The best way to start immersing in a country’s culture and heritage is to get a taste of their cuisine. Skipping the luring restaurants on busy shopping streets targeting masses of tourists, the real secrets of a country’s gastronomy are waiting to be discovered away from the city’s buzz. The following restaurants are offering unforgettable journeys around (the world) to the traditional gastronomic delights of 3 countries.

Can’t get more local than this – Seagull restaurant, Kerala

Seagull restaurant – Cochin, Kerala, South India

Located at the seashore of Fort Kochi, overlooking the city’s shipping channel, the place introduces your taste buds to the authentic Kerala delicacies. The family run restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, seasoned with the legendary Kerala spices and herbs, all locally grown. Don’t miss out on the savory local specialty, the so-called ‘Karimeen Pollichathu’. The marinated fish, wrapped and grilled in banana leaf is the favorite of Kerala people and a much-loved meal all over India. Sit for a relaxing lunch or dinner and simply enjoy the sound of the waves while watching ships sailing by. (Kalvathy Road, Fort Kochi)

Hot and spicy – Kerala fish in banana leaf

Le Dézaley – Zürich, Switzerland

How much more traditional you can get in Switzerland than dipping those small pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. The Swiss fondue was promoted as a national dish by the Swiss Cheese Union in the 1930’s and it still enjoys unbroken success not only in Switzerland but around the world. The best place to dip your long-stemmed fork in the pot is Le Dézaley in Zürich, a warm and cozy restaurant with rich history dating back to 1902. Cheese and meat fondue according to old family recipes, and other Swiss specialties are on offer accompanied with the best wines from the Canton Vaud. Expect incomparable culinary, pleasant environment and immaculate service. (Römergasse 7-9.)

Classic Swiss ambience in Zürich’s Le Dézaley restaurant

The Chef – Xemxija, Malta

Ideally positioned in the beautiful sunny bay of ‘Xemxija’, right by the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea, the restaurant is a journey to the world of top gastronomic delights. Run by the award-winning chef, Martin Camilleri and his family the wine cellar and bistro is specialized in Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on slow cooking technique.  A highly experienced in-house sommelier will offer you the perfect wines and champagnes to accompany each course you order. The mouth-watering, slow-cooked lamb shank is a top culinary experience. (Triq il-Fekruna, San Pawl il-Bahar)

The Chef’s view

journeyfiles also praises the cuisine of:

• Hotel Goldener Adler – Wattens, Austria (featured in ‘The sparkle of Wattens never fades’)
• Locanda Perinella – Brogliano, Italy (featured in ‘Hidden Pearls of the North Italian countryside’)
• EtyekM – Etyek, Hungary (featured in ‘Amongst peaceful vineyards’)