We’ve surveyed 20 well-travelled foodie expats living in Singapore and asked them which dish they love the most from their time here in Singapore. Dishes they’d toss and turn in their sleep thinking about at night back at home.

These were the most popular dishes:

1. Chicken rice.

“It isn’t merely just chicken and rice. The rice is so fragrant! It is cooked in the stock that was used to prepare the chicken, along with some basic herbs like garlic and ginger. It comes in 2 types, steamed and roasted. Some stalls dipped the steamed version in ice after its cooked, giving it a very unique and tender texture to the meat.

My favourite chicken rice is done by the fine folks of Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre. The rice is fluffy and the chicken packs a mouthful of flavour.” – Jonathan, England, Accounts Executive

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Address: Maxwell Food Centre #01-10/11, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184

Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

2. Chili Crab.

“Back home the crab is always cooked in your basic crab cake recipes but over here they have chilli crab, a mouth-watering dish cooked in a chilli gravy. It is served with deep-fried buns called Mantou, which is dipped in the gravy to absorb all of its goodness to be delivered right into your mouth. No Signboard Seafood has got to be my favourite. Yup, this stall is literally called No Signboard Seafood because they do not have a signboard.” – Marshall, Philippines, Growth Hacker

No Signboard Seafood
Address: 414 Geylang, Singapore 389392

Operating hours: 11am to 1am (Daily)

3. Laska.

“Katong Laksa serves up my favourite laksa. There are several Katong Laksa outlets near my place in Singapore so I got to try most if not all the different laksa stalls there are in Katong. 363 Katong Laksa’s has to be my all-time favourite. It has a milky, savoury gravy that is beautifully accompanied by thick and soft vermicelli noodles.” – Rahim, India, Business Development

363 Katong Laksa:

Address: 29 Lor Liput, Singapore 277740

Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (Daily)

4. Popiah

“Popiah’s an all-in-one. It’s a bunch of flavours happening in your mouth at once. Packed with turnips, carrots, bean sprouts and eggs in the popiah skin. The popiah aunty at the Old Airport Road serves up my favourite popiah. It’s inexpensive too, at $1.50, the popiahs just keep coming.” – Si Neng, Shanghai, Accountant

Qin Carrot Cake & Popiah

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, 390051

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm (Daily)

5. Oyster Omelette

“The locals here call it ‘Orh Luak’. The depth of flavour and chilli sauce on the side makes me want to throw my hands in the air! I never thought eggs and oysters could be such a great combination till I came to Singapore. I love it!” – Sally, Indonesia, Human Resource Manager

Ang Sa Lee

Address: 20 Kensington Park Road #01-33, Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 557269

Author: Sanchez Barry writes for Expat Life at MetroResidences, a serviced apartment booking platform in Singapore. He’s a coffee junkie that can’t get past a day without his daily cup of joe. Or 3.

1.Show the guests you are a Verified host by wearing the BonAppetour apron during the experience

Wearing the BonAppetour apron symbolizes to guests that you are a “verified” host of the community, one who has passed all the verification criteria, and thus creates a sense of trust for you.

2. Give guests a brief introduction when they come in
It is always a great ice-breaker to give an introduction to guests when they arrive. We advise you to mention the following points during your introduction:

• Introduce yourself and your co-host (if any). You can tell your names, what you do for a living, how many years you have been cooking since, some of your speciality dishes, your favourite thing about your city.
• Tell them about how many times you have hosted on BonAppetour previously, and that we are in many cities – so that they can book on BonAppetour if they are traveling to another city next time.
• Go through the menu for the evening briefly, and the inspiration behind putting together that meal – for example, if there are any seasonal ingredients etc.
• Tell them that they are welcome to take pictures of the food & home, and share it on social media with the #bonappetour. (some guests may feel shy about taking pictures inside a home). We are rewarding every guest who posts a photo with #bonappetour with a $20 BonAppetour credit – and this will help give your experience more publicity!

You can say something like this:

“Hi Jane and Tom, welcome to our place! I am Mary, and this is my partner Jack, and we’re so happy that you’ve decided to spend your vacation with us. I have been cooking Italian food ever since I was a child. I learnt it from my grandmother……

I’ve been with BonAppetour for about 5 years already, and have hosted so many travelers from around the world. BonAppetour is actually in many cities around the world, mainly in Europe & Asia, so if you’re going there, you can browse their website for more food experiences.

I’ll be serving you an autumn inspired menu tonight, with 5 courses – A, B, C, D, & E.”

3. Feel free to take as many pictures of the food. You can share it on Facebook/Instagram with the #bonappetour – that way, we can also find your pictures there!

4. Remind your guests to leave you a review at the end of the experience

Reviews are the most important factor that new guests consider before booking the experience. Please ask guests to leave a review for you, on our TripAdvisor page, mentioning your name. You can ask for a review in a friendly way – something like this:

“Thanks so much for coming for our dining experience tonight. BonAppetour will be sending you an email to leave us a review on their Tripadvisor page, and it would be really great if you could leave us a positive review if you enjoyed the experience with us? This can help us share our food with more guests from around the world.”

