Travel in province Sichuan

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Laos is a great place to visit for those who are interested in food. Lao cuisine is known for its delicious and unique flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include larb (a spicy minced meat salad), papaya salad, and khao soi (a noodle soup). These Laos hotels offer this cuisine other onsite or nearby, with easy access to the best of their surrounding areas.

China has extended visa-free travel to Poland, Australia and New Zealand until the end of 2025.

China has extended visa-free travel for 11 European countries and Malaysia until the end of 2025.

In December and January, China brought in visa-free entry for citizens of seven European countries and Malaysia. 

“It’s normal now for people to say, ‘I can eat a steak, but the cow’s brain? That’s the most extreme thing I’ve ever heard,” says health coach and offal cookbook author Ashleigh VanHouten. “Throughout history, this was never a question. It wasn’t like, ‘In what culture was the brain eaten?’ Everybody ate all of it.”

In December, China brought in visa-free entry for citizens of five European countries and Malaysia. 

Ravinder Bhogal was born in Nairobi, is of Indian descent, and lives in London. Rather aptly, the chef and writer refers to Jikoni, her Marylebone restaurant, as a “no-borders kitchen.” The ingredients at Jikoni, which means kitchen in Kiswahili, are seasonal British and the inspiration, global—a happy amalgam of the food memories Bhogal has amassed across many geographies. Here, a crispy aubergine in Sichuan sauce sits comfortably alongside a kale chaat or hummus with sheermal. “Borders don’t belong in kitchens,” she says.

Food is love, and it is also the perfect gift for a host, a gourmand, a home cook, or anyone who appreciates a truly special culinary experience, and a lovely bottle of something special (alcoholic or non-) to pair it with. Look no further. With these 20+ “global entries,” you are certain to find a delicious gift inspired by great cuisines and chefs from around the globe.

There’s a lot to be excited about in the food world right now, with plenty of anticipated restaurant openings to keep track of. This fall, some of our favorite chefs are expanding to new cities, transitioning pop-ups into permanent spaces, and reviving the restaurants that their fans were sad to see go. In Chicago, a decorated chef will pay tribute to his roots at a new spot serving both traditional and reimagined Ukrainian dishes. And chef Sam Fore, the self-described “Sri Lankan snack queen,” will launch the long-awaited brick-and-mortar location of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, her pop-up restaurant in Lexington, KY. The menu will highlight the commonalities between Sri Lankan cuisine and the flavors of the American South.

THIS ARTICLE IS ADAPTED FROM THE AUGUST 26, 2023, EDITION OF GASTRO OBSCURA’S FAVORITE THINGS NEWSLETTER. YOU CAN SIGN UP HERE .

Auckland is a city with many faces. Known locally by its Māori name, Tāmaki Makaurau, the city has a cosmopolitan heart with some of the best dining, drinking, and shopping in the country. Yet, urban sprawl quickly gives way to landscapes of New Zealand’s signature beauty here; to the west, the forested hills of the Waitākere Ranges border black sand beaches pummeled by surf. To the east of the city is the island-studded Waitematā Harbor.

A guide in China's Yunnan province caused a heated online debate about tourist etiquette when she yelled at a passenger on her tour for sleeping on the bus.

After a few weeks exploring the region, Rough Guides travel writer and photographer David Abram shares some of his favourite images of Yunnan Province, China.