Sandy beaches, ancient temples and bucket list adventures are great, but nothing will give you insight into the true history and culture of a destination like food. No matter where you are in the world, food is the one thing that tells a story and can connect people of all backgrounds. Besides, we all like to eat right?
Outside of culture, indulging in a country’s food gives us a chance to open ourselves up to new flavors or new spins on old favorites we’d be hard-pressed to find at home. How many times have you visited a destination and fell in love at first bite? From the street cart scene in Thailand to the ancient traditional cooking styles in Mexico, food is always worth the journey.
We’ve found a few cooking experiences around the world that are sure to add spice and flavor to your next getaway, and the best part is you get to bring the tastes and the memories home. Priceless!
01
Los Dos – Merida, Mexico
The capital of Mexico’s Yucatán state, Merida, is a foodie lover’s dream due to its rich Mayan and colonial heritage. At Los Dos, you will spend a full day learning how to make staple dishes like chaya, beans, achiote, and epazote. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit local markets like Lucas de Gálvez and snack at local street stalls. The best part, the entire experience starts around $125 per person.
Photo Credit: Adam Wiseman
02
Langlois Culinary Crossroads – New Orleans, Louisiana
You already know that NOLA is the place to be when it comes to celebrating Black Girl Magic, but did you know it’s also the place to be when it comes to mouth-watering eats? From gumbo and crawfish to pralines and king cake, nobody has flavor quite like New Orleans. Check out Langlois Culinary Crossroads for cooking shows and demonstrations that really give you insight into the culinary culture of the city. Classes start at about $80 per person and trust us, your belly will thank you.
Photo Credit: Langlois Culinary Crossroads
03
Le Gargantua – Gascony, France
We’ve all indulged at chic cafes and sipped delicious wines, but to really understand how much there is to love about French cuisine you need to get out of Paris and dig a little bit deeper. Located in a renovated farmhouse in the Lot-et-Garonne, an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, Le Gargantua helps students master classic French cuisine. For about $700, including your stay in the farmhouse, you’ll spend your days trying your hand at everything from pâté to eclairs and more.
Photo Credit: Le Gargantua
04
Hanoi Cooking Centre – Hanoi, Vietnam
Street food in SEAsia can’t be beat, but if you’re bored with the typical Bangkok food scene, hop over to Vietnam and revitalize your tastebuds. The Hanoi Cooking Centre offers cooking classes and food tours that take you through the countries flavorful cuisine from the streets of Hanoi to the Northern Highlands, all for about $60 per person.
Photo Credit: Hanoi Cooking Centre
05
Marrakech Cooking School – Marrakech, Morocco
Much like its people, Morocco’s cuisine is a mash-up of cultures and flavors including Arab, African, and French. After you’ve spent a day shopping in the markets or exploring the Atlas Mountains, spend some time whipping up tasty delights at the Marrakech Cooking School. For about $53 per person, you can learn to make local dishes like chicken tajine, fried sardines with chermoula and lamb cous cous.