5. Take a group picture during or at the end of your experience

With the group picture, we can help you to feature it on our social media channels – bringing you even more publicity. We will also be emailing the guests this group photo – to remind them to leave you a review – so this will serve as a great memory about the amazing dinner they had with you.

Post the photos on social media and tag us with #bonappetour.

Remember to take photos during the experience – whether it is with the guests, or of the food that you have cooked. You can also post the photos that you took on your own social media channels and #bonappetour

Facebook: BonAppetour

Twitter: @BonAppetour

Instagram: @bonappetour_official

If you have any ideas or questions about the tips above, please drop us an email at info@bonappetour.com

Bon Appetit!

Uncovering history through food

Bite into the arancini, and you’ll discover that beneath its crisp, golden exterior is a savoury filling of minced meat. Rich in flavours, this Italian dish of stuffed rice balls contains fillings of ragù (minced meat) and cheese, is coated over with bread crumbs and deep fried.

Raise a question about its origin however, and this traditional dish can quickly turn into a topic for debate – particularly among the Sicilians.

In Palermo, arancini is rounded in shape, has a feminine name (arancina), contains rice cooked with saffron and has fillings of ragù and cheese, often without tomatoes. But in Catania, it takes on the form of a cone (said to be inspired by Mount Etna), has a masculine name (arancino), contains ragù with tomato sauce (a really yummy lava).

While both versions are equally tasty, each region claims to be have come up with the original recipe.

This is just one example of how food is, and has always been a way into a country’s history and culture. A seemingly simple pasta making class in Rome  can be so much more than a cooking lesson; it’s a tactile experience that gives you a feel (and taste) for a country’s culture.

Same goes for enjoying a truly Roman feast overlooking the Vatican City or tasting the delicious fresh fish caught by a real Venice seaman.

Listening to your host as he carefully explains the origin of each ingredient and shares the best of his knowledge of the food traditions of the Romans or Venetians, you’ll not only uncover new insights, but also develop a new found appreciation for a dish you’ve probably eaten many many times.

Food sheds light on our values and way of life

The food we eat also tells us a lot about who we are. It sheds light on values that are important to a culture, and reveals the perspectives and way of life of its people.

For the Chinese, food is representative of the strong sense of community prevalent among its people. Chinese families dining together do not eat from individual plates, but share their food from communal dishes.

For the French, food is pleasure; cooking and eating are both activities to be enjoyed, and mealtimes are relaxed, leisurely affairs. Eating fast and on-the-go, such as grabbing a take out – a common practice in America – isn’t part of the culture.

In Italy, food conveys many things – love, warmth, nutrition, history and pleasure – and the Italians talks about food almost all the time, often with staunch local pride. In fact, Italian scholar Elena Kostioukovitch even wrote a book on it, aptly titled Why Italians Love to Talk About Food. 

And in Spain, eating and drinking are social affairs; people rub shoulders in cafes, tapas bar hopping is a common way to enjoy the evening and eating with the locals such as lunch over home-made paella are eventful experiences made all the more memorable by the warm Spanish hospitality of your dining companions.

Culture is a reflection of food, and vice versa

But it’s not just about what we eat; the way we eat and how we prepare our food also tells reveals much about our culture.

This sentiment is echoed by Zimmern, who sums up how culture is a reflection of food, and vice versa in an interview with Travel Channel:

“In America, we are extremely wasteful and often ignorant of the world around us. For example, we are the only culture in the world to rip the heads off shrimp and sell them and eat them without. That’s where all the flavor is. So obviously we eat for speed and convenience. Eat shrimp in America and you will learn a lot about us. Eat them in Japan where they trim the tails with a scissors. They arrange them on a plate and serve the heads as a second course to call out their importance. You learn the nature of Shinto and respect in their culture.”

This is true of food cultures all around the world: a typical dinner party in Paris, where well-loved classics like boeuf bourguignon (slow-cooked beef stew) and hachis parmentier (a dish similar to cottage pie) are given a modern twist is representative of the city’s vibrant culture and contemporary cooking scene.

And in Singapore – a city with a reputation for being a foodie paradise – there is an incredible hawker food scene; the mind-boggling diversity of stalls and cuisines you’ll find in a single hawker centre is a reflection of the melting pot of cultures found within the cosmopolitan city.

Do you really want to experience a local culture?

Take a break from taking selfies in front of tourist landmarks and start exploring the local cuisine.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by breaking bread with locals.

Amidst the clutter of ubiquitous tour itineraries, how does one seek out authentic experiences? And what does it mean to travel right?

Where has the magic of travel experiences gone?

