Eat. Pray. Love. Top Destinations for Food Lovers

If you love exploring new places and tastes and are open to culinary experiments, we invite you on a journey to 7 extraordinary destinations. Here, food is more than just a meal – it's a story of history, culture, and nature. Taste flavourful street food in Marrakesh, modern gourmet dishes in Lima, bold Eastern spices in Riyadh, and refined Chinese cuisine in Shanghai!

Cape Town, South Africa

African fusion at the foot of Table Mountain

Thanks to its cultural diversity, Cape Town's gastronomic scene is incredibly varied – a vibrant fusion of African, Asian, and European traditions. We recommend visiting Time Out Market, where you’ll find all the flavours of the city under one roof! Here, you can sample dishes from different cultures, meet local artisans, and enjoy traditional music. Also, take a stroll down Bree Street, a true "gourmet boulevard" lined with fantastic restaurants such as Boma and Iron Steak.

As for local specialities, you simply must try braai (traditional barbecue). In South Africa, braai is a culture – everything goes on the grill, from meat and farm-style sausages to vegetables, fish, lobsters, garlic bread, and even desserts! Cape Town is also renowned for its seafood and the famous bobotie – a spiced mince dish with sugar, spices, and curry. And of course, no visit is complete without experiencing the world-class wineries of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Madrid, Spain

More than just paella

Barcelona and San Sebastián may be among Spain’s most famous cities, but the true soul of Spanish cuisine resides in Madrid! The city is home to the world’s best plant-based restaurant, El Invernadero, according to the Green Guide, as well as the Michelin-starred La Tasquería, where offal is transformed into gourmet masterpieces. For a unique experience, visit Corral de la Morería, the only fine-dining restaurant within a historic flamenco tablao. Madrid also boasts countless bistros serving homemade wines, charming bakeries, and young chefs redefining Spanish cuisine through culinary experimentation.

What should you try? Cocido madrileño – a hearty meat and chickpea stew with pork, beef, poultry, and sausages. And, of course, Madrid’s famous tapas, such as chipirones (fried baby squid) and buñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters).

Shanghai, China

Exquisite Chinese gastronomy

While Beijing is known as China's cultural capital, Shanghai is undoubtedly its gastronomic one! If Hong Kong is famed for dim sum, then Shanghai is all about xiao long bao – delicate soup dumplings with a juicy meat filling that melts in your mouth.

A growing trend in the city is "neo-bistro", where internationally acclaimed Chinese chefs reinterpret global dishes while showcasing local, seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways. Shanghai cuisine is known for its slow-cooked dishes and sweet-savoury sauces. Don't miss the Shanghai-style braised pork belly and the city’s famous crabs, which are served whole, in pieces, or as delicate crab meat patties.

Marrakesh, Morocco

The gastronomic aroma of the East

Marrakesh is a sensory feast of spices, roasted almonds, and aromatic mint tea. Wander through the bustling markets and be sure to try tagine (slow-cooked meat with fruits and nuts) and pastilla (a flaky meat pie with a sweet-savoury twist).

For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at Dar Yacout, a riad-turned-restaurant where Moroccan dishes are served alongside traditional music. If you're a tea enthusiast, visit 1112 Marrakech in Medina, a newly opened venue dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of Moroccan tea rituals.

For a sweet indulgence, head to Terra Mia Café, a French-Moroccan patisserie that rivals any Parisian bakery – no surprise, given that its pastry chef, Daoud, trained under legends like Cédric Grolet and Jeffrey Cagnes.

Lima, Peru

The capital of Latin American gastronomy

Peru has long been recognised as a hub of culinary innovation, with Lima at the heart of it all. The city's dining scene consistently ranks among the world's best, with 4 restaurants listed in the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants. Expect a fusion of European, Asian, and Indigenous flavours, alongside unique ingredients sourced from Peru’s coast, mountains, and jungle.

Signature dishes include ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice) and anticuchos (meat skewers best enjoyed straight off the grill, dipped in a fiery sauce made with aji pepper, annatto, and cumin).

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, dine at Central, crowned the world’s best restaurant in 2023. Chef Virgilio Martínez takes guests on a culinary journey through Peru’s diverse ecosystems, with each dish inspired by different altitudes – from the Dry Valley (featuring shrimp, loche squash, and avocado) to the Amazon Water (with pacu fish, watermelon, and coca leaves).

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Arabian gastronomic renaissance

As Saudi Arabia opens up to the world, its cuisine is capturing the attention of food lovers globally. Riyadh boasts an impressive mix of dining options, from high-end restaurants like Carbone at the Radisson Collection Hotel – where European architecture meets Arabian hospitality (don’t miss their Alla ZZ salad, prepared tableside, or the spicy rigatoni and lobster ravioli) – to Myazu, run by Ian Pengelley, who masterfully blends traditional Asian recipes with global influences (try the lamb chops and miso-cured salmon).

The city is also home to charming artisan bakeries like Chestnut and Sociale. And in 2027, Riyadh will welcome its own Time Out Market.

Local specialities to try include kabsa (fragrant rice with meat and spices), mandi (slow-cooked meat, chicken or lamb, with rice and vegetables), and the iconic dessert kunafa, made with crisp kataifi pastry and soft cheese.

Cairo, Egypt

A taste of history on the banks of the Nile

Egypt is often called the cradle of civilisation, yet its national cuisine remains surprisingly underrated! Egyptian food is a fascinating blend of ancient Pharaonic traditions and Ottoman influences.

Must-try dishes include ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans with garlic and lemon), koshari (a hearty mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce), and hamam mahshi (stuffed pigeon, a delicacy once reserved for Egyptian sultans).

For a taste of history, visit El Fishawy, a café that has been serving guests since the late 18th century. Here, you can enjoy authentic Bedouin coffee infused with cardamom or try tea brewed in hot sand, which imparts a unique depth of flavour.

For an unforgettable meal, head to Andrea El Mariouteya, a family-run institution for over 60 years. The highlight? Charcoal-grilled chicken with oregano, served alongside an impressive selection of mezze and freshly baked bread. And the best part? A stunning view of the pyramids.

A gastronomic journey is not just about food; it is an immersion into a country’s culture, traditions, and way of life.

The Scenario Travel team will create a unique scenario for your gastronomic adventure — a route where every lunch or dinner becomes a journey through time, and every glass of wine or cup of tea reveals the country's culture without words!