Eating Abroad: Making the Most of Food on Your Travels
One of the best aspects of travel is the opportunity to eat something new — hopefully over and over. Maybe you tapped on this post because you’re not adventurous with food and want that to change, or you find yourself mostly drawn to the big-name brands when on vacation, rather than trusting local cuisine enough to give it a go. It’s absolutely worth taking a “risk” (general food safety taken into account) when it comes to eating abroad though, because you just might stumble on something incredible.
Next time you’re abroad, try some of these tips and enjoy what the destination has to offer.
A little research goes a long way
It’s good to turn up in a new country or city with some idea of what the locals eat and recommend. This is a good jump-off point, so you’re not completely taken aback.
Speak to locals
This is perhaps the most important tip. Online tourist guides and advice from influencers are great, but those on the ground are usually the best advisers when it comes to eating good — and often, cheaper — meals.
On a recent trip to Kenya, I found this was one of the best ways to go. A few local fishermen swore by this buka-style, off-the-cuff seafood restaurant with no electricity, and it turned out to be the best meal my partner and I had on the whole trip. We tried seaweed for the first time, fell in love with (and became obsessed with) chapati and had the freshest lobster.
Take the opportunity to eat your favourite food for less
If you’re a cheese fanatic (✋🏾), a few days in Rome is the best time to indulge in the cheesiest sandwiches, pasta and pizza. Off to Zanzibar? It’s well known for its seafood, so go at it. You could also take the opportunity to stock up on spices and dry food that’s travel friendly.
Download a food delivery app (and ignore the Chinese options)
Apps like Deliveroo, UberEats and DoorDash will show you the popular options (aka well-known franchises), but it will also suggest some local spots to check out or order from. Be on the lookout for them.
Be spontaneous
A vacation or even a short work trip is the time to try new things, and food is a big part of that. Instead of seeking out what’s familiar, allow your senses to take the lead and try things on a whim. Walk past a stand with good-looking shawarma or sweet-smelling pastry? Go for it.
Take cultural etiquette into account
While you should never be forced to do something you’re uncomfortable with, it’s good to be informed about local dining etiquette. You’re encouraged to eat with your hands in places like India and Mexico; in Japan, slurping your noodles loudly is a welcome — rather than rude — thing to do; in Morocco, using bread as cutlery is considered entirely normal.
Be observant, ask questions and enjoy breaking the norm.
Make safe choices, as much as possible
If a restaurant looks particularly unsanitary or you’re in a slightly dodgy part of town, weigh your options and consider if having a meal there is worth it, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Happy eating!
