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The Citizen
06-07-2025
- The Citizen
World snacks worth travelling for
Forget the multiple-course meals—sometimes, the real magic of travel is in a pocket-sized snack. From Japan's iconic mochi to West Africa's addictive chin chin, here are ten snacks that are worth crossing borders for. Pastel de Nata – Portugal Golden and caramelised on top, custardy in the middle, and nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell—pastéis de nata are Portugal's most beloved edible export. Created by monks in Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery in the 18th century, these tarts were once made to use up leftover egg yolks. Today, the best place to try them is Pastéis de Belém, where the recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Dust yours with cinnamon and pair it with an espresso for the full experience. Chin Chin – West Africa Sweet, crunchy, and endlessly snackable, chin chin is a staple in Nigerian and Ghanaian celebrations. Made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, butter, and nutmeg, these little fried cubes are a favourite at weddings, birthdays, and roadside stalls alike. In Lagos or Accra, you'll often find them sold in plastic bags—perfect for munching on while navigating the city's lively markets. They also keep well, making them ideal souvenirs. Sambusa – East Africa & Middle East Resembling its Indian cousin, the samosa, the sambusa is a triangular pastry filled with spiced lentils, minced meat, or vegetables. It's especially popular during Ramadan, when families break their fast with a hot sambusa straight from the frying pan. Found across Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan (as well as Yemen and the Levant), sambusas are a culinary symbol of cultural cross-pollination via centuries-old spice routes. Mochi – Japan A bite of mochi is a textural sensation—soft, stretchy, and gently sweet. Made from pounded glutinous rice, mochi is both a traditional offering and a modern treat. You'll find it in convenience stores and boutique sweet shops across Japan, often filled with red bean paste or fresh fruit. Try ichigo daifuku (mochi stuffed with a whole strawberry) during spring or savour warm yaki mochi grilled over coals during winter. Arepas – Venezuela & Colombia These round cornmeal cakes are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and endlessly versatile. Arepas are eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, stuffed with everything from cheese to shredded beef and avocado. In Bogotá or Caracas, street vendors sling arepas from carts with steaming griddles, their comforting aroma filling the air. ALSO READ: Sip, Shake, Travel: The origins of 10 famous cocktails Pão de Queijo – Brazil Crusty outside, pillowy inside, and bursting with cheese, pão de queijo is Brazil's ultimate comfort snack. Made with cassava flour, these gluten-free bites are a product of colonial ingenuity and indigenous ingredients. You'll find them at bakeries and airports alike, best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee. They're especially popular in the state of Minas Gerais, where the cheese used is a local pride. Börek – Turkey & the Balkans Crispy layers of filo pastry, cradling a savoury filling of cheese, spinach, or minced meat—börek is a Balkan classic that traces its roots to the Ottoman Empire. Every region has its version, from spirals to cigar rolls. In Sarajevo or Istanbul, it's a beloved breakfast, often paired with yoghurt or ayran. Whether it's served in a sit-down bakery or wrapped in brown paper from a corner shop, börek delivers comfort in every bite. Khanom Buang – Thailand A street food favourite in Bangkok's night markets, khanom buang looks like a tiny taco but tastes like a sweet-and-savoury treat. These crispy rice flour crepes are filled with coconut cream and toppings like golden egg yolk threads (foi thong) or shredded coconut. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, these colourful confections offer a glimpse into Thailand's long-standing culinary artistry. Koeksisters – South Africa Twisted, golden, and soaked in syrup until sticky-sweet, koeksisters are a South African classic with roots in both Afrikaans and Cape Malay traditions. The Afrikaans version is braided and dunked in syrup, while the Cape Malay variety (koesister) is spiced and rolled in coconut. Either way, they're best eaten cold and with sticky fingers. Find them in bakeries and roadside farm stalls across the Western Cape. Khachapuri – Georgia Georgian cuisine's crown jewel, khachapuri, is a boat-shaped bread filled with gooey cheese and topped with a runny egg. Tear off the crust and dip it into the molten centre for maximum joy. Each region in Georgia has its own spin—Adjaruli is the most famous, but don't skip Imeruli, a round, enclosed version. This is comfort food with architectural flair and deep cultural roots. ALSO READ: Global food markets you have to visit — and their African equivalents The post World snacks worth travelling for appeared first on Getaway Magazine.
