Traveling full-time for food over the past year has been an amazing adventure, but it didn’t start out that way. In the beginning, I was often overwhelmed by too many options and, trying to save time and money, I’d sometimes go for the easiest choice, which, as I learned, wasn’t always the best. After some trial and error, I figured out that finding great local food takes a little strategy, some research, and knowing who to ask. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Connect with Knowledgeable Locals (not any locals) for the Best Food Recommendations
When searching for the best food while traveling, it’s important to look for an advice from locals who truly know their cuisine. Not every local has deep culinary insight, and this is especially true in non-Western countries where tourists are often steered toward “Westernized” and more expensive restaurants. Although these recommendations usually come from a place of wanting to offer familiar tastes, they can often lead to disappointing meals. During a trip to India, a tour guide suggested I try the pizza around the corner. While the gesture was kind, it certainly wasn’t the most authentic choice. To really experience authentic local food, you need to be specific when asking for recommendations. Instead of vague inquiries about where to eat, ask about particular dishes or types of food. Share your budget and the dining experience you’re after. This is where your initial research becomes invaluable. Showing genuine interest in trying local dishes, even if the ingredients are unfamiliar, can help you discover the real culinary gems of the area.
Prepare with Pre-Trip Research
Before you set out on your journey, spend some time researching the cuisine of your destination (check Tasteatlas) Learn about key ingredients, signature dishes, and local food customs. A quick search for dining options can be helpful, but remember that not all review sites are equally trustworthy. Reputable sources like Bon Appétit, Saveur, section often use locals or seasoned international journalists who have deep knowledge of the food scene. I do trust guides too - San Pellegrimo, World's top50 best and others. Local food blogs or instagram accounts which you can easily find with a Google search, are also great resources. If certain places are frequently mentioned across different reliable sources, it’s usually a good indicator of quality.
Explore the Local Cuisine Through Food and Market Tours
One of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in a city’s food culture is by joining a food tour. These tours offer a fantastic overview of a city’s must-try dishes and are easy to arrange. You can ask your hotel concierge, search online for vacation packages that include food tours, or reach out to Gastromundus. While you might be part of a group and the portions might be small, these tours are a great way to sample a variety of foods with minimal effort. Plus, your guide is usually a local who is passionate about the cuisine, and they can offer personal recommendations for places to explore on your own.
Trust the Experts Behind the Counter
Wait staff are often some of the best sources for local dining recommendations. Restaurateurs, waiters, bartenders tend to know the local scene well, they’re surrounded by food and drink experts all night long and often have their own favourite spots to share.
Approach Online Reviews with Caution
Online reviews can be helpful, but they’re not always reliable, especially when they’re written by tourists rather than locals. For example, a highly-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor might be praised by visitors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best spot in town. Often, these glowing reviews are influenced by the excitement of being on vacation, where everything seems better. Reviews can help you narrow down options, but it’s important to read them critically. Look for detailed insights, especially from locals or those familiar with the cuisine, and focus on reviews that mention specific dishes.
Embrace Street Food Safely
Street food is one of the best ways to experience a region’s authentic flavors. It’s affordable, widely available, and offers a genuine taste of local culture. Just as people in Japan know where to find the best sushi,, locals in your travel destination can guide you to the best street food spots. However, it’s important to be cautious, as street food can sometimes come with the risk of food-borne illness. Pay attention to how the food is prepared and handled, and follow basic safety tips. If you’re unsure about a particular vendor or the ingredients, or if you’re in a country where food safety is a known concern, it’s better to be safe than sorry. That said, if you see a long line of locals at a food cart, it’s generally a sign that the food is both popular and safe.
Strategies for Finding Authentic Cuisine
To find the most authentic dining experiences, approach your search with a well-thought-out strategy, try such app as Eatwith or Airbnb experiences, where you can join dinner tables, sometimes even having an opportunity to learn about local traditions (happened to me while having Shabbat dinner in Israel).
Also - if it's too much of a hussle, feel free to contact us - and we will make sure to include all of the spots along the way.
Safe travels!
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