While the advent of new technologies may have made travel accessible to the masses, it has also taken away some of its allure.

Travel experiences are increasingly being commoditised – how many times have you been part of a long, snaking queue of tourists, each attempting to capture the most Instagram-worthy angle of an oft-photographed landmark?

Each vacationer tries to cram 10 attractions into a four-day itinerary or races against the clock to see widely-known attractions – yet never makes time for authentic, local experiences that are unique to a destination.

That’s not to say that crafting an authentic travel experience for yourself is impossible – but it certainly takes work, and could wind up being a research project in itself.

After all, you’ll be sieving through endless tour operators and itineraries, each promising to deliver an unordinary travel experience – one that offers all of the “best”, “must-sees” and “must-eats” that a place has to offer.

Emerging out of a world of frenetic, cluttered travel experiences is the art of ‘slow travel’ where less is more.

This could mean taking time to unwind and relax, to slowly savour an attraction rather than zoom off on a sightseeing spree, to sit down with strangers for a chat or immerse yourself in the local community.

It’s how you uncover the essence and magic of travel – which lies in taking in the everyday wonders around you, and getting a feel for experiences and interactions you don’t typically get in your everyday life.

Let’s take the example of holiday-making in Paris. While dining out in an upscale Parisian restaurant is an incredible experience, a different kind of fine dining – one that’s held in a 19th century apartment just a skip away from the Champs-Elysées – can be just as memorable. It’s a dinner party, so you’ll be welcomed by your host into her circle of friends, and join in a feast prepared by a local who’s been brought up cooking French classics.

The same goes for Rome. While most of the tourists are busy rushing to “top-rated restaurants” they’ve seen in their tourist guides so they can tick off one more item on their “must-do lists”, you can sit down with home-chef Alessandro and enjoy his truly Roman feast overlooking the Vatican City.

At other times when in Singapore, the very best of a city’s cuisine are found in its vibrant street food and hawker stall scene. While impossible queues are the norm at popular stalls – some of which are actually Michelin-rated – a specially curated hawker food tour takes care of the hassle of queueing. Thanks to hosts who stand in line on your behalf, all that you’ll experience of the tour are delectable dishes enjoyed in the company of fellow foodies.

And while food may be the main draw here, it’s other elements coming into play that makes the whole experience unforgettable – like newfound friendships forged over shared meals, getting a local’s insights into traditions you’ve never heard about and taking the time to be in a single place to bask in the warmth and intimacy of deep conversations and heartfelt interactions.

The slow travel, as the world calls it, where people prefer magical experiences over commoditised tourist clichés.

1. Gordon Ramsay once battled against local hawkers in a Hawker Heroes challenge

Held in July 2013, the Hawker Heroes challenge saw Gordon Ramsay pitting his hawker food cooking skills – amassed in less than two days – against popular hawkers and establishments like Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, 328 Katong Laksa and Jumbo Seafood Restaurant.

The result? Based on a total of 3,000 votes, Ramsay won over locals with his chilli crab dish, but lost out in the other two dishes.

2. The world’s cheapest Michelin food can be found at a hawker center in Singapore

The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred dish can now be found in a humble hawker centre – at a price of S$2. Initially dismissing the news of the Michelin’s interest in his stall as a joke, owner Chan Hon Meng now has a second outlet – a casual dine-in venue – to accommodate the surge in demand following his stall’s initiation to the Michelin Guide in July 2016.

If you haven’t yet sampled Chan’s mouthwatering fare at his original outlet, make a beeline for his ‘Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle’ stall in Chinatown Complex – but come prepared to wait out a snaking queue!

3. There’s actually a food tour that takes you to different Michelin-starred stalls and lets you skip the queues

Or join in a food tour that brings you the food – minus the queues. The popular The Great Singapore Food Tour – with Michelin Stalls promises the following: plenty of tasty Michelin-starred dishes, a professional tour guide who shares the stories behind the dishes and Singapore culture, meals enjoyed in the company of fellow foodies and hosts who stand in line on your behalf – so you get the food without having to endure those agonisingly long queues.

4. No dish is too weird to be served in a hawker centre (including turtle liver and crocodile paws)

Dishes like turtle liver, crocodile paws won’t be out of place in an episode of Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods – but these aren’t quite what you’d expect of the typical hawker stall. Other equally strange items include shark’s meat and frog legs (cooked in congee).

5. Hawker bars: Craft beer hawker stores could be the latest foodie trend

Craft beer stalls and hawker centres may sound like an unlikely combination, but this may just become the next local foodie trend – one that dates back to 1979, starting with Charlie’s Corner at Changi Village Hawker Centre. Thirsty for more uniquely Singaporean pairings of Hainanese chicken rice or satays with craft beer? Pop by at 3rd Culture Brewing Co. (Maxwell Food Centre) or Smith Street Taps (Chinatown Complex).

