At Serious Eats, there’s a shared truth we can’t help but live by: we travel to eat. Yes, we may knit, box, hike, train cats (true story), or watercolor in our spare time—but when it comes down to it, the heart of our adventures, no matter where we go, is always on a plate. That’s the spirit behind Global Eats, our newest culinary travel series that blends two of our greatest loves—food and discovery—into a deeply personal, flavor-packed journey across the globe.
This isn’t your standard “best of” travel guide. These stories come from our very own food obsessives—people who’ve eaten their way through local markets, back-alley noodle stalls, heritage bakeries, family-run teahouses, and nose-to-tail butchers. In this series, we’re not just giving you tips—we’re giving you insider access. Think of it as getting travel advice from a friend whose taste buds you trust implicitly. A friend who might tell you to skip the fifth museum in favor of a second lunch. Or third.
Whether you’re planning your next big trip, reminiscing about one you wish had lasted longer, or simply cooking your way through the flavors of cities still waiting to be crossed off your bucket list, Global Eats is here to spark inspiration. You’ll find more than 50 must-try recipes and over 50 dining destinations—meticulously curated and joyfully devoured—in seven global food cities: Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Cairo, London, Mumbai, Paris, and Taipei.
Let’s dig in.
Bangkok: A Feast of Flavor and Fire
If Bangkok had a national soundtrack, it would be the crackle of oil hitting a wok, the clang of metal ladles against bubbling pots, and the rhythmic chatter of sidewalk diners perched on plastic stools. In the Thai capital, food is everywhere—and thank goodness, because it’s impossible to eat just one dish.
In our Bangkok guide, you’ll meet the noodle shops serving boat noodles rich with beefy depth, the street vendors whipping up green papaya salad with enough chilies to make you cry (in a good way), and the kitchens layering flavor upon flavor into perfect curries. Whether you’re into sizzling satay skewers, tangy dipping sauces, or sweet, creamy mango sticky rice, Bangkok will make you a believer in eating five meals a day.
Even better? Most of it costs less than your morning coffee.
Buenos Aires: The City Where the Butcher Reigns
Argentinian cuisine is more than just beef—but let’s not kid ourselves, the beef is spectacular. In Buenos Aires, meat isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a cultural cornerstone. Our guide takes you into the heart of this carnivore’s paradise, where butchers still wield their knives with old-world artistry and empanadas come in enough regional varieties to start friendly debates.
You’ll also find rich stews, milanesa sandwiches, and the humble-yet-revered fugazzeta, a gloriously cheesy stuffed pizza that’s uniquely Porteño. Between sips of yerba mate and bites of dulce de leche-laced pastries, you’ll start to understand how deeply food and identity intertwine here.
Cairo: Layered History, Layered Dishes
Cairo doesn’t whisper its history—it shouts it in spice and texture. Our culinary tour of Egypt’s capital explores the intersection of ancient tradition and modern hunger, from bubbling pots of ful medames to crisp-fried ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) and rice-stuffed pigeons fit for a pharaoh.
Food in Cairo is built for sharing, and so is this guide. With every flatbread torn and every spoonful of kushari (Egypt’s unofficial national dish), you taste the richness of a place that’s long welcomed—and fed—travelers with open arms.
London: A New Classic Emerges
Forget the tired clichés. London’s food scene today is a kaleidoscope of cultures, a city where you can have Jamaican curry goat for breakfast, Bangladeshi biryani for lunch, and a Michelin-starred reinterpretation of a Sunday roast for dinner.
In our London guide, we trace the evolution of a city that has fully embraced its global palate while holding tight to beloved traditions. Think handmade Cornish pasties next door to Persian tahdig, or afternoon tea with a twist. It’s all here—and it’s never been more delicious.
Mumbai: Spices, Street Food, and Soul
Mumbai doesn’t stop. Its food scene doesn’t either. From dawn to well past midnight, the city feeds millions with an astounding range of dishes—each layered with the energy of a place constantly on the move.
In this guide, we follow the aromas of pav bhaji sizzling on street-side griddles, the swirl of masala in steaming cups of chai, and the careful dance of spice and sweetness in regional thalis. Mumbai food is a wild, wonderful balance of chaos and comfort. You’ll leave full—and dreaming of your next bite.
Taipei: Where Tea and Technique Rule
In Taipei, food is precision. It’s ceremony. It’s also fun and totally unpretentious. From the hum of night markets to the quiet concentration of a gongfu tea house, this guide leads you through the heart of a city that takes its flavors seriously—and its snacks even more so.
We spotlight spots for perfect soup dumplings, the creamiest soy milk breakfasts, and tea shops where every pour tells a story. Taipei doesn’t demand attention—it earns it, one perfectly seasoned mouthful at a time.
Paris: Beyond the Croissant
Yes, the croissants are flaky perfection. But Paris is also reinventing itself, plate by plate. In our Paris guide, we dive into the new wave of chefs bringing global flavors to the city of lights—without losing sight of its storied culinary roots.
From tiny bistros serving Syrian-French fusion to markets hawking fresh oysters and perfect baguettes, we share the best of old and new Paris. You’ll also find recipes to bring that bistro energy home, no beret required.
So whether you’re holding a plane ticket or a wooden spoon, Global Eats is your invitation to explore. Come hungry, stay curious, and eat like you’re there—even if you’re not.
