Are you planning for your next culinary adventure? Luckily, we have the perfect guide for you from the traveling expert Nadia Bess, founder of Besst Travels.
Embarking on a journey of flavors, Nadia, travel advisor and connoisseur of all things culinary, unveils a world of gastronomic delights.
With an insatiable appetite for exploration and a zest for uncovering the finest flavors, Nadia has mastered the art of creating extraordinary culinary journeys that allow travelers to savor the essence of diverse culinary traditions across the globe.
Her journeys take travelers far beyond the realm of tourist traps, allowing them to immerse themselves in the authentic culinary traditions of each destination. From bustling food markets to family-run eateries tucked away in narrow alleyways, Nadia’s expertise ensures no culinary stone is left unturned.
Highlighting the inherent connection between food and culture, she reveals, “Food is a gateway to a culture’s heart. By exploring the local cuisine, we can truly understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of a destination.”
With this philosophy in mind, Nadia carefully researches each location, diving deep into the culinary traditions, and handpicks the best establishments, food tours, cooking classes, and street food experiences that capture the essence of the local culture.
Nadia’s passion for culinary exploration has taken her to 45+ countries, where she has indulged in a myriad of flavors. Here are just a few of her personal recommendations from popular destinations around the globe that showcase the diverse culinary wonders she has encountered:
Taste the Freshest Possible Goat Cheese in Crete: Embark on an off-road safari to the center of the island. Explore local treasures as you climb towards the Lassithi Plateau and make a few pit stops to pick up local olive oil and honey.
After you bounce up a small dirt road, you will arrive at a local farm. Heading inside, the owners will show you how they make goat cheese, and you will taste it fresh from the pot.
It is absolutely the best cheese you will ever taste!
Hawker Center Hopping in Singapore: The hawker centers in Singapore are large open-air complexes that are full of food stalls serving delicious food from a variety of cuisines. By hopping from stall to stall, you can sample multiple pillars of Singaporean cuisine, from Malaysian to Hainanese to Cantonese, and even try durian, the world’s most controversial fruit.
Caviar Tasting in Finland: At Finlandia Caviar Shop & Restaurant in Helsinki, you can try various types of culinary specialties and compare the differences side by side. Order a caviar or Finnish roe flight so you can find your favorite or indulge in one of the lobster, truffle, and oyster dishes.
There are even vegan caviar options so that everyone can enjoy a special dish.
Cape Malay Cooking Class in South Africa: Bo-Kaap is one of the oldest neighborhoods in South Africa and is widely known for its rows of photogenic colorful houses. This tour will start with a famous local Cape Malay cuisine expert leading you on a walking tour through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
Next, you will head to Zainie’s family home for a hands-on cooking lesson in Cape Malay cuisine. After you are done cooking, enjoy the food you prepared with a delicious lunch.
Ice Cave Heli Adventure in Canada: When staying at the Shangri-La in Vancouver, the hotel can arrange for a bucket list adventure during the winter.
After being transferred via helicopter to an area outside of Whistler and having some fun snowmobiling or golfing on top of the glacier, your guide will lead you through a labyrinth of blue ice caves. When you arrive at the heart of these caves, you will enjoy a five-course dining experience featuring British Columbian cuisine.
After you depart via helicopter, you will make a second stop at an exclusive secret location for champagne and dessert.
Behind the Scenes in Portugal: This experience is a fantastic opportunity to experience the Time Out Market in Lisbon, Portugal, in a new way.
Chef Luisa will lead you through Mercado da Ribeira, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the main products used in traditional Portuguese dishes and also meet some of the vendors. During this market visit, you’ll decide what’s for lunch and buy all the ingredients needed. Afterward, you will move to Luísa’s open kitchen, where she will prepare a delicious meal for your group.
Everyone is invited to participate in the cooking experience! Later, you will sit down together to enjoy the delicious meal you prepared over the last few hours.
There is a lot more where this comes from. For more detailed food itineraries, visit Nadia’s travel guides.
For Nadia, food is not just sustenance; it is a powerful force that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Through her culinary journeys, she celebrates the connections forged at the dining table, where travelers can share stories, learn from locals, and bond over a shared love for exceptional cuisine.
Nadia understands the significance of exposing yourself to cultures other than your own.
With Nadia’s advice, you can also have the perfect immersive food experience. Follow her on Instagram and begin your culinary adventure today. Bon appétit!