When it comes to food in Malta, you’ll certainly be experiencing a unique and delicious experience and you won’t find anything else quite like it elsewhere. Maltese food has been influenced by the many empires it was conquered by throughout the centuries, as well as the fact that it is an island nation (technically an archipelago, for those geologically inclined) in the Mediterranean Sea. Here are some spots you should absolutely not miss if you’ll be visiting Malta.

Fontanella Tea Garden

Located in Mdina, a medieval town, Fontanella offers stunning views of the the island since it’s located on the high bastions of the city. Enjoy the outdoor seating that’s surrounded by geraniums, palm trees, and lush green ferns. You cannot skip out on enjoying something sweet to eat here, as they are well known for their desserts.

Caffe Berry

Coffee lovers should look no further than Caffer Berry, which is located on Sliema’s waterfront and has got a classic hipstery cafe feel to it. Here you can enjoy homemade desserts, fresh juices, and of course, great coffee. They are known for their caffeinated drinks that they painstakingly craft. There are also sometimes specialty drinks and yogurts available.

King’s Own Band Club Bar and Restaurant

If you’re looking for a great place for traditional Maltese food, this is the place. Located in Valletta on the bustling Republic Street, King’s Own manages to have a relaxed atmosphere despite being situated in one of the busiest areas of the city. The dish you must try here is that stuffat tal-fenek, or traditional rabbit stew with a rich red wine gravy. The veal is also fantastic and comes with a lemon sauce. You’ll also get plenty of sides with your meal. Make sure you leave room for dessert!

Caffe Cordina

Caffe Cordina opened in 1837 and is known to be one of the nicest cafes in Europe. Of course everything you try there will be good, but where they truly shine is with their pastries. You can try the kannol ricotta, the Maltese take on cannoli as well as a delicious cup of coffee. Cordina is located on Republic Street in Valletta, opposite the National Library of Malta and in a historic palazzo that you shouldn’t miss.

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is a lovely spot that serves delicious comfort food that’s homemade and with ingredients that are soured locally. You can dine on dishes that range from vegetable soup, mac and cheese, salads, and of course, plenty of local and traditional Maltese dishes. As many point out, you cannot leave this restaurant without trying the cheesecake. Ambrosia is also gluten free and vegetarian friendly.

Let’s face it, one of the main reasons to travel to Paris is for the bakeries. While visiting museums and cultural sites are important parts of the trip as well, we can all stop pretending that we’re not just going for the bread and pastries. It’s okay, we’re all doing the same thing. So which are the best bakeries that you must head to while visiting the City of Lights? Here are some of the best Paris has to offer.

Yann Couvreur

Yann Couvreur, who has worked as head pastry chef at the Prince de Galles hotel, is known to be one of the most innocative pastry chefs who takes on classic pastries and gives them a clever twist. You can enjoy the seasonal tarts and his roulés, made of flaky pastry filled with praline rose, hazelnut, pistachio chocolate, or chocolate coconut filling.

Du Pain et des Idées

Any bread lovers our there? Listen up: this place is known for its incredible rustic loaves like the pain des amis. You also must sample the mini-pavés, which are mini dough breads filled with cheese, vegetables, or other savory fillings. You can also try the escargot pastries, which don’t contain snails, but are pinwheel shaped chocolate-pistachio pastries that are delicious.

Des Gâteaux et du Pain

Des Gâteaux et du Pain is Claire Damon’s bakery but also her lab. You will find endless bread varieties here (making up the “du pain” part of the name) as well as delicious breakfast pastries and pastries. You must try the chausson aux pommes, an apple turnover with a twist that is absolutely to die for. Another popular best seller is the absinthe tart.

Gilles Marchal

This is Gilles Marchal’s independent pastry shop. He is known for his madeleines which come in flavors like lemon zest, pine honey, grand cru dark chocolate, and pistachio. He is also known for his sablé shortbread cookies, all of which are a must try.

Karamel

Karamel is the fine pastry shop and tea salon headed by pastry chef Nicolas Haelewyn, who used to work for Ladurée. Karamel is best known for its pâtisseries and viennoiseries that are interesting and unique, for example the Kararoll, which is a croissant with sea salt cremeux, caramel paste, and hazelnut oat topping.

A trip to Japan is an experience for all your senses, from the gorgeous sights, beautiful music, and of course, the incredible food. Tokyo has a bustling food scene that rivals the best food scenes in the world. Of course, there are endless savory dishes to try, but don’t forget dessert. There are so many tantalizing choices that you definitely won’t be able to taste everything in one trip. But hey, that’s just an excuse to come back again.

Ramen

We’ve all heard of ramen, but forget the cardboard noodles that you used to munch on in your dorm room. Ramen is an art form in Japan, and you won’t be able to get enough of the delicious broth and noodle combo. There are chicken, seafood, and beef varieties so no matter what you are into, don’t worry, there will be a combination for you.

Okonomiyaki

The name for these savory Japanese pancakes come from the words “okonomi” which means “what you like” and “yaki” which means “cooked.” These delicious pancakes are made from a variety of ingredients and can be made from green onion, octopus, shrimp, squid, pork belly, veggies, mochi, or cheese.

