Food isn’t just a means to survival or sustenance. It is something that brings people and communities together, a celebration of culture and an interesting storyteller of traditions. It has rightly been said that food strengthens bonds.
Food tourism today isn’t just about savouring delicacies. Food lovers have taken travel experiences a notch higher by rolling up their sleeves to try cooking local and traditional fare. Right from choosing authentic ingredients at bustling food markets to visiting vineyards and stomping on juicy grapes, it’s all about immersive exploration today.
Here are some key culinary destinations around the world that you must aim to visit at least once in your lifetime -
1. Italy - Italy is renowned for being an absolute feast for the senses, and for good reason - from the creamy risottos of Milan to the lip-smacking pizzas from Naples; from Tuscany’s rolling vineyards to the Amafi coast’s fresh seafood with stunning sea views. Osteria Francescana in Modena is a three-star Michelin restaurant, ranked amongst the world’s best. Italy is a living, breathing example of authentic farm-to-table traditions and people who are driven by passion to serve the best.
2. Japan - Japanese cuisine is known for its precