Sofia Levin, a judge on MasterChef Australia, always includes a pocket knife in her travel bag, not for survival but to ensure she can savour a picnic anywhere she goes. With built-in cutlery, it allows her to indulge in wine and cheese no matter the destination.
Food holds significant value for Levin, stemming from her early career where she wrote about her culinary experiences for various publications, including Lonely Planet and her newsletter, The Seasoned Traveller. Here, she shares her travel insights and memorable meals.
For Levin, the ideal travel companion is a food enthusiast. She believes that a shared passion for exploring local cuisine is essential. Travellers should ideally pair a planner with someone who is open to spontaneity. Without planning, she argues, one can only experience a superficial understanding of a place, missing out on its true essence.
Her earliest travel memory involves family trips to see her grandparents on the Gold Coast, where beach days were delightfully complemented by strategic feasting at a buffet brunch. She fondly recalls meticulously planning her courses to maximise her meal at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
One of her most extraordinary dining experiences occurred while trying raw pig’s blood soup at Him Tang in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s visit, she relished a bowl accompanied by crispy pork rinds and fresh herbs, savouring its unique savoury taste. This meal, along with freshly cleavered pork tails and spicy sausage, cemented her appreciation for local cuisine.
Levin describes her visits to the serene Greek island of Sifnos as particularly relaxing. She is cautious about sharing this hidden gem, fearing it may lose its tranquil charm due to increased tourism. Sifnos boasts friendly locals, beautiful coves, and simple yet delicious food, with her favourite spot being the quiet fishing village of Cherronisos.
Conversely, her trips to Japan generate stress—not from overcrowding but from the overwhelming variety of delectable dishes. She finds it impossible to experience all the culinary delights, from convenience store sushi to Michelin-starred meals, resulting in a desire to return time and again.
Regardless of her travel destination, visiting local markets is a ritual for Levin. She believes these spaces provide deep insight into the local culture and agriculture, reflecting the community’s values. If markets offer cooked food, they become her ultimate happy place, blending the joy of local produce with culinary exploration.