Our favourite experiences for foodies
From the fresh flavours of sashimi in Japan to mouth-watering Argentinian steak, sampling the delicious and varied local cuisine is a big part of why we love travelling. Our specialists are a team of foodies, so we asked them to whittle down their top five gourmet experiences around the world to tantalise your taste buds.
Vespa street food tour, Ho Chi Minh City
Heading out on a street food tour on the back of a vintage Vespa lets you explore Ho Chi Minh City like a local and discover the delicious cuisine for which Vietnam is so famous. Setting off in the early evening, you'll be whisked off to a rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city as the sun sets. From there, you will jump back on your Vespa, and your expert local driver will lead the way to some of the city’s best street food stalls. You’ll have the chance to sample some truly authentic cuisine, while your guide explains a little about the different flavours and cooking techniques. Next up, you'll head to a hidden cafe, where you can dance to live music and mingle with the locals over a delicious Vietnamese coffee – most often served with sweetened condensed milk – or opt for something a little stronger!
Pisco sours & ceviche, Lima
In recent years, the innovative flavours of Peruvian cuisine have exploded onto the world stage and garnered the international acclaim they deserve. Experience this gastronomic revolution for yourself on a foodie tour of Lima, sampling the unique fusion of traditional cooking methods with exciting modern twists. Begin your tour by soaking up the bustling atmosphere and diverse aromas of a typical Peruvian market, marvelling at the colourful array of fresh produce on offer. Next you head to a local restaurant where you'll learn how to prepare a delicious dish of ceviche, consisting of fresh raw fish cured in lime juice. You’ll also try your hand at cocktail making, mixing up a pisco sour, which is Peru’s national drink, before sitting down to enjoy a traditional lunch.
Waterford Estate Wine Safari, South Africa
Spend the day exploring the Waterford Wine Estate on a unique Wine Safari Tour. This three-hour trip will take you through the spectacular estate in a safari-style Land Rover, with the opportunity to taste some award-winning wines paired with some delicious snacks. An experienced guide will also accompany you to explain what makes the area so biologically diverse and lush with grapes. Finish the day back in the winery to taste some high-quality wine and excellent chocolate.
Tokyo Evening Gourmet Food Tour
Street food is an essential part of the Tokyo way of life and this evening tour will introduce you to two small areas of the city famous for a particular speciality. To begin with, you will be met by a local guide and head to an area called Yurakucho on public transport. This part of Tokyo is famous for its grilled chicken skewers, known as yakitori. Here you will sample yakitori and a local drink whilst you soak up the unique atmosphere. Your second course is a short underground train away in Tsukishima, close to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Here the delicacy is a mix of flour, vegetables and batter called monkayaki, topped off with different flavours and cooked right at your table on a hot plate. Finish the evening by exploring further on your own, or your guide can take you to an atmospheric izakaya bar (tiny Japanese pub) or back to your hotel.
Parrilla tour, Buenos Aires
Argentina is famous for its mouth-watering steak and full-bodied Malbec, and nowhere is this combination more abundant than in the buzzing capital city of Buenos Aires, where the streets are lined with traditional steakhouses known as parrillas. The city is simply bursting with gastronomic delights, but to really get under the skin of the city and experience the truly authentic Porteño flavours, we recommend heading out on a parrilla tour. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll discover hole-in-the-wall restaurants known only to locals, where you can sample some of the city’s best steak. From succulent cuts of meat to handmade empanadas and even the city’s best ice cream, this foodie tour is sure to satiate your appetite.
Speak to our specialists to plan your new adventure
Call us on 020 3141 2800 for more information