LONDON, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

London is cosmopolitan in all ways, especially in its varied cuisine. This summer, an upcoming food fair shows off the capital's culinary range -

and its international influences.

Taste of London kicks off on June 21 and runs until June 24 in Regent's Park. Some 40 restaurants will set up stalls and serve delicious food from Asian, South American and Europe.

If your curiosity is awakened by trying the dishes of exotic nations, then maybe this event will lead to a visit to foodie destinations like Paris or even inspire cheap holidays to Greece and other countries known for their good grub.

Start as you mean to go on

Starters are a highlight of Taste of London - and the many variations on offer reveal how different countries approach the mouth-watering beginning to a meal. You'll be able to tuck into starters from celebrity restaurants such as Rhodes 24 (Gary Rhodes) and Barbecoa (Jamie Oliver and Adam Perry Lang). There'll be Michelin-starred fare and starters from across the world to choose from.

If you're sampling the different Italian starters on offer before a trip there, then a straightforward bruschetta may appeal. Or you could instead tuck into Greek meze if you're heading to Kos or Dalaman. These small plates of tasty snacks can include zucchini strips, olive tapenade and stuffed peppers.

Make a meal of it

Experimenting with different flavours and ingredients will be easy at Taste of London, as they'll be so much to choose from. You could take the same experimental attitude with you if you're planning a cheap break abroad. But where do you start with so much available? On Paris breaks you could tuck into duck dishes like confit de canard or beef-based stews such as pot au feu. While on Greece and Kefalonia holidays you could start with traditional meals like mousakka and souvlaki (kebabs) then try other dishes, like artichoke-stuffed squid.

Sweeten up

As with Taste for London, holidays are for indulgence. Wherever you decide to go, there's sure to be a tasty sweet to round off your meal. French treats are many and you can pick from a range of traditional pastries and cakes, including gateau au noix, which is made from walnuts. Italian tiramisu and torta della nonna - a nut-based custard pie - are treats you must try. If in Greece, then go for baked stuffed apples drenched in syrup and pastry rolls filled with custard and cream.

Remember also to try local wines and beverages and look out for those that have been made in the region you're visiting. For example, Kefalonia has its own wine called robolla, which has been produced on the island since the Stone Age.

SOURCE Thomas Cook