Food plays an essential role in my life. I’ve always appreciated local produce and high-quality ingredients that can be combined to create authentic soul food. If you add delicious wine, strong coffee and good company, your experience will turn into a feast for your senses.

As one of my biggest food and travel inspirations – Mark Weins – says:

“I believe when you travel, there’s no better way to connect with people, than through food.”

Ready to test your taste buds? This exquisite bucket list will give you food for thought.

Fresh coconut and tropical fruits in Hawaii (or any other exotic island)

Once you’ve set foot in Hawaii, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fruit you never imagined existed and can’t even pronounce – rambutan, egg fruit, pitaya (dragon fruit), poha berry, cherimoya, lilikoi, longan, mangosteen… the list goes on and on. I recommend trying as many as of these exotic fruits as you can, if only for the sake of it. Coconut water is the to-go drink in Hawaii – healthy, rich and refreshing. For a sweet and healthy fruit snack, make sure you try the island’s locally grown lychees, mangoes, guavas, papayas or pineapples.

Sushi and sashimi in Japan

© Lina Kirilova

If you had asked me before my trip “Why Japan?” I would’ve said “For the food!” I love sushi, and where else can you enjoy this iconic dish in its finest form? The best sushi can definitely be found around the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, an area full of affordable restaurants. If you want to step up your food game,  book yourself in for an exclusive fine-dining experience at Yoshihashi, or aim even higher and head to Narisawa – officially rated the second-best restaurant in Asia.

Coffee in Colombia

Colombia is one of the few countries in the world that grows only the fine-flavored variety of Arabica coffee beans. Coffee tourism has grown so popular that the country now offers a wide range of tasting tours around the various plantations. Even though there are big coffee chains emerging (Starbucks opened in 2014), Colombia is more focused on developing its coffee culture by opening new specialty coffee shops. 

Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and espresso in Italy

Italian cuisine is world-famous, appealing to and satisfying almost any taste. Pizza, pasta, seafood, wine, coffee, mouthwatering desserts – you name it, the Italians have perfected it. Napoli is renowned for having the best pizza because they believe in keeping it simple – tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil is all you need. When in Sicily, make sure you try the traditional southern dessert of cannoli, filled with smooth ricotta. Anywhere else in the country, indulge your sweet tooth in tiramisu or gelato. Ask anyone in Rome where to get the best tiramisu and they’ll most likely give you one of the following answers:

#1: “Tiramisu? My nonna makes the best tiramisu in Rome!” or

#2: “Pompi!” (the city’s most famous cake shop)

If tiramisu isn’t your thing, aim for a scoop – there’s hardly a bad gelato in the whole country! Finish off with a shot of espresso taken right at the bar.

Tapas, paella, gazpacho, jamon serrano or churros in Spain

© Lina Kirilova

Spain – and especially Catalonia – has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred chefs in Europe. Once in Spain, it’s your duty to eat like a local and indulge in some tapas! There are a number of decent tapas bars in any big city. Valencia claims to have the best paella, while jamon and churros are the most reliable sweet treats throughout the whole country.

Pastel de nata in Portugal

Pastel de nata | © Lina Kirilova

Pastel de nata – also known as Pastel de Belem – is one of the main reasons to visit Portugal. This typical custard tart can be found anywhere throughout the country, but its historical roots lead back to 1837 in Belem – one of the historical districts of Lisbon. This delicious dessert simply consists of eggs, sugar, pastry dough, cream filling and cinnamon. You can taste the tradition in Pasteis de Belem bakery, which still offers the unique Portuguese sweet made using traditional methods. Coffee and wine complement the dish nicely.

Seafood in the Mediterranean

© Lina Kirilova

I’ve already mentioned three Mediterranean countries that offer an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood: Italy, Spain and Portugal. But there are more! Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Turkey also make the list. Take a trip to one of these coastal countries to indulge in calamari, squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, octopus, eel, oysters and all varieties of freshly caught fish.

Dates in Qatar

Dates are not just a dried fruit in the Middle East; they’re a ritual. I discovered their delicious richness during a long layover in Doha’s international airport. I was wandering around the shops looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth when my attention was drawn to a stand offering a variety of dates. There were plain dates, dates filled with roasted nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews – and dates covered in premium Belgian chocolate. Each bite was a taste of gourmand paradise. It was only later that I discovered the true significance of dates; along with a cup of bitter black coffee, these soft fruits are used as a welcome dish and a sign of hospitality.

