World’s yummiest gourmet festivals

Attracting all culinary creators and appreciators alike, food festivals are an excellent place to expand one’s mind and palette.

Here is a list of 10 epicurean dream expeditions celebrating foods from every culture throughout the globe.

Hokitika Wildfood Festival, New Zealand

For over two decades, this gourmet extravaganza has tested even the most adventurous palettes. Featuring exotic dishes like wasp larvae ice cream and barbequed Huhu grubs, the Hokitika Wildfood Festival draws a massive crowd each year. Other delectable on the menu include: possum, earthworms, sweetbreads, amidst scenic mountains, glaciers, rivers and rainforest.

Maine Lobster Festival, US

20,000 pounds of the burning orange crustaceans served over five days. Taking place on the small coastal town of Rocklands, the Maine Lobster Festival commemorates the townspeople's largest export.

The International White Truffle Festival, Italy

One of the most decadent dates on the culinary calendar, the International White Truffle Festival is held annually between September and December. The world's most celebrated chefs gather to showcase their mastery with the lavish white truffles, and the other highlight of the event is an auction that sells the fungi off at thousands of dollars a piece!

Good Food and Wine Show, South Africa

One of the largest food celebrations in the world, the Good Food and Wine Show showcase is held across 3 cities in South Africa - Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. Known for its educational traits, the Chef-in-Action theatres offer culinary classes to aspiring sous-chef. Another show highlight at the event is the National Barista Championships

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Australia

Celebrating Victoria's vibrant food and wine culture, and entering its 19th year (in 2011), expect to find many major culinary and wine experts, and locally celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, sommeliers and food artisans at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Iceland Food and Fun Festival, Iceland

The Iceland Food and Fun Festival features visiting chefs from other countries collaborating with local host restaurants to prepare some of their signature dishes. On the final day of the festivities, competition hits fever pitch with chefs vying for the title of "Chef of the Year, by creating a winning three-course Icelandic meal