The season to let our hair down is here again. It’s not like we don’t let our hair down other times, but summer is just different. You know what I mean. Wherever your adventure takes you this summer, Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle-east or South America, don’t just follow the crowd to the most Instagrammed plates. Go deeper. Try what the locals eat every day; the comfort food, the market snacks, and the street-side favourites that don’t make it to fancy menus but live in the hearts of the people.
Here are some delicious, under-the-radar dishes to try on your holiday.
Lahmacun (Turkiye)
Often called “Turkish pizza,” Lahmacun is a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs, onions, and spices, then baked and rolled up with lemon and parsley. Unlike traditional pizza, it’s light, fresh, and eaten on the go. You can find it in Istanbul street food stalls and local bakeries, and it’s best with Ayran (salty yoghurt drink).
Jellied Eels (London, United Kingdom)
Yes, you read that right. A true East End classic, jellied eels are chopped eels boiled in a spiced stock and left to set into a savoury jelly. While not for the faint-hearted, they’re a piece of London history and still sold at traditional pie and mash shops like those in Walthamstow and Hackney. For something milder but still local, try a salt beef bagel from Brick Lane or a full English breakfast at a no-frills café in Soho.
Karak Chai & Shawarma (Dubai, UAE)
Beyond the glitter of five-star dining, Dubai hides some serious street food gems. Start with karak chai, a strong, sweet spiced tea loved by locals, usually sold from roadside stalls for less than AED 2. Pair that with a shawarma (juicy meat wrapped in soft bread with pickles and garlic sauce) from joints in Al Satwa or Deira. Also, look out for regag (a crispy Emirati crepe), often sold at food markets.
Moqueca (Brazil)
This fragrant fish stew made with coconut milk, palm oil, tomatoes, and peppers comes from the northeastern state of Bahia. It’s a slow-cooked, soul-warming dish locals love, and one many tourists overlook. What makes it special? It blends African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences into every bite.
Bún Riêu (Vietnam)
While pho gets all the global glory, bún riêu is a lesser-known noodle soup that’s tangy, rich, and layered. It features crab or shrimp paste, tomatoes, tofu, and sometimes snails; served in a light, flavorful broth with rice noodles. It’s best enjoyed in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, from early-morning vendors.
Fasolada (Greece)
Forget gyros, fasolada is Greece’s unofficial national dish, especially in rural homes. This white bean soup is slow-cooked with tomatoes, olive oil, and vegetables. It’s comforting, filling, and surprisingly satisfying on a breezy summer evening. Locals love itas a meatless meal with crusty bread and a side of olives.
Pasta alla Norcina (Italy)
Skip the spaghetti bolognese and try this creamy pasta from Umbria, made with fresh sausage, white wine, truffle oil, and parmesan. It’s not found everywhere in Italy, but it’s adored by locals in central regions.
Salmorejo (Spain)
This creamy cold soup from Córdoba is often mistaken for gazpacho, but it’s richer and thicker, made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil, topped with jamón and boiled egg. It’s a summer staple for locals in southern Spain. Best served with toast and chilled white wine.
Okonomiyaki (Japan)
Often referred to as “Japanese pancake,” Okonomiyaki is a savoury, customisable flat cake made with cabbage, batter, seafood or meat, and drizzled with mayo and a sweet sauce. It’s a sizzling comfort food, especially popular in Osaka and Hiroshima. For a more fun local experience, try the cook-it-yourself version at casual restaurants.
One Card, Global Flavour
No matter where your food journey takes you, paying for meals, snacks, and reservations should be just as smooth as the experience. With UBA debit cards, you get flexibility, convenience, and control, whether you’re buying karak chai in Dubai or late-night takeaway in London.
- The UBA Gold, Platinum, and World MasterCard debit cards allow up to $1000 in daily POS and online transactions, ideal for regular travellers or food lovers on the move.
- The Standard MasterCard and Visa Debit Cards come with a $1000 monthly transaction cap, great for keeping spending in check.
Wherever you dine, do it with confidence and a card that keeps your budget intact.
Taste Beyond the Tour Guide
Food is culture, and sometimes the most unforgettable dishes are the ones you won’t find on a souvenir magnet. So this summer, don’t just dine, discover. Walk past the tourist cafés. Ask a local what they crave. Try the dish that’s written on the chalkboard, not the menu.
Because the real flavour of a place is often hidden in plain sight, and once you taste it, you’re in on the secret.
