For many travelers, the food is the main reason to take the trip. This One Gotta Go card puts four bucket list food experiences together: croissants in Paris, pasta in Italy, ramen in Japan and street tacos in Mexico City.
Three experiences stay on your travel list, and one is gone forever. Think about the meal you dream about, the trip you have already taken and the food you could happily enjoy at home instead. Then make your pick and share the best meal you have ever had on a trip.
The 4 choices on this card
A. Croissants in Paris
Croissants in Paris, warm and flaky from a corner bakery, are a classic morning ritual. They are simple perfection. They are also just one part of a meal, which makes this the easiest experience for some food lovers to cut.
Keep it if: You dream of a buttery croissant and a coffee at a little Paris cafe in the morning.
B. Pasta in Italy
Pasta in Italy, made fresh with regional sauces, is a dream for food lovers. It is comfort and craft. Some people feel good pasta is easy to find at home, which makes it a candidate to cut, though many disagree after their first trip.
Keep it if: You want to taste real carbonara in Rome or fresh pasta in Bologna at least once.
C. Ramen in Japan
Ramen in Japan, from tiny counter shops to famous chains, offers rich broth and endless styles. It is a full experience. Some travelers find the long lines and crowded shops stressful, which makes it a possible cut.
Keep it if: You love a steaming bowl of rich broth and want to try ramen where it is made best.
D. Street Tacos in Mexico City
Street tacos in Mexico City, from late night stands to busy markets, are cheap, fresh and bursting with flavor. They are a favorite for many food travelers. If you prefer sit down meals, tacos on the street might be your cut.
Keep it if: You love tacos al pastor from a busy stand and think street food is the best way to taste a city.
Our take
We would cut croissants in Paris. They are wonderful, but they are the most of a snack on this card, while pasta, ramen and tacos are full meals that define their cities. The most fun debate usually comes down to ramen in Japan against tacos in Mexico City, since both are casual, affordable and full of local pride. Ask everyone which trip they would book tomorrow for the food alone. Then plan a themed dinner at home to celebrate the winner.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which travel food experience is worth the hype?
- What is the best meal you have had on a trip?
- Would you plan a whole trip around food?
- What travel food experience would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Travel Food Experiences: quick answers
What are tacos al pastor?
Tacos al pastor are made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, sliced thin and served on small tortillas, often with pineapple, onion and cilantro. The style was inspired by shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants and is a Mexico City favorite.
What is the most famous food in Rome?
Rome is known for pasta dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and gricia. Supplì, a fried rice ball, and Roman style pizza are also popular. Many travelers plan their visits around trying these classics at local trattorias. Many restaurants close for a break in the afternoon, so plan meals around local hours.
