What to eat in the world's top foodie cities

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Ever feel like you're wasting time in a world-class city by waiting in line at tourist traps or wandering streets you know nothing about? Sometimes the best way to get to know a city is through your stomach.

You'll have to eat either way, and walking food tours, booming brewery scenes, and tasting events will keep you full and put you in touch with the local history and culture.

Here are the quintessential foods that truly delivery the flavor of your destination, and where to try them.

 

Chicago: Expertly-Topped Hot Dogs

Rhondi S./Yelp

Forget the deep dish at the original UNO's—any local will tell you they only go when their out-of-town family or friends visit. Chicago has an even more impressive smorgasbord of mouthwatering sandwiches and Chicago 'Dog offerings, including delectable Italian beef sandwiches and hefty hot dogs with all the toppings.

The local staple for all things Chicago on a bun is Portillos, which offers burgers, franks, iconic beef sandwiches, chili, and their infamous cake shakes, which are as delicious as they sound. Putting your healthy eating habits on hold for some of the indulgent menu options at one of their many locations is well worth it.

Boston: Clam Chowder

Jane B./Yelp

Rule number one: Don't call it Beantown. Rule number two: No one orders Boston baked beans. For an authentic taste of Boston, tourists and locals alike go for creamy New England clam chowder at one of the area's many seafood havens. There's nothing like potato, clams, and bacon in hot chowder to warm you up when the snow is chilling you to the bone.

The Chart House on Boston's waterfront has won the local Chowderfest three times—so often that it's no longer allowed to compete in the annual competition. Legal Seafoods is also famous for its chowder, and has numerous locations with varying menus (all featuring their chowder, don't worry) in many of Boston's best neighborhoods.

RELATED: What Not to Do in Boston

New Orleans: Beignets

The Q./Yelp

Mardi Gras revelers head to New Orleans in droves every Fat Tuesday, but visitors can be found lining up at the legendary Café du Monde for beignets and coffee year-round. The famous bakery began as a French Market coffee stand in 1862, and still attracts hoards with their sugary fried-dough confections. Enjoy them with a chicory coffee or café au lait in the morning, before strolling the Mississippi River or exploring Jackson Square.

 

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