6. Fancy gourmet fare are popping up in hawker centres

Hawker centres aren’t just all about local favourites – fancy dishes are now making an appearance in food centres dotted around the island too. There’s Alibabar The Hawker Bar, an open-air bistro offering upmarket beers, gourmet burgers, tacos and pizzas. A Noodle Story is the go-to store for ramen-inspired noodles, The Burning Oak for succulent grilled meats and Stew Küche for stick-to-your-ribs German fare.

7. Cheese fried carrot cake? Truffle oil wanton mee? Hawker foods are now given an innovative twist

We’ve noticed unusual sightings at hawker centres recently, with traditional favourites being given a creative spin – from unassuming chicken rice and wanton noodles getting all glammed up with the addition of truffle oil, to fried carrot cake with cheese, slices of prata paired up with sambal sauce and crispy taro paste breakfast toast.

8. Hawker fare-inspired fusion food is trending

Our favourite hawker fare – like tender chunks of satay, aromatic kaya spread and ayam buah keluak – are sparking off a series of mouthwatering fusion fare, thanks to the creative minds (and tastebuds) from local dining establishments. The Quarters has put together a Satay Burger, a dish of juicy slices of pork meat sandwiched between rice patties, complete with peanut sauce served on the side. Hambaobao dishes out a different kind of burger – one that comes with a filling of ayam buah keluak and toppings of chap chye (mixed vegetables).

Looking to round out your meal with something sweet? Dig your spoon into an Pandan Tart a dessert that ticks all the right boxes with its creamy kaya custard filling and crunchy crust.

9. Singaporeans’ favourite food centre comes in tops third year in a row

With myriad stalls dishing out a diversity of cuisines – from fragrant plates of Hainanese chicken rice and the renowned Tian Tian Chicken Rice, to bowls of mee pok and sliced fish bee hoon – it’s no wonder that Maxwell Food Centre has been voted Singapore’s favourite hawker centre for the third year running in City Hawker Food Hunt, an annual campaign that dishes out awards to the best hawker stalls on the island. Other crowd favourites in the food centre include Weng Pan Cake, Hainanese Curry Rice (it’s stall no. 68) and Zhen Zhen Porridge.

10. ‘Choping’ seats is a practice that dates back to the 1970s

From tissue packets and umbrellas, to water bottles and name cards – we’ve used ‘em all to chope a seat at packed hawker centres. The origins of this practice is unclear, but it apparently dates all the way back to the 1970s. The evidence? A black-and-white photograph suitably titled ‘Chope’, in which parents eager to secure a place for their child at their school of choice used a variety of miscellaneous items to mark their spot in the queue.

Now that you’re done with the typical bucket list items, it’s time to get a feel of the island’s off-the-beaten-path attractions and activities. Here’s a roundup of our favourites:

1. Explore Singapore’s hipster neighbourhoods

Source: Forty Hands

Quaint cafés, vintage fashion, gourmet food and a lively atmosphere – Singapore’s hipster neighbourhoods have it all.

Haji Lane is a crowd favourite, with its charming shophouses and wide-ranging variety of indie fashion boutiques, quirky cafés (Going Om) and bars serving up glasses of carefully crafted cocktails (Bar Stories). The vibes are different at Keong Saik; here you’ll find stylish eateries and chic cocktail bars made for the trendy, fashionable crowd. Enjoy burgers and cocktails in the breezy rooftop setting of Potato Head or feast on tapas at the elegant Esquina. Or soak up the laidback atmosphere of the residential neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, home to well-loved hangouts like Forty Hands and Plain Vanilla Bakery.

2. Take this food tour that takes you to the world’s only Michelin-starred hawker stalls

One of the things that makes Singapore unique is the fact that it is home to the world’s only Michelin-starred hawker food stalls. However, the stalls are far away from each other and the queue can take up two hours. The popular The Great Singapore Food Tour – with Michelin Stalls lets you to skip the queues, takes care of your transfer between different stalls, offers plenty of tasty Michelin-starred dishes and a professional tour guide who shares the stories behind the dishes and Singapore culture.

3. Immerse yourself in the art of Chinese tea appreciation

Discover all about Chinese tea appreciation at Tea Chapter, a tea house-cum-retail shop nestled in a two-storey shophouse along Neil Road. The peaceful vibes here are ideal for the zen-like art of tea appreciation, and makes a great bet for a quiet, leisurely afternoon spent away from the bustling action in town. At the end of the session, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the rituals of Chinese tea drinking, as well as knowledge of preparation methods, tea varieties and tea drinking etiquette.

4. Play a game of underwater hockey

Bored of the usual land sports? Switch things up by taking the action underwater with underwater hockey – a game that dates back to the 1950s. Armed with sticks and snorkels, players inhale at the water surface before diving down to the depths of the pool to play out a match using a lead puck. If this thrilling sport sounds like your cup of tea, you’re more than welcome to join in the twice-weekly game held at Queenstown Swimming Complex.

