Food travel is a trend that’s only getting hotter, as everyone from gourmands to social-media enthusiasts pack their bags, armed with a list of must-try dining experiences in dreamy destinations. Therefore, the world is not just your oyster; in 2019, it’s a smorgasbord of delicious discovery.
Mil, Cusco, Peru
Fancy some high-altitude dining with scenic views of Inca ruins in a venue run by one of the World’s 50 Best chefs? This ode to Andean ancestral cuisine opened in February 2018 and is worth the trek to 3568m above sea level for its astounding scenery and an eight-course menu of ‘moments’, crafted using ingredients native to the region. Virgilio Martínez (of the acclaimed Central restaurant in Lima) beautifully revives ancient ingredients and techniques with modern flair.
To get here, take a flight from Lima to Cuzco (approximately 1 hour), followed by a 90-minute drive.
Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark
Noma, the reincarnation of René Redzepi’s renowned restaurant in Copenhagen, launched with much anticipation in February 2018. It is celebrated as one of the world’s best, particularly known for influencing New Nordic cuisine. ‘Noma 2.0’ features a highly creative, exclusively seasonal menu divided into themes: Seafood (February to early summer); Vegetable (early summer to early autumn); and Game and Forest (early autumn to January).
Follow Noma on social media (@nomacph) for alerts on upcoming seasonal reservations, allowing you to plan your visit promptly.
Mihara Tofuten, Bangkok, Thailand
If you’re looking for an adventurous culinary experience, look no further than Mihara Tofuten, the new Japanese-influenced tofu restaurant by chef Gaggan Anand (a four-time winner of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for his namesake restaurant). This establishment, trading since late-March 2018, brings authentic tofu, omakase-style, to Bangkok. A standout dessert featuring soya ice cream with dark and white chocolate, matcha, and pistachio-flavored chilled tofu will delight even the most discerning palate.
For reservations, reach out via email at resv@miharatofutenbangkok.com. The 16-course set menu starts from THB3900 (US$122), with wine and sake pairings available on request.
Laura, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Conceived as a ‘love letter’ to the stunning Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, Laura represents a sophisticated merging of food, wine, and art at Point Leo Estate, offering fantastic sunset views all around. Named after a 7m-high cast-iron statue by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, Laura boasts vistas across sparkling Western Port Bay and its impressive sculpture park, one of Australia’s largest privately owned collections.
The Mornington Peninsula is best accessed by car, with Laura being an hour’s drive via the Peninsula Link from Melbourne.
‘Dine in the Dome’, The Summerhouse, Singapore
Since 2017, The Summerhouse has enchanted diners with its outdoor edible garden, and now you can enjoy an elegant, air-conditioned igloo while dining under the stars on warm Singapore nights. Each of the three domes offers a unique theme—choose from Bohemian, Scandinavian, or Lounge—and can accommodate up to eight guests, with wafting lemongrass and wild strawberries enchanting the rustic dining experience.
Located in Seletar Aerospace Park, The Summerhouse’s ‘Dine in the Dome’ experience can be booked starting from S$300 (US$225) per couple at thesummerhouse.sg/garden-domes.
Salt at Paul Cluver, Grabouw, South Africa
When it comes to food pairing, Salt elevates the experience with six distinct types of salt placed on every table, and each course is impeccably paired not only with a specific wine but also with a unique salt. Nestled in the lush Elgin Valley near Cape Town, this restaurant is housed in the Paul Cluver winery, renowned for producing exquisite chardonnays, rieslings, and pinot noirs. Challenge your taste buds under the expertise of chefs and salt aficionados Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit.
Salt is located in Grabouw, 65km southeast of Cape Town, and serves breakfast and lunch, featuring a two-course (R275; US$22) or three-course (R340; US$28) menu.
The Fishmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Years in the making, The Fishmarket represents a collaboration between Rick Stein’s former head chef Roy Brett and Gary Welch from Welch Fishmongers. Open since spring 2018, the restaurant was built from scratch on the grounds of Newhaven Pier, where merchants and fish sellers operated in the 19th century. The Fishmarket’s interior design honors its Victorian heritage, creating an idyllic setting for enjoying lobster, oysters and champagne, or a traditional fish-and-chips supper.
Visit The Fishmarket in spring or summer for fish and chips on the deck, complete with breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth.
Jordan Food Week, Amman, Jordan
The celebration of Jordan’s vibrant food culture emerges at the Jordan Food Week held in Ras Al Ain, Amman. Featuring 200 producers, including chefs and farmers, this festival showcases their culinary delights on warm summer evenings over a week in July. Stroll through the stalls, sample home-cooked Jordanian meals representing various cities, watch chef demonstrations, partake in cooking classes, and purchase local artisanal produce in a festive atmosphere.
Admission to Jordan Food Week is 2JOD (US$2.80), with special discounts available on Amman’s Careem taxi app. Explore more at jordanfoodweek.com
Moss, Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Popular among visitors seeking outdoor thermal bathing experiences, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon now boasts a hotspot for food enthusiasts: Moss Restaurant, conveniently situated within its new luxury Retreat hotel. Since April 2018, diners have been able to indulge in traditional Icelandic dishes (consider splurging on the seven-course tasting menu at the 10-seat Chef’s Table), all while enjoying views of volcanic landscapes and exquisite wines from a unique, multi-hued lava cellar that has remained frozen since 1226.
The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, with hourly bus transfers available between both locations.
The Civilisations Supperclub, London
This supper club series, which launched in March 2018, takes place in various extraordinary venues throughout London. Expect thematic dining experiences that combine food, music, and stories centered on history and culture, such as ‘An Arabian Feast: 1001 Flavours, Sounds & Stories from Syria’, held at Leighton House’s Grand Studio. Another event featured a ‘13th-century Syrian Feast’, inspired by ancient riverbank dinners from Barada and the Euphrates, that was hosted at the London Canal Museum.
The supper club is a brainchild of Sakbeh, a food catering and events company.
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