For those who travel the world in search of the best local cuisine, finding the balance between a light option and an indulgent treat can be difficult. From street food and regional dishes to fine dining, here’s a list of international cuisines that are on a health kick and designed for those looking to go for a hearty feast.
Madrid, Spain
Delightful: Churros
If you’re visiting Spain’s delicious capital, you need to make a beeline for churros – a Spanish dessert of fried dough and a dipping pot of thick hot chocolate. The long, piped donuts are deep-fried to golden perfection, served piping hot, and delicious with flavor.
recommendation: Chocolateria San Ginés
No trip to Madrid would be complete without a visit to Chocolatería San Ginés. Boasting a star-studded guest book, the cafe dates back to 1894 and still serves chocolate lovers with endless dishes of churros. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or as an evening pick-me-up, the churros here are worth blocking your calendar.
Tokyo, Japan
Healthy: Sushi
To fully appreciate this iconic dish, sushi is best enjoyed in the vibrant city of Tokyo, where the dish is both an art form and a way of life. As salmon and tuna contain high levels of omega-3, it is especially good for heart health. Light (Seaweed) is also high in protein and fiber making it a sensational meal to satisfy your taste buds, without the need to unbutton. Check out our guide to Tokyo restaurant etiquette before you go.
recommendation: Montaigne Sushi Marunouchi
Head to Manten Sushi Marunouchi for premium quality sushi without the hefty price tag. This popular eatery offers an omakase dinner (chef’s menu) for ¥6000 with a choice of nine small plates and 13-15 nigiri rolls (depending on the day’s produce).
London, England
Indulgent: Roast dinner
Roast dinners are a tradition in Britain and are considered one of the best comfort meals in the UK. Usually served on a Sunday, this dish includes roast beef (or a vegetable substitute), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, stuffing, mixed vegetables and a thick gravy sauce.
Recommendation: The pig and the butcher
A gastropub in Islington is serving up a meat-heavy meal to London’s hungry diners. Guests are advised to book weeks in advance and come with an appetite ready to tackle the generous portions of food served during Sunday lunch. If you’re still not satisfied after this feed, why not try one of the 10 best afternoon teas in London?
Hong Kong
Healthy: Dim Sum
Meaning ‘to touch the heart’, Dim Sum is a Cantonese dish consisting of a variety of bite-sized dishes best enjoyed over Chinese teapots with family and friends. For those on a health kick, stick to steamed baskets like There is a village (Crystal shrimp dumplings encased in a delicate translucent wrapping) or come on (Open-faced pork and prawn dumplings).
recommendation: Folk Lam Moon
Fok Lam Mon has a history of more than 70 years in Kowloon and is considered one of the best places for traditional Cantonese cuisine. Come here for There is a villagesalted egg yolk buns and signature crispy fried chicken.
New York City, US
Amusing: Mixed Chicken and Gyro Platter
From burgers, $1 pizza slices to pretzel stands, there’s no denying that NYC is one of the best food destinations in the world.
recommendation: Halal people
Opt for the combination plate ($7.49), a hearty combination of tender minced lamb and grilled chicken over spicy basmati rice, a side salad and white and hot sauce — and don’t miss the bags of chili and white sauce. . . It’s high in calories, extremely filling and deliciously satisfying for the soul. Save it for the morning after a heavy night.
Lima, Peru
Healthy: Ceviche
The preparation of Peru’s national dish is simple – raw fish, a squeeze of lime juice and black pepper. Ceviche has enough flavor to convince salad dodgers to consider a healthier option and is the perfect meal to detox after a few days of indulgence.
recommendation: The frog sings.
Located in Barranco, La Canta Rana is considered by many to be the top spot for ceviche and other seafood dishes. Choose the ceviche guardia imperialA generous portion for two, but breakfast Court Serana. (roasted corn kernels) and throw it down with Pisco, Peru’s signature spirit.
Naples, Italy
Entertaining: Neapolitan pizza
Neapolitan pizza is the definition of indulgent. The ingredients seem straightforward: a basic dough, home-grown tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, a few basil leaves and olive oil. But bake it in a wood-fired oven for 60 to 90 seconds and mamma mia, magic is made. If you’re spending more time in this boat-shaped beauty, make the most of your trip with our guide to Italy’s best dishes and where to try them.
recommendation: Concettina Ai Tre Santi
With pizzas from €5, this wonderful Naples restaurant offers traditional Neapolitan pizzas with a number of creative seasonal options. Keep an eye out for their sliders Anarella; Pizza dough buns filled with artichokes and prepared three ways (boiled, creamed and fried).