5. Bask in nature’s beauty at the MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city with an escape to MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk, a free-standing suspension bridge connecting the highest points within the reservoir park. Follow a trail that snakes through the forest (steep stairs included) until you arrive at the entrance of the bridge – an excellent vantage point to take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding flora and fauna. Cool down after your walk with a drink at the nearby Singapore Island Country Club.

6. Sip cocktails at a secret bar

Crowned the best bar in Asia by Drinks International in 2016, 28 Hong Kong Street checks off all the right boxes with its “secret” entrance and fabulous cocktails and oh-so-cool vibe. This speakeasy cocktail joint, located discreetly on the ground floor of an old shophouse, is the epitome of urban chic meets underground grit and once you’re settled in at the intimate, dimly-lit seating area, all that awaits is an evening of conversation, boldly presented cocktails and moreish bar food. But first, you have to find the your way there.

If you’re also into discovering Singapore’s most popular secret underground bars, The Most Secretive Bar Crawl takes you to 3 of the top 5 secret bars in Singapore.

7. Become a human hamster in a water ZOVB ball

Always wondered how it’s like to run on water? This unimaginable feat is now possible with water ZOVB balls – large, inflatable balls that stands at a height of three metres, with a hole at the side that you can squeeze into. While the normal ZOVB balls are designed for land use (just like a human hamster ball that you can roll across flat or sloping terrains), water ZOVB balls can be used on swimming pools, and make a great addition to pool parties.

8.Get artsy at an art jam cafe

Unleash your inner Picasso as you munch on tasty bites or sip a latte! Art jamming cafes are a great bet for visitors and locals with a creative streak – you’ll get to paint it all out on a canvas, and take home your masterpiece after. Budding artists will enjoy the wide-ranging menu and bright, airy interior at My Art Space, or the selection of gourmet teas and European-inspired mains at Arteastiq.

9. Go on a shopping spree for unique, one-of-a-kind finds

Not a fan of ubiquitous souvenirs or mass-produced pieces? We know just the right places where you’ll enjoy browsing through a well-curated collection of unordinary finds. Discover a fascinating selection of antiques and trinkets sourced from across Southeast Asia at pop-ups and exhibitions by Mata-Hari Antiques, hunt for vintage furniture and designs at Things Your Mother Throw or admire the variety of unique ornaments and jewellery at Curious Curios.

10. Laugh out loud at a comedy show

Round up your clan for an evening of hilarity at a comedy show. There’s something for everyone – from individuals tickled by dry humour, to those who crack up over dirty jokes. Our favourite places for getting a good laugh are: Comedy at Canvas, Comedy Masala and open-mic nights by Talk Cock Comedy.

The good news is that if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona – the capital city of the Catalan community – there are all sorts of local must-eat foods to delve into, many of which date back to hundreds if not thousands of years.

Here are a few dishes that you simply can’t miss during your time in Barcelona.

Paella

No foodie trip to Spain would be complete without a paella feast! This iconic rice and seafood dish actually originates from Valencia and was originally made with beans and meat instead of fish a shellfish.

Today, in every corner of Spain, paella is reserved for important celebrations and family occasions.

Where to eat it: There’s absolutely no question the best paella is always homemade paella. It takes a very long time to cook, so it’s difficult for restaurants to make fresh. Only 5 minutes walk from Gaudí’s iconic landmark Park Güell, talented home-chefs Bego and Iván offers Barcelona’s best paella in town using a traditional recipe from Alacant.

You can watch their whole cooking process while you enjoy an ecological white wine, from El Pla de Manlleu or rosé wine from Penedès A.O., a region famous for its excellent wines and cavas.

Bombas

During the dark days of the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona was fraught with danger. Anarchists and revolutionaries roamed the then slummy streets of Barceloneta (now the city’s glitzy seafront neighbourhood), hurling handmade grenades in their fight against General Franco’s Fascists.

These tiny grenades turned out to be extremely effective, and inspired a local (and highly imaginative) chef to create what is now one of Barcelona’s most iconic tapas dishes, “la bomba” (or the bomb).

It’s basically a tennis ball-sized potato croquette served with two different sauces: a white garlic allioli that represents the string fuse that the anarchists would light before launching their grenades, and a rich and spicy red sauce that represents the bombs’ explosive qualities.

Not only are bombas delicious, but they are quite literally an edible piece of Catalan history, a must for all foodies in Barcelona!

Where to eat it: There are lots of good places to eat “bombas” in Barcelona, but it’s rumoured that they were invented at La Cova Fumada, a crumbling old hole-in-the wall type of place in the heart of Barceloneta.

HIGHLIGHT: In case you’re interested in learning to cook a complete Barcelona meal, you should check out home-chef Núria’s widely popular Half-day Catalan Home Cooking Classes.

