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Last Updated on October 17, 2026 by Themigonikitchen
Taste Before You Go: 10 Authentic Recipes to Get You Excited for Your Next Trip
While we have been focusing on travel the past few months, we originally started our blog as a food blog waaaay back in 2017. Food is always a big part of our travels – we often plan trips around eating/trying certain foods. I thought it would be a fun post to link to some of our favorite travel inspired recipes. Recipes we created that we learned to make from our travels or that bring us back to a special place.
If you have some travels coming up, learning to prepare some of the foods traditional to that country or region can be a great way to learn about the place you’ll be visiting. We love exposing our kids to new cuisines and flavors as much as possible, even if they are not super excited to try it!
Hawaii
The Destination: Hawaii offers a blend of island culture, fresh ocean air, and vibrant local cuisine rooted in fresh seafood and tropical flavors. Preparing a fresh bowl at home is the best way to get into an island state of mind before your flight.
The Recipe: Fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce, and green onions, for a classic Hawaiian staple. Or, if you want a more kid-friendly option, Huli Huli chicken is great to throw on the grill and serve with some pineapple!
Explore the Guide: Kauai with Kids, The Perfect Maui Honeymoon, 3 Days on the Big Island
Make the Recipe: Ahi Tuna Poke or Huli Huli Chicken
Spain
The Destination: From the vibrant tapas bars of Madrid to the historic streets of Barcelona, dining in Spain is a communal, late-night tradition centered around bold peppers, rich olive oil, and tender meats.
The Recipe: Pan-seared pork tenderloin smothered in a velvety piquillo pepper sauce, served alongside a traditional Spanish potato tortilla (Tortilla de Papa).
Explore the Guide: 24 Hours in Madrid
Make the Recipe: Spanish Pork Tenderloin with Piquillo Pepper Sauce paired with Tortilla de Papa
Argentina
The Destination: Known for sweeping pampas, lively city streets, and an unmatched beef culture, Argentina’s culinary landscape revolves around wood-fired grills, rich pastries, and shared meals.
The Recipe: Flaky, hand-folded pastry dough stuffed with savory spiced ground beef, cumin, paprika, and green olives baked to golden perfection.
Explore the Guide: Buenos Aires Guide
Make the Recipe: Beef Empanadas
Paris
The Destination: Paris is defined by classic neighborhood bistros, bustling open-air markets, and a deep respect for seasonal produce and time-honored French cooking techniques.
The Recipe: Beautifully layered summer vegetables—zucchini, eggplant, and ripe tomatoes—slow-cooked over a garlic and herb-infused tomato base. Note that this a non-traditional recipe, and actually more of what is called a “tian” in Provencal French cuisine.
Explore the Guide: Paris Tips
Make the Recipe: Ratatouille
Bologna/Modena, Italy
The Destination: Regarded as the culinary heart of Italy, Emilia-Romagna is famous for medieval porticos, centuries-old food markets, aged balsamic vinegar, and rich, slow-simmered ragùs.
The Recipe: Wide ribbons of fresh, homemade pappardelle pasta coated in a rich, slow-cooked beef ragù that brings true Italian comfort straight to your kitchen.
Explore the Guide: 4 Days in Emilia Romagna
Make the Recipe: Homemade Pappardelle Pasta with Beef Ragu
Milan, Italy
The Destination: Milan seamlessly combines modern design and high fashion with northern Italian culinary traditions, where golden saffron threads and rich risottos reign supreme.
The Recipe: Creamy, saffron-infused risotto topped with sweet seared scallops and shrimp for an elegant northern Italian dinner.
Explore the Guide: 3 Days in Milan
Make the Recipe: Saffron Risotto with Scallops and Shrimp
Venice, Italy
The Destination: Navigating Venice’s historic canals and narrow alleys always leads to a local bàcaro serving fresh seafood directly from the Venetian lagoon alongside a cold drink.
The Recipe: Crispy, lightly floured fried calamari rings served golden-brown with fresh lemon wedges for a light, seafood-forward appetizer.
Explore the Guide: Venice with Kids
Make the Recipe: Fried Calamari
Mexico
The Destination: Mexican cuisine is rich in history, regional spice variations, and bold chile bases that transform simple ingredients into deeply satisfying meals.
The Recipe: Shredded chicken breast simmered in a smoky, chipotle and fire-roasted tomato sauce, perfect for piling onto crispy tostadas or warm tortillas.
Explore the Guide: Cozumel + Oaxaca coming soon!
Make the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
New York City
The Destination: New York City’s food scene is as fast-paced as its streets, with legendary food carts feeding locals and travelers late into the night.
The Recipe: Savory spiced beef over seasoned yellow rice, drizzled with iconic tangy white sauce and hot sauce to recreate the legendary Manhattan street-cart bowl at home.
Explore the Guide: Coming soon!
Make the Recipe: Copycat Halal Guys Beef Bowls
Jordan
The Destination: Jordan’s breathtaking landscapes—from ancient Petra to Wadi Rum—are matched only by its warm Levantine hospitality and family-style platters designed for sharing.
The Recipe: Spiced beef and lamb kafta patties baked with sliced potatoes and ripe tomatoes in a warm, aromatic tomato sauce, served alongside warm pita or rice.
Explore the Guide: Jordan
Make the Recipe: Baked Kaftas with Tomatoes and Potatoes
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