Best taste: $2 meal from a small takeout shop

Best taste: $2 meal from a small takeout shop

Admittedly, it is a dream job. I have the opportunity to travel and enjoy delicious food, all in the name of work. For a decade I have been as Food and travel writer active and a very enthusiastic eater for over five decades.

A culinary journey through the world

This means that I have been incredibly lucky to dine at countless restaurants, from humble street stalls to Michelin star restaurants. Very good days at the office – well, at the table – have brought me mouthful after mouthful of transcendental joy. Although I am grateful for every meal, many are quickly forgotten.

The best from the best kitchens

Some dishes were created by the best chefs in the world, appearing on menus with astronomical prices printed in tiny font (unfortunately, the font size doesn't ease the pain). Others offer incredible value; exceptionally delicious food prepared by the weary operator of a backyard kitchen, street stall or cart on wheels.

Over the years - and inches of waist circumference - I've learned that a standout dish is a slow-cooked stew made from a variety of ingredients. When you're hungry, food always tastes better. When you're in a good mood, you're often more forgiving of the plate in front of you.

Creative inspiration in gastronomy

Sometimes it's the brilliant innovation that amazes you. How does the chef come up with such a brilliant idea and then implement it? Likewise, it's exciting to discover how a simple, familiar ingredient can taste like it was cooked and served by the gods. Presentation is also crucial – often your eyes, not your tongue, are the judge. A Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain once served me a dish that had a brown stain melting into a pool of gray water. Not exactly something that can rack up a lot of Instagram likes.

The 20 most outstanding dishes

With that in mind, I've selected 20 dishes from over the years and around the world that stand out for a variety of reasons - but mostly because of the most important aspect: their deliciousness.

Truffle pudding, Valletta, Malta

Imagine a treat about the size of a Jenga brick that takes your brain and taste buds to places of ecstatic happiness. The sweet-salty truffle pudding from Simon Rogan, one of the most progressive and successful British chefs of the last two decades, is just that. In the Maltese capital of Valletta, where terrace tables look out over a 5,000-year-old harbor, I encountered the height of Rogan's culinary expertise.

Beef Guokui, Chengdu, China

Eating from small takeaways offers just as much culinary enjoyment – ​​if not more – as top-notch restaurants. In Chengdu, Sichuan province, known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and often fiery but always complex cuisine, I experienced delicious beef guokui from “Grandma Yan,” who has been selling stuffed guokui flatbreads for years.

Deep-fried zucchini flowers with caviar, Rome

The only chef in Rome who runs a restaurant with three Michelin stars is actually from Germany. Its delicacies, including fried zucchini flowers with caviar, are almost too beautiful to eat. It's not just the food that impresses, but also the view over the Eternal City that never fails to amaze.

Fish Finger Bao, Sydney

A protein surrounded by bread is rarely a disappointment to me. Especially the fish finger sandwiches King Clarence in Sydney offer an exciting twist. Fresh barramundi fillets are fried until crispy and served with a mixture of spicy side dishes.

Taco Adobada, New York City

There are many top places to eat in New York, but a visit to Los Tacos No. 1 quickly became my definition of a “must-visit.” The combination of slow cooking technique and fresh ingredients makes every bite an unforgettable experience.

Scottish scallops with caviar, London

In the Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester the talented chef spoils you with a hand-picked Scottish scallop in a delicate beurre blanc sauce. This combination is the epitome of fine dining.

Ema Datshi, Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan offers an unparalleled travel experience. Ema Datshi, a stew made with onions and fermented yak cheese, gives an authentic glimpse into the local culture and is both tasty and intoxicating. Available in many restaurants, this offers COMO Uma Paro Resort a memorable version.

Fish and Chips, County Donegal, Ireland

Fish and chips, an essential part of British food culture, are particularly memorable in Rathmullan, Ireland. I spent the evening before a wedding there with delicious haddock and chips, freshly made and absolutely wonderful.

Khachapuri, Tbilisi

In Tbilisi, I experienced the most delicious khachapuri I've ever had - a boat of soft bread filled with melted cheese. This traditional Georgian dish is simple but incredibly tasty.

Oysters, West Mersea, England

I enjoy the freshest wild oysters here Company Shed. Hatched from local waters, they only require a squeeze of lemon and a sip of white wine for the ultimate enjoyment.

Donburi, Sapporo, Japan

A little unexpectedly, I discovered the best donburi sea curry in Sapporo. The best ingredients from the fishermen, freshly caught and straight into my bowl. Incomparably delicious and only about $20.

East Coast Chowder, Prince Edward Island, Canada

An unforgettable dish that I... Inn at Bay Fortune enjoyed, offered the most delicious chowder with fresh mussels and all the trimmings. The indescribable nature with the setting sun made the experience perfect.

Cowboy Toast, Copenhagen

Copenhagen's cuisine is blessed with a Michelin star, and that Connection by Alan Bates conjures up a dish that is incomparably good with interestingly interpreted cowboy toast.

Garden Smoothie, Okinawa, Japan

A fascinating lunch in Okinawa showed me the versatility of fresh ingredients. A smoothie made from locally harvested plants has revolutionized my perception of vegetables.

Paccheri alla Vittorio, Portofino, Italy

At the Belmond Splendido Mare in Portofino I experienced how pasta is not only prepared, but also presented deliciously. Prices look more old-fashioned here, but the menu is convincing.

Garden Vegetables, Manila

A court at Toyo Eatery in Manila, served in a flowering plant, surprised me with a selection of 18 different vegetables and celebrated Filipino cuisine.

Brisket, Ribs and Cheddar Brats, Houston, Texas

Enjoy the best BBQ in Houston at Pinkerton's Barbecue. Mahogany-colored, chewy ribs and outstanding brisket provide an unforgettable barbecue feast.

Char Siu, Hong Kong

Hong Kong's sweet caramelized pork pieces are common, but at Sun Kwai Heung BBQ Food they're extra special. Enjoy tender, braised meat served over rice - an absolute must!

Piranha fish cake, Lima, Peru

In the Central In Lima I experienced the best piranhas in the form of fried fish cakes. An exciting culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Banh Mi, Hoi An, Vietnam

A simple but delicious Banh Mi in Madam Khanh For me, it is the epitome of simple food that not only fills you up, but also makes you happy. Anthony Bourdain once described banh mi perfectly: “A symphony of the sandwich.”

Follow Chris Dwyer on Instagram at @chrismdwyer.