Head to the French Quarter for a vast selection of eateries and a fun vibe you won't want to miss.ДЄccommodation: Where to Stay in New Orleans: Best Areas & Hotels Whether you're searching for a laid-back take-out experience or a white tablecloth meal in an upscale restaurant, you'll find plenty of options to suit your tastebuds and your budget. You can't leave New Orleans without sampling a bowl of gumbo or a po-boy sandwich, and one bite of a traditional jambalaya will leave you begging for more. You'll find flavors that make your mouth pucker in excitement and smells that entice you to dine in a courtyard bistro at sunset. Its chefs are known to get creative with foods of all genres вЂ“ from Caribbean to African to European. Known as a destination for jazz lovers and revelers (this is the home of Mardi Gras, after all), it's the food that keeps visitors coming back to the Bayou.ДЄ true mix of ingredients and cuisines can be found in this unique and lively city. The heart of America's Creole and Cajun foodie scene, New Orleans is a must-visit for gastronomes. Or visit the local farmers markets to sample food straight from the source. Learn to cook these incredible dishes yourself with a weeklong course taught by chef and cookbook author, Patricia Wells, in her gorgeous 18 th- century ProvenГ§al farmhouse. A mix of rosemary, basil, sage, lavender, marjoram, tarragon, oregano, fennel seed, savory, and bay leaf, they are sold in grocery stores across the globe. The region's Herbs of Provence have received international acclaim. The scrumptious ratatouille is another must try, featuring luscious veggies farmed from local fields. Salad nicoise is served the world over but will never taste better than it does when enjoyed in idyllic ProvenГ§al towns. Sun-ripened vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs are the stars of each dish. Seafood is a specialty in this postcard-worthy region, which is situated in southeast France near the Mediterranean Sea. That means its menus also change seasonally to feature the most delectable foods. Similar to Tuscany, Provence prides itself on farming its pastoral landscape for the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tuscany.Whether you snack your way through a farmers market, dine al fresco with a view of the lush Tuscan hills, or eat in the shadow of the Duomo in Florence, you're in for a treat while eating in Tuscany. A blend of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and stale bread, you'll find it hard to stop at one bowl. Speaking of soup, Pappa al Pomodoro is a dish that has traveled from Tuscany throughout the county. For instance, in winter, you'll find Ribollita soup, a delicious and tasty mix of beans, cabbage, and onions. Tuscan dishes change seasonally, each new meal featuring fresh produce bursting with flavor. That's the thing about Tuscan food, the more basic it is, the better it tastes. Instead, the ripe tomatoes and red onions mixed into a salad with bread, basil, olive oil, vinegar, and salt, will awaken your tastebuds. Panzanella is so simple, you'd think it would be boring. Fresh herbs enhance the flavors and liven up sauces.

A haven for lovers of olive oil (it's harvested here in November), tomatoes, basil, and pasta, the food served at Tuscany's best restaurants will leave your mouth watering in delight. It's impossible to visit Italy without falling in love with its cuisine. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. You'll want to bring a healthy appetite while visiting the places on our list of the best foodie holidays. Yes, appreciating the topography and learning about a nation's history are exciting, but it's the food that really seals the deal when it comes to falling in love with a region. Trying new dishes and experiencing different methods of dining вЂ“ from eating food on the streets of Bangkok to enjoying a snack in the teahouses of Tokyo to seaside dining in the Greek Islands вЂ“ is perhaps the most enjoyable (and appetizing) part of a trip. Whether you're a fan of decadent chocolate (bonjour, Bruges), rich sauces (mais oui, Provence), or fresh homemade pasta (ciao, Tuscany), each place you visit will offer a remarkable way of tempting your palate and feeding your soul with foods so delicious, you'll crave seconds. When it comes to truly immersing oneself in a country's culture, however, the biggest way to its heart is through something we can all agree to love вЂ“ food. When many choose their next vacation destination, it may be historic castles, majestic mountains, or soft sandy beaches that influence their decision. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Foodie holidays