10 Unforgettable Culinary Experiences Worth Traveling For

If you’re a huge foodie, you’ll want to save this list for your next travel adventure. There is something so divine about trying dishes from new places in the world. It gives you a sneak peek into the heart and soul of that region. With the unique flavor combinations and ingredients, you’ll fall in love with every bite.

Here are ten absolutely unforgettable culinary experiences that will make you want to take all your vacation time and jump on a plane. But don’t take our word for it. Try them yourself!

Related: 10 Historic Dining Clubs That Will Put You Off Your Food

10 Hurawlhi, Maldives: under the sea

You already love dining by the sea; How about under the ocean? At the Hurawlhi Resort in the Maldives, you can grab a table in their underwater restaurant. You will dine at a depth of 19 feet (5.8 meters) in a spacious glass tunnel surrounded by corals and colorful marine life. The tables are quaint and simple, so the focus is on food and fish.

Here’s a light dress code but with a twist. Shoes are not allowed. None of the diners are allowed to wear shoes in the space. You have to leave them at the entrance when you enter.

But it’s worth it for what you’re going to try. This is not one of those restaurants where the atmosphere is amazing but the food is pretty much cafeteria, no the food is out of this world. They offer a 5 course lunch and a 7 course dinner. And you can enjoy flavors like Alaskan king crab and Wagyu beef. Hopefully the fish aren’t looking too closely at what you’re eating.

9 Alchemist, Copenhagen

Okay, you’ve heard of holistic medicine, but have you heard of holistic food? At Alchemist in Copenhagen, they combine science, art and gastronomy to bring you an incredible new culinary experience. Supposedly, it’s a sensory experience that will change the way you eat.

They seek to apply the principles of alchemy (purification and perfection) to the dishes they serve.

Dining at the Alchemist is not something available year-round. In fact, there is a long waiting list for tickets and tickets are released in groups of three months. You can only enter with specific group sizes, so be sure to make an appointment.

I’m sure the food is delicious, but there’s just something about this place that gives off 2022 horror movie vibes. The menu. Hopefully they know how to make a good cheeseburger.

8 Ultraviolet, Shanghai

Eating at Ultraviolet is essentially the culinary equivalent of a Jackson Pollock painting. It’s crazy, uncoordinated, eclectic, abstract, and completely cool. Armed with one of the most high-tech kitchens in Asia, this restaurant transforms all things space into a sensory experience for you. They even have a dry smell projector and a “bowl of tears” (I’m not quite sure if I want to know what it is.)

Let by Chef Paul Pairet, is a journey through your memories and emotions. He communicates through food, tells jokes, and makes you feel things. You could end up with a plate full of gummy bears, who knows? There are no rules here.

If you hope to go through on your own, think again. They don’t even reveal the location until it’s time for your reservation. You only know that it is somewhere in Shanghai. And they make you meet at a different place first and then they take you there. They only have ten seats available at a time, but they serve 20 courses!

7 Soneva Kiri, Thailand

At the Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand, there is literally a dining experience for everyone. They have a wide variety of experiences, all with unique menus and incredible views. At the Colorful Garden, your meal comes with a mixology lesson. Or stop by Tuk’s Kitchen for a no-menu menu featuring freshly caught local seafood. Dine and sip with a sommelier in a real winery or stop by a real ice cream wall.

Each dining venue at Soneva Kiri highlights food from different regions of the world. So you can try the local Thai cuisine or you can try the world.

But of all these experiences, the most interesting option has to be the Treepod Dining experience. You’ll be placed in a sturdy bamboo pod with a dining table and taken to the treetops of the local rainforest. You can sit there for up to two hours, eating fancy food with an amazing view.

6 The Test Kitchen-Fledglings, South Africa

Granted, this dining experience is slightly different from the others on this list, but maybe that’s a good thing. Located in South Africa, The Test Kitchen-Fledglings has a unique business model. They look for novice or “newbie” chefs who don’t normally have access to the industry.

Given a paid position, they train with experienced chefs who advise them on traditional techniques and make them stars.

