Food | Food Blogger Journey

Exploring Food Around the World

I have set out on an inspiring global journey to explore the vibrant world of food, beverage, and culture. Driven by a deep passion for discovering authentic flavors and connecting with local traditions, I have traveled from bustling street markets in Southeast Asia to quiet vineyard towns in Europe. Along the way, I immersed myself in regional cooking styles, time-honored recipes, and conversations with the people who bring each dish to life. My goal is not only to taste the world’s cuisine but to understand the stories at each of the locations, meal, local beverage, and share them with fellow travelers and food lovers.

Some of my favorite stops include savoring fresh pasta and cheeses in the hills of Tuscany, enjoying aromatic tagines in the heart of Morocco, sampling sushi at sunrise in Tokyo’s famed fish market, and sipping coffee with cardamom in the souks of Tunisia. Whether it is a recommended food experience or a hidden neighborhood gem, I believe that every meal and beverage is a doorway to connection and cultural appreciation. My goal is to make every journey a celebration of flavor, people, and the universal joy of good food.

Turkish Flavors: Spices, Stories, and Savory Bites at Truva in Atlanta’s Virginia Highlands

Entering Truva, you’re greeted by the glow of spices in the air. Olive oil glazes mezze plates waiting to be served. Virginia Highlands is known for its charm, but Truva adds a touch of Istanbul, where meals are celebrated, not just eaten.

Chef Sehmus Gultekin is at the center of what makes this restaurant special. As soon as the appetizer arrived, I could tell he cares about mixing traditional Turkish recipes with flavors from around the world. He uses fresh ingredients and spices like sumac, cumin, and saffron. The dishes combine the rich flavors of Turkish cooking with the brightness of Mediterranean cuisine.

I’ll share more about my meal at Truva in Virginia Highlands soon.

A Sweet Pilgrimage: Journeying Through Belgium’s World of Chocolate

Iconic Flavors: What Chocolate Is Belgium Most Famous For?

Ask any chocolate lover, and they’ll tell you the praline is Belgium’s crowning jewel. Smooth, crisp on the outside, and meltingly soft inside, pralines can hold anything from silky hazelnut paste to raspberry coulis or fine liqueur. Neuhaus still reigns as the birthplace of this decadent invention, but Leonidas makes it accessible to all, offering pralines at every train station and corner shop.

Then there’s Côte d’Or, whose robust chocolate bars are a staple in Belgian households. Founded in 1883, the brand’s iconic elephant logo nods to its early supply routes through Africa, where some of the world’s finest cocoa is still sourced.

And, of course, no mention of Belgian chocolate is complete without Godiva. Though now a global brand, its roots run deep in Brussels, where in 1926, Joseph Draps opened his first boutique, naming it after Lady Godiva—a symbol of luxury and indulgence.

A Taste of Culture: Chocolate Beyond the Shop Window

Belgian chocolate is an integral part of daily life. Locals gift pralines to mark birthdays, business deals, and reunions. Many families keep boxes tucked away for unexpected guests, as in Belgium, sharing chocolate is a way of showing comfort.

Every spring, Brussels hosts Salon du Chocolat, a festival dedicated entirely to cocoa. Here, master chocolatiers mingle with wide-eyed visitors, demonstrating tempering techniques, unveiling new flavors, and serving up steaming cups of hot chocolate so rich it borders on dessert.