Some people travel to experience high-adrenaline adventures. Others prefer relaxation whether that's on a beach or in a luxury hotel room. Then there are the foodies. These are the folks who eagerly pack their bags to travel the world, or simply their own cities, in search of new flavors.
Done well, a food-focused vacation can be a revelation. Unfortunately, too many people start off with the goal of truly immersing themselves in culinary experiences, but end up being disappointed. Why? Because, without the right knowledge and insights, a foodie trip can quickly be reduced to tourist trap dining and seriously mid experiences.
You deserve better. Before you head out to eat your way through your next generation, check out these tips for traveling like a foodie.
Find The Markets
To get a true feel of local cuisine, you must spend some time exploring the local markets. Take a stroll through the farmers markets, bazaars, bodegas, and grocery stores. This will give you insights into:
• Seasonal Produce
• Meats
• Herbs And Spices
• Fun Snack Foods
• Alcoholic And Soft Drinks
• Ready to Eat Foods
Remember, in most places, people aren't cooking and eating regional foods; at least not on a daily basis. They're taking local ingredients home to prepare the dishes their families love.
Get Local Recommendations From The Right Places
Eat at the places the locals love! Go online and find rave reviews and dining tips from people who live where you are going. People love to talk up their cities, and are eager to share the best places to eat and drink 24/7.
There's just one caveat. You want genuine recommendations not carefully curated reviews or paid plugs from influencers or brand ambassadors. So, avoid any site where restaurant owners advertise or can pay to have negative reviews taken down.
Where should you look? Start with Reddit! Most major cities have a dedicated Reddit page that is the unofficial gathering spot for locals to discuss everything that is good and bad. Ask there, and you will get some good answers. Just be prepared to sift through a lot of arguing. Nothing starts a debate more than asking what the best local restaurant is. Check out Facebook groups too!
Join Someone For Dinner
Have dinner with a local. Sometimes, this can be done as easily as pulling a chair up to a table with a friendly smile. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, reach out to locals online. Try social media and international dating sites to make connections before you go.
Eat on The Street
There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking out fine dining experiences. There are talented chefs who are doing amazing things at restaurants all over the world. That said, you haven't truly experienced local cuisine until you indulge in street foods.
Yes, street food is everywhere. You can buy hotdogs from carts in New York, pani puri from vendors in India, hot pretzels on street corners in St. Louis, tacos from late-night stands in Tijuana, and so much more.
Look For Long Lines
Long lines are a bummer unless you are looking for a great place to eat. Yes, a long line means you will wait to eat, but it is sure to be worthwhile. If locals are willing to wait for the food to be served, you can be sure it is delicious. Conversely, a place that doesn't draw a crowd probably doesn't serve food that is very tasty.
Closing Thought: Be Observant
There's more to eating like a foodie than simply choosing local dishes to enjoy. Dining is a cultural experience. People gather to share and spend time with people they care about over food. Feeding people is considered to be one of the key acts of hospitality in cultures across the globe. There are rituals, traditions, and rules tied into dining. Pay attention to these things so that you can have truly authentic and meaningful experiences, and so you approach each meal with at least some cultural literacy.