A real foodie dreams of traveling to taste the world’s finest foods, traditional and modern baked goodies included! We all have a list of what we dream of eating. Some of us might even have been fortunate enough and already tried a few of these. Let’s look at some popular and not-so-popular ones that are worthy of being on our food bucket list.

Travel the World for Food

The world is best experienced through food. Visit a bakery, a home cafe, or a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Here are some must-tries you can not miss when you go to these places.

Sweden’s Semla

Semla is a seasonal treat that should be making its appearance after Christmas till Lent. Traditionally these are enjoyed before Lent, but the love for semla might be more powerful than tradition. Semlor (the plural of semla) are sweet-smelling cardamom buns filled with almond marzipan and whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar. Semla is aromatic, rich and creamy, and unforgettable.

Portugal’s Pastéis de Nata

These delicate, flaky custard tarts have been around for centuries. The contrast between the crust, the smooth, creamy custard, and the not-so-sweet delectability of this dessert makes it popular worldwide. This dessert influences the egg tarts from Macau and Southeastern China. Order your Portuguese sweets here!

Italy’s Cannoli

Cannoli is probably among the most iconic desserts. These deep-fried tube pastries are filled with a mixture of ricotta and cream. It might sound easy, but it is indeed a classic. This dessert has already evolved into many versions, and we would love to try them all.

Germany’s Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

If Germany is a fairy tale, then a black forest made of cake would be the fantasy land of boozy cake enthusiasts. Cherries soaked in kirsch (a liqueur made from cherries), a sprinkling of kirsch, and whipped cream make this chocolate cake one of the best in Germany.

Egypt’s Kunāfah

This lovely, subtly sweet cheese-based pastry is filled with tradition and flavors. Made with shredded pastry dough, soaked in rose water, and layered with cheese and pistachios, kunāfah is absolutely a feast for the palate.

China’s Mooncake

China’s Mid-Autumn Festival brings families together, and moon cakes are part of the celebrations. Old-fashioned mooncakes have various fillings, such as red bean paste and lotus seed paste. Usually, they have salted duck egg yolks in them. The more modern ones you can get from almost all over southeast Asia might have savory ham and nuts, chocolates, or ice cream fillings. 

India’s Gulab Jamun

India and its cuisine are splendidly exotic, with spices and herbs that can tease your tastebuds and leave you wanting more. Gulab jamun is an underdog. It looks really simple: deep-fried bread soaked in sugar syrup infused with saffron, rose water, and green cardamom. This is like cake pops with a soul. The character the flavors give this humble dessert is worth the sugar.

Your Local Confectionary

Your local confectionary should have a place on your bucket list. Taking a trip doesn’t mean you need to get on a plane. Confectionaries and restaurants near you may offer special and fantastic treats. Some might even have versions of pastries from all over the world. If you are curious but unable to take a trip now, check them out. Visit this dessert shop offering custom cakes in Mississauga.

Pro-Tip

If you are stuck at home drooling, browse the web to see what is around you. You may find authentic foreign dining establishments that can cure your curiosity. Head out to search the world for a life-changing food experience when you can.