There’s no doubt that you can get some of the best steak in the world right here in South Africa. So when British Airways caught up with Orlando Bloom to ask him about his favourite places around the world, it’s no surprise (but a little humbling) that Orlando mentioned South Africa. After all, he did stay in Cape Town during the filming of Zulu.

Where in the world did you have your most memorable meal? What did you eat?

It’s impossible to name a particular restaurant but the steaks in South Africa are like nowhere else. Eating there is such a social event, especially in summer when family and friends all come together for a braai (barbeque).

Pretty cool, hey? Especially because he used braai. And let me guess, you’re feeling like a steak right about now, aren’t you? Well, HQ has a divine lunch special, offering their classic steak chips and salad for only R99 between 12:00 – 17:00 daily.

Here’s the rest of the interview, where he talks Japan, London and California to name a few.

What three things should every visitor to Abu Dhabi experience (and why)?

It is rich in culture and history. A visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must see. You can’t beat the weather and there are many fine dining experiences to enjoy.

Which city in the world do you always love going back to? (and why do you keep returning)?

London is and always will be my home. Landing at Heathrow always gives me a great feeling to be returning to family and friends. It’s such an exciting city – multicultural and diverse. There’s no place like home.

Which destination have you travelled to that has surprised you the most? What exactly surprised you about that destination?

Japan is one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever been to – it would take a lifetime to get your head around the culture –from ‘goldfish scooping’ on a Japanese TV show to the bright neon lights of Tokyo to the peaceful landscaped gardens of Kyoto – it’s a country of contrasts.

Which is your all-time favourite hotel in the world (or the best place that you’ve stayed). What makes it so special?

I can’t tell you my favourite hotel because it is my favourite hotel and it’s a well-kept secret, but I will say it has been in my life for 20 years and it’s in Morocco, a country where I have spent a fair amount of time filming in and a country that I have always loved.

What has been your most memorable holiday to date? What made it so unforgettable?

Spent my first holiday with my son Flynn in Big Sur in California exploring the area around where we live – seeing the giant redwood trees and hiking in the forests.

Which destination is at the top of your bucket list to visit it next? What is it about the destination that makes it so appealing?

I’d love to take Flynn to visit the pandas in Chengdu – it’s so easy now to visit China and it’s an amazing country. That’s definitely next for our family.

Now you are a father yourself, what’s your top tip for travelling with children?

Make sure you have plenty of things to keep them busy. We always bring colouring books.

You must constantly be on and off long-haul flights. What are your tips for dealing with jet lag?

I’m a very active person so I always make sure to exercise a lot when I reach a new time zone and drink plenty of water. Often I’m so busy I have no choice but to get on with it.

What’s the one gadget that you can’t travel without? Why?

I always travel with my noise-cancelling headphones.

What are your top five destinations of all time?

London – My home
New York – Beautiful city
LA – My second home
New Zealand – Vast landscapes
Morocco – Delicious food

[source: iol]