Whether its witnessing world-famous landmarks, taking part in exhilarating activities, learning about fascinating cultures, or simply seeing the world from a different perspective, there are numerous reasons for traveling.
But sampling the sumptuous cuisine on offer in a new and exciting city or country is an important part of the experience for a globetrotter. Unfortunately though, some people won’t have the budget to dine out every night, while others might always choose the wrong option on the menu. So, to overcome these potential problems, here are eight top tips for the foodie traveller.
- Support your habit
If you always want to taste the finest food a destination has to offer, then it makes sense to earn money while travelling. Thankfully, there are numerous options available such as getting a seasonal job, teaching a language, becoming a tour guide, working in a hostel, or even playing poker online if you’ve got a flair for it.
- Look for recommendations online
It sounds like an obvious piece of advice, but looking for recommendations online is arguably the quickest and most convenient way of discovering where the best sustenance can be found. Sites like TripAdvisor sit at the top of the pile, but city-specific smartphone applications are well worth downloading too.
- Stay in guesthouses
Even if you are not on a strict budget, staying in a guesthouse is great for trying the local cuisine. You are effectively welcomed into your host’s abode and will benefit from home cooked meals using seasonal produce and ingredients. You can also receive trusted recommendations for nearby cafes and restaurants too.
- Take a cooking class
Along with the enjoyment this activity provides, taking a cooking class also means that you can recreate your favourite dishes when you return home too. Even though some country’s cooking exploits will be more difficult to replicate than others, most classes are suitable for all abilities.
- Don’t be scared of street food
Street food gets an unfair reputation for being a dirty option at the bottom of the lunch ladder, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Several locals will choose to eat from a roadside vendor ahead of stepping foot in a classy restaurant, don’t be scared of giving it a go.
- Avoid overeating at breakfast
Although breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you should avoid eating as much as possible from your accommodation’s buffet table. You will truly regret this decision if you have got no room to sample a mid-morning pastry from your destination’s best bakery. In fact, it might make sense to skip breakfast where you are staying and look for a cheaper alternative in a nearby café.
- Look for early bird offers
By taking advantage of early bird offers, you can still put a renowned restaurant’s menu to the test without having to spend a fortune. What’s more, by eating earlier on in the day, you won’t feel as full or bloated when you go to bed either.
- Always order a starter, main course, and dessert
Let’s face it, you might not get to go traveling again and this could be your only opportunity to try a certain dish or delicacy. So, leave any hesitation at home, truly overindulge yourself and always order a starter, main course, and dessert. Sometimes you’ll save from ordering all three – and you’ve never truly sampled a nation’s cuisine until you’ve sized up the standard of its desserts.