Travel the World and Savor Delicious Mushrooms

The culinary world owes a lot to whoever first discovered the magic of mushrooms. Fungus — from everyday cremini to decadent morels — is an undeniable gift from nature. A vegetarian’s delight, the fleshy, umami-packed vegetable offers an unparalleled addition to everything from soups and sauces to pasta and pastries.

One of the best things about mushrooms is their natural occurrence all over the globe. Unlike many seasonal or local vegetables, such as squash or corn, the versatile and sustainable mushroom varies by country, making it a cultural treasure trove that reflects different dishes and destinations.

Moreover, you don’t have to stick to truffles or morels. Everyday cremini or enoki mushrooms can be just as decadent when prepared properly. For instance, an enoki-packed bowl of ramen in Tokyo can be as satisfying as a fresh truffle butter pasta in Piedmont. Whatever your culinary preference may be, here’s where to travel to satisfy your inner mushroom enthusiast.

Brussels, Belgium

Europe is home to a wide variety of decadent and everyday mushrooms, but to experience the entire European fungi spectrum, head to Café des Spores. This trendy yet surprisingly affordable bistro in the Saint Gilles neighborhood serves mushrooms in every dish — including dessert. Although the menu changes seasonally, expect to enjoy everything from porcini and cheese croquettes to mussels paired with Jerusalem artichokes and black chanterelles.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

While mushrooms occur naturally, two friends from Rotterdam transformed mushroom production by collecting coffee grinds from cafés across the city to grow no-waste oyster mushrooms. Known as Rotterzwam, these innovative producers now supply many local restaurants and operate sustainably, fostering a no-waste ecosystem throughout the city.

Mexico City, Mexico

Think mushrooms only grow in meadows and woods? Think again. Huitlacoche — also known as corn smut or the more elegantly termed Mexican truffle — is technically a plant disease that infects corn but tastes undeniably decadent. The blue-black spores are considered a delicacy and are best served on huarache or tostadas. Visit the Mercado de Coyoacán, near the Frida Kahlo museum, for a huitlacoche tostado or two. Unlike traditional truffle dishes, a huitlacoche tostada is usually quite affordable.

Vancouver, British Columbia

The West Coast of Canada boasts some of the most vast, biodiverse wilderness in all of North America, making it an excellent spot to forage for fungi. Just outside of Vancouver, countless forests are home to chanterelles, lobster mushrooms, and more. Many fishing resorts, such as Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, offer foraging classes with experts, incorporating the wild mushrooms guests find into their meals.

Kyoto, Japan

As the home of the traditional Japanese Kaiseki set meal, Kyoto features some of the most prestigious three-Michelin starred restaurants in the world. You’ll have no trouble finding some of the best sashimi and tofu. However, Kyoto also focuses on Sansai (Japanese mountain vegetables), which include unique mushrooms such as matsutake, nameko, and maitake. If you’re in the mood for a treat, the Michelin-starred Kichisen offers a multi-course Kaiseki dinner, complete with fresh foraged Sansai, expertly prepared and presented. Reservations are highly recommended.

Piedmont, Italy

The truffle is one of the most sought-after mushrooms globally — and for good reason. Synonymous with decadence, truffles are harvested seasonally from autumn until December and are otherwise challenging to find. While travelers often engage in guided foraging trips throughout Italy, The International Alba Truffle Fair, just outside of Piedmont, attracts restaurateurs, renowned chefs, and tourists alike to admire and purchase the finest truffles Italy has to offer. The fair runs from early October to late November.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is home to the renowned Noma. For many, it is a bucket-list destination that strives for culinary perfection from taste to atmosphere and sustainability. Their seasonal ingredients are often foraged locally, with mushrooms frequently taking center stage. Remember to plan your visit well in advance, as the two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef René Redzepi is not easily accessible, but it is certainly worth the effort.

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

If an international trip isn’t feasible at the moment, consider visiting Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, which boasts the largest and most delicious variety of mushrooms in the U.S. The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farms, just outside Kennett Square, offers cooking demonstrations with local chefs, a remarkable selection of handpicked mushroom varieties — including cremini, shiitake, royal trumpet, and lion’s mane — and a quirky mushroom exhibit showcasing the growth process from start to finish.