settlers). The wine scene has grown massively since. The sunny climes here produce beautiful wines and olives, which can be sampled while travelers take a trip round some of the most popular towns and cities in Uruguay. There’s some great restaurants towards the coast, while the country’s national dish, chivito (steak sandwich), can be found throughout. welcomeuruguay.com
BRAZIL One of the most famous of Brazilian dishes is feijoada. This hearty, comforting stew consisting of black beans, pork and rice can be found in restaurants and households throughout the country. Many neighborhoods feature their own twists with slightly different ingredients and cuts of meat, so its worth traveling around to sample each variation. There is also some fine-dining to be found in the cities, with Brazil being the only South American country in where the Michelin Star system is operating. There is a strong push to include local produce and traditional ingredients; acai berries from the Amazon have been working their way onto some fancy plates, while cassava tapioca is increasingly trendy. D.O.M. in São Paulo has two Michelin stars, where head chef Alex Atala leads a team of innovative cooks in exploring the bounty of Brazil’s indigenous produce. visitbrasil.com