The way to the heart is through the stomach. Never were wiser words ever written. Here, eat your heart out as Cheap Flights introduces you to its top ten cities for getting to know the area's culture inside out.
Barcelona
Catalan cuisine rules supreme in the coastal city of Barcelona in the form of paella, pork stew, eggs, potato and ham. Join fellow ttravelers at the popular La Rambla. Alternately, head into La Barceloneta (Little Barcelona), featuring the city's best seafood following its past as a fishing district in the 18th century. Or, wander through La Boqueria, the largest open-air market in the city, known for its fresh fruit, tapas and bocadillos (sandwiches).
Tunis
Look into the legend that the spicier a wife prepares a dish for her husband, the more she loves him, here, in Tunisia's capital city of Tunis. Merging Mediterranean with desert cuisine, this city's cuisine is distinguished by olive oil, spices, tomatoes, seafood and lamb. Step into the Medina District for its vast array of restaurants, or check out more local fare on the street throughout the city.
San Francisco
It goes without saying Ghirardelli chocolate would satisfy our taste buds. However, this California city made our top three because its Chinatown and North Beach Little Italy realizes San Francisco's diversity in the most delectable way.
Palermo
Good food never looked so good as when Palermo's setting sun casts its dark orange light over the city in the late summer. Get a taste of the city's pairing of grapes and anchovies, and sea salt with Pipittuni (a citrus fruit). Visit Viale della Liberta for Palermo's upscale offerings or explore the town for its abundant range of street food. Choose from the fruits, vegetables, beans and local almonds at the market, Bollaro, dating back to the 11th century. Sample pane panelle (made from chickpea flour), crocches (balls of potato, risotto or rice, typically breaded) or Scaccio, a salty blend of pumpkin seeds, pistachios and chick peas.
Paris
As you would expect, The City of Lights illuminates more than the bread and cheese it's famous for. Meat lovers will have a chance to savor the Paris' lamb shoulder and duck liver. Be sure to visit the district, The 8th Arrondissement - renowned for its array of exquisitely chic restaurants.
Tokyo
Get fresh in Japan's capital of Tokyo, as fresh fish, tofu, handmade noodles and local produce distinguish the city's sashimi, sushi and tempura among the world's best cuisine. Explore Tsukiji Market, one of the world's largest fish markets, of 3,000 tons of fish. Then, step into the Roppongi neighborhood, distinguished as much for its food as its nightlife.
Athens
Beyond the ancient city's feta and olives, Athens' districts Plaka and Montastiraki offer up local dishes like moussaka and lamb. A trip to Greece isn't complete without the region's trademark stuffed grape leaves. However, what you'll most be talking about - and look forward to in the future - is the region's seafood, specifically the Aegean oysters among the city's vast seafood selection along the waterfront of Mikrolimano harbor.
Istanbul
Head straight for Beyoglu's mayhanes, Istanbul's traditional eating houses, where Turkey's capital city will introduce you to modern interpretations on meze, grilled fish and lamb. Look for regional Ottoman recipes distinguishing the area's seafood.
Vancouver
Those living farther north will favor Vancouver's Chinatown, where visitors can cultivate their love for pork buns and dim sum throughout the neighborhood's streets. Get a load of the seafood displayed on a pedestal or choose from the many seats in Yaletown, where the trendy neighborhood's seafood and wine restaurant make a hard choice most rewarding.
New York City
Take a bite out of the Big Apple, as New York's ethnic restaurants, celebrity chefs and boutique grocery markets compete for your attention. Try the more bohemian flavor of SoHo. If you can, narrow down your selection from among TriBeCa's fashionable choices, and stroll through the aisles of Chelsea Market for its gourment fare. Then, discover the true amore of Little Italy's pizza pie.
Visit www.cheapflights.com.