Photo credit: Culinary experiences with MIR Corp
Explore Michelin-listed Culinary Destinations with MIR
Remarkable Travel Experiences with Every Bite
The most rewarding journeys often satisfy not only our wanderlust but also our deepest cravings for new flavors. Therefore At MIR, we believe that some of the most unforgettable travel experiences happen around the dinner table, where local ingredients and centuries-old traditions come together to tell the story of a place. For travelers drawn to both Michelin dining and local Eats, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Estonia, and Turkiye offer a world of culinary exploration, ready to be savored.
We invite you to deeper dive with us – where Michelin-listed restaurants are just the beginning, and the real flavor of a place is found in every bite, whether at a fine dining establishment, a local market or a family-owned tavern.
1. Slovenia
Famed for its commitment to farm-to-table cuisine, Slovenia has become a hotspot for culinary travelers. The Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, led by chef Ana Roš, exemplifies Slovenia’s use of seasonal ingredients and creative cooking. But beyond the Michelin spotlight, Slovenia’s hearty stews, fresh dairy products, and wild mushrooms can be enjoyed in the charming rural eateries that dot the countryside. You can combine great eating with Slovenia’s great outdoors on our suggested private journey.
2. Croatia
With its spectacular Adriatic coastline, Croatia is a seafood lover’s dream, and its Michelin-recognized restaurants are increasingly celebrated. From the fresh catches of Dubrovnik to the farm-to-table flavors of Zagreb, you’ll find an abundance of delicious experiences. Outside of Michelin dining, Croatia’s cuisine shines in small seaside taverns. Here, simple, fresh ingredients like seafood, olive oil, local wines, and craft brews come together to create unforgettable meals. The island of Hvar, for example, is known not only for its beauty but also for its deeply rooted culinary traditions that blend Mediterranean flavors with local character as featured in this article from Food&Wine. You can explore the best of Croatia with MIR on your choice of dates with our 13-day private trip.
3. Poland
Poland’s culinary scene is rapidly gaining attention, with Michelin-listed restaurants in Warsaw and Kraków blending time-honored traditions with modern innovation. Yet, it’s the traditional dishes – such as pierogi, bigos, and paczki – that give Poland’s food its distinctive character. Whether dining in a Michelin-listed venue or a family-run restaurant, Polish cuisine has a comforting, satisfying appeal. A great way to dive into Poland’s food culture is by joining a small group tour on the holiday season and trying 12 delicious dishes made just for Christmas.
4. Estonia
Estonia is quickly making a name for itself in the food world, with Tallinn’s Michelin-listed NOA Chef’s Hall leading the way. Estonian cooking draws heavily from the country’s natural resources, incorporating fish, wild game, and berries. Even outside Michelin-starred venues, dining on smoked fish, rye bread, and local cheeses in cozy Estonian eateries is a rewarding experience. These simple, hearty meals offer a genuine taste of the country’s rich landscapes. For those wanting to explore these flavors and experience the country’s vibrant culture – including the renowned Song Festival held every five years – our small group tours offer an immersive way to discover Estonia’s culinary and cultural heritage.
5. Turkiye
As a crossroads of cultures, Turkiye’s cuisine is full of flavor and history. Istanbul’s Michelin-starred restaurants showcase the city’s rich culinary heritage, blending centuries-old Ottoman dishes with contemporary techniques. But beyond Michelin, the simple joys of Turkish food — simit, kebabs, and mezze — are everywhere. These everyday dishes offer a chance to savor the country’s vibrant food culture in any corner of the city and well beyond. MIR’s private journey makes it possible to taste your way across the country.
