Tasting local treats is a great way to get a better feel for a different culture, and a trip to the grocery store can reveal much about a foreign country. With this in mind, editors and visitors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled a list of ‘don’t miss’ foods and drinks from around the world.
The U.S. earned a few mentions on the list. In first place was the sticky treat of Marshmallow Fluff, from the city of Lynn, Massachusetts. Garrett Popcorn in Chicago, Illinois and Fox’s U-Bet Syrup – a thick chocolate syrup used in egg creams – from Brooklyn, New York also made the list.
Lyle’s Golden Syrup, popular with both nobles and commoners for over 127 years, was the top mention for the United Kingdom. Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls – which promise to "keep you all aglow" – are also highly recommended, as is Nash’s Red Lemonade, found only in Ireland.
From Germany, the non-alcoholic beverage Bionade earned an honorable mention, available in varieties like elderberry, lychee, herbs, and ginger-orange flavors. The licorice-based Salmiakki is a popular Finnish treat, used in everything from ice cream to vodka. A strange goodie from Iceland called Skyr also made the list, although even fans admit the sour-tasting dairy product is an acquired taste.
Visitors to Australia should be sure to try the famous biscuit, Arnott’s Tim Tam. Locals can demonstrate how to make a ‘Tim Tam Slam,’ which involves using the cookie as a straw for drinking coffee or tea.
Photo credit: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net