Her classes take place at her home in the heart of Barcelona and she offers 3 classes, each with a different theme. Each class consists of a main dish, 2 fresh market tapas, and a dessert.

Calçots and romesco sauce

The calçot is a type of green onion that is native to the region of Catalonia. They come into season at the end of winter and the locals celebrate their arrival with wild street barbecues. These sweet onions (and all sorts of meats) are grilled to enjoy with homemade romesco sauce, a traditional Catalan salsa made with hazelnuts, almonds, and red peppers. It really is the ultimate foodie fiesta!

Where to eat it: The biggest “calçotada” parties happen out in the countryside, where rural communities get first pickings, but you will find plenty of street parties throughout Barcelona. You can also enjoy this rustic ritual at restaurants Quinabarra and L’Antic Forn in the city centre.

Highlight: No trip to Barcelona is complete without touching fresh calçot in the famous Boqueria market. Angels & Carmen, Foodie Sisters as the world calls them, offer Boqueria Market Tour & Best Spanish Cooking Class in Barcelona.

Esqueixada

Probably the most authentic Catalan salad you can eat, this light and rustic feast is made with “bacalao” (or raw salted cod) and served with romesco sauce, tomatoes, onions, and black olives. It’s fresh and zesty, perfect with a glass of sparkling Catalan Cava!

Where to eat it: The old-world restaurant La Vinateria del Call (which is said to be the oldest wine bar in Barcelona) is the perfect place to discover this good old fashioned local dish.

Pa amb Tomàquet

It’s true what they say: “The simple things are always the best.” And it’s especially true in this case. Translated literally as “bread with tomato,” this is an essential dish that can be enjoyed as an accompaniment with every meal from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

It’s basically bread-rubbed with garlic and the juice of a tomato and seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some places even serve the ingredients separately so you can make it yourself.

Stack it with cheese and/or slices of meat, and you’ll find yourself in foodie heaven in no time.

Where to eat it: Everywhere and anywhere that you eat tapas! If you go to a restaurant and they don’t have it, you’re not in a good restaurant.

Escalivada

Like so many of Spain’s iconic dishes, escalivada is all about showcasing the quality of each ingredient. It’s made simply by grilling eggplant and red peppers over an open wood fire and serving them on toasted bread with lashings of quality olive oil, garlic, salt – and if you’re lucky, anchovies.

It’s simple, but spectacularly delicious.

Where to eat it: Pop into Sésamo in the ever trendy Sant Antoni neighbourhood and you’ll soon understand why the locals love this ancient dish so much.

Mató

France may be the most famous country in Europe when it comes to cheese, but with its quantity, quality and diversity, there’s no denying that Spain is a close contender. And in Barcelona, or anywhere else in Catalonia for that matter, the one cheese you simply must try is mató.

Soft, sweet, and spreadable (a lot like ricotta), the Catalans eat this unsalted goats cheese with honey and walnuts – the perfect regional dessert!

Where to eat it: Anywhere that offers it is good, but for a taste tour of Catalonia’s finest cheeses, pop into the Formatgeria la Seu and speak to Katherine, a Scottish lady with an immense knowledge of Catalonia’s many options.

Crema Catalana

Last but not least, crema Catalana! Made with a creamy vanilla custard and blow torched until it forms a glassy crust, you may well recognise this as “creme brûlée.”

In fact, it’s basically the same thing – the Catalans will tell you they created first, the French argue that they did. Either way, once you crack open the crunchy top layer with your spoon, you’re sure to fall in love!

Where to eat it: All Spanish/Catalan restaurants will offer it as a standard dish, but at Pastisseria Escribà they serve it over waffles to make it doubly decadent!

Bonus:

You can always try delicious tapas and seafood paella with a professional Spanish chef, attend a Spanish cooking class together with a Boqueria market tour, or have Paella over lunch.

Each region of Italy has its own specialty dishes that you can try to make in the comfort of your own home. Explore the local farmer’s markets and come home with some beautiful produce that you can use to make your own authentic creation.

Today, we are featuring some vacation rentals with stunning kitchens in five Italian cities. Andiamo a mangiare!

[irp posts=”782″ name=”Here’s Why Your Next Fine Dining Experience Will Probably Be At Home”]

1. Rome

Get spectacular views of the Palatine, Roman Forum, and the Capitol from your rooftop patio in this stunning Roman apartment. It has a fully-stocked, beautiful kitchen where you can live out your culinary dreams, as well as an elegant dining room where you can share your creations with your loved ones.

[irp posts=”771″ name=”7 Non-Touristy Things You Should Definitely Do In Rome”]

2. Amalfi Coast

Stay in Villa Baroque, a sumptuous ten-bedroom retreat in the oldest part of Positano. Enjoy taking dips in the infinity pool with a full view of the sea, or relax in your beautifully-decorated bedroom with high ceilings and frescoes.

