A Travel Agent’s Guide to Exploring Local Cuisines Around The World
Greetings, hungry travelers!
As a seasoned traveler and professional travel advisor, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the world’s diverse cultures through the lens of local cuisine. In other words, one of the things I most look forward to when I travel is eating and drinking.
My clients often ask me if I recommend that they remain in the tourist areas when they travel or if they should try to “eat like the locals eat.” In this article, I hope to answer those questions, share my passion for authentic flavors, and guide you through the delectable journey of must-try dishes around the globe. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure!
1. Embrace the Local Markets:
One of my favorite ways to dive into a destination’s culinary scene is by exploring local markets. Wander through bustling stalls filled with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local delicacies. I am getting hungry just thinking about it! Engaging with vendors provides insight into the ingredients and offers a chance to learn about the culture and traditions behind each dish.
Picture this: vibrant markets, heaps of fresh produce, and a symphony of flavors waiting to be explored. Dive headfirst into the chaos, chat with lively vendors, and let your senses guide you through the delicious maze of local markets. Trust me; it’s a sensory rollercoaster you won’t want to get off!
2. Street Food Wonders:
Street food is the heartbeat of any city. It is the real MVP of a destination’s culinary scene. From savory snacks to sweet treats, street vendors often hold the key to authentic, budget-friendly delights, not to mention gastronomic happiness. Don’t be afraid to try something new – the best flavors are often found in unexpected places.
As a self-proclaimed street food enthusiast, I assure you that the tastiest surprises are often wrapped in a humble food truck or a tiny sidewalk stall.
How to find the best street food vendors? Look around! The longest line of local people is the line you most likely want to be in.
3. Culinary Tours:
This is one of my favorite ways to get acquainted with a new destination. Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene by joining a guided food tour. These experiences introduce you to regional specialties and allow you to interact with locals and fellow food enthusiasts. These tours are usually guided by fellow foodie who are proud of their local food scene and are happy to share this experience with others.
Many food tours are generally walking tours, but we have experienced food tours by van in Cancun, tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, and Vespa in Malaysia! We have run through traffic following our guide through the streets of Mumbai, strolled through LA’s Thai Town with none other than celebrity chef Jet Tila, tasted our way through Venice, and enjoyed a cool day of eating delicious food and exploring temples with new friends in Phuket.
There are guided food tours in most major cities worldwide, from Seattle to Boston to Tokyo! To learn more, use this link at Viator.
Cooking Classes:
Along with food tours, you may find cooking classes or demonstrations. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in your destination through food.
Often, these are done by a chef at a local restaurant or by a local in their home kitchen! I can’t think of a better way to get to know a new culture than by joining a local in their kitchen to share a meal.
One of the best cooking demonstrations I have participated in was learning to make gnocchi in a small restaurant in Italy. We were taught by a 90-year-old Nona who had been making the gnocchi there for decades. I am an Italian girl, and I can honestly say this is one of the best Italian meals I have ever had.
You may return home with a newfound skill, a recipe or two, a few new friends, an appreciation for a new food, and a memory you will always cherish. I often recommend Eat With to find fun food experiences to enhance your vacation.
4. Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Trails:
While popular tourist spots may offer fantastic dining experiences, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the well-trodden paths. Ask locals for recommendations, explore neighborhoods off the beaten track, and discover hidden gems where authentic flavors flourish without the touristy markups. Don’t be afraid to ask your Uber driver, taxi driver, or cashier at the convenience store what their favorite spot is to grab a bite. If we never stopped into a convenience store for Dt. Cokes, I would never have discovered the most delicious Milanesa in Barcelona!
Barcelona is an excellent example of “hidden gems”.
When traveling to Barcelona, visitors want to visit the famous street Las Ramblas. This street is a minefield of tourist trap restaurants serving frozen food and bagged sangria (eww). Instead, detour down the side streets when looking for good Catalan cuisine. But before you venture off Las Ramblas, check out La Boqueria Market, which dates back to 1217, where you can find family food stalls dating back five generations. Another spot on Las Ramblas worth mentioning is Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s oldest restaurant since 1786 and a hub for traditional Catalan dishes.
5. Sampling Traditional Drinks:
Pairing your meals with local beverages is crucial to the culinary experience. Whether sipping on a glass of Argentine Malbec, indulging in Japanese sake or enjoying a cup of Moroccan mint tea, traditional drinks complement the region’s flavors and enhance your overall dining adventure. I had no idea how much I loved tea until I had traditional tea in Dubai and Mumbai.
One way I love to experience new places is through beer. When visiting a country like Jamaica, you need to celebrate your arrival with a cold Red Strip. But the beer scene in some destinations is a whole vibe!
For a great “beer-cation,” consider destinations with a great beer scene, such as Asheville, North Carolina, Portland, Maine, Munich, Germany, or Portland, Oregon.
6. Respect Local Customs:
As a professional travel advisor, I always emphasize respecting local customs, especially dining etiquette. Understanding how locals dine, whether it’s communal eating or specific table manners, adds a layer of cultural appreciation to your culinary journey. Celebrate and embrace the differences of the destinations you are visiting.
When visiting the Scottish Highlands, we enjoyed a pint at a local pub with an outdoor patio. There were two of us seated at a small table with three chairs. A local man who was very obviously a house painter on his lunch break sat down at our table. Before you know it, we shared a pint and had a great conversation with our new friend Gus.
Conclusion:
Exploring local cuisine is more than just a sensory delight; it’s a gateway to understanding a destination’s heart and soul. As you embark on your culinary adventures, remember to be open-minded, embrace new flavors, and savor each bite as a testament to the rich tapestry of our global community. Bon appétit and happy travels!
