Traveling For Taste: A Foodie's Guide To Delicious Destinations

Food is an integral part of a country's culture and history, and travelling as a foodie is a great way to get a glimpse into a nation's soul. Here are some of the best countries to visit for foodies:

- India: Known for its spicy curries, ancient cooking methods, and incredible variety of vegetarian and vegan meals.

- Mexico: The only cuisine in the world named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, with diverse regional cuisines and a rich history dating back over 9,000 years.

- Italy: Simplicity and quality ingredients define Italian cuisine, with fresh pasta, pizza, and ice cream taking centre stage.

- China: Authentic Chinese food is a far cry from its North American counterparts, with regional diversity and incredible fruit and produce taking centre stage.

- Thailand: Light, healthy, and bursting with flavour, Thai food is a satisfying cuisine that combines salty, sweet, spicy, and sour tastes.

- Greece: A culinary culmination of neighbouring countries, Greek food features amazing seafood, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and hearty appetizers.

- France: French cuisine is revered for its sophisticated techniques and presentation, with Paris alone boasting over 2,000 five-star restaurants.

- Turkey: A successful fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Eastern European cuisines, with lamb, beef, rice, eggplants, and chillies as common ingredients.

- Japan: Japanese food is an art form, with subtle, clean flavours and beautiful presentation. Sushi, ramen, and okonomiyaki are must-tries.

- Spain: Tapas, pinchos, paellas, and world-renowned wines make Spain a culinary giant in Europe.

Research online

Researching online is a great way to find the best places to eat when travelling. There are many resources available to help you discover new cuisines and local specialties. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Online Reviews

Check out online review sites such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable. These sites provide valuable insights from other diners and can help you find highly-rated restaurants and dishes. Google Maps is also a great tool for finding specific cuisines, such as the best tacos in town.

Social Media

Instagram and Pinterest are excellent platforms for food research. You can search for specific locations or hashtags, such as #newyorkeat or @balifood, to find the latest food trends and recommendations. You can also save places that interest you for future reference.

Food-focused Platforms

There are websites and apps dedicated to connecting travellers with local food experiences. Airbnb Experiences, Viator, Eat With, and With Locals offer local-led food tours, cooking classes, and other unique culinary experiences.

Local Recommendations

Even before you arrive at your destination, you can ask locals for their personal recommendations. Consider reaching out to locals on social media or through forums. They can provide valuable insights on the best places to eat and hidden gems that may not be widely known.

Chef's Recommendations

Chefs often have a unique perspective on finding great food when travelling. They suggest using dedicated reservation sites like OpenTable and Resy, as these sites tend to have more serious diners leaving reviews. Additionally, checking out local favourites on TikTok or Instagram by searching keywords such as "best brunch [city]" can give you a local's perspective on the best eats.

Food Shows and Channels

If you're looking for some visual inspiration, there are plenty of TV shows and YouTube channels dedicated to food and travel. "Street Food" on Netflix, "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown", "F*ck, That's Delicious", and "The Food Ranger" on YouTube are just a few examples.

Remember to take advantage of online resources to discover new foods and create memorable dining experiences during your travels.

Ask locals for recommendations

Asking locals for food recommendations is a great way to find authentic and delicious meals when travelling. However, it's important to remember that not every local will be a food expert, and opinions may vary. Here are some tips on how to get the best recommendations from locals:

Be Discreet

While it can be helpful to ask servers or other hospitality staff for recommendations, be aware that some restaurants and hotels may not be keen on their staff directing patrons to other establishments. Like the traveller in New Orleans who, when asking their server for local food recommendations, received a surreptitious hand-written note of the best ribs joint in town.

Talk to Service Industry Professionals

Bartenders, servers, taxi drivers, and Uber drivers are all great sources of local food knowledge. These individuals often have a good understanding of the local food scene and can provide valuable insights. They may also be more likely to give honest opinions, as they don't have the same conflicts of interest as restaurant staff.

Visit Local Markets

Local markets, such as farmers' markets or street food markets, are a great way to sample local produce and connect with vendors. These vendors often supply local restaurants and can offer recommendations based on their knowledge of the area's cuisine. Markets are also a great way to immerse yourself in the local food culture and discover new and exciting ingredients.

Look Beyond the Tourist Traps

When searching for authentic local cuisine, it's best to avoid touristy areas. Instead, seek out neighbourhoods and cafes that are a few blocks away from popular attractions. These areas are more likely to cater to locals rather than tourists, and you'll find more diverse and affordable dining options.

Do Your Research

Before you travel, take some time to research the local cuisine, ingredients, and beloved dishes of your destination. This will help you make the most of your time and allow you to seek out specific dishes or restaurants that interest you. Additionally, look for local food blogs or publications that can provide insider knowledge on the best places to eat.

