Top Home Swaps for Foodies in 2018
You know you’re a true foodie when you pick your next travel destination based on the type of cuisine. As foodies, we are well-aware that culinary inquiries extend far beyond fine dining. It is our duty to explore the most authentic, local and flavorful dishes a region has to offer. The only way we can afford all these divine tastings? Home-swapping. Here are a few destinations foodies should definitely consider for their next home-swap!
1. The Basque Country, Spain
With most tourists visiting Barcelona or Madrid, travelers tend to overlook this culinary gem. In addition to their distinctive language and historical past, the traditional Basque cuisine is also unique from the rest of Spain. Bilbao, often referred to as “one of the greatest treasures of the Basque Country”, is home to stunning coastal views, a lively bar scene, and over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants.
One of the staples of the Basque cuisine is Pinxtos, small finger foods that are served at bars and taverns. This type of food is so common that travelers will typically go on a Pintxo crawl, where they order 2 or 3 with their glass of red wine and then move on to the next bar. Whether you call yourself a foodie or not, the Basque Country should definitely be on your list!
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Just south of Naples is some of the world’s best seafood, the Amalfi Coast. Right on the water, the cuisine here features local shrimp, octopus, sea urchins and more. One of the most famous dishes of the region is the Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare, which is fresh seafood on a buttery bed of homemade pasta, topped with parsley of course.
Scattered across the countryside of the city are small, family owned dairy farms that produce delicious cheeses such as ricotta, fiordilatte and provola. As if that wasn’t enough, Amalfi is also home to talented pastry chefs and shops. If you’re thinking of heading over to Amalfi, be sure to come on an empty stomach as there is a lot to try!
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Although unknown to most foreigners, Charleston, South Carolina has one of the most flourishing and gourmet food scenes in the world. It’s culinary history dates back to the 1600s with the birth of Lowcountry cuisine. Dishes from this region feature a variety of seafood from the nearby coast, infused with African, New Orleans and Cajun influences. A few staples on the menus in Charleston include shrimp and grits, okra gumbo and gullah rice.
Charleston also hosts several world-renowned food events such as the Charleston Wine + Food festival, featuring over 90 exclusive dinners, wine tastings and cooking workshops…a.k.a. every foodie’s dream. The city’s food scene also offers it’s fair share of slow-cooked and flavorful Southern BBQ. Make sure to book a culinary tour of the city to try everything Charleston has to offer.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Unlike the other locations, this city specializes in street food. Whether its the spices from a coconut curry or smoke from nearby grills, walking down the streets of Bangkok is like foodie heaven. What’s great about this type of food is that you can either grab a quick papaya salad while on-the-go or sit down for a bowl of hot noodles and grilled meat. Some of the best areas for street food within the city are the Wang Lang Market, Chinatown and Silom Soi 20 (Migrationology).
Although street food is fun and delicious, some of the best dishes in Bangkok come from the local restaurants where you can explore traditional Thai and Thai Chinese cooking. There are also a few high-end restaurants, however, it’s important to research which ones are actually gourmet. To name a few: Paste, The Local and Baan Thai are all worth trying!
5. Melbourne, Australia
If you’re one of those foodies who can’t settle on a single type of cuisine, Melbourne is the place for you. Since over 40% of Melbourne’s population is foreign-born, it’s food scene reflects the giant melting pot of cultures. One can find tapas bars, Italian pizzerias as well as Asian fusion that is actually good. Mr Miyagi, one of Melbourne’s culinary gems, combines influences from Japan, Mexico and the Middle East.
Not only is this city known for its diverse food, it’s also a popular place for home swapping. Especially with a place like Melbourne, trying all the best restaurants and dingy hole-in-the-walls takes longer than you expect. With home swapping, travelers can cut all accommodation costs, extend their trips and most importantly, try more food!
Stomachs growling and mouths watering? Not sure where to find swaps? Check out home swapping Facebook groups like CasaVersa’s to find the perfect gastronomic destination with free accommodation!
