Cuisine has always been, and will always be, an integral part of travel.
Food is a language everyone speaks, bringing people and cultures together in a way few other things can. So keep the following tips on the menu to ensure that your next trip is even more memorable and delicious.
Find the nearest market
Markets offer great insights into the area’s seasonal produce and local specialties, like beeswax candy from Pikes Place Market in Seattle or low-country shrimp and grits from Charleston’s famous farmers market. Or simply experience the freshness of the fruit and vegetables for sale at the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.
Nosh on street fare
Eating out every night can be expensive, so supplement pricey entrees with street fare. In places like Southeast Asia, the best eats can be found on street carts and cost less than $10 USD for a complete meal.
Take a food tour
If you’re going to a place for the first time and aren’t sure of the local specialties, sign up for a food tour and taste your way through the city. They take you to the most well-known eateries, ranging from pubs to five-star restaurants, and include bites or drinks at each stop. These tours are typically led by locals, so you get a truly unique insight into the place you’re visiting.
Learn the language
If you’re traveling abroad, learning how to say hello and some key food phrases can help you determine the best restaurants from the tourist traps. If you’re short on time, download a translation app so you can better communicate with locals, read menus or convey important messages to waiters, like if you have a food allergy.
Research social media
Before you go, download Yelp or Trip Advisor, two universal apps that rate and review restaurants, tours, and bars. These will help you avoid places that serve lackluster or over-priced grub. In addition, contact local food bloggers and writers and ask them for their favorite restaurants or dishes.
