Food figures heavily in a traveller’s experience. Besides providing a different form of sustenance, it is a way to experience culture and connect with people.

As a non-meat eater I’ve managed to have some memorable food experiences around the globe: the sharing of food from a communal plate in the Middle East; following the religious stipulations of Rastafarian and Ethiopian food; learning about France’s colonial history through vanilla.

Many of the following foods are naturally vegetarian and nutritious and make use of a copious amount of vegetables, legumes and some grains. I have replicated some of these dishes several times upon my return home.

If you live in a major city, you may find restaurants that serve such fare. It is a way to taste the world on your plate without leaving your back yard.

• Tahiti and the vanilla plantation. Mmm orchids and a baking spice!
• Syria and everything!
• Thailand and fresh pineapples.
• New Zealand and everything vegetarian!
• India and roti and dahl.
• Jamaica and Rastafarian food.
• Pisa Italy and pizza.
• Turkey and pide (like pizza).
• Ethiopia, injera and lentils.
• Egypt and kusheri, the national dish.
• Jordan and hummus.

What are some of the memorable tastes your travelling palate has experienced?