Dim sum in China (or Chinatown)

© Lina Kirilova

I was first introduced to dim sum in the narrow streets of Chinatown, San Francisco – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. I was starving after a long day spent running up and down the hills of San Francisco when a sudden encounter with a local brought me to Chinatown for a finger-licking snack. As I devoured the savory snack, I asked myself: what are these dim sum made of? Well, they are small steamed dumplings made with a range of different fillings – from shrimp, beef, and pork to leek, cabbage, daikon and even sweet rice. 

Sachertorte in Vienna

Sachertorte has been around since 1832, and it’s probably one of the most famous cakes in the whole world. Despite this, the original recipe remains a well-kept secret in the Sacher Café in Vienna. In order to indulge in a heavenly piece of chocolate-y Sachertorte, you’ll have to wait in line between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the season. However, the cafe’s staff do a pretty good job of getting people in and out as quickly as possible, allowing the masses to enjoy the sweet treat. For maximum deliciousness, pair the cake with a cup of traditional Viennese coffee: a mélange or a franziskaner.

***

Does this list seem too challenging for you? You can also travel for food without even leaving your own city. How? Just go to that Indian restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or look for a cafe selling a cultural cuisine you’ve never tasted before and give it a shot. We challenge you to experiment – it could be Ethiopian or Mexican, Thai or Turkish, Nepali or Vietnamese. Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll find a world of tempting food just waiting to be devoured.

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One hundred years of Solitude, published in 1967, quickly became one of the most iconic novels of the 20th century. The masterpiece written by Nobel prize laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez enchants the reader with pinches of what is known as ‘magical realism’. Rumor has it Garcia Marquez was inspired by his hometown, Aracataca, when describing the mystical village of Macondo.

© Lina Kirilova

You can find Aracataca by the Magdalena River in the province of Magdalena, near the Caribbean coast. Nestled among the banana plantations, the small town drips with Caribbean heat and scenic beauty. Locals, maps and bus drivers will tell you its real name is Aracataca, even though the magic of Macondo awaits around every corner!

© David Grabowski

The only noted attractions in town are the house where Gabo was born and the church where he was baptized. Nevertheless, the dirty, narrow streets still exude the spirit of the novel. The well-curated Casa Museo Gabriel Garcia Marquez is located in a reconstruction of the house where Garcia Marquez was born in 1927; the original house was sold by the family and knocked down years ago. However, the buildings have been carefully restored to resemble their original state.

© Lina Kirilova

© Lina Kirilova

Useful information

Today Aracataca remains a small town on the side of the only highway connecting Santa Marta, Bucaramanga and Bogota. The easiest way to get there is to follow the coastline, either from Santa Marta or Barranquilla, then turn towards the banana plantations. What should be an hour-and-a-half-long trip turns into a three-hour journey thanks to heavy traffic and the chaotic nature of Colombian driving. Make sure to fill up your fuel tank and bring lots of water, snacks and patience! Entrance to the house-museum is free of charge and the address is Carrera 6 No. 5-46. You can visit it Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am – 1 pm and 2–5 pm.

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The Sacred Aroma: Exploring Colombia’s Coffee Triangle

Nestled among the Andean and central mountain ranges, Colombia’s Coffee Triangle is a must-visit for any java enthusiast. This emerald region is a tribute to Colombia’s coffee-growing tradition, enveloping you in a landscape dotted with quaint fincas and plantations. As you sip on arguably the world’s best coffee, you’ll find yourself amidst towering wax palms in the Cocora Valley. It’s more than just a landscape; it’s a green sanctuary where the land, people, and their age-old traditions converge to offer an unparalleled coffee pilgrimage experience. 

Rhythmic Pulse: Salsa in the Streets of Cali

In Cali, the undeniable pulse of salsa beats reverberates through the night air, filling the city with a unique form of audible magic. Known globally as the “Salsa Capital of the World,” the city’s enthusiasm for the dance is palpable. Explore neighborhoods like Juanchito; you’ll feel part of a vast, undulating sea of dancers. From older to young enthusiasts, everyone moves to the music. The rhythm isn’t just in the music; it’s woven into the city’s fabric, making Cali an essential experience for any dance and Latin culture fan. 

Timeless Elegance: The Colonial Charm of Cartagena

There’s something undeniably captivating about wandering through Cartagena’s Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant facades. The area feels like a time capsule, with the added ambiance provided by the Caribbean Sea’s gentle murmur in the background. It’s not just a sightseeing tour; it’s a journey into a storied past, a romantic atmosphere where each cobblestone and courtyard whispers legends of love and adventure. 

