Traveling the world is not just about sightseeing and photos of architecture. The real discoveries are often found in the details: in the smell of street food, the taste of a local dish you would never cook at home, or even in an inconspicuous souvenir shop in a market. Just as in numismatics, where the John Tyler dollar coin value can increase significantly due to its rarity and historical significance, the gastronomic traditions of peoples can open up a whole world of cultural discoveries.
So, today we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world to discover the most unusual traditions. And at the same time, we’ll tell you what you can bring back not only for your stomach, but also for your soul – whether it’s an original delicacy, an ancient coin or a delicious memory. Ready to taste the world?
Finland: Coffee with Cheese — A Cozy Nordic Pairing
In the snowy heart of Finland, there is a tradition that warms both body and soul: leipäjuusto, or Finnish squeaky cheese, served in a cup of steaming coffee. This cheese is often made from cow or even reindeer milk, so it’s known for its biscuity texture and mild flavor. This cheese is cut into small cubes and then dropped into a mug – it doesn’t melt, it floats, slowly absorbing the bitter coffee and turning into soft, chewy chunks.
This combination is especially popular in Lapland, where cold temperatures demand comfort. Locals enjoy this treat on long winter evenings, at the same time this dish is also offered to guests as a sign of warmth and welcome. Travelers can also try this meal in cozy cafes placed between snow-covered forests, ideally paired with locally roasted small beans.
Tip: For the full experience, enjoy a cup in a traditional log cabin surrounded by peaceful wilderness.
What to take home:
- Vacuum-packed Leipäjuusto (this cheese travels well if kept cool).
- Lapland-roasted coffee beans to pair with the cheese for a true Scandinavian touch to your mornings.
Japan: Fugu — Risk on a Plate
Few dishes come with a built-in thrill quite like fugu, the Japanese pufferfish, which is famous for its elegant appearance and deadly potential. The fish contains lethal toxins in its organs, and only licensed chefs, after years of training, are allowed to prepare it.
Despite the risks, or perhaps because of them, fugu now is a symbol of refined bravery and prestige. This dish is served as sashimi in petal-thin slices or cooked in a hotpot (fugu nabe). It’s particularly popular during winter months and draws culinary adventurers from across the globe.
Where to try it: Look for certified fugu restaurants in Osaka and Tokyo, which display their licenses openly – a sign of both pride and legal compliance.
What to bring home: You can’t export fugu, but you can preserve the memory. Pick up a delicate ceramic dish like those used in fugu restaurants or snap a photo of the beautifully arranged sashimi plate – proof of your culinary courage.
Thailand: Tom Yum Soup — A Dance of Flavors
When it comes to Thai cuisine, tom yum is a dish that immediately stands out. This hot and sour soup is the perfect representation of Thailand’s bold and complex flavor profile (that combines fiery chili peppers, tangy lime, and the fresh, herbal notes of lemongrass and galangal). Traditionally made with shrimp, though chicken or fish can also be used, tom yum is a staple in Thai dining, loved for its robust taste.
The magic of tom yum lies in its balance: the acidity of lime cuts through the heat of the chili, while the herbs bring a refreshing touch that contrasts with the spiciness. All together this creates a harmonious flavor experience. In Thailand, you can find and try this soup almost everywhere: at a noisy street market or in a high-end restaurant, and the dish is sure to captivate your senses with its unusual taste.
Tip: If you’re sensitive to spice, don’t hesitate to ask for a milder version – it’s common and completely acceptable in Thailand to adjust the spice level to your personal preference.
What to take home: To recreate the magic of tom yum at home, stock up on the essential herbs and spices used in the dish. These ingredients can be easily found at local markets and will allow you to bring a little piece of Thailand to your own kitchen. Here is a list of key ingredients to pick up for an authentic tom yum experience:
- Lemongrass – Adds a citrusy freshness.
- Galangal – A root similar to ginger with a more earthy flavor.
- Kaffir lime leaves – Bring a bright, fragrant note to the soup.
- Thai bird’s eye chilies – For that signature heat.
These ingredients will both enhance your tom yum flavor but will also introduce you to the heart of Thai cuisine.
Sweden: Surströmming — Fermented Challenge
Not for the faint of heart: surströmming is Sweden’s infamous fermented herring, and it is memorable not only for its taste, but also for its smell. Surströmming earns its reputation as one of the smelliest foods in the world, its pungent odor can make even the most experienced eaters gag. The fish is stored in brine for several months, and it is the fermentation process that gives it its pungent, almost overpowering flavor.
But despite the complex odor, surströmming is a traditional Swedish delicacy that is centuries old. It is often served with thin flatbreads called tunnbröd and paired with potatoes, onions and sour cream. Fans of surströmming claim that once you get rid of the smell, its taste is a real treat.
Tip: Always open surströmming outdoors – the smell can be overwhelming. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, open the can underwater to minimize the smell.
What to take home with you: If you want a memorable souvenir, buy a well-sealed jar of surströmming as a quirky reminder of your culinary daring. If you want to take a more satisfying meal with you, bring some breadcrumbs and local Swedish sea salt – they’re perfect for adding a bit of Sweden to your own dishes.
Laos: Bugs on Sticks and Antique Coins
While the idea of eating insects may not appeal to everyone, in Laos, fried bugs are a popular and beloved snack among locals, thus at local markets, you can find everything: crickets, scorpions skewered on sticks, ready for adventurous eaters to try. These protein-packed snacks are crispy and surprisingly flavorful, often seasoned with garlic and chili. You’ll find them nearly everywhere in Laos.
But these markets are not just for unique culinary experiences. Many vendors also sell antique coins from the era of French Indochina – a period that lasted from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. These coins (some more than 100 years old) serve as tangible links to Laos’ colonial history and due to studying them you can get intriguing details of the past.
Fun Fact: Some of these coins are still in circulation today, and you may come across one while shopping.
Pro tip: Use the Coin ID Scanner app to quickly identify the origin and value of any coin you find, whether it’s a rare jewel or a fascinating memento.
What to take home:
- A vintage coin or coin jewelry crafted from these antique pieces, which makes for a truly unique souvenir.
- Chili pastes from local stalls to recreate the bold and spicy flavors of Laos in your own kitchen.
Travel with Taste and Curiosity
Travel is not only about the sights, but also about the flavors that stay with us for a long time. Each unusual dish, be it coffee and cheese in Finland or tom yam soup in Thailand, reveals new sides of culture and history. When we taste local delicacies, we savor the flavors, as well as take with us unique memories that we can take back with us as souvenirs – whether it’s an unusual delicacy, a coin or simply a delicious story to tell in the future.
