Winter. The word itself conjures up images of snow, frosty mornings and festive celebrations.
Of course, as the season progresses and the days become shorter, more people find themselves spending time indoors, as going outside is simply too cold to handle. This gave rise to what is now known as comfort food.
Comfort food is more about the emotion behind it than the flavour. It provides and assists with emotional wellbeing and nostalgia whenever it is eaten so, come those colder months, many people whip it up to help themselves to get through the darker periods.
Each country has its own take on comfort food and if you are a winter traveller, you may find yourself curious about different types of comfort food around the globe. Here, you will be introduced to 10 interesting and delicious comfort foods and their countries of origin, so you can see where you might want to pop to on your winter break. Enjoy!
Quebec City, Canada

When you are looking for a destination to spend your winter in, Canada is likely to be top of your list.
Where in Canada? Why not Quebec? This can allow you to stay at the Château Frontenac, one of the most photographed hotels in the world, well known for its Gothic architecture and spires, as well as its similarity to a French medieval castle.
Cover the dominating building in snow, as well as the cobblestone streets, and you will find yourself walking in a literal winter wonderland.
So, what can you eat in this wonderland? In Quebec, the main dishes include poutine and Tourtiere. Poutine is relatively simple but delicious, as it is fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It sounds off but it’s really tasty! Next, the Tourtiere is a french-inspired meat pie, which is the perfect mixture of buttery pastry, meat and salt to fill you up on a cold day.
Vienna, Austria

Speaking of stunning gothic-inspired architecture, if you love looking at spires and turrets covered in snow (as well as a few gargoyles) then you simply have to pop to Vienna in Austria as the snow begins to fall.
There are the Christmas markets, the classical music and of course, the always impressive St Stephen’s Cathedral and Vienna City Hall. Both of which rival Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with their stunning stone work.
So, what is there to eat? Well, there is the wiener schnitzel, the apfelstrudel and the kaiserschmarrn, which is a sweet, shredded pancake. If you love sweet treats in colder weather, then this is the place to visit.
Tokyo, Japan

It may not seem like an ideal setting to spend winter, but many winter travellers can do with a visit to Tokyo in Japan.
Aside from being able to see the world famous Tokyo tower, and the Sensoji Temple, this city is known for its wide array of delicious foods, which ticks the box of comfort foods come winter time.
Interestingly, many people who visit Tokyo in the colder seasons are struck by the tasty Ramen Oden, which is a warming hotpot with fish cakes and daikon, and the sweet and salty beef stew called Sukiyaki. Who doesn’t want to partake in a beef stew on a cold day? Set this against the modern and traditional backdrop of Tokyo, and you’ve got yourself a fun winter trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Many people associate winter time with the northern lights, and what better place to see them than in Iceland?
As well as the geothermal pools, the stunning night time lights and the sky lagoon, there is plenty to see and experience in Reykjavik, even in the winter. However, as few people are aware of the taste of Iceland, what is there to eat that is tantalizing?
Well, there is lamb stew, as well as plokkfiskur, which is a fish based stew and of course, the ever pleasant and divine hot chocolate. Imagine watching the northern lights glistening over the snow, sipping on some authentic hot chocolate. Now that’s a winter memory that can’t be beaten!
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Most people associate New Orleans with hot weather and humidity but come winter, it is still a great place to visit.
Of course, the city is known for its jazz bars and its cuisine which, come winter, is even more appealing than what it can offer in the summer. The city also offers a fair amount of religious insights that are worth visiting on the cooler days, such as the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. So, depending on your leanings, there is something for everyone on those colder days.
So, what can you eat to warm you up? There is of course gumbo, Jambalaya and the Beignets. That sweet snack is not just for Mardi Gras!
Prague, Czech Republic

If you are visiting Prague over the Christmas period, there are lots of treats to try to keep you warm.
Why not eat some Svíčková, or marinated beef with creamy sauce after walking the medieval streets in the snow? Or, if you prefer something sweet over creamy or salty, you can get your hands on some Trdelník, which is also known as chimney cake. It’s made from dough, sugar, cinnamon and walnuts, which is the perfect icing on your Christmas visit to this enhancing area.
Or, for real comfort food, why not try some of the local Goulash with bread dumplings?
Set this back against some of the world’s most amazing architecture, such as Prague Castle or St. Vitus Cathedral, and you have got yourself a picturesque winter jaunt!
Edinburgh, Scotland

If you have always wanted to visit the UK in the winter time, you can pop to the north and visit Scotland. Edinburgh is one of the most historic sites in the entire of the UK, with its historic castles and its winter/Christmas festivals, making it the perfect spot to visit in the festive season.
There are an array of comfort foods to try in this city, such as haggis with neeps and tatties (swede and potatoes) as well as Cullen Skink (which is a smoked haddock soup) and sticky toffee pudding.
If you need to pick up some gifts, there is the world famous Edinburgh Christmas market, which you can follow up with a trip to Edinburgh Castle, or the seat of Mary Queen of Scots, Holyrood Palace.
Tuscany, Italy

Much like New Orleans, many people associate Italy with a warmer climate.
However, if you are not a fan of the heat and still want to visit, you can pop along to Tuscany in the winter time to have a truly unique experience with some delicious food! You can still visit the vineyards in the cooler weather, as well as walk to the villages that surround Tuscany, all while overlooking the stunning countryside.
When it comes to eating, there is plenty to choose from. There is the staple soup, the ribollita or vegetable soup, or you can go for the thick pasta dish the Pico Cacio e Pepe, which is served with cheese and pepper. All very hearty and all very tasty!
Munich, Germany

Germany is a country which attracts tourists all year round, and is known for its tasty foods, especially come winter.
So, if you happen to be passing through Munich in the winter months, what can you expect to see and what can you expect to get in the way of comfort food?
Another setting for some eye-catching Gothic architecture, you can visit the Marienplatz, the historic centre of Munich since the 12th Century. Follow this up with a visit to the snow covered Neues Rathaus, and you’ve got yourself some truly amazing photos!
As for comfort food, there is plenty to choose from. You simply have to try the Bavarian cream desserts, the bratwurst sausage rolls, currywurst and the beer battered or dipped pretzels. All very filling and warming on a cold day!
Aspen, Colorado, USA

It is one of those places that you have to visit at least once in the Christmas period- Aspen. There is nothing quite like it, which has led to many people associating it with being the perfect setting for a winter visit, as well as being the ideal setting for photos of the snow and the surrounding mountains.
There is plenty to do. If you have always wanted to go skiing, there are world-class skiing resorts to go to. Or, if you are a fan of cozy log cabins and real fires while drinking hot chocolate, you will find this in abundance in this literal winter wonderland.
You can get some true comfort foods too. Many hotels and log cabins in Aspen will be happy to whip you up a grilled cheese sandwich, some Bison chilli or even tableside s’mores to eat whilst you enjoy the nearby fire. For those who love hot chocolates, you can opt for hot chocolate and pastries or even boozy hot chocolate to warm you up after a day on the slopes.