Shh….sit back and close your eyes. Think about your favourite holiday destination. Now, visualise something you like to eat. I’m sure you’re grinning like a Cheshire cat! When it comes to travelling for food, it’s all about being content.
What is travelling for food?
Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and travelling is equally the same. If you combine both, it doubles the amount of pleasure.
Your food isn’t just about nourishment or enjoyment when exploring the world. It’s about the culture, authenticity, excitement, new experiences; it’s simply about living life to the fullest!
Why should you be travelling for food?
➺ Travelling for food revives the senses
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking how food can awaken your senses, right? It’s easy. We use five senses when it comes to food. Not only do we taste it, but we also see it, smell it, touch it, and even listen to it. Our senses intensify whenever we deal with food, even without feeling it.
➺ Food gives you good memories
Have you ever noted that seeing a picture or an aroma of something you ate on holiday can immediately take you back to the point you experienced it? For instance, the smell of pineapple takes me back to the time I spent in the Bahamas. Is it the same for you?
➺ Food is transformative
From my point of view, I find that food is pretty powerful. It can transform how you look at a destination’s culture, make you open to trying new things and create wonderful experiences. Food is an essential part of life, and without food, there wouldn’t be an authentic travel experience.
➺ Food is worth it
Yes. We’re all about saving money on food while travelling. But in reality, if we try to do that, we would miss out on many once in a lifetime experiences. So, the next time you decide to go on a holiday, splurge a bit on a gastronomical adventure. After all, what is the point of visiting a new country without trying something new?
➺ Travel gets better with food
Now that I’ve plied you with some reasons why you should be travelling for food, we can agree that including food in your travels will significantly enhance your experience. When all’s said and done, just know that there’s a world full of fantastic food and experiences waiting to be devoured.
Activities you can do when you’re travelling for food:
- Go on a street food tour
- Tasting local dishes and beverages
- Take a wine tour
- Eat at traditional restaurants
- Share meals with locals
- Partake in culinary events and festivals
- Visit local markets
- Learn about food by visiting farms
- Go for cooking classes
- See exhibitions that explain the history of local cuisine;
- Go on culinary expeditions with food professionals.
7 Best food countries in the world for a foodie holiday
No person in the world can beat your grand ma’s cooking. Yes, that is a fact. But, if one day you want to travel the world and try different food that is vastly different from your grand ma’s? Then keep reading, and this might help you!
When you start travelling for food, you will surely need some tips on finding the best, extraordinary places to eat. So, I will give you a list of the best food countries in the world.
1. Italy
Talking about Italian food is more difficult than enjoying it. The traditional ingredients always create a great flavour and taste.
Popular food in Italy
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Caprese salad
- Panna cotta
2. Philippines
The food in the Philippines is based on a blend of different traditional foods influenced by Spain, India, China and America.
Popular food in the Philippines
- Adobo
- Torta
- Pancit
- Lumpia
- Puchero
3. India
As we know, the majority of Indians are vegetarians. Traditional Indian food uses lots of spices and is doused flavourful sauce. Each dish is accompanied by naan bread and of course, rice.
For you to know: Alcohol cannot be found everywhere in India. However, Goa is famous for lavish parties and drinks, because there is no alcohol tax.
Popular food in India
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Aloo Gobi
- Parata
Remember: Drink only bottled water and eat food that is cooked in front of you.
4. Thailand
Thai cooking uses rice as a basic ingredient for most dishes like many other Asian cuisines. Furthermore, Thai cuisine has 5 primary flavours, which you may find in almost every dish.
Thai flavours: sour – lime, savoury – fish sauce, hot chilli, salt and sweet.
Popular food in Thailand
- Tom Yam Goong
- Pad Thai
- Som Tam
5. France
It’s no secret that France is the world’s gourmet capital, and it sure deserves this title. All the best food sellers come from here and the French know how to make the simplest food delicious.
Popular food in France
- Bouillabaisse
- Croque-Monsieur
- Charcuterie
- Roquefort
- Tartar
TIP: There is a great selection of wine in France, and it is essential to know what to choose.
Hint: red wine for meat, white wine for fish, and rose for a casual meal.
6. USA
Probably the best destination when travelling for food. Not because of traditions, but because the country offers cuisines from all over the world.
Popular food in the USA
- Mac & cheese
- Caesar salad
- Cheesecake
7. Switzerland
Switzerland is a country where you’ll find 3 different cultures cross: Italian, French and German. This is why it is difficult to identify the features of Swiss food.
Popular food in Switzerland
- La Fondue
- Les Röstis
- La longeole
- Chocolate
How to Plan a Culinary Trip
You can plan a culinary trip through Travel Center UK. And whatever or where ever you plan on travelling for food, we will be glad to assist you.