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Experience adventure in Lisbon and Porto with flights, train and tour
This thoughtfully-designed package splits your time between Portugal's dynamic capital and its cultural heart, offering the perfect introduction to the country's diverse character. The journey begins in Lisbon, where ancient trams climb cobblestone hills past pastel-coloured facades, and concludes in Porto, where centuries-old port wine cellars line the dramatic Douro River valley. The beauty of this approach lies in experiencing Portugal's contrasts: Lisbon's cosmopolitan energy and Porto's intimate, almost village-like atmosphere. Each city offers distinct personalities, architectural styles and culinary traditions, ensuring every day brings fresh discoveries. Your Lisbon base, the Neya Lisbon Hotel, serves as the perfect launching pad for exploring the capital's seven hills. The city's unique character emerges through its neighbourhoods, each with distinct personalities waiting to be explored. From your hotel, you'll find yourself within easy reach of Lisbon's most iconic attractions. The historic Alfama district beckons with its maze of narrow streets and traditional Fado houses, where Portugal's soulful national music echoes through ancient walls. Here, the past feels tangible as you wander through neighbourhoods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The famous trams, right, provide a scenic journey through the city's heart, offering glimpses of architectural treasures from the comfort of a vintage yellow carriage. Lisbon's culinary scene has evolved into one of Europe's most exciting, blending traditional Portuguese flavors with international influences. From the bustling Mercado da Ribeira food market to intimate tasca taverns, the city offers endless opportunities to savor authentic Portuguese cuisine. Don't miss trying pastéis de nata, the country's beloved custard tarts, best enjoyed at the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery. One of the package's highlights is the comfortable train journey from Lisbon to Porto, transforming travel time into a sightseeing opportunity. The high-speed train typically takes just two hours and 35 minutes, whisking you through Portugal's diverse landscapes while you relax in modern, well-equipped carriages. This rail journey offers more than mere transportation—it's a window into Portugal's rural heart. Rolling hills dotted with cork oaks give way to river valleys and traditional villages, providing a peaceful transition between the two cities. The train's efficiency and comfort exemplify Portugal's commitment to sustainable tourism, allowing you to minimise your environmental impact while maximising your cultural immersion. Your Porto accommodation Porto Cristal Hotel places you at the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage city, where medieval streets tumble down to the Douro River's banks. As part of their package, travellers will also enjoy the spectacular Six Bridges River Cruise. Porto's compact size makes it perfect for exploration on foot too, with each turn revealing architectural gems, traditional azulejo tile work, or panoramic river views. The city's crown jewel, the Ribeira district, comes alive in the evening when locals and visitors gather along the waterfront. Here, traditional restaurants serve hearty northern Portuguese cuisine alongside the famous port wine that bears the city's name. The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, provides spectacular views and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the legendary port wine cellars. The package's comprehensive nature eliminates travel stress while maximising cultural immersion. Return flights from Edinburgh Airport provide convenient access, while the included train journey adds an element of adventure. Get the deal here or call 020 805 10956 TRAVEL NOTES Available from just £279 per person Return flights into Lisbon and out of Porto from Edinburgh 2 Nights in Lisbon at the Neya Lisboa Hotel Train Lisbon to Porto 2 Nights in Porto at the Hotel Cristal Porto Porto Six Bridges River Cruise ACCOMMODATION Neya Lisbon Hotel, Lisbon LOCATED in the heart of Lisbon near top tourist attractions, NEYA Lisboa is an urban, sustainable hotel perfect for both city breaks and business trips. Just 20 minutes from Lisbon Airport, the hotel is easily accessible, with several public transport options nearby, as well as its own bicycles for eco-friendly exploration of this vibrant European capital. Renowned for its excellence and warm hospitality, NEYA Lisboa Hotel features 76 thoughtfully designed rooms crafted to provide a peaceful, relaxing experience. Among these are unique themed suites, each inspired by the natural beauty of the Forest, Beach, Countryside, Mountain, and the dynamic City of Lisbon. Porto Cristal Hotel THE Hotel Cristal Porto is a 4-star hotel featuring avant-garde, exclusive design in Porto's vibrant heart. Ideal for exploring the city, renowned for its wine, iconic bridges, and rich gastronomy, this hotel provides a perfect base for discovery and relaxation. Outfitted with modern amenities, Hotel Cristal Porto blends contemporary comfort with exceptional service, ensuring an unforgettable stay in an unparalleled setting.
