6 unconventional foodie holidays that are worth the long flight
If you can stomach 13 hours on a plane to reach the likes of Tel Aviv, Franschhoek or Tbilisi, then these six cities serve a smorgasbord of culinary delights
Spending 13 hours trapped in a plane cabin isn’t necessarily fun, but there’s plenty to look forward to on the other side. And what better to look forward to than a damn good meal? Food is the best part of any trip (or so we think), but finding that perfect off-road place takes special skill. For a start, here are six off-the-beaten-path destinations. Book your tables, buy your plane ticket, bring an appetite, and be prepared to eat, drink and repeat.
1. Tel Aviv, Israel
There’s no better way to experience Tel Aviv than through its beachfront boardwalks, gritty neighbourhoods and kaleidoscope of eateries. From its hole-in-the-wall food joints to everything in between, there’s always a melange of influences from North Africa, the Middle East and Mediterranean. Think bright, briny flavours, spices and spreads, and extra fresh produce that the city is blessed with.
Dine at
Claro: Ran Shmueli, one of Israel’s most beloved chefs, is the backbone behind Claro’s consistently high standard and warm feel. He remains true to his farm-to-table commitment with market-fresh ingredients. Grab a bar seat for the best views and watch Shmueli and his team prepare plates of fish confit bruschetta and handmade pasta. Be sure to save room for dessert – the raspberry coulis cheesecake is sublime.
Bana: The great thing about Israeli cuisine is that you’ll hardly ever overdose on meat, but if you do, it’s Bana to the rescue, a bright and pleasant space nestled in the heart of White City. Its vegan offerings centre around a range of fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs, without the meat substitutes. It just started serving brunch, too. Thirsty? The ouzo, almond milk and mint cocktail will do the trick.
Taizu: Local star Yuval Ben Neriah’s Taizu has been causing quite a stir. Inspired by his travels through Southeast Asia, he’s created an extensive seafood-heavy menu of small plates, featuring local twists on Asian street food. Enjoy veal cheek and pomegranate broth dumplings, and hummus koftas with unripe mango and fresh coconut, then proceed to the bar for a cocktail paired with the famous Ana Shapiro dessert.