Are you one of those people who travel for culinary experiences? Is the first three things on your travel itinerary new restaurants? Is your Instagram feed full of food pictures? Do you travel hundreds of miles with a specific restaurant in your mind? When you visit a city, are you immediately aware of the “go-to brunch spot”? We get it… Food matters. Even better, food is essential. So it only makes sense to want to enjoy it as much as you can. I am talking to all the foodies out there: here is a list of destinations you are going to want to put on top of your PinTraveler wish list!

1. Mendoza, Argentina

Perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when you think food, but definitely the first place when you think meat! Mendoza is best known for its good food, wine and many adventures. Take a tour in the top wineries in the region as you enjoy a multi-course meal at the winery restaurants with the views of the Andes. Some of the most well known wineries that offer great wine tasting packages are:

• Bodega Ruca Malen
• The Vines of Mendoza
• Andeluna Cellars

While you’re there, here are some local delights you NEED to try:

• Asado (the best barbecue you will ever have)
• Empanadas (pastry filled with minced meat, pork, etc.)
• Choripan (basically an Argentinian hot dog)
• Chimichurri (an uncooked sauce for grilled meat)
• Provoleta (grilled Provolone cheese)
• Milanesa (Argentinian schnitzel)

2. Tuscany, Italy

If you were looking for a place where you and your significant other can take a cooking class, we’ve got just the place for you: Tuscany! Enjoy the homemade pastas, the rich tomato sauces, delightful wines and the endless vineyards. Tuscany is absolutely a wine-lovers paradise. We especially recommend the Chianti wines for a culinary experience you won’t forget.

Do NOT leave Tuscany before getting a taste of:

• Fettunta (with the infamous Italian olive oil, bread and bruschetta…)
• Ribolita (vegetable soup)
• Potato tortelli
• Torta di ceci (chickpea flatbread)
• Acquacotta (bread soup)
• Pappa al pomodoro (bread soup with fresh tomatoes)

3. Paris, France

Paris is on top of everyone’s travel wish lists, and with good reason! While best known for being the city of romance, many people forget the unique culinary experiences the city can offer. Everyone who has ever taken a French class knows the first thing you learn to say is how to order yourself a chocolate croissant… While you’re there, don’t forget to “mange”:

• Croque Monsieur (hot sandwich with ham and cheese)
• Steak tartare (raw beef-don't panic, it's great)
• L’escargot (edible land snails- weird but delicious)
• Crepe
• The many types of “fromage” they have to offer (AKA cheese)

4. Bangkok, Thailand

Most people are familiar with Thai food as they have ordered it to their house. Well, I can promise you that the food is definitely better on site! Authentic Thai dishes bought from street vendors or night markets can grant you the culinary experience you didn’t know you needed. What’s more, there are “floating markets” that you absolutely need to discover; don’t forget to try the mangosteens here.

Must-eats here:

• Guay Teow (stir fired noodles with shrimp)
• Larb (Thai meat salad)
• Pad Thai (Thai noodles)
• Khao Pad (fried rice)
• Pad Krapow (thai basic chicken)
• Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour soup)
• Tom Kha Gai (coconut soup)
• Som Tam (green papaya salad)

5. Lima, Peru

I had my first taste of Peruvian food in a San Francisco restaurant called La Mar, and since then, I haven’t been able to stop dreaming about going to Peru. Always at the top of every South American food destinations list, Peru is known for its multicultural population, and thusf its rich cuisine. All the dishes have different and unique variations depending on the region and the signature dishes are unforgettable.

Have you tried:

• Ceviche (raw fish dish)
• Chicharones (fried pork belly)
• A Peruvian Primer (sea bass)
• Lomo Saltado (sirloin stir fry)
• Causa (mashed potato dish)

If not, you NEED to try it now.

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Of course, I need to include my home country in the list! There is good reason why I grew up to become so obsessed with good food. Yes, Turkey is great for its sights, history, culture and unforgettable experiences; but, one experience you won’t forget is the culinary one. This could be a fish restaurant by the Bosphorus, a Turkish delight offered to you for free at the bazaar or a kebab restaurant hidden in the busy streets… If you make your way to Istanbul at any point, make sure to create a long list of must eats. Here are some to add to your list:

• Kebab and Lahmacun (grilled meat dishes and minced meat on pita bread)
• Pide (thin pita bread with spinach, meat or cheese)
• Meze (Turkish appetizers)
• Baklava, katmer and sütlac (Turkish desserts)
• Iskender kebab (seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie served with pita and sauce)
• Mantı (Turkish ravioli)

Are you ready to create a foodie destination list on the world map? Check out Pin Traveler now and download the app!