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.

They say that travel is the only thing you can buy that will make you richer. While this is very valid, there are many times when we are simply unable to travel, for a myriad of reasons. Money is the main culprit but so are jobs, responsibilities, and sometimes global pandemics. However, there’s still a great and affordable way to experience new places: books. There are plenty of travel and travel related books out there, but these are some of our favorites.

On The Road

Jack Kerouac’s classic 1957 novel is an iconic one from the Beat Generation that tells the timeless tale of being young, confused, and just getting on the road to try to figure it all out. The book tells the story of Sal, who is strongly based on Kerouac himself, leaving New York City and traveling around the country. Madness ensure, along with colorful characters and heartbreaking moments.

Eat Pray Love

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love became an instant classic. In this memoir, she tells the story of her painful and messy divorce that led her to a complete breakdown. She eventually decided she will travel to three places to figure out her life: in Italy she will eat, in India she will pray, and in Bali she will love.

Wild

Wild is Cheryl Strayed’s beautifully written story of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for 1100 miles all by herself. Her journey of self-discovery and confronting her painful past is gripping and will keep you hooked from the first page up until the last. You will feel like you’re hiking alongside Strayed the whole time.

The Great Railway Bazaar

Paul Theroux’s book recounts his four month experience in 1973 traveling by train from London to Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, as well as his return trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Theroux explored colonialism and imperialism, poverty, as well as ignorance throughout the book, which is often deemed to be a classic in the travel writing world.

The Caliph’s House

This book is by author Tahir Shah, whose experience of vacationing in Morocco throughout his childhood led him to move with his family from London to Casablanca. His writing is rich and engrossing and tells an incredibly enthralling story of their time living there.

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 Great White North, as Canada is known, is a wonderful destination for a vacation whether you’re a nature-lover, city dweller, or anything in between. The massive country has every type of terrain you could look for, and it just beautiful. It boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you’ll never run out of exciting places to visit. Of course, Canadians are known for their friendliness, and this reputation exists for a reason. Ready for your trip to Canada, eh?

Many people wonder when it the best time to visit Canada. Of course, it’s known for its cold weather for a reason. In order to enjoy fair weather and avoid the busy crowds that summer attracts, it’s best to visit Canada in the fall months of September and November. This way, you’ll also get to experience the gorgeous foliage as well.

You can also choose to visit in July so that you can catch the Calgary Stampede, which happens to be the largest rodeo in the world. Anyone who’s a fan of cowboy culture will surely get a kick out of this experience.

Of course, for lovers of winter outdoor sports, visiting during colder months is easy to do, since the winter is so long here. Two of the best mountains for skiing are Mont Tremblant and Whistler, but there are plenty more you can check out as well.

Of course, the cold weather means that throughout the years, Canadians have had to come up with delicious, warm fare to keep them satiated through the grueling winter months. Nowadays, you can experience a lot of delicious Canadian staples through its bustling food truck scene, which is especially prevalent in British Columbia.

So what should you eat? Make sure to try out poutine, an incredible dish made up of fries, cheese curds, melted cheese, and gravy. It’s sinfully delicious. BeaverTails are irresistible fried dough breads that come with any topping your heart desires, from Nutella to M&Ms and cinnamon sugar.

Another staple is Pâté Chinois, which is similar to shepherd’s pie but also has creamed corn inside. Lastly, you can’t visit Canada without trying a Caesar Cocktail, which consists of vodka, tomato and clam juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

You may have already heard of this place, but if you’ve never experienced a doughnut and coffee from Tim Hortons, you certainly must have a try. Of course, Timmies has expanded to other places around the world, but trying it out while in Canada is a must.

British Columbia’s largest city, Vancouver, is a must-see. This is seriously one of the coolest cities out there, with a vibrant food scene, bustling craft beer center, and of course, breathtaking landscapes.

Toronto is another great city to visit, as it is one of the most diverse cities on Earth. There are over 140 languages spoken here, with more than half of its residents having been born outside of Canada.

Quebec City’s culture incorporates elements of Europe, North America, and Canada. Most of its residents speak French, and you’ll find breathtaking architecture here.

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec province, and it’s a classic massive metropolis with beautiful buildings. Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, this beautiful city has plenty of museums and cultural sites to visit.

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.

Athens, the capital city of Greece and also the largest city in the country, has a rich history that has contributed a ton to Western culture. After all, Greece is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, literature, political science, many scientific and mathematical principles, Western dramas, and of course, the Olympic Games.

Visiting the capital of this incredible country is a fantastic way to take in all of these accomplishments. Athens in an incredibly fun city to visit, and the food is absolutely incredible. Here’s what to do with three days in Athens.

Day 1

Start out with a walking tour of the city. This is a great way to get your bearings while you learn about the local history. These tend to be about 3 hours long, and will usually take you to the archeological sites around the city.

Next, you can visit the Acropolis museum along with the ruins. The entrance of the museum along with many parts of the building are made of glass, so you can look down at the ancient ruins and stunning views. There’s a wonderful cafe with breathtaking sights along with a view of the Acropolis in the distance.

Visit the National Gardens and stoll around the city. Window shop (or actually shop!) at Syntagma Square and Ermou Street which offer plenty of shops for you to explore.

Finish off the day with a delicious dinner: make sure you try Greek salad and a gyro pita. You might think you know these staples, but the local ingredients truly take them to the next level.

Day 2

Try to get an early start and head towards the Acropolis. Try to book tickets in advance to save yourself some time standing in line. Visiting the site will take anywhere between one to two hours. Take the north exit and visit the Ancient Agora, which has been restored and is beautiful.

Grab some lunch and then take a visit to the local Athens Flea Market. Here you’ll find affordable souvenirs and gifts for friends. You can also buy cheap and delicious fresh fruit where you’ll find incredible cherries, pears, nectarines, and more excellent Mediterranean delights.

Day 3

Take a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is the largest temple of the Athenian ancient ruins. It’s located right in the middle of the city. It is absolutely stunning to see, and won’t take so long to see.

Stop for lunch at Fish Cafe, which is right next to Athens Studios. It is affordable and incredibly delicious. Best of all, they served freshly baked bread that’s made on the premises.

Next, visit the Library of Hadrian and the museum that’s located inside.

Enjoy your last evening in the city, and make sure to try any foods you haven’t had a chance to taste yet.