Travel is no longer just about scenery, language, or traditions—it’s a journey into culinary discovery. According to international tourism associations and 2024–2025 reports, more than 57% of travelers plan their routes based on food experiences. Global explorers want to “taste the world,” unlocking secrets of national cuisines and seeing cities and cultures through food and conversation.
-
Street food as the soul of food travel
For budget-minded adventurers and authenticity seekers, the real flavor of a country is found at a street vendor’s cart. In Bangkok, there are over 20,000 noodle stands and meat skewer kitchens, while in Mexico City, you can’t avoid the lure of tacos and chili stands.-
Great gastro-experiences start in loud markets, where you don’t just taste new flavors; you learn from chefs themselves
-
Experts recommend sampling street food where locals queue—it’s a good safety and taste sign
-
-
Culinary festivals and city food weeks
Urban hubs now roll out food-focused festivals and weeks—like Pintxos Days in Spain, pasta weeks in Italy, oyster festivals in France, or London’s and Singapore’s food extravaganzas. For a few days you can sample hundreds of dishes and drinks in a single city.-
In the last two years, food festivals have become a key driver of tourism seasons worldwide
-
Many include workshops, tastings, and chef‑led food tours
-
-
Cooking schools and hands-on classes
More and more travelers want to go beyond tasting and actually learn to cook. Classes in Provençal villages, Japanese family kitchens, Moroccan riads, or on Vietnamese market stalls are true highlights.-
Modern platforms make it easy to find interactive courses in almost any cuisine
-
Popular options include family meals or expert-led lessons (Tuscan trattorias, Mexican fajitas, Thai tom yum)
-
-
Finding local favorites
Experts suggest skipping the Michelin star chase and searching out family taverns with no hype and secret recipes instead.-
Review apps and local websites are maps for hidden gems
-
Some of the best culinary adventures come from spontaneous discovery and improvisation
-
-
Ethnic markets and farmers’ shops
The strongest food journeys begin at countryside markets: fresh fruit in Vietnam, seafood in Portugal, spices in India, Peruvian corn. Only here do you see culture “from the field to the plate.”-
In many countries, “market tours” include tastings and buying lessons
-
Eco-trends have made organic and farmer’s products more sought-after than ever
-
-
Wine, coffee, and tea routes
For beverage connoisseurs, food travel is also about Bordeaux’s wine roads, Colombia’s coffee trails, and tea plantations in China or Sri Lanka.-
Tasting tours and visits to local producers are booming
-
Often these tours include a dash of history and traditions
-
-
Culinary trends of 2025
Latest research shows travelers prioritizing local eco-concepts—farm-to-table, zero waste, slow food.-
Trendsetters love craft kitchens, communal dinners, pop-up restaurants, and author’s menus
-
New formats pop up—food tours where every meal is an adventure
-
-
Insider tips and expert advice
-
Always ask locals: “Where do you eat?”
-
Don’t be afraid to try bold combos—taste is a window to culture
-
Do your food research, especially for allergies/food restrictions
-
The best discoveries are unplanned—trust your senses and step off the “must eat” lists
-
Culinary travel opens up a whole new level of culture and human connection. Every breakfast, unique taste, local dinner, or family lesson is a way to see the world in a new light. In this era where food is a universal language, kitchen tables are the new world bridges. Just follow the scent of spices, the sound of laughter, and the doors that open readily for one more at the table.