TasteAtlas
An encyclopedia of local food from around the world: dishes, ingredients and drinks with detailed write-ups on origin and serving, plus an interactive map.
What it is
TasteAtlas is a big atlas of local food. It gathers dishes, ingredients and drinks from all over the world, each with a detailed write-up: where it comes from, how it is made and what it is eaten with. The centerpiece is a map that pins everything to countries, regions and sometimes individual towns.
When we checked, the homepage put dumplings from the Polish town of Głowno next to Ethiopian gomen greens, Nigerian jollof rice, custard-filled Japanese taiyaki and a Peruvian seafood soup. Every entry can be rated, and the descriptions carry the kind of detail you would usually only hear from a local cook.
Why we picked it
It is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel without leaving the kitchen. Open a country and you get not five tourist dishes but dozens of local ones you would otherwise never hear about. The articles are good reading in their own right, explaining why a dough gets extra oil or where a smoky flavor comes from.
It is also handy before a trip. You can build a list of what to try in a specific city instead of trusting whatever menu is next to the train station.
Where to start
- Open the map and zoom into a country you have always wanted to visit.
- Look up your own region; you may find dishes you have never tried.
- Pick one unfamiliar dish and read its full entry.
- If you cook, search for dishes that use ingredients already in your pantry.
Who it's for
Travelers, home cooks, and anyone who likes trying new food and learning where it came from. There are wine entries too, but the heart of the site is dishes and ingredients.
Quick answers
What is on the site? Dishes, ingredients and drinks from many countries, with detailed descriptions tied to a map.
Can I rate dishes? Yes, every entry has a rating option.
Is it only about famous dishes? No, much of it covers small regional specialties.
