Dishes Foodies Travel For

“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food,” Anthony Bourdain said.

- Meghan Gunn

Often that food is built from necessity, of combining local flavors and economical ingredients into something that stands the test of time. The following meals taste best when the most authentic ingredients are used—and therefore, experienced in the places where they originated. From the comforting laksa of Borneo to the vegan's paradise of Israel to an affordable Michelin-star spot in Hong Kong, here are some of the dishes worth taking the flight.

01 Tacos Al Pastor

MEXICO

The ultimate melding of cultures, this dish combines the marinaded spit-roasted pork of Middle Eastern origin with Mexico's taco tradition. Thought to be linked to Lebanese immigrants who came to Mexico in the 1930s, tacos al pastor are now a go-to meal at food stalls around the country. You'll often find them topped with pineapple, chopped onion and a dash of cilantro.

02 Jambalaya

NEW ORLEANS

A bayou staple, jambalaya has influences of Spanish, French, African, Native American and Caribbean origin, much like the Louisiana city itself. Foodies travel for the warm and filling dish, made from rice, sausage and vegetables, as well as for the history that accompanies it.

03 Ceviche

PERU