For many people, the most memorable travel experiences come from eating local cuisine. Some restaurants and specific meals are so special that they are a destination in and of themselves.
While the renowned Michelin star-rating guide was created to encourage travelers to make full itineraries based on exceptional eating experiences, planning a food-focused adventure doesn’t have to be so sophisticated. Choosing your destination based on food preferences can result in a special experience, no matter your budget.
Step 1: Choose the Destination
Some locales are renowned for their food scenes. For example, Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is the home of some of the best street food experiences in the world. Other famous destinations, such as New Orleans and Paris, have distinct food cultures that cannot be replicated elsewhere. At the same time, nearly every region has a local specialty. Napoli in Italy is well-known for its pizza, while Nashville in the US offers iconic barbeque.
Selecting the best food-focused travel destination depends on several factors. If there is a special dish you are interested in trying, it may be worthwhile to visit the location known for making the best version.
One notable example of this is the Portuguese pastéis de nata, or egg tart. These delectable pastries are highly acclaimed, and the ones from the renowned Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon are often hailed as the best, a testament to the bakery’s 200 years of crafting these delightful treats.
Alternatively, travelers can design segments of their travel itinerary centered around food, such as compiling a list of must-try dishes or identifying popular culinary hotspots. Six major cities—Lisbon, Dubai, Chicago, Montreal, Boston, and New York—host a TimeOut Market, which corrals all of the region’s best food options into a single space.
Since food is tied so closely to culture, it is not surprising that certain iconic dishes are only served during holidays and festivals. Travelers seeking specific culinary experiences should align their visit with traditional celebrations or food festivals. In China, for instance, many special dishes, such as tangyuan, only appear during the Lantern and Winter Solstice festivals.
Step 2: Immerse Yourself in the Local Food Culture
To truly experience a new cuisine, travelers must also learn how locals prepare and consume their meals. Customs and etiquette can vary widely by culture and influence the dining experience. When it comes to food, do as the locals do. This could mean eating while sitting on the floor or slurping soup directly from the bowl.
A prime illustration of a delightful cultural culinary experience is the Moroccan tea ceremony. In Morocco, tea is traditionally served with every meal, and it’s customary for people to savor this ritual. The ceremony carries significant symbolism, with the height at which the tea is poured indicating the level of respect the host is showing to their guest. Given the popularity of tea ceremonies, many tour guides include them in their itineraries, making them accessible to tourists. However, discovering other local traditions might entail a bit more exploration.
Some of the most exceptional meals can be found in ordinary neighborhoods, far from the usual tourist haunts. Travelers who want a more authentic experience should try to schedule a food tour led by a local. Signing up for a cooking class is also a fun and engaging way to learn more about the local food culture.
Step 3: Consider Food or Beverage-Related Experiences
Eating and drinking are not the only ways to enjoy a destination’s food culture. Visiting a farm, factory, or winery can give you a behind-the-scenes look at how local ingredients go from farm to plate.
Wine-tasting tours are probably some of the most common food-related experiences. Visitors flock to well-known wine destinations such as France, Spain, and the West Coast of the US every year. Up-and-coming wine destinations like Croatia and the Southern United States are quickly gaining popularity with tourists.
Craft beers and breweries are also must-dos for any food-focused travel adventure. Many producers give visitors a tour of their facilities, followed by a sample of their brews.
In countries like Belgium and Switzerland, chocolate tours are commonplace. Travelers with a stronger thirst for adventure can go on a fishing trip or foraging tour to get a sense of what the land and sea have to offer.
Step 4: Plan for Safety and Wellness
While a food-focused vacation can be amazing, it can also lead to less-than-pleasant gastrointestinal experiences. Every country has its own standards for food handling and practices. As a result, travelers may be exposed to bacteria that they aren’t used to. This can lead to digestive problems or even food poisoning.
Many health problems arise simply from changing diet. For example, consuming a large amount of rich foods and alcohol within a short period can cause “holiday heart syndrome,” or arrhythmia from consuming too much too fast. Many people also experience constipation or indigestion.
When visiting a destination for the first time, be cautious about where you get your meals. For instance, be attentive to signs of proper food handling, such as the presence of designated hand-washing areas for the staff.
If you have a food allergy, pay attention to what you eat. While peanut allergies are common in the United States, they are almost non-existent in other parts of the world. You can also carry a translated list of your allergens and potential reactions to show at restaurants.