Believe it or not, this rental also includes a cook who will make all your meals, which is a great way to learn how to make Italian dishes. You can even request a professional chef who can come to your house and elevate your experience to new levels. Perfetto!

3. Florence

If you’ve ever seen the movie Under The Tuscan Sun and have been dreaming of life in a Tuscan villa ever since, look no further than the Villa Rogai in the tiny village of Romola. You’ll be ten miles away from the center of Florence, yet you’ll feel like you’re a world away.

The villa was built in the late nineteenth century and is decorated with beautiful antique furniture. You can enjoy your meals on the terrace by the pool with a view of the nearby hills. We recommend buying several bottles of local chianti wine to taste, too.

4. Milan

Experience the northern grandeur of Milan in a vacation rental that is as fashionable as the city. This luxury loft sets you up perfectly for exploring the city, and you’ll feel like a local in this small but comfortable space.

Fun tip: take a day trip to stunning Lake Como, and buy some fresh fish to bring back and cook for the evening in your little Euro kitchen.

5. Venice

Plan a trip for you and your nine other friends or family members to the Palazzina Canal, a stunning property in Venice that is right on the water. You’ll have views of the whole city from the windows of your apartment.

The kitchen space is perfect for big cooking productions: you can spread out all of your ingredients on the large island and put people to work – or sit them down at the barstools, and give them samples of whatever you’re making.

From local specialities that you can only find in Catalonia, to must-eat Spanish Christmas nibbles, here’s what and where you simply need to eat during your time in Barcelona!

[irp posts=”922″ name=”5 Traditional Spanish Foods You’re Probably Pronouncing Wrongly”]

Turrón

You know Christmas is on its way when the Spanish supermarkets start stocking turrón – or torró as the Catalans call it. Made with a sweet nougat from toasted almonds, there are two types of this delicious Spanish treat: hard and crunchy, or soft and chewy.

Try the original version with whole almonds, or try seasonal specials such as marzipan nougat with cinnamon and lemon zest.

Where to eat it: There are lots of fantastic Turrón shops in Barcelona, but my favourite is Sirvent, where they’ve been perfecting their recipes since 1920! They also do great ice-creams!

Embotits

Image credit: Flickr

The Catalans are famous throughout Spain for their quality cured meats and sausages, or “embotits” as they call them. And whether it’s “fuet” (Catalan salami), Iberian jamón (A-grade Spanish ham), or spicy chorizo, Christmas is the perfect excuse to sample as much as possible.

Where to eat it: You won’t have to go far to find these meaty treats, but for a selection of extra-special Christmas products be sure to visit the La Botifarreria de Santa Maria.

Escudella i Carn d’Olla

Probably the most Catalan Christmas dish of all, this hearty meat and vegetable stew is typically enjoyed on Christmas Eve. Cooked slowly, the broth is rich and delicious, so the Catalans add giant pieces of pasta that look like snail shells called “galets” to absorb and savour the flavour.

Where to eat it: Ask any Barcelona resident who makes the best escudella i carn d’olla and they’ll tell you their grandmother’s name, but you can also enjoy and authentic version at Casa Julia.

Paella

When you think of traditional Spanish cuisine the first thing that normally springs to mind is paella. But what many people don’t realise is that the Spanish only eat paella for special occasions, and Christmas is one of those occasions!

Cooked slowly and spiked with saffron, the rice is mixed with fish, meat and/or shellfish and absorbs the rich flavours – it’s a real treat! Another top tip: the Spanish only eat paella for lunch (not dinner) because they believe it’s too heavy to eat before jumping into bed.

Where to eat it: The locals will tell you that the best paella is a home-cooked paella. Luckily for travellers in Barcelona, you can enjoy an authentic home-cooked paella at BonAppetour host Teresa’s home!

Canelons

Another classic Catalan Christmas tradition, these chunky meat-stuffed pasta tubes are topped with a creamy layer of rich béchamel sauce – very similar to how the French and Italian eat them. A must-eat if you’re in Barcelona during the festive season!

Where to eat it: Pop into Bar del Pla for an authentic taste and wash them down with a  glass or two of local wine.

Cava

Whilst we’re on the topic of wine, Spain is paradise for wine lovers. The region of Catalonia is especially delicious, with a staggering 10 official DOs (Denominació d’Origen), which are regions classified for their finest producers. And though the locals see Christmas as an excellent opportunity to have a jolly good time and drink both red and white wine by the gallon, the star of the season is unquestionably Catalan Cava.

Now, even some of the most dedicated wine lovers have the misconception that Cava is a poor man’s Champagne. But in fact, it’s actually the exact same product made in the exact same way – it’s just that there are laws which state only sparkling wine from the Champagne wine region in France can be labelled as Champagne.

And because Barcelona is only an hour or so away form the Penedès wine region, which produces a staggering 95% of the world’s Cava, you can drink the very best of it at dangerously low prices.

