United States
American-style barbecue sauce with smoky-sweet flavour.
Hungary
Sweet or hot Hungarian paprika for stews, goulash and marinades.
Switzerland
Convenient potato rösti packs for a Swiss-style breakfast or side dish.
Cambodia
I would put Kampot pepper on the list for Cambodia because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Guyana
Spice mix or cassareep-style seasoning for Guyanese pepperpot.
Iran
I would put Persian saffron on the list for Iran because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Slovenia
Traditional sea salt from the Slovenian coast.
Portugal
Hot chilli sauce associated with Portuguese cooking and grilled chicken.
Costa Rica
Tangy brown sauce used on gallo pinto, eggs and grilled foods.
Suriname
Chilli condiment influenced by Javanese and Caribbean food traditions.
Afghanistan
I would put Afghan saffron threads on the list for Afghanistan because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Colombia
Colombian-style chilli sauce served with empanadas, soups and grilled foods.
Zimbabwe
Tangy powder used in smoothies, porridge and energy balls.
France
Hand-harvested Atlantic sea salt flakes, great for finishing meat, fish and vegetables.
India
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from India: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
New Zealand
I would put Manuka honey on the list for New Zealand because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Canada
Pure maple syrup, a classic Canadian edible gift.
Suriname
Surinamese masala used in roti, chicken and vegetable dishes.
Nigeria
Peanut-chilli spice mix used for Nigerian grilled meat skewers.
Iraq
Thick syrup made from dates, used for breakfast and baking.
Mexico
I would put Mole paste on the list for Mexico because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Cameroon
I would put Penja white pepper on the list for Cameroon because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Mozambique
Fiery chilli sauce linked to Mozambican and Portuguese cooking.
Haiti
Spicy pickled cabbage and carrot condiment for fried foods and rice dishes.
China
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from China: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Spain
I would put Smoked paprika pimentón on the list for Spain because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Vanuatu
Vanilla pods or extract from Vanuatu’s island producers.
Australia
Yeast extract spread with a salty savoury flavour.
Peru
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Peru: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Serbia
Roasted red pepper relish eaten with bread, meat or cheese.
Trinidad & Tobago
Caribbean curry powder used in roti, stews and marinades.
Sri Lanka
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Sri Lanka: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
France
I would put Dijon mustard on the list for France because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
South Korea
I would put Gochujang paste on the list for South Korea because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Tunisia
I would put Harissa paste on the list for Tunisia because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Jamaica
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Jamaica: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Malaysia
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Malaysia: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Singapore
I would put Kaya jam on the list for Singapore because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Costa Rica
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Costa Rica: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Chile
I would put Merkén smoked chilli on the list for Chile because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Mexico
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Mexico: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Turkey
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Türkiye, pomegranate molasses is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Morocco
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Morocco: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Iran
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Iran: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Ghana: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Georgia
I would put Svaneti salt on the list for Georgia because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Thailand
I would put Thai curry paste on the list for Thailand because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Uganda
Vanilla beans or extract from Uganda’s growing vanilla industry.
Hong Kong SAR China
Luxury chilli-seafood condiment used for stir-fries, noodles and dim sum.
Japan
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Japan: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Jordan
I would put Za’atar spice blend on the list for Jordan because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Madagascar
High-quality vanilla pods from Madagascar, excellent for baking.
Finland
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Finland, cloudberry jam is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Egypt
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Egypt: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
United States
Regional American chilli sauces from Louisiana, Texas or the Carolinas.
Greece
Purple-brown Greek olives with a rich, fruity flavour.
Myanmar (Burma)
Pickled tea leaves and crunchy mix for Burmese tea leaf salad.
Iceland
Black Icelandic-style sea salt used as a finishing salt.
Libya
Warm chilli-spice seasoning for stews, soups and grilled food.
Bulgaria
Pepper and tomato spread served with bread, cheese or grilled meat.
India
Mango pickle is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through India, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Thailand
Nam prik chilli jam is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Thailand, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Pakistan
I would put Pakistani mango pickle on the list for Pakistan because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Azerbaijan
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Azerbaijan: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Indonesia
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Indonesia: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Singapore
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Singapore, Singapore laksa paste is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Belize
I would put Belizean hot pepper sauce on the list for Belize because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Ethiopia
Warm chilli spice blend used in Ethiopian stews and lentil dishes.
Cameroon
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Cameroon: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Kenya
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Kenya: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Mauritius
Rich cane sugar for baking, coffee and cocktails.
Bhutan
Ezay chilli paste is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Bhutan, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Nepal
Pink rock salt used in grinders, slabs or bath salts.
Jamaica
Hot pepper sauce is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Jamaica, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Sweden
I would put Lingonberry jam on the list for Sweden because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Cambodia
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Cambodia: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Poland
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Poland: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Algeria
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Algeria: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Iraq
Warm all-purpose spice blend used across Middle Eastern cooking.
Taiwan
Beef noodle spice pack is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Taiwan, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Cyprus
Carob syrup is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Cyprus, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Sri Lanka
True cinnamon sticks with delicate sweet flavour; prized for baking and tea.
Sri Lanka
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Sri Lanka, coconut sambol mix is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Croatia
Dalmatian fig jam is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Croatia, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Germany
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Germany: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Belize
Belizean carrot-based habanero sauce with bright chilli flavour.
United Kingdom
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from United Kingdom, marmalade jar is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Bulgaria
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Bulgaria, sharena sol spice blend is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Bolivia
Ají amarillo paste is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Bolivia, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Bahamas
Bahamian hot sauce is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Bahamas, rather than a generic souvenir. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Barbados
Mustard-based Scotch bonnet pepper sauce from Barbados.
Ethiopia
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Ethiopia, injera flour mix is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Namibia
Mineral salt associated with desert regions of southern Africa.
El Salvador
Corn masa mix used for Salvadoran stuffed pupusas.
Colombia
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Colombia, ajiaco spice mix is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Macedonia
Roasted pepper relish, often eaten with bread and cheese.
Brunei
I would put Ambuyat sago pearls on the list for Brunei because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Philippines
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Philippines, banana ketchup is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Russia
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Russia, buckwheat groats is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. Grains, pasta and rice are not glamorous, but they are useful, cheap and often taste different from the UK supermarket version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Bosnia and Herzegovina, ćevapi seasoning is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Bahamas
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Bahamas: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
United States
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from United States, maple bacon seasoning is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Botswana, marula jam is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Cameroon, ndolé spice mix is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Bosnia and Herzegovina: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Israel
Dark sweet syrup made from dates, useful on yoghurt, pancakes and marinades.
Venezuela
Pre-cooked corn flour used for arepas and empanadas.
Estonia
Traditional roasted grain mix used in desserts, yoghurt or smoothies.
Smoky chilli seasoning used in Chilean cooking.
Honduras
Flour tortilla mix for making Honduran baleadas at home.
Senegal
Tangy fruit powder used in drinks, smoothies and desserts.