Join a food tour

Food tours are a great way to experience the best of a local food scene and try new dishes and ingredients. They can range from casual walking tours to more formal sit-down meals, and often include opportunities to meet local chefs and food producers. Here are some reasons why joining a food tour can enhance your travel experience:

Discovering hidden gems

Food tours can take you to local hotspots that you might not find in a guidebook or online review. These could include family-run restaurants, street food stalls, or hidden cocktail bars. Your guide will likely be a local foodie who can offer insider knowledge and recommendations.

Learning about local culture and history

Food is often deeply intertwined with a region's culture and history. On a food tour, you can learn about traditional ingredients, cooking techniques, and the people who have influenced the local cuisine. You might even pick up some basic phrases in the local language to help you order and enjoy your meals.

Meeting like-minded people

Food tours attract people who are passionate about food and keen to explore. You can meet fellow travellers as well as locals who share your interest in food. This can be a great way to make new friends and gain even more insights into the local food scene.

Supporting local businesses

Food tours often focus on independent restaurants, street vendors, and small food producers. By joining a food tour, you directly support these businesses and contribute to the local economy. This is a great way to give back to the communities you visit.

Gaining confidence to explore independently

If you're unsure about navigating a new place or communicating in a different language, a food tour can be a great way to start your culinary exploration. Your guide can provide tips and advice on where to go and what to try, giving you the confidence to continue seeking out delicious experiences on your own.

Visit street markets

Street markets are a fantastic way to experience new places through food. They offer a chance to try new dishes or familiar foods made and presented in different ways. You can find street markets almost anywhere you travel, from farmers' markets to bustling food markets like those found in Nepal.

Markets are a great way to sample the local bounty and interact with locals. You can try free samples of a variety of foods just by walking through the market, and you can talk to vendors, who often supply local restaurants, to get their recommendations on great places to dine.

In George Town, Malaysia, for example, you can find small stalls and mobile carts serving up culinary delights like nasi lemak, a Malay-style breakfast of rice cooked in coconut milk and served with sambal, and banana-leaf thali, an all-you-can-eat platter of south Indian dishes.

In Marrakech, Morocco, you can wander through the medina, a bustling, architecturally magnificent city, and sample the sweet-savory-spiced cuisine that blends the influences of native Amazigh peoples, Arabian settlers, and European traders.

For a truly unique experience, head to the night market in Richmond, British Columbia, home to North America's largest proportion of citizens of East Asian heritage. Here, you'll find what's reputed to be the continent's largest Asian night market, with traditional and hyper-regional Chinese cuisine alongside innovative Asian-Canadian dishes.

So, whether you're looking for new ingredients, cooking techniques, or flavour combinations, visiting street markets is a great way to discover and experience new foods while travelling.

Wander and follow your senses

When it comes to finding great food, wandering and following your senses is a fun and effective approach. By wandering off the tourist path and keeping your senses alert, you can discover hidden culinary gems that will make your travel experience truly memorable. Here are some tips to guide you on your sensory journey:

Trust your nose

As you wander through new streets and alleys, let your nose guide you. Follow the aroma of freshly baked goods or the sizzle of street food wafting through the air. Your sense of smell is powerful and can lead you to delicious finds. Whether it's a local bakery, a street food vendor, or a hidden restaurant, follow that tantalizing scent and see where it takes you.

Listen for the buzz

As you explore, pay attention to the sounds around you. Listen for the buzz of a busy restaurant or the lively chatter of locals gathered around a food stall. Places that are bustling with people often indicate a popular spot worth checking out. Don't be afraid to join the crowd and immerse yourself in the energy of the place.

Keep an eye out for long lines

Lines and crowds can be a good sign, especially if it's mostly locals waiting patiently. If you spot a long line, don't be deterred – take it as a hint that the food is worth the wait. You can always come back at a quieter time if you prefer a more relaxed dining experience.

Engage your taste buds

When you stumble upon a food market or street food vendor, engage your taste buds and try a variety of samples. Markets are a great way to experience the local cuisine and interact with vendors and fellow food lovers. By trying different samples, you can discover new flavours and ingredients, and perhaps find your new favourite dish.

Ask the locals

Don't be shy to strike up conversations with locals. Ask them for their personal recommendations or about their favourite spots to eat. Bartenders, servers, Uber drivers, and even market vendors can be great sources of insider knowledge. They may point you towards hidden gems that only locals know about.

Be adventurous

When wandering and following your senses, embrace adventure. Try dishes you've never heard of before, explore new ingredients, and be open to unique combinations of flavours. Step out of your comfort zone and savour the experience. Remember, you can always ask about the ingredients or cooking techniques if you're curious to learn more.

By wandering and following your senses, you'll not only discover delicious food but also immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories of your travels. So, let your senses be your guide and enjoy the culinary journey!

Frequently asked questions