While you can order a la carte, they have a special menu that highlights the strengths of their young chefs, so you can test their progress. This restaurant is only one year old, but critics they’re already excited about it. From the flavor to the atmosphere, these rookie chefs really are hitting it out of the park.

5 Le Royal, Champagne, France

Upon entering Le Royal, prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking panorama. The windows have an incomparable view of Epernay and the picturesque valley of the Marne. It is an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Above you, our chandeliers are adorned with thousands of crystal pendants. Its sparkling presence creates a warm and elegant atmosphere.

Le Royal even has a Michelin star, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence. Under the visionary guidance of chef Paolo Boscaro, they transform locally grown vegetables and herbs into masterpieces. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing the rich flavors and vibrant colors of the region’s abundant produce.

Since the culinary journey at Le Royal demands a certain level of elegance, there is a rather elegant dress code in place. So leave the flip flops at home. And while children under five are not allowed, they offer a babysitting service so you can enjoy your meal in peace.

4 Dans Le Noir, London, United Kingdom

You can forget about dancing in the dark; now, we are dining in the dark. That’s what Dans Le Noir translates to, and the restaurant’s concept takes this theme literally.

When you enter, a visually impaired host will show you to your table in a pitch-black dining room. And while you can tell them about your allergies and restrictions, the rest of the menu is a complete surprise. You can focus on smell and taste with heightened senses since you can’t see anything. You will need to check your bag and any valuables in a locker so nothing gets lost in the darkroom.

They have large group seating, so chances are you’ll be sitting next to one or two strangers. But Dans Le Noir believes that all of that is part of the dining experience. The restaurant also offers sensory workshops and wine tastings led by a sommelier.

3 single thread, california

If you want to dine at SingleThread, you’ll have to watch their newsletter like a hawk. But it’s definitely worth the effort. You can make a reservation at his inn up to three months in advance, and his three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a ten-course meal. Ten, let that settle.

With a farm right to the property, they work with the community to grow hundreds of different crops on site. You know that the ingredients of the food you eat will be fresh, fresh, fresh!

Kyle Connaughton is the owner and head chef. He works alongside his wife, Katina, who is the main farmer. Together, they are changing the food game in California, both locally with creative dishes and in their community.

Along with fresh produce and beautiful flowers, you can also see products made by hand by local artisans. Oh, and SingleThread also has a pantry line, so you can take those amazing flavors home with you.

2 Snow Crab Safari, Kirkenes, Norway

Embark on an exciting snow crab safari in the charming town of Kirkenes, Norway, where adventure awaits. Book your tour through the SnowHotel, and whether you visit in winter or summer, this experience allows you to channel your inner explorer as you set out to hunt for red king crab.

Accompanied by a professional guide and a fisherman, you will navigate through the frozen landscapes. When you come across a magnificent king crab, prepare to be thrilled as you capture these extraordinary creatures. Your guide can share information about the crab’s behavior, anatomy, and delicate balance of its habitat. And at the end of your trip, you’ll be treated to a meal of freshly caught king crab.

You have to have a minimum of two people for the Snow Crab Safari. And guests must be at least seven years old. The excursion usually lasts approximately three hours, enough time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1 Cafe du Monde, New Orleans

For such a small place, New Orleans might as well be its own little world. It has a fascinating culture and some of the most amazing food. And the menu served in World Coffee It is the perfect way to get to know the city.

But here’s the kicker: They pretty much only serve one thing. Aside from a fresh cup of coffee or some freshly squeezed juice, their specialty is fritters. You can get them in packs of three.

Imagine a fluffy, golden dough lovingly fried to perfection. Beignets are more than just cakes; they are an experience. It’s at that magical moment when you take your first bite, and the warm crunch of dough meets the sweetness of powdered sugar. It will leave you wanting more.

Beignets encapsulate the spirit of New Orleans, a city known for its liveliness and love of life’s simple pleasures. As you savor each one, you can almost feel the rhythm of jazz infusing your soul, transporting you to the heart of the French Quarter.

Cafe du Monde may be a one trick pony, but it’s a very good trick. Just be careful about wearing black clothes if you sit inside!