Even though you might not be going on a tropical vacation or world tour this year, that doesn’t mean that you have to give up all of your travel experiences. You can still make your way around the globe without ever leaving your kitchen by making and enjoying the food of your favorite places. We’ve picked nine destinations we love, and selected a few things you can learn to cook from that locale (plus some recommended music and movies for ambiance) to bring it home.

Cuba

If the call of fresh sea air, warm clear water, beautiful sand, and hot local attractions is reaching out to you, take yourself to Cuba. Try a little background sound to set the mood with this Spotify Cuban music playlist. Then sit down to a delicious dish of ropa vieja, the national dish of Cuba. It will have you dancing around your living room just like you would be dancing through the streets of Havana. Learn to cook ropa vieja.

Paris

When you are ready to move on from the hot streets of Cuba, take yourself to the glowing avenues of Paris by cooking up the classic French beef bourguignon. Let the soft meat and earthy flavors carry your mind through the city as you stroll along the Seine, float down the Champs-Elysées, and of course, end up at the sparkling Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget to treat yourself to Champagne as you go along your journey. Learn to cook beef bourguignon.

Switzerland

Let your love of natural beauty and melty cheese take you to Switzerland next. Ask your smart speakers to play lake sounds to carry you to a small café overlooking Lake Lucerne. Take in the blue water and stunning mountain — breathe in the crystal clear air while you wait for your raclette to heat up. Once this Alpine cheese is nice and soft on the top it is ready to be poured over a plate of boiled salted potatoes and cured meat. Learn to make raclette.

Santorini

It’s time to head south to Greece. If you’re like our Editor, you can’t get enough of waterside cafes, so we invite you to sit next to us by the Aegean Sea in Santorini. Close your eyes and imagine the sun shining off the white island buildings as a plate of a freshly caught and grilled octopus is brought to the table. You can practically taste the essence of the sea with every bite. Learn to cook grilled octopus.

Mumbai

Keep eating your way east until you get to Mumbai. Treat yourself to a real local treat by ordering pav bhaji, a hot Mumbai street dish of thick vegetable curry served with a soft bun. Let the aromas of the perfectly spiced and seasoned vegetables carry you through the sites of the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, and Marine Drive. Learn to cook pav bhaji.

Ethiopia

Now that you are riding a wave of incredible spices, take a quick trip south to Ethiopia. Mix up your own injera (a sour fermented flatbread) to scoop up your shiro (a powdered chickpea or broadbean stew), atkilt wot (carrot, onion, potato, and cabbage), and gomen (kale or collard green cooked with onion and ginger). You’ll believe you are right in the heart of Addis Ababa with this menu. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of the honey wine, tej. Learn to make these classic Ethiopian dishes and more.

Bangkok

The next stop on your culinary world tour is exotic Bangkok where you will want to head straight to the Chatuchak Market. There you can indulge in the national dish of Thailand, pad thai. Indulge in a plate full of rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, beef or tofu and peanuts, a scrambled egg, and bean sprouts. Let the freshness of this dish transport you through the city as you feel it come to life through the sites of Lumpini Park, Sathorn Unique Tower, and the Grand Palace. Learn to make pad thai.

Tokyo

Let your taste buds take you to Tokyo to learn the art of making your own sushi. While you roll your sticky rice, fish, vegetables, and more, listen to some Japanese 80s pop music to set the mood. Let your mind wander to the Imperial Palace, Sensō-ji Temple, and shopping in the Ginza District. Extra credit for adding a screening of Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon after supper. Learn to make sushi.

Rio de Janeiro

Let the atmosphere of Rio inspire your soul and your lunch. Feijoada, a beef and bean stew, is the national dish of Brazil and one we highly recommend. The hearty dish is traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays with garlic rice, sautéed collard greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and farofa, toasted cassava flour. Let the essence of the dish take you to a day on Copacabana beach where you can take in all of Rio while listening to some tunes perfect for Samba or Capoeira to get your feet moving. Learn to make Feijoada.

Where will your tastebuds take you next?

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MARIA DIKUN

Maria is a diversity in technology advocate who spends her days breaking down the barriers that keep underrepresented groups from entering the industry. When she’s not working, she spends her time exploring the neighborhoods of New York City with her husband — paying special attention to the bars and restaurants. Her favorite way to unwind is curling up at home with a book, a blanket, and her two cats.

Delicious escapes