Tasty Trails Travel Pod

What if a meal could change how you see an entire continent? In this episode, I sit down with Omar , a home cook from Zanzibar, Tanzania, now living in Buenos Aires, where he runs a beloved Swahili food experience from his home. His dishes — rich with coconut, cassava leaves, mango soup, and warm spices — blend East African, Arab, Indian, and colonial influences into something truly special. We ta...

With 17,000 islands and hundreds of dialects, Indonesia is one of the most culturally rich — and culinarily overlooked — countries in the world. In this episode, I’m joined by William Wongso : chef, baker, food ambassador, and the man who once taught Gordon Ramsay how to make rendang (yes, really). William has spent decades traveling across Indonesia and the globe to share the country’s extraordin...

What does it take to navigate culinary school, sharp knives, hot pans — and the food industry — without sight? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by chef and founder of The Blind Kitchen , Debra Erickson, who shares how vision loss shaped her journey into the kitchen and led her to create over 90 adaptive tools and strategies for blind and visually impaired cooks. We talk about inclusive design,...

What happens when you blend Turkey’s rich, vibrant breakfast traditions with Argentina’s bold, expressive wines? You get a brunch worth talking about — and tasting! In this shorty episode, I’m joined by Chef Nil and sommelier Eleonora to talk about our upcoming Turkish brunch event in Buenos Aires. We chat about Turkish breakfast staples, the magic of meze, why Argentine wines are surprisingly per...

Think Belgian beer is just about strong ales and fancy glasses? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with Breandán — Irish writer, podcaster, and long-time Belgian resident — to explore the rich, quirky, and surprisingly complex world of Belgian beer. From ancient monasteries and spontaneous fermentation to UNESCO recognition and regional pride, we dive deep into what makes Belgium’s beer cult...

In this rich and flavorful episode, I sit down with Lebanese chef and luxury event designer Tara Khattar to explore what makes Lebanese food and hospitality so extraordinary. Tara shares how food in Lebanon is so much more than sustenance—it's a love language, a cultural expression, and a celebration of life itself. From the abundant mezze spreads of restaurants to the soulful home-cooked stews pa...

Step into the forests of Italy and uncover the world of real truffle hunting with expert guide Matteo! In this episode, we explore the mystique behind Italian truffles , the rigorous training of truffle dogs, the truth about fake truffle products, and what makes these earthy delicacies so rare—and expensive. Matteo shares how this ancient (and secretive!) tradition has been passed down through gen...

Get ready to transport your taste buds and travel dreams straight to Thailand ! In this vibrant episode, I sit down with Thai chef and YouTuber Chef Ramida to explore the colorful world of authentic Thai cuisine , regional cooking traditions, and cultural celebrations that make traveling Thailand so unforgettable. We dive into beloved Thai dishes like spicy lab (minced meat salad), tangy som tam (...

South African cuisine is a rich blend of cultures, history, and bold flavors , and no one brings it to life quite like Mogau Seshoene, aka The Lazy Makoti ! 🇿🇦🥘 In this episode, we dive into the heart of South African food traditions , from braais (barbecues) and pap to the comforting spice of chakalaka . Mogau shares how she’s preserving and modernizing classic dishes, making them accessible for...

New York is famous for its bagels, but what happens when you try to recreate that magic thousands of miles away? In this special anniversary episode, I sit down with Jake Eichenbaum-Pikser, the owner of Sheikob’s Bagels , to talk about how he brought authentic New York-style bagels to Buenos Aires , Argentina. We dive into the art of making a perfect bagel, the challenges of sourcing ingredients a...

In this second part of my conversation with Linda and Luke Black Elk, we explore the significance of food sovereignty and its vital role in Indigenous communities today. Linda unpacks the difference between food security and true sovereignty, while Luke shares how intergenerational knowledge and traditional food gathering help reclaim Indigenous identity. We also discuss sustainable foraging, the...

In this episode, I sit down with Linda and Luke Black Elk to explore the deep-rooted food traditions of the Lakota people. We discuss how indigenous foods—like bison, corn, and the Three Sisters planting system—have influenced global cuisine, and the ongoing efforts to reclaim food sovereignty. Linda and Luke share powerful stories about resilience, land access, and the cultural significance of tr...

