Travel and explore gastronomy These are activities that go far beyond simple experiences: they connect us with unique cultures, stories and flavors around the world. For those passionate about these adventures, each dish and destination is a true invitation to discoveries. Some facts and people, however, made these experiences reach a completely new level.
THE Book of Records is known for celebrating the world’s most extraordinary and unusual achievements. And, in the world of travel and gastronomy, it does not disappoint. From historical facts to those that challenge the imagination and show that there are no limits to human creativity and determination, check out 10 records about Travel and Gastronomy from the Guinness Book:
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The oldest restaurant in the world
According to Guinness World Records, the oldest operating restaurant in the world is Botín Restaurantlocated in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1725 by Jean Botín and his wife, the establishment has been operating for almost three centuries, preserving the tradition of Spanish cuisine.
Botín is known for its traditional dishes, such as cochinillo asado (roasted suckling pig) and cordero asado (roasted lamb), prepared in a wood-fired oven that has been in use since its opening. The restaurant also has a rich historical and cultural value, having been mentioned in literary works and frequented by notable figures over the years.
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Widest variety of cheeses on a pizza
The largest variety of cheeses on a single pizza is impressive: 1,001 types. This record was achieved by Fabien Montellanico, Sophie Hatat Richart-Luna, Florian OnAir and Benoît Bruel, all from France, at Déliss’ Pizza, in Lyon, on October 8, 2023.
The feat required five months of intense preparation by the team. To achieve this mark, 940 types of French cheese and 61 international varieties were used, creating a unique combination that celebrates diversity and passion for cheese.
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Most Big Macs consumed in a lifetime
Present in more than 100 countries, with more than 40 thousand stores, McDonald’s is one of the most iconic fast food chains in the world. Recognized in every corner of the planet, the brand’s flagship is the classic Big Mac, famous for its combination of two burgers, lettuce, cheese, special sauce, onion, pickles on sesame seed bread. And it was precisely this sandwich that took the American Donald Gorske entering Guinness World Records.
On January 1, 2024, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Gorske achieved the incredible milestone of 34,128 Big Macs consumed throughout your lifetime becoming the person who ate the famous sandwich the most. Gorske’s relationship with the Big Mac began in 1972, and since then he has maintained a faithful routine: the sandwich has become his daily meal for more than 50 years.
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The most expensive edible fungus in the world
The white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) is the most expensive edible fungus in the world . They can only be found in the Italian regions of Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Marches, and on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia.
According to the Guinness World Record, as they grow about 30 cm below the ground, they can only be located with the help of trained dogs. The price varies a little depending on the good season (from late autumn to winter), but they can be found up to US$7,000 per kg (around R$42,000).
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Most expensive burger sold
A burger created by chef Robbert Jan de Veen, from The Daltons restaurant, in Gelderland, Netherlands, has won the title of “most expensive ever sold in the world”.
Nicknamed “Golden Boy”, he was purchased for US$5,967 in July 2021 (which at the time was equivalent to around R$30,000).
The sandwich was made with Wagyu beef complemented with a champagne caviar mixture and a bread covered in gold leaf made with Dom Périgon. The money was donated to a local food bank.
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Oldest hotel in the world
Founded in 705, more than 1,300 years ago and maintained by the same family for 52 generations, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan It is the oldest hotel in operation in the world according to the Book of Records. It is located in the city of Hayakawa, the least populated city in Japan.
Its facilities were renovated in 1997 to offer more comfort to guests, but the ancient hotel has preserved the architecture and charm of its buildings and gardens.
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Largest tourist cruise in the world
The latest edition of the Book of Records, published in 2024, had as the largest luxury liner the Royal Caribbean’s Wonder Of The Seas which made its maiden voyage in March 2022. The cruise is 362 meters long, has 18 decks, and accommodates around 7,000 passengers, in addition to 2,300 crew members.
However, the Icon Of The Seas, also from the Royal route, should take on the title in the next editions of the book. It, which opened on January 27, 2024, with 8,000 passengers on board, is 365 meters long, has 20 decks, and is the largest water park in the world on a ship.
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The warmest sea
Covering about 20% of the Earth’s surface, the Indian Ocean it has the warmest waters of all the oceans, according to the Book of Records. Its average minimum surface temperature is 22 °C, but it can reach 35 °C in the Persian Gulf. Its coldest stretches are to the south, towards Antarctica, where it meets the Southern Ocean.
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The smallest country in the world and the largest religious palace
The Vatican, located within Rome, Italy, holds two records. It is considered the smallest country in the world, with a population of 825 people and a territory of 0.44 km².
The Pope’s residence, in turn, located there, breaks an opposite mark: It is the largest existing religious palace, with more than a thousand rooms.
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The deepest swimming pool for diving
Did you know that you can dive in the deepest pool in the world? With a depth of 60 meters and around 14 million liters of fresh water – the equivalent of six Olympic swimming pools –, the Deep Dive Dubai It is considered by the Book of Records as the largest in the world.
The water is kept at 30 degrees to create the perfect conditions for diving – and there is no need to wear thick clothing for the activity. There are different experiences offered for all ages, with different prices. All diving suggestions and tours within it can be found on its official website.
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The post 10 fascinating facts about travel and gastronomy in the Book of Records appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
