The Ultimate Food Guide for Family Travelers: A 13-Year-Old’s Culinary Journey Across 32 Countries and counting.

The Ultimate Food Guide for Family Travelers by Harper

Harper enjoying a warm bowl of noodles with chopsticks during her culinary adventures in Japan. Slurping up the flavors one bite at a time!

Hi everyone! I’m Harper, your resident teen foodie, and I’ve been lucky enough to travel to 32 countries and counting with my family. Along the way, I’ve discovered some of the world’s most incredible dishes. If you’re a family that loves food and adventure, this guide is for you. From my absolute obsessions—like sushi, dumplings, and buttery croissants—to hidden gems around the globe, let’s explore the best bites from my travels.

The Ultimate Food Guide

1. Sushi in Japan 🍣

Let me start with my all-time favorite: sushi. I could eat sushi every single day and never get bored. Japan is heaven for sushi lovers like me! From delicate nigiri to creative rolls, every bite feels like a work of art. Just kidding about adding wasabi—it's not really my thing. However, if you love that spicy kick, go for it! My personal favorite is fresh salmon nigiri with a squeeze of lemon.

2. Dumplings in Hong Kong and China 🥟

Dumplings are my other food obsession. Whether it’s xiao long bao (soup dumplings) in China or shrimp dumplings in Hong Kong, I’m in love with these bite-sized delights. I could spend hours in dim sum restaurants, sampling everything from fluffy buns to crispy spring rolls. There’s something magical about opening a bamboo steamer and discovering the treasures inside. Dumplings are my happy place!

3. Croissants in France 🥐

If heaven had a sound, it would be the crackle of a freshly baked croissant. Seriously, that flaky, golden crust breaking apart is so satisfying. I’m completely obsessed with croissants—they’re buttery, light, and melt in your mouth. My favorite memory from Paris was sitting outside a café with a warm croissant and hot chocolate, watching the city come to life. Pro tip: Get them fresh from a local boulangerie for the ultimate experience.

4. Tacos in México 🌮

Mexican tacos are legendary, and trust me, they live up to the hype. From street food stands to bustling taquerias, the flavors are incredible. Al pastor (spit-roasted pork) tacos are my favorite, topped with pineapple, fresh salsa, and lime. Eating tacos in Mexico is not just a meal—it’s an adventure!

5. Gallo Pinto in Nicaragua 🇳🇮

Gallo Pinto, a delicious mix of rice and beans, is Nicaragua’s comfort food. It’s served at almost every meal, and it’s even better with fried plantains and a slice of fresh cheese. Simple, wholesome, and totally delicious!

6. Pavlova in New Zealand 🇳🇿

New Zealand’s pavlova is like eating a cloud. This meringue dessert is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. It’s perfect after a day of exploring the breathtaking Kiwi landscapes.

7. Pad Thai in Thailand 🍜

Pad Thai is a dish that makes your taste buds dance. Stir-fried noodles with tamarind sauce, shrimp, tofu, and crunchy peanuts—it’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Street vendors in Thailand make the best Pad Thai, and it’s super budget-friendly too!

8. Swiss Fondue in Switzerland 🫕

Switzerland is known for its cheese, and fondue is the ultimate way to enjoy it. Imagine dipping chunks of bread into a pot of gooey, melted cheese. It’s cozy, delicious, and perfect for chilly nights in the Alps.

9. Shawarma in Dubai 🥙

Dubai’s shawarma is like a flavor explosion in a wrap. Juicy meat, creamy garlic sauce, tangy pickles, and warm flatbread—it’s the perfect on-the-go meal for exploring the city’s futuristic skyline.

10. Pain au Chocolat in France 🍫🥐

While I’m a croissant lover at heart, pain au chocolat deserves its own shoutout. It’s basically a croissant with a surprise inside: gooey chocolate! Perfect for a sweet breakfast or an afternoon treat while strolling through Paris.

11. Turkish Baklava in Turkey 🧁

Baklava is pure bliss—layers of flaky pastry filled with pistachios and drizzled with honey syrup. Every bite is sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive. Pair it with Turkish tea for the full experience.

12. Dim Sum in Hong Kong 🥢

Yes, dim sum is so good it’s worth mentioning twice! It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. Gathering around a table with my family, sharing plates of dumplings, buns, and egg tarts, makes every meal feel like a celebration.

13. Costa Rican Casado 🥗

Casado, meaning “married” in Spanish, is the perfect marriage of flavors. It’s a hearty plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and meat. Fresh and filling, it’s the ultimate Costa Rican meal for adventurers.

Food is more than just fuel—it’s a way to connect with people, cultures, and places. Whether you’re biting into a warm croissant in France, savoring sushi in Japan, or sharing a dim sum feast in Hong Kong, every meal is an adventure.

So pack your bags (and your appetite), and let’s explore the world one delicious bite at a time.

Bon appétit!

Love,Harper 🍴✈️

Want to see more of my travels in action? Check out my latest videos on my Harper’s World YouTube Channel!