Andrew Zimmern is an American television personality, chef and food writer, host of the successful Travel Channel series Bizarre Foods that focuses on strange dishes from all around the world.
In his new spinoff, Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, which premiered on the Travel Channel on January 26, Zimmern is taking a more traditional approach as he explores the history surrounding the iconic dishes of more than a dozen cities.
In the context of this new project, Zimmern shared with Conde Nast Traveller magazine 11 of his favorite classic dishes from several countries, including of course the world-famous Greek souvlaki.
“Grilled meats have been an Eastern Mediterranean tradition since the ancient days of the Bronze Age,” says the experienced chef, noting however that “it wasn’t until the 19th century that preparation of these meats shifted to a vertical spit, and souvlaki and gyros were born.”
According to Zimmern, “in a city of great souvlaki and gyros, the best are at Bairaktaris Taverna.”
Read below the full list of the iconic dishes from 11 cities
Gooey Butter Cake in St. Louis, MO
Dim Sum in Hong Kong
Jamón Ibérico in Barcelona, Spain
Fondue in Zurich, Switzerland
Bagel and Smoked Fish in New York, NY
Yakitori in Tokyo, Japan
Souvlaki & Gyros in Athens, Greece
Baguette in Paris, France
Beignets in New Orleans, LA
Gelato in Florence, Italy
Bratwurst and Weisswurst in Munich