Co., plus a food truck festival and farmer’s market.
You May Also Like: Our Favourite Hamilton, Ontario Restaurants
Getty Images
Lima, Peru
The gourmet capital of South America is one of the most recognized culinary destinations on this list. But it still doesn’t get the flowers it deserves. The food in Lima is incredible, from the fresh ceviche and the lomo saltado (beef stir-fry) to the sweet potato doughnuts and yes, even the cuy (guinea pig). If you’re going to Peru to hike to Machu Picchu in the South or are headed north to visit the Amazon, be sure to add a couple of days in Lima to your itinerary.
Related: Our Favourite Burger Spots in Toronto
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia is one of the safest cities in Europe and features plenty of historic charm and natural beauty. It also happens to boast a magical palate of Nordic-Baltic dishes. Think smoked meats, foraged ingredients and clean flavours with a farm-to-table focus. Rye bread is a staple there, but so is mulgipuder (a potato and barley dish), and delicious kohuke, a pressed curd cheese snack that’s covered in chocolate. The capital city, Tallinn, is fast becoming recognized as a food destination, and is currently included in the Michelin Guide thanks to the city’s high quality and diverse restaurants.