When travelling, you’re likely going to be on the lookout for some good food and drink. It exists in abundance wherever you are – it’s down to you to seek it out and discover the very best of the bunch.

With that being said, here are some suggestions to take into consideration when travelling in just six of the world’s most popular travelling hotspots.

Italy

Head to Italy and you can expect an overload of carbs if not anything else. From pasta to pizza and everything in between, Italian cuisine is often calorific but also rich, nutritious and always delectable. Rome is perhaps the hotspot for travellers, and if you’re in the city, be sure to take some time out to try some of its authentic carbonara – it’s often said to be the best in the entire world.

But Italy’s food stretches much further than this, with different regions specializing in different dishes. Tuscany is known for its bready diet, with oils and vinegar acting as a garnish for their loaves. Be sure to tuck into a colorful salad when you’re here, too – Panzanella is a common choice, with stale bread (perhaps strangely) being a crucial ingredient.

In terms of drinks, you’ll be consuming a lot of wine here in Italy. Be sure to pair the right kind of wine with your meal – red is better suited to heavier dishes, such as steak and red meats. And, if you’re one for a challenge, try and drink a shot of grappa without wincing.

Japan

Sushi-Dishes

Of course, Japan is all about the sushi. You’ll be overcome by just how many sushi dishes you can try in Tokyo, and the restaurants in which they’re served – from the more common “conveyor belt” outlets, where avocado and salmon are common, to the high-end, expensive restaurants with rare ingredients, you’re truly spoilt for choice.

Masuda is one such expensive sushi joint, with a visit from President Obama really putting it in the limelight. Be sure to book a long time in advance for any chance of dining here – and when you do, expect to be tasting stewed and boiled dishes with a vinegar-infused rice.

In terms of drinks, sake is the renowned drink of choice here. This rice wine can be sipped either hot or cold with a meal or taken as a shot at any bar – expect to encounter some diverse versions of the drink, though, as there are almost countless ways to consume it.

Thailand

Street food is all the rage in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. With the city’s many different districts offering up diverse cuisine abound, you’ll be sure to sample some of the best dishes in the world for hardly any cost at all – Chinatown offers a unique blend of Thai and Chinese cuisine, with curries and satay being the most popular choices for those passing through.

Be sure you’re eating from a reputable source, though, as food poisoning could lead to a lengthy (and costly, as highlighted by TINZ) stay in the hospital.

In terms of drinks, iced tea is indisputably the most popular choice both with locals and tourists alike. Cha Yen is an orange iced tea with a considerably sweet and milky taste, one that you’ll crave more of throughout your stay. These iced drinks are the most popular drinks of all, but Thai beer is the one to go for in any bar – Chang is commonly drunk worldwide, so be sure to drink it in its home country, too.

Cambodia

There are some strange dishes on offer in Cambodia that may prove to be a test for even the most courageous of travellers. The fried tarantula is perhaps the best-known snack of all, the delicacy being wildly popular with Cambodian locals looking for a quick bite. Those who have tried it liken the taste of the legs to chicken, but the abdomen proves to be too much of a challenge for many.

That isn’t the only strange dish you can try in Cambodia, though. From skinned frog to balut – the egg with a partially developed fetus inside – there’s almost no limit to the eccentricities of Cambodian cuisine. Just be sure your stomach is strong enough to experience it.  

India

In a similar vein to Thailand, India is renowned for its delectable street food. The aromas of fragrant dishes fill the air of its major cities – Delhi is perhaps the best place for it, with countless stalls ready to serve up a diverse range of meals and snacks.

Although you’re likely already familiar with Indian food, as it is so popular across the world, you won’t find any better than that from the source. From pakoras and parathas for a quick snack to kebabs and tikkas for a fully-fledged and rich meal, rest assured that India has no shortage of incredible dishes for you to try.

Be sure to grab some tea whilst in India, too. Darjeeling is the hotspot for the best of the bunch, but you’ll be able to sample some incredible cups of herbal, fragrant brew throughout the country.

China

There’s not much you can’t eat in China. To say the cuisine here is experimental is an understatement; still, alive octopus, boiled blood, and even dogs make for some of the most popular dishes. Of course, there are safer options for travellers – and rest assured they’re almost always fantastic.

Depending on where in China you go, you’ll find some wildly different cuisines. The north focuses mainly on bready dishes, with steamed buns and dumplings being an accompaniment for almost any meal. In the south, however, lighter rice-based dishes are much more popular. Pork is also a common inclusion in the dishes, and the number of ways it is prepared and cooked will likely astound you.

Iced tea and beer are the most common beverages consumed in India, so be sure to explore and try just some of the many different types of offer. Bubble tea – or pearl milk tea – is a popular choice, with tapioca balls added to tea-based cold drinks for a unique taste and consistency.