Traveling is amazing. You get to experience new things, learn about new cultures, cities, nations, etc. However, that’s not the only thing that you can learn and experience – you can also try different foods. Whether you are a foodie or just love eating new things, you probably already know how important food is in the traveling experience. There is a deep link between food and culture, and this article will show you why they are so connected and why you should always try local foods while traveling.
Food and Culture
Each and every culture has a specific dish that is true to them. Food has always been a major part of any culture and through food, you can learn a lot about countries and their history, traditions, and societal norm. What’s more, many people consider food as a big part o their cultural identity, and recipes and preparation techniques are passed down from generation to generation. You can even find dishes that tell a story of a nation, while some food can tell you about some specific smaller group.
Food isn’t only about survival and nutrition, it teaches us a lot about a culture or a specific part of the world. And some countries even specialize in particular food types based on their historical factors, religious beliefs, and local availability.
Awakened Senses
Traveling certainly awakens your senses, but if you explore different food you can awaken them more. Eating utilizes all five senses and your sense may get bored if you constantly eat the same food. That is why it is always powerful and amazing to taste new local dishes while traveling to give your senses something new, something powerful and refreshing. What is more, whenever we interact with food we are in a heightened state and you can significantly increase the intensity of the memories you’re building while traveling if you taste different foods.
Meeting New People
If you are traveling alone, exploring food abroad can bring you, new friends. You can easily ask the locals which restaurants are good and what type of foods to try and you can instantly make new friends and meet like-minded foodies when in another country. If you love meats, you can easily find a good burger restaurant and ask the locals which are the best. Then you can exchange experiences, likes, and dislikes and simply have a wonderful chat. The same goes for any other type of dish and food, and food certainly connects us all. What’s more, you can always find great tour group dinners and cooking classes and eat local cuisine while making friends.
Food Creates Memories
You have probably already noticed that certain aromas can bring back certain memories. That’s why you should always try new cuisine while traveling. Those aromas and flavors will penetrate your brain and whenever you taste them again, no matter where you are you will recall all those great memories from traveling. Like it’s already said, food can make memory making more intense, and that’s why it can take you back to those happy places whenever you try those flavors again.
A Few Useful Tips
Always Ask Locals
This is the best advice to get about finding food while traveling. Wherever you are, you can always ask a taxi driver, your accommodation host, or your tour guide for advice on where to eat great local food. They can provide you with info on their favorite restaurants and cafes and those are going to be the best choice for you, too, since you won’t end up at a commercial or boring place. Locals know best!
Main Tourist Areas are a No No
You should always avoid main tourist areas when it comes to eating. Most of those places are focused on tourists and the price and taste of that food will reflect this. So, if you see a place crowded with tourists, find a more secluded place or follow the locals instead.
Do Plenty of Research
If you want to avoid the hassle of finding food when you get there, it’s a good idea to research everything in advance. Check online for blogs, good restaurants, their reviews, recommendations, etc. You can even go through a few menus and see what’s best in the area so you don’t waste any time looking for a good meal.
Traveling is a beautiful thing for many reasons, and food is one of them. While traveling you get to experience a lot of new things and food can help you connect with the place even more. So, do the research, talk to locals and you are bound to eat some delicious meals while on your vacation.
