A trip should be memorable for several reasons, and one of the main draws for tourists is the local cuisine. So, why is this the case, and how can you make the most of the local gastronomy while visiting?
Food and Its Place in Popular Culture
Before travelling, it’s a good idea to do some research on the country, at which point its cuisine is sure to appear. You can do this digitally by watching films and TV series. If you start learning about Mexico by watching movies, you might want to try 2001’s Tortilla Soup. For trips to Japan, Tampopo goes behind the scenes to explain the country’s culinary etiquette. Other options include Eat Drink Man Woman for China, The Lunchbox for India, and Big Night for Italy.
International cuisinehas also reached other, more unexpected areas. When you join Sky Vegas for new customer offers, for example, you’ll find food-themed slots among the games available. Mexican food is covered in the likes of 3 Hot Chilli Peppers and Sizzling Power Peppers. As the collection of slots grows, food items like sushi and pizza are becoming more commonly used as symbols.
The Main Dishes You Can’t Miss
No matter what country you visit, there are likely to be a few classic dishes or snacks that you simply can’t afford to miss. For example, if you’re visiting Japan, you’ll want to sample authentic ramen and sushi.
In Peru, classic menu items like ceviche, lomo saltado and causa rellena will help you understand why this is one of the world’s most highly-rated cuisines. Eat Peru’s selection of traditional recipes details quality dishes you might want to check out before travelling there.
What if you plan to look for more exotic, out-of-the-ordinary food on your travels? This can make your time abroad even more exciting. One great tip here is to avoid the tourist traps and head for the places where the locals eat instead. Public markets and street vendors often have tasty meals that you won’t find in the most expensive restaurants, and they also give you a chance to get closer to the local culture. Tips for eating like a local in Canada can offer further advice on why local food is an important part of travelling.
Choose the Best Cities for Food
Finally, if finding great food is going to be one of the highlights of your trip, you’ll want to travel to the right cities. In this case, we can look at the example of Spain. While Madrid, Barcelona, and the coastal resorts attract plenty of tourists, there are alternative destinations for food lovers. Oviedo in Asturias is famous for its fabada asturiana, while Cadiz in Andalusia is home to seafood like tortillitas de camarones. Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country has plenty of pintxo bars where you can sample bite-size cuisine.
By taking all of these points into account, good food won’t just be an afterthought or a question of luck. Make it an integral part of your planning process, and it’ll be a hugely enjoyable aspect of the trip.