Metamorphosis and Blooms: Medellín’s Dual Identity

Once infamous for its troubled past, Medellín has radically transformed into the “City of Eternal Spring.” This moniker doesn’t just describe the pleasant weather; it encapsulates the city’s renewal and its lush green landscapes. A Metrocable ride through the city offers a stunning juxtaposition of Medellín’s modern skyscrapers and its surrounding natural beauty. This urban oasis now stands as a testament to human resilience, showcasing how a city can turn its narrative around and emerge as a global model for urban regeneration and cultural richness. 

A Culinary Odyssey: The Flavors of Colombia

A gastronomic tour of Colombia isn’t just a meal; it’s a sensory journey through the nation’s diverse landscapes and cultural influences. Relish the fresh catches of the Caribbean Sea or feel the warmth spread through your body with a bowl of hearty Andean ‘ajiaco.’ The country’s cuisine is a delicious melting pot, a symphony of tastes and textures that map Colombia’s varied regional identities. Each dish is a celebration, an invitation to understand the people and the history that have crafted this rich culinary tradition. 

Living Mosaic: The Carnival de Barranquilla Experience

The Carnival de Barranquilla is Colombia’s annual masterpiece of color, a vibrant festival that magnificently captures the country’s multicultural essence. This four-day extravaganza transforms the city into a living, breathing canvas of dance, music, and costumes that showcase its rich, layered heritage. It’s more than a festival; it’s a spellbinding blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish elements, culminating in an unforgettable spectacle. Your soul will be imprinted with the city’s joie de vivre, a Colombian sense of life’s beauty and complexity.

The Legend and Reality: Enchanting Guatavita Lake

Guatavita Lake is not just a lake; it’s a landscape steeped in myth and majesty. Resting in the Colombian highlands, this azure wonder beckons with its otherworldly beauty and legends of El Dorado. The lake is a tranquil yet powerful reminder of Colombia’s rich mythical and cultural narrative, its placid surface inviting contemplation and its surroundings evoking tales of ancient quests for gold and glory. Visiting Guatavita is like entering a storybook, a magical chapter in Colombia’s fascinating history. 

Colombia isn’t a destination that can be easily categorized or defined. It’s a vivid spectrum, a myriad of emotions and experiences that range from lush landscapes to pulsating music and rich culinary landscapes. Whether it’s the tranquility of a coffee plantation or the thrill of a salsa dance, Colombia promises a kaleidoscope of experiences that forever change your understanding of what it means to live genuinely.

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We arrived in Bogota on a rainy afternoon to spend the last three days of our Colombia trip. Looking at the clouds and the moody gray sky, I started feeling nostalgia for the Caribbean heat and the sun we left behind in Santa Marta that same morning. The taxi from the airport slowly made its way through the 9-million capital struggling with crazy traffic.

Sorry, Bogota – it was not love at first sight.

The city didn’t strike me with any beauty or typical architecture. It seemed huge, gray and dull. In my opinion, it definitely lacked character comparing to all Colombian cities we had visited so far.

It took us one hour to get from the airport to our hostel in La Candelaria. That’s where the picture became a little more optimistic. La Candelaria is the city’s old town. Over the years, it has succeeded in keeping the authentic vibe of Bogota alive. Full of old colorful houses, vintage shops, signature cafes, and French pastries (why French? Because of the large number of French expats). Churches, museums, and cozy restaurants follow. What’s more, many of Bogota’s universities are located within the old neighborhood giving it a pinch of youthful spirit.

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

Actually, what made a significant difference in the atmosphere was the widespread street art scene and culture in La Candelaria. We were surprised by the amazing graffiti artwork gazing at us from every corner.

I had read a little bit on the topic beforehand and it turned out Bogota was big on graffiti – one of the world’s hotspots. I sure wanted to learn more.

We found out the best way to get to know the local street art is to join the Bogota Graffiti tour. It’s the original and authentic tour that takes place in the streets of La Candelaria. It started back in 2011 when an Aussie street artist and a Canadian graffiti writer decided to share Bogota’s unique urban art scene and help promote local artists to a wider international audience. The tour is run by street artists for free, but like any other free tour – it is based on tips. They’ll show you around the old town where most of the graffiti works are located. You’ll be awed by the themes, dimensions and bright colors. At the end, if you’re satisfied with the story behind the mesmerizing images, it’s up to you to decide what the tour is worth.