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant street food and traditional dishes of Istanbul! Nilufer, shares the must-try staples beyond kebabs—like Sultanahmet Köfte (Turkish meatballs), Balık Ekmek (fish sandwiches by the Bosphorus), Islak Hamburger (wet burgers), and the beloved Kumpir (loaded baked potatoes of Ortaköy). We also break down the difference between döner, kebab, and dürüm, plus the i...

What’s the real story behind tequila? In this episode, we’re heading to Jalisco, the heart of tequila production, to uncover its deep cultural roots, the challenges local producers face, and how to spot the real deal. Plus, we’re exploring Jalisco’s must-try dishes—from rich, slow-cooked birria to the famous torta ahogada—and the surprising European influences on the region’s food and culture. Whe...

How has Argentina’s wine culture evolved over the years? Sommelier and Pain et Vin owner Eleanora Jezzi joins us from Buenos Aires to dive into Argentina’s deep-rooted wine traditions. We discuss the country’s signature Malbec and Torrontés , how historical and economic shifts have shaped winemaking, and why younger generations are embracing simpler, more natural wines. Plus, why do I like Chardon...

Looking to spice up your love life? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of aphrodisiac foods and how they’ve been used across cultures to boost attraction and desire. From oysters and chocolate to unexpected ingredients, we uncover the science and myths behind these so-called 'sexy foods.' Plus, we share expert-approved romantic dinner ideas to set the mood for a perfect date...

If you’ve ever wondered what real Greek food is like beyond souvlaki and feta, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Elefteria, a Greek holistic medicine instructor with a deep love for cooking, passed down from her grandmother. She takes us into the mountainous north of Greece, where foraging for wild greens and making delicate, paper-thin pies is a way of life. We talk about the region’s food t...

El Salvador is a country full of history, resilience, and incredible flavors, yet it’s often overlooked by travelers. In this episode, I sit down with Ingrid, a writer and comedian Ingrid, who shares insights into Salvadoran cuisine, from pupusas to fermented foods.  She takes us beyond the usual narratives to share what makes El Salvador truly special—from its deep Indigenous roots to the way his...

In this episode, I sit down with Tyrishma Allen, the owner of Sug Sug Bakery, a Virgin Islands-inspired bakery based in Boston. We dive into the vibrant culture and food of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Tyrishma was born, and she shares fascinating insights about the islands' history, cuisine, and traditions. From the rich tropical flavors of guava and soursop to classic dishes like conch in...

We're back this week with Severin Simko for more on Slovakian food! We're diving into the nuances of Slovakian food and exploring their connection with the Czechs and how the history of the two countries has affected their relationship and cultures today. From sourdough bread to savory "French toast" with a twist, and the country's love of beer, this episode offers a taste of Slovak life. Sign up...

This week, I sit down with Severin, a world traveler and IT engineer who shares his love for food, culture, and exploration, to dive into the rich flavors and cultural traditions of his home country. We chat about iconic dishes like potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese and hearty soups, uncovering the unique stories and techniques behind Slovakia’s favorite meals. Based in Košice, Slovakia, Severi...

Happy 2025! This week is a shorty while we all recover from the holidays. I'm sharing my thoughts on the new year and a few traditions from around the world. Don't forget to comment or DM your favorite traditions or what your resolutions are in the new year. Happy New Year from Tasty Trails Travel Pod! Sign up for the newsletter!! Each month I'll be sending out a newsletter with insider tips Sign...

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah! This week is just a fun episode about my Christmas traditions in the past. Would love to hear yours in the comments or on Instagram! Happy Holidays from Tasty Trails Travel Pod! Sign up for the newsletter!! Each month I'll be sending out a newsletter with insider tips Sign up ⁠HERE⁠ !   ***Looking to experience the flavors we've explored firsthand?  Skip the str...

What better way to ring in the new year than with Champagne?! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Champagne with Gersande, a marketing expert for her family's champagne business in Champagne, France. Gersande takes us through the intricate process of crafting authentic champagne, from hand-harvesting the three primary grape varieties to the meticulous steps of pressing, fermenti...

This week, I sat down with Chef Bintou N'Daw, a passionate Senegalese chef who brings the authentic flavors of West Africa to Charleston. Bintou shares her journey of preserving and celebrating traditional dishes, sourcing ingredients creatively from international markets, and presenting Senegalese cuisine in a way that connects with foodies everywhere. Dive into the vibrant traditions of Senegal,...