Forget those over-priced Michelin-star meals cooked up by celebrity chefs. Some of the most delicious items you’ll indulge in overseas will barely make a dent in your budget. These are the fatty, sugary treats guaranteed to expand your waistline and harden your arteries. They’ll test the theory that everything is fine in moderation. These are the world’s guilty pleasures, and they’re accessible to even the most frugal of travelers!
There’s a reason why the English are famous for their breakfasts. They start the day with a slap-up dish so satisfying you’ll probably still feel full at lunch. The plump sausages, thickly cut bacon, fried eggs, black pudding, and even fried bread probably won’t do your heart any favors, but it’ll taste so good going down.
We’ve all had roestis, but these shredded potato cakes are best in their native Switzerland. The Swiss play with their iconic dish, and in many cases you’ll find cheeky extras like bacon, Bolognese sauce, and oozy cheese thrown in.
In Australia pies aren’t pizzas or sweet treats. They’re flaky pastries crammed with beef mince and gravy. In recent years pies have gone posh, with seafood, venison, and curry varieties hitting bakeries. But you can’t beat the original Australian food, preferably topped with a generous amount of tomato sauce. Don’t even think of calling it ketchup when you’re Down Under!
Almost anything you buy in the United States could be considered a guilty pleasure. The country’s portions are ridiculously generous, and its chefs are game to deep fry just about anything. Make sure you sample all the dishes they’re famous for, including beefy burgers, hot dogs packed with relish, and crispy French Fries.
Italy is also all about indulgence. The country’s creamy pastas, generously topped pizzas, and lavish meat dishes will all pack on pounds. While the diet’s forgotten make sure you save room for the sweet stuff. The buttery brioche bread and gelati can’t be beat.
Argentina’s alfajores are designed to tempt your sweet tooth. They’re like a cookie sandwich filled with dulche de leche, a Latin American kind of caramel. As if that wasn’t indulgent enough, often they’re rolled in shaved coconut for a final indulgent flourish. They’re delicious, but so rich that it’s challenging to eat more than one at a time!
Gulab jamun proves the countries of the Indian subcontinent aren’t just about spicy curries. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal all serve up these doughy balls which are slowly fried, then coated in spiced sugar syrup. They’re often eaten at festivals and weddings, but being abroad is good enough reason to celebrate, don’t you think?
A New Zealand pavlova
The Aussies will insist the pavlova’s theirs, but New Zealanders know their country is the true birthplace of this moreish meringue dessert. The dish has a deliciously crisp crust and a soft center. It’s incredibly naughty, but the extravagent fruit topping should help assuage your guilt.
What have we missed? What are your favorite guilty food pleasures?