Karaage

Also called Tatsuta-age, this fried chicken is kicked up a couple of notches with its delicious seasoning of soy sauce, salt, and spices. It is then served with mayo to be dipped in and is paired with a side of shredded cabbage and rice.

Tonkatsu

This delicious dish is comprised of deep fried pork cutlets that is breaded and then served with Japanese Worcestershire sauce. It usually coms with veggie salad and rice.

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made of buckwheat flour and are typically made in a soy and sugar sauce. They are finished off with a topping of egg, tempura, and more. They are found in both fast food restaurants as well as fine dining establishments.

Kare Raisu

Kare Raisu is a rice and curry dish that is made with beef, pork, chicken, onions, carrots, and potatoes. It is one of the most popular dishes found in Japan.

Matcha

Matcha is green tea powder that is served in a million different forms in Japan. Of course you can drink matcha tea, but you can also enjoy matcha ice cream, mochi, and pancakes. There are endless ways to enjoy the popular flavor.

The gorgeous island of Malta is one of the most exciting places to take a trip to. Not only does it have endless sights for you to explore, but it is also an exciting gastronomical destination. Maltese cuisine was influenced by other cultures’ food traditions, including Italian and North African cuisines. There are plenty of places and dishes to try while you’re visiting Malta. Here are some of the best places you cannot miss.

Malata

This cozy place is located in a cellar of St. George’s Square and offers a selection of French and Mediterranean foods. With spectacular views and a chill atmosphere, this is a perfect place to spend an evening. Their locally sourced dishes incorporate ingredients like fish and vegetables. There is also an impressive selection of wines you can choose from.

Palazzo Preca

This restaurant can be found in capital city Valletta, and it offers selections that showcase the rich history of the city in its stunning 16th century palatial building. You can enjoy seafood dishes like ceviche, octopus, and prawn, as well as veal carpaccio. There are a lot of pasta and salad dishes, and a fantastic selection of wines. Palazzo Preca also has freshly made desserts and pastries to enjoy a bit of sweet at the end of the meal.

Fumia Restaurant

Fumia Restaurant is located in Pieta, Malta. While tourist flock to this place, so do locals, as there is a fantastic selection of seafood courses that are cooked in the Sicilian style, including sea urchin, shellfish, and more. The restaurant offers local wines and beers as well.

Ta’Marija Restaurant

Ever since it was founded in 1964, Ta’Marija is a celebration of Malta’s festive and vibrant culture. The restaurant offers traditional Maltese cuisine with a touch of a modern twist. Dishes include traditional rabbit, ravioli made in-house, and delectable desserts. There is also live music and traditional folk dance performances. This is a great way to experience both Maltese cuisine and culture all at once.

Fra Giuseppe

Located in a 300 year old building that was completely restored, Fra Giuseppe is a wonderful coffee and wine bar. Enjoy local favorites like Ftiras, a Maltese sandwich, Focaccia, salads, wraps, and plenty more. However, Fra Giuseppe is best known for its wine and coffee selection.

Tal-Ingliz Restaurant

Tal-Ingliz is a family run restaurant in the village of Mgarr. It is known for its authentic and delicious Maltese dishes. Some traditional dishes that it is known for include a rabbit stew called Fenkata, horsemeat called Laham taz-Ziemel, quail called Summien, snail, and also octopus.

When people think or Irish food, especially in America, they tend to think of corned beef and cabbage. To be clear, while that’s a delicious dish, it’s not a traditionally Irish one. While you’ve probably sampled Guinness beer, there are so many incredible local Irish dishes that you have to try when you’re visiting. Of course, potatoes are a big part of Irish food but there is just so much more to explore in Irish cuisine.

Boxty

Boxty is an Irish potato pancake that’s fried on a griddle pan. It’s a part of a traditional Irish breakfast and has been a staple since it is filling and affordable. Its name originates from “arán bocht tí” which is Irish for “poor house bread.”

Colcannon

Colcannon is another potato dish that is a combination or mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage that’s seasoned with milk, butter, salt, and pepper. It is usually served alongside boiled ham or bacon. There’s even a 19th century folk song about this dish — that’s how popular it is.

Barmbrack

Barmbrack is Irish bread that’s sweet and made with regular and golden raisins. It is very popular to be served around Halloween. Traditionally, coins and rings were added to the dough and whoever got the piece with the prize was said to have good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.

These days, you can find the bread in supermarkets, and it even comes wit a toy ring in it to keep the tradition alive. It is also known as “tea brack” and goes well with a warm cup of tea.

Coddle

Coddle is a popular dish found in Dublin and is essentially made up of leftovers. It combines sausage, potatoes, bacon, and onion all steamed together. It truly is the definition of comfort food that you’re bound to love.

Irish Breakfast

Rivaling the English breakfast, the Irish breakfast is also a hearty and delicious way to start the day. It typically includes eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, hash browns, black and white pudding, baked beans, and fried tomatoes. It comes with a side of toast and of course, tea.