It’s no secret that foodie holidays are no longer a niche interest – they’re well and truly a staple holiday type, with national newspapers devoting whole sections to foodie holidays within them. In fact, they’re so popular that it can be difficult to find a destination that surprises you – well, prepare for your tummy to be surprised in the best possible way! I’ve picked three surprising travel destinations that you can bank on being brilliant for foodies.

Recommended reading: 5 THINGS TO TRY WHEN YOU VISIT LONDON FOR THE FIRST TIME

LAS VEGAS, USA 

Las Vegas, city of neon dreams and debauchery. Vegas is world-famous for its casino gambling, which is why it’s such a surprise that’s absolutely brilliant for foodies. Why? Because it has a splendid combination of classy and dirty food.

There are some truly excellent places you can eat in Vegas:

● Dirt Dog: Look no further if you have a hankering for a dirty hot dog.

● Joël Robuchon Restaurant: Its 12-course tasting is to die for.

● Cut: Wolfgang Puck opened this restaurant, which says all you need to know.

While Las Vegas doesn’t quite have a staple dish, I think foodies simply enjoy everything here.

PULA, CROATIA

I’ve visited Pula and I can tell you now that it’s not by accident that this Croatian hotspot is more associated with architecture than food – its ancient city is incredible. But pay a visit to Pula and the foodie inside you will find plenty to adore.

Some of the top hangouts in Pula for foodies are:

● Farabuto: The favorite restaurant for many locals.

● Trattoria Vodnjanka: The best place to get a taste of the native cuisine.

● TiVoli: A gorgeous blend of Italian and Croatian culinary styles.

I may be biased, but when you’re in Pula you absolutely must try the Istrian stew – it’s a gorgeous mix of bacon, spare ribs, beans, sauerkraut or sour turnip, and potatoes that’s famous across the northern Adriatic region.

YANGON, MYANMAR

Known more for political discord than its eating traditions, Yangon is the capital of Myanmar. This means it’s the capital a nation that shares borders with China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Laos – it’s the blend of cuisines that comes from these varied borders that makes Yangon an unexpected treat for foodies.

With such a diverse array of culinary influences, it’s no surprise to learn that there are some great places to eat in Yangon: 

●      Rangoon Tea House: The place to go for traditional food with a modern slant.

●      Green Gallery: Delicious curries with a distinctly Thai influence to them.

●      Rau Răm: Inventive takes on the Southeast Asian elements of Myanmar’s palate.

It’s really difficult to hone in on just one dish to aim for when you’re in Yangon – there’s just so much variety to choose from. Instead, I advise that you keep an eye out for any food that leans of Thai cooking influences.

Las Vegas, Pula, and Yangon are three varied cities from three unique continents. Each destination is a brilliant treat for foodies and the fact you wouldn’t expect it from them makes the experience even better.

But these three great places are only a few of the travel destinations that are unexpectedly great for foodies – honorable mentions go to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Lima (Peru), but even that doesn’t touch the sides of the great cities and countries to eat at.

So try the destinations I’ve mentioned and then spin a globe and try the first new place you land on – chances are it’ll have some gorgeous food waiting for you to try!