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

The tour starts and wraps up in the Journalist Park (Parque de Los Periodistas). Our guide was a German girl who had been living in Bogota for the past 10 years. Along with the interesting graffiti facts, she was happy to share a lot of information on culture, the political scene, and history of the city. It was nice of her to recommend good restaurants, bars, and cafes that we passed by along the way. She also pointed out street art galleries where we could find more graffiti art or look for pieces of a specific artist.

I don’t want to give up any spoilers but I would love to share the facts that left the greatest impression on me! There has been a lot of controversy in the last decade whether or not graffiti should be legal in Bogota and Justin Bieber is personally involved in one of the stories. How odd is that?

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

Back in 2013, Justin Bieber had a show in the Colombian capital. Right after the concert, he was escorted to 26th street downtown Bogota where policemen guarded him while he was painting the Canadian flag with a marijuana leaf instead of a maple leaf (Justin is a Canadian). Quite creative, don’t you agree?

There was a lot of press and photographers to document his act. Can you imagine the street art society’s reaction? “If he can do it legally, so can we” – they thought. The following day hundreds of artist went on the streets. The police couldn’t do anything to stop them.

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

First, the crowd set out to paint over Bieber’s art. Of course, they didn’t stop there. In less than 48 hours, the entire 26th street turned into an art gallery. Even before that day, the streets and buildings of Bogota have conveyed the political and social messages of artists from all around the world.

The street art and murals really add a lot of color and character to the otherwise boring urban scenery. Most of the graffiti is made on public buildings or abandoned walls but there is a significant amount painted on private houses and apartments. All the artists need to do is knock on the door and ask for permission. The owners are mostly concerned about the main image and the theme of the artwork. When they find it’s going to be a bird or another animal (80% of the graffiti), they immediately agree.

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

Don’t get me wrong, the graffiti in Bogota is still a strong form of social protest and cultural expression. However, with the improving way of life and the growing middle class, modern artists have lost some preach from their paint. They are more focused on creating art that reveals their skills rather than on a cause.

Over the years the designs have become more and more complex. Graffiti artists nowadays use a stencil, spray paint, stickers and wheat-pasted posters. And since graffiti is technically more acceptable in Colombia, artists have the freedom to express themselves as they please.

If you would like to learn even more about the works and the people who helped make Bogota such a thriving hotspot of street art, visit the Graffiti tour website or simply, go there and experience it on your own!

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

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Rumor has it that Colombia’s cuisine is not impressive at all. It is said to be bland, dull and lacking taste compared to other South American countries. What’s more, it’s mostly deep-fried and unhealthy. All these bad reviews did not put me off and I set out to prove them wrong. I was happy to find there is a strong vegetarian wave spreading around the country. In addition, the variety of world cuisines and restaurants you can choose from is huge.

The so-called unhealthy Colombian food turned out to be high in nutrients like protein and good fats. Accompanied by fresh fruit and juices this makes up the perfect diet. Read on:

Drink Coffee

A cup of local coffee

Colombia is the place to be this or next year for many reasons. And coffee is only one of them! The country produces some of the world’s highest quality coffee, and is one of the few countries worldwide that grows only the preferred sort of Arabica. Unfortunately, all the premium coffee beans are sold to export companies. The good news is that coffee tourism is becoming more and more popular throughout the whole country. The focus now is on developing a signature coffee culture. Specialty coffee shops are opening up everywhere and you can easily enjoy the taste of a good cup of local coffee.

Load on protein or go vegetarian

Typical Colombian food is high in protein and good fats – seafood, beans, lean meat, eggs, and avocado. Lunch turns into a filling, gut-busting challenge. Colombians take pride in everything. That’s why they use only premium local produce to prepare their traditional dishes – high-quality meat, fresh eggs and seafood from the Pacific or the Caribbean. You can even find vegetarian protein. Eating healthily and going vegetarian is the new trend spreading across the country. There are lots of vegetarian restaurants emerging and when it comes to produce, farmers are going organic.

Give tradition a shot

To fully experience a foreign country, you should try at least one local specialty. Tamal is a simple dish enjoyed all across Colombia. It comes wrapped in a banana leaf and the filling inside could vary between chicken, pork belly, ribs, boiled eggs, carrots, potatoes, rice and more. Mondongo is one of the hearty soups that will keep you warm on a cold day in the Andean zone. It is a signature dish of Colombia, containing pork, tripe and chorizo. The secret ingredients are cilantro and lime juice.

