Culinary travel, also known as food tourism, is a popular trend that has gained momentum in recent years.
It involves exploring different cuisines, tasting local dishes and beverages, and learning about the culture and traditions of a new place through its food.
This trend has become so popular that some travel companies now specialize in culinary tours, offering food enthusiasts a unique and delicious way to experience a new culture.
The opportunity to travel for food, discover a new cuisine, or taste a new dish is often the deciding factor when I plan my own travel itineraries.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways you can jump into culinary travel on your own or with a group.
*Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission when you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use or really like and would personally recommend to a friend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Get the most out of your cultural travel. Preparing In advance will add a depth of understanding and appreciation to your foodie adventure. Planning ahead by reading or watching videos about your destination can be helpful.
Food Tours
One of the most popular ways to experience culinary travel is to take a food tour, which can include visits to local producers, tasting sessions, and visits to restaurants that specialize in regional cuisine.
Food or beverage tours can be an excellent way to explore a region’s culinary landscape, with knowledgeable guides leading travelers to the best spots for local delicacies.
Right at the Source
Visits to local producers are an essential part of culinary travel. By visiting farms, dairies, and other artisanal producers, travelers can learn about the ingredients used in local cuisine and see firsthand how they are produced.
Traveling on regional product routes, such as wine or coffee routes, is another excellent way to experience the flavors of a region.
These routes take travelers through the countryside, stopping at various vineyards or coffee plantations to taste and learn about the products.
My memories of visiting wine-producing chateaus in the Burgundy region of France are priceless.
This type of travel allows for a deeper understanding of the region’s cuisine and culture.
Sampling Local Products
Tasting sessions are also a great way to experience culinary travel.
This tapas and local history tour in Seville (pictured above) was outstanding. Walking food tours can be found in many cities and are a great introduction to the local food and culture.
Travelers can taste local wines, cheeses, and other specialty products while learning about the production and history of these items.
Many regions offer tours and tastings at local wineries, distilleries, and cheese factories.
This rum-tasting tour at the Bacardi Distillery in Puerto Rico is a great example.
Discovering Regional Cuisine
These visits can provide insight into the food culture and traditions of the region.
Eating at regional cuisine restaurants is an essential part of culinary travel. Traveling to specific spots for a food’s place of origin is exciting.
By trying local dishes at traditional restaurants, travelers can get a sense of the flavors and ingredients that define the region’s cuisine.
One of my favorite food tours was the Flavors of San Juan Tour I took while on a cruise port stop in Puerto Rico. Not only did we get to taste Mofongo, but we also got to prepare it ourselves.
It was my first time traveling there and we had a short 6-hour stop in port. I wanted a chance to learn about and taste some authentic Puerto Rican food.
This was the perfect tour and is wholly responsible for my subsequent trips back to the island.
Many restaurants offer tasting menus, providing a unique dining experience, that showcases the best of the local cuisine.
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are another popular way to experience culinary travel.
These classes are often led by local chefs who teach travelers how to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients.
Cooking classes can be found in many destinations around the world, from Thailand to Italy.
In addition, workshops that teach artisan production provide travelers with an opportunity to learn about the traditional methods used to produce local products, such as cheese, olive oil, or chocolate.
These workshops can be a fun and informative way to learn about the region’s culinary traditions and techniques.
Food and Cultural Festivals
Food and cultural festivals are also great ways to experience culinary travel.
These festivals celebrate local cuisine and traditions, with food vendors, live music, and cultural events.
Attending these festivals can be a fun and informative way to learn about the region’s food culture.
Often food festivals are held as a result of a seasonal food product, think “Strawberry Festival”.
This will give you insight into the local food economy and you will be enjoying the food at its freshest and in its most creative and celebrated ways.
Festivals and fairs often have interesting stories and histories attached to them.
One food festival with an interesting history is the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which takes place annually in Gilroy, California.
The festival began in 1979 as a way to promote Gilroy’s garlic industry, which produces a significant amount of garlic for the United States.
The festival started small, with just a few food vendors and a garlic cook-off, but it quickly grew in popularity.
The festival has grown to include live music, a garlic-themed marketplace, and a variety of other events and activities. It has also become a major fundraiser for local charities.
In 1980, the festival introduced its now-famous garlic ice cream, which has become a staple of the festival and a must-try for garlic lovers. The ice cream was invented by a local woman named Jean Brucia, who entered a garlic ice cream recipe in the festival’s first garlic cook-off.
Local Markets
Visiting local markets is also an essential part of culinary travel.
Here, travelers can explore the variety of fresh produce and ingredients used in local dishes, as well as interact with local vendors and learn about the local food culture.
The Rialto Market in Venice and La Boqueria in Barcelona are great examples of local markets with lots of history and culture. Spend some time wandering and tasting the local fare being offered.
These markets offer a glimpse into the daily life and food traditions of the region. It’s also an authentic way to engage in conversation with people who live in the area.
If they are not too busy with other customers, here’s your chance to ask some questions about the food you are buying or get recommendations about what’s best.
Get there as early in the day as possible to get the best and least crowded experience.
Roaming a market is always a great way to people-watch if that’s something you enjoy while traveling.
So start enhancing your foodie vacation by taking food tours, cooking classes, and tasting sessions.
Food traveling can consist of visiting local producers, traveling on regional product routes, and eating at regional cuisine restaurants.
Additionally, by attending food and cultural festivals, visiting local markets, and participating in workshops that teach artisan production, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the local cuisine and traditions of a region.
Culinary travel is an excellent way to explore new destinations and experience the flavors and culture of a place.
RESOURCES
Festival, Gilroy Garlic. “Gilroy Garlic Festival.” Gilroy Garlic Festival, https://gilroygarlicfestivalassociation.com/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