Where to drink it: Everywhere and anywhere that sells wine!

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without chocolate, and in Barcelona there are tons of great options to choose from.

Where to eat it: Visit the one of the Farga cafes or shops for a taste of locally-made heaven, or combine chocolate with the city’s iconic Modernist architecture at Casa Amatller, which is a mansion that was home to the wealthy chocolate-making Amatlier family.

Staying in Barcelona till New Year’s Eve (or after)?

Spain is famous for their quirky New Year’s Eve ritual.

Here’s how it goes: at the strike of midnight, everyone eats twelve grapes (in one go!).

It’s believed that if you manage to squeeze the twelve grapes into your mouth, you will have good luck for the rest of the year. Throw in a toast with a glass of Cava to start the new year in style!

Also, you can join in the celebration of Three Kings Days (Epiphany), which is celebrated on the 6th of January in Spain, and is even bigger than Christmas.

A special dish called Roscón de Reyes (Kings’ Wreath) is typically eaten to celebrate. It’s a type of milky brioche cake topped with medallions of colourful candied fruits, and piped with marzipan and cream, like edible crowns.

Where to eat it: Grandma probably makes them best, but you can get a special one at Escribà, Barcelona’s most iconic bakery. Christian Escribà says he sells over 3,000 roscóns a day during Christmas!

So, what are some ways you can help your children to make friends while on vacation?

1. Stay in family-run accommodation

With platforms like AirBnb and HomeAway, travellers can now stay with hosts in a vacation rental rather than in hotels. When we stayed at a family-run hostel in Otaru and their family, our boys helped “babysit” the hostel owner’s 1 year old son, who bounced around behind our boys throughout the hostel. He was so happy to have other kids coming to play with him!

The owner of the farmhouse that we stayed at in Kyoto also bought little toys for the boys which he picked up from the local supermarket while doing his grocery shopping.

2. Find a hotel with a Kids Club

If you are not comfortable with staying in vacation rentals, no worries.  Many hotels and resorts these days have a Kids Club for children to gather and mingle during their stay.

If you stay long enough in the hotel or resort, pretty soon your children would be friends with the other children at the Kids Club – and also the staff!

3. Dine in a local home

If you like the idea of visiting a local home, but you’re not comfortable with staying under the same roof as the host, no worries. What if I told you that you could still visit a local home where you will be treated to a home-cooked meal by your host? BonAppetour links travelers to carefully curated hosts who will serve you a delicious meal and wonderful memories.

Send a message to hosts in the city you are visiting to find out if they are able to host your family with children, and where available, pick out hosts who have children of their own. They will be more than happy to have your children over as playmates for their own children! When we were in Phuket, the boys not only made friends with our host’s daughter, they ended up having their own kids-only ice-cream party in the room!

4. Go on a cruise

When you are moving from city to city on a single cruise ship for a few days, you can’t help but make friends with fellow passengers on the same ship. Many cruise ships have organised activities for children on board, and your kids will get to interact with children from all over the world through playgroups (for babies and toddlers) and adventure clubs (for older children).

Chances are that they would even make friends with the friendly waiter who serves you dinner every evening!

5. Join a class for children

Before visiting a city, google around for classes for children. Enrol your child in a kids cooking class like a macaron-making class in France or pizza and pasta-making class in Singapore. If you’re visiting a ski resort in winter, send your kids to the ski school.

These are perfect opportunities for children to not only make friends, but to learn something new!

6. Visit a local festival

A local festival is where everyone lets loose, and locals and travellers alike gather at a common place to mingle. When we were visiting the Hokkaido Shrine Festival, we took a seat along a stream together with the locals to enjoy the food we bought, and our boys went to make friends with the Japanese boy sitting next to them.

Despite the language barrier, they even traded some of their candy floss for the boy’s crackers!

7. Visit a playground

Many kids-friendly attractions around the world have dedicated playgrounds for children. For example, the Singapore Zoo in Singapore and Zoorasia in Yokohama have wonderful playgrounds! If the attraction you are visiting has a playground, allocate ample time for the visit to allow your children to play at the playgrounds.

They will have a great time mingling with other children, and will be much happier than if they were rushed from point to point to check off the attractions you have on your list (admit it, you have that list).

8. Queue up

I know many people complain about the long queues at attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and Kidzania.  But being stuck in the queue – with other kids – is one of the best time for (bored) kids to make friends.

Ditch the smartphone and force your child to try to entertain himself or herself while in line. Chances are, your child will start making friends with the people in front or behind you. Try it!

Over to you

We hope that these tips will enhance your travels by creating opportunities for your children to interact with people from around the world and learn more about the country you are visiting. However, always exercise due vigilance, and keep your children under close supervision at all times.

While it is great to socialize, continue to be alert to possible dangers, and teach your children to be cautious and never follow their newfound friends anywhere without you.