Most cities have must-see tourist attractions, some have must-do experiences. Others have must-try dishes. Here are five destinations you shouldn’t leave until you’ve tasted their famous food.
Vienna, Austria – Sachertorte
You can no more leave Vienna without tasting the most famous cake in the world since 1832, than you can stay in Vienna and avoid Mozart. Only the Original Sacher-Torte is produced according to the secret recipe. The basis of the entire confection is a chocolate cake, thinly coated by hand with best-quality apricot jam. The chocolate icing on top of it is the crowning glory. It tastes best with a portion of unsweetened whipped cream.
Best eaten in its home, Hotel Sacher
Roquefort, France – Roquefort
Discover the source of the king of cheeses, with a tour of the roquefort caves. Discovered more than 2,000 years ago, the fortress of rock produces veins in the cheese caused by the “benign and noble” mould, Penicillium roquefortii which is apparently found nowhere else in the world.
Best eaten with baguette, red wine and friends
Chicago, Illinois – Deep dish pizza
Chicago’s deep dish pizzas were invented in 1943 and their signature crusts can be 3″ tall. One of the original inventors of the Chicago deep dish food, Lou Malnati’s has been an iconic institution for decades. Go for the signature “Lou”, a three-cheese pie with mozzarella, Romano and cheddar on a garlic buttercrust.
Best eaten slowly
Belgium – waffles
Belgian waffles date back to the Middle Ages, reaching worldwide popularity when Belgian Maurice Vermersch sold the traditional Brussels waffle during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.
There are two different types of waffle: the Brussels Waffle is light and crunchy outside and less sweet than the; Lieges Waffle which is typically oval and dense with a sweet, slightly sticky exterior.
Best eaten in moderation (good luck!)
London – pie and mash
Traditional working class fare featuring pastry pie, mashed potato and liquor (parsley sauce). Try Manzes for one of London’s finest institutions for pie and mash. Eat in or take-away in SE1, SE15 and SM1.
Best eaten with a dash of Manzes’ chilli-infused vinegar on the table
