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Travel insights from Jenna Buege, associate editor of The Compass
The Tastiest Foods of the Americas
Sweet, savory and spicy, foods across the Americas will keep your taste buds guessing. From dulce de leche in vibrant Colombia to comforting poutine in Canada, let your stomach plan the itinerary as we make our way across North, South and Central America.
Ceviche in Peru
Peru’s national dish, ceviche, is a party for the mouth. Consisting of spicy, raw fish topped with salt, garlic, onions, hot peppers and a dash of lime, this dish is fresh, flavorful and addicting. While lime is the most common marinade, ceviche sometimes includes a hint of milk, orange juice, passion fruit or celery instead. Those looking to sample this Peruvian delight can visit one of Lima’s many cevicherias, aka restaurants with ceviche-centric menus.
For tasty ceviche in Lima visit Mercado de Surquillo or Sonia’s.
Empanadas in Argentina
Since their arrival in Argentina many centuries ago, empanadas have become a mealtime staple and can easily be found in pizzerias and restaurants across the city of Buenos Aires. Made with a flour-based dough and packed full with your choice of beef, chicken, ham, cheese, spinach or sweet corn, empanadas are tiny pockets full of flavor.
Mouth-watering empanadas in Buenos Aires can be found at Antigua Carpinacci.
Dulce de Leche in Colombia
Dulce de leche, or as the Colombians refer to it, arequipe, is a traditional and delicious sweet treat. Often served as a dessert or side dish, this tasty mix of whole milk, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon pairs perfectly with most meals, many Colombians even eat it for breakfast.
For scrumptious Colombian dulce de leche visit a local bakery or try the coveted dessert in popsicle form at La Paletteria in the city of Bogota.
Key Lime Pie in the United States
Nothing is more hotly debated in the Florida Keys than the true origin of Key lime pie. Some believe the tasty tart was concocted by millionaire William Curry’s beloved cook Aunt Sally, while others argue that the scrumptious final course was created by sponge fishermen off the coast of south Florida. Either way, Key lime pie is a U.S. delicacy made with Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. Whether one chooses to use a graham-cracker or pastry crust is a whole other argument.
To sample the greatest key lime pie in Key West according to the Miami Herald, visit Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe.
Lobster Roll in the United States
View this post on InstagramWe are rolling through this week with our Maine Lobster Roll. 🦞 How bout you?
Possibly the East Coast’s most iconic meal, lobster rolls are served from Maryland to Maine. Believed to have originated in Milford, Connecticut, the first documented lobster roll consisted of chunks of lobster meat marinated in butter and served atop a steamed hot dog bun. Today, many shops serve their variation of the traditional roll with the additional flair of a light spread of mayo. Others take more artistic liberty by adding celery, lemon, lettuce, salt and pepper into the mix.
For an authentic Maine lobster roll don’t miss Bob’s Clam Hut or Eventide Oyster Co.
Poutine in Canada
While I have yet to sample poutine for myself, I’m finding it hard to imagine a more glorious combo than French fries, cheese curds and gravy. Not an ideal option for those watching their waistline, poutine falls into a category Canadians lovingly refer to as “greasy spoon” cuisine. Legend has it that the dish was created in Quebec when restaurant owner Fernand Lachance threw two separate orders of cheese curds and French fries into a bag and his customer exclaimed, “This is a poutine,” aka, “this is a mess.”
Of course, Quebec City still serves poutine today, for a taste of the delicious mess check out Poutineville or Le Chic Shack.
Pupusas in El Salvador
A traditional Salvadorian dish, pupusa is made of a thick corn tortilla combined with a variety of fillings such as pork, refried beans or queso con loroco. Pancake-like in appearance, the dish is most commonly served alongside a cabbage, red chile and vinegar coleslaw slaw with an additional side of watery tomato salsa.
The folks over at Tripadvisor recommend Pupseria Dona Cony for the best pupusas in El Salvador.
Fry Jacks in Belize
A staple entrée to any traditional Belize breakfast, fry jacks are a delicious, but not-so-nutritious way to start the day. A fry jack is the Belize equivalent to toast, expect much more scrumptious. Pillowy soft to the touch, when perfectly fried they appear golden brown in color and make for a nice addition to a plate filled with refried beans, cheese, eggs and meat.
Pop’s Belize Restaurant is the place to be for fry jacks a plenty.
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