Indulge in all the street food

Colombia is all about the street food – from fresh fruit and juice stands to deep-fried snacks! The most famous are probably the sweet little donuts – boñuelos and the stuffed empanadas. Empanadas and arepas are sold at every corner. Stuffed with chicken, beef or mixed meat, cheese, and avocado – the choice is yours. If you are looking for something exotic, but less filling, go for patacones (deep-fried plantains). They’re known as Colombia’s to-go snack.

Eat fruit

Colombia offers diversity at its finest especially when it comes to fruit. There are loads of exotic fruit and you should eat all of them! On a hot Caribbean day make sure to fuel in on fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juices. Lime, orange, mandarin juice – they are everywhere. My personal favorite is guanabana. Mango and bananas are the most common when it comes to fruit. For an authentic taste, try pitaya, lulo, granadilla, mamoncillo or guanabana. You will not find them anywhere else.

Savor ajiaco soup in Bogota

You can basically find ajiaco anywhere in the country, but it’s typical for the region of Bogota (as bandeja paisa is typical for Antioquia). This hearty soup consists of chicken, three varieties of potatoes and corn. It’s usually served along with cream, capers, avocado and plantain. Simple and delicious – a great way to warm up on a rainy day in the capital!

Try Aguardiente

Aguardiente is a strong alcoholic beverage found throughout Latin America and Spain. The name comes from Latin and it means fiery (ardiente) and water (agua). Just like brandy, aguardiente started out as a distilled spirit made of whatever ingredients were available locally. Colombia’s aguardiente has a strong anise flavor. The brand we tried is the country’s best Aguardiente Antioqueño.

Seafood on the Caribbean

The costeños (people from the coast) have it all figured out – freshly caught fish and fresh coconut! Sounds like the ultimate beach meal, so why not combine them and make onе of Colombia’s best dishes? Alongside the coast you can find a diversity of fish (red snapper, corvina, mojarra, tilapia) usually accompanied by a side of coconut rice. If you prefer seafood, then don’t miss out on Cazuela de Marisco. Shrimp, clam and swordfish cooked in coconut milk make up the perfect combination for this creamy stew. All you need is some fresh veggies and a glass of white wine on the side.

Find a local craft beer

Caribbean cocktails and aguardiente are Colombia’s clichés. If you want to keep up with the latest trends, you should definitely look out for local craft beers and breweries popping up in every major town. I’ll name just a few brands that won’t disappoint – BBC (Bogota Beer Company), 3 Cordilleras and Nevada Brewery. The last one has even brought out a limited edition brew infused with coca leaves.

Drink coca tea

No, that won’t get you in trouble. Drinking coca tea is legal in Colombia as well as Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile. It is used as a medicine throughout the Andes and it is highly recommended for travellers there as it prevents altitude sickness. It is offered widely in the cafes and restaurants in the capital, so you can give it a try. Coca flour, coca energy bars, coca-infused beer or rum, the leaf is slowly turning into Colombia’s new superfood.

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How do you feel about a several-hour walk deep under the ground in the galleries of a salt mine? In many places around the world, old salt mines are now open to tourists. You don’t have to lick the walls to see if they’re salty – we already did it.

Why do it: Your little excursion to the salt mines is not only exciting but also healthy. Take a deep breath because you can breathe more easily there due to salt vapors – many salt mines have built-in treatment centers.

Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland is located 10 km (6 mi) from Krakow. It is 327 m (1072 ft) deep, tourists are allowed 135 m (442 ft) underground (to level three out of a total of nine levels). You will see salt formations, exquisite salt statues, underground lakes, several underground churches and will also learn about legends and stories. At 123 m (403 ft) underground, there is a restaurant.

Turda Salt Mine, Romania

Turda Salt Mine in Romania is located in the northern part of the country, in the city of Turda. There is a real underground amusement park across several levels among the natural setting of the mine, which creates the feeling that you’re traveling to the Center of the Earth. In the middle of a huge cavity underground (15 floors deep), an enormous Ferris wheel rises. It turns very gently and slowly so that you can see the mine from every angle. Salina Turda also boasts a mini-golf, bowling alley, row boats and the favorite of all visitors – panoramic elevators.

The Salt Cathedral, Colombia

The Salt Cathedral in Colombia – near present-day Zipaquirá, a town in the Andes, they have been extracting salt since ancient times. In 1954, however, a real architectural miracle was built inside the salt mine – a cathedral dedicated to the Patron saint of miners Our Lady of Rosary. Today there is a second cathedral below the first and it holds up to 8000 people. It is located near Parque de la Sal (Salt Park) with its museum of mining.

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