One of the best parts of traveling is finding new food. This is also why culinary tourism has the most impact on an economy by way of increasing tourists and media coverage. When it comes to food tourism, it is important you discover and open your mind to new textures, flavors, heritage, and culture. Thanks to social media, our interest in pursuing different mouthwatering delicacies has only grown. Here are a few reasons you must try local delicacies when traveling.
1. Taste food you have never tried before
The chances of finding a new gem of a salad or snack can simply make your day. When you try different foods, it will not only enhance your cultural knowledge but will also affect your taste palette. It will give you a good look into the lives of the locals and teaches you to appreciate the different ways food is cooked in different locations. You must always be open to trying different and unique foods across regions, like Bibimbap in Korea or Natto in Japan.
2. You could find familiar food in different styles
The food you prepare at home or eat at a restaurant may not be similar, and the same happens when you are traveling to a different country. The tofu you ate in Taipei might be different from the one you find on the streets of China. Even the dumplings in Korea are different from the ones you have in Japan. Always do your research and look for restaurants that serve food that is similar to those you already know. You will be surprised at the way it looks and tastes even though it is the same dish. Each culture is different in taste and this is what makes eating and experimenting when traveling so important.
3. Festivals are great experiences
The best way to enjoy a destination is to visit it during a festival. It allows you to enjoy the food and the culture at the same time and is also a good way to meet the locals. There are several food festivals held across different countries, and you should certainly check them out. If you are a pizza lover, you can enjoy the Pizzafest in Italy and if you love dumplings, head to Hong Kong during the festival. Before you plan your travel, research the destination and try to schedule your visit during the period of a food festival.
4. Help local businesses
If you have the time, try to skip the touristy areas and walk around the local night markets, which are ideal places to try new food. Most night markets offer exceptional food and are usually family-operated small restaurants. It is a good way to dive into the local food scene since they are trusted by the community and could be operating there for generations. When you support the local businesses, it will help the economy as well as the environment. That said, these places are buzzing with locals and thus, give you a chance to get in touch with the local traditions, events and maybe some recommendations on what food you should try next.
5. You can try these recipes at home
Trying new cuisines is not only about playing with your taste buds for one time. It can broaden your palette and allow you to learn new dishes that you can enjoy cooking at home. This is the perfect way to share your new recipe with your families once you are back. According to the professionals at Palm Springs Palate, an expert Palm Springs caterer in California, “you might have more food options in a local event or food festival than anywhere else. “It is an opportunity to learn a different way of preparing food once you’re back home. You can also make changes to the recipe as per your likes and preferences to come up with something absolutely stunning.”
Food is not just something that keeps you alive; it is a fun bonding experience and a form of art that attracts people from all areas. Food can unite people as nothing else can, and it is a way to expand your knowledge about the tradition and culture of the place you are in. Whenever you plan your next trip, remember to try as many local dishes as you can to get a taste of food different from the one you would have tried in the past. It could be an experience of a lifetime and one that you will always attach to your travels.
Make time for the local street food and food festivals. There is more to a destination than what is served to you at the hotel. Be ready to experiment, and you will surely see a lot and learn about new recipes that you can try once you are back home.
