The foodie traveller
Do you consider yourself a ‘foodie traveller’? For a growing number of ‘gastro tourists’ around the world, culinary experiences are the highlight of their holiday. Food and drink are a great way to discover a destination because they enable you to connect with its culture, in a multi-sensory and highly enjoyable manner.
Today’s culinary tourism is becoming increasingly sophisticated and goes beyond simply dining at award-winning restaurants or exploring local food courts. Consider these inspiring ideas for your next foodie vacation.
HOME VISITS Have you noticed how dishes at a restaurant taste different to those cooked at home? Home cooking is more authentic and reflects how residents actually eat. Entrepreneurial locals have begun opening up their homes to travellers, and offering them the opportunity to sample the most traditional and beloved dishes of their region. Visitors can also interact with the chef and his or her family.
FRESH FARE Sustainability has been a buzzword these past few years and the events of 2020 have emphasised its importance even more sharply. Sustainable gastronomy focusses on seasonal locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful cooking techniques.
The idea is to minimise the negative impact on the planet, preserve local produce and support indigenous farmers. Many restaurants now serve sustainable fare with some even adapting their menus to the changing seasons and availability of fresh ingredients.
GUIDED TOURS It’s fun to wander through foreign produce markets and restaurant lined streets on your own. But there’s a chance that you may miss out on things that you don’t understand – especially if you don’t speak the language. So taking a foodie tour led by a local guide is a great way to literally taste your destination’s culinary culture.
Many major cities offer visitors plenty of themes to choose from. So challenge yourself to sample unfamiliar cuisine, join local residents at ‘mom-and-pop eateries’ or immerse yourself in your favourite food niche… such as spicy foods, pastas, dim sum, beer and so on. PERSPECTIVES What’s the story behind the food on my plate? This is a question that so many gastro tourists wish to explore. And it has led to an explosion of hands-on culinary activities that range from planting rice in a paddy field and picking grapes in a vineyard to choosing fresh ingredients at the local market followed by a cooking class. These experiences will expand your perspective to include local agriculture and communities.