Tapas are one of the world’s most enduring casual dining trends – but the tradition’s working class, barroom roots mean you might be munching on something meatier than you ever expected
Vietnam has long been a popular destination, but it’s must-see destinations are getting flooded with tourists and becoming more expensive. Here are five stunning alternatives that won’t cost you a fortune.
The pursuit of Italy’s culinary delights is not for the faint hearted, and if a pork blood pudding from Tuscany, and a cheese with maggots from Sardinia, haven’t put you off, try these
Watch a Himalayan sunrise from Poon Hill in Nepal, trek through remote villages and refuel with hearty Nepalese food. Don’t worry about the uphill sections – you can hire a porter to carry most of your baggage. And don’t worry about the leeches.
Doi Inthanon National Park, containing Thailand’s highest mountain, is also home to ethnic minority villages, hidden waterfalls and royal burial grounds. A two-day trek can include a night with a family from the local Karen tribe.
If you’re heading to Hokkaido out of ski season, the local cuisine offers delicacies, favourite Japanese flavours such as lavender and even craft beer that will sate your inner foodie
A predawn trek to Mount Bromo in East Java takes you through some incredible scenery. The active volcano is one of many in the national park and safe to visit, unless a warning is issued.
Thien Duong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was formed 350 to 400 million years ago. It was discovered in 2005, and opened to visitors in 2010. Only 15 visitors per day are allowed to explore up to 7km of the spectacular 31.5km-long cave.
A trek up the highest mountain in Southeast Asia starts with a seemingly endless series of steps through the jungles of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, before a rope-assisted ascent to the summit and a technicolour dawn.
A richer, medicinal-tasting version of the pork rib dish, bak kut teh, tuhau – a smelly, spicy shredded ginger condiment – and lemon coconut jelly are among the local delights
Region that’s home to several hill tribes has become a tourism hot spot – escape the crowds on a leisurely half-day hike down to the Muong Hoa valley, where time seems to have stood still.
One of the largest acidic lakes in the world, Kawah Ijen, in the crater of a volcano where sulphur miners toil, is famous for its natural blue flames, which occur when sulphur gases come into contact with oxygen.
Instagram-favourite strawberry parfait’s strawberries, chocolate mousse and granola, is another of the city’s delicious delights
Given Japanese’s love for manga and anime, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that they excel in turning coffee into pieces of art, too
Look past the pad thai and mango sticky rice and you’ll find there’s a lot more to the city’s cheap eats, from cupcakes to coconut ice cream and sweet taco-style crepes
Chinese cabbage, octopus, fish balls and oysters served on a skewer, fish-head noodles and an icy fruit drink are among the delights served in the capital city
Crisp ‘dirty duck’, Indonesian salad, served with tofu and lots of peanut sauce and suckling pig, roasted whole on a spit, are among the island’s specialities
Garaku, miso ramen, butadon, jingisukan and ishikari nabe are guaranteed to keep you warm on a visit to Japan’s northernmost main island this winter
Spicy beef noodles from the city of Hue, delicate white-rose-shaped dumplings and a crispy squid pancake are among the region’s culinary treats
Breakaway from the traditional kimchi and barbecue by delving into the tasty snacks on offer while exploring the capital city
Tulang, dry ban mian, frog porridge, rojak and chwee kueh top the list for the adventurous food lovers
A deep-fried beef cutlet, seared tuna cheek, a melon bun – which contains no melon and a thick pork sandwich are among the capital’s other culinary treats
Explore the local Khmer cuisine in the town that serves as the gateway to Angkor Wat
If you fancy grabbing a bite to eat while exploring city streets and markets, you can’t do better than the Taiwanese capital,which offers a wide range of satisfying snacks to suit all preferences
Pork patties served with rice vermicelli, fried marinated mudfish wrapped in banana leaves and fish noodle soup are among treats served in cooler north
Instead of the laksa and flat fried noodles served by the Malaysian island’s street stalls, try the less-known delights of meat rolls, coconut fried rice and duck rice noodles
As a home to classic culinary treats, landlocked Laos is overshadowed by its neighbours, but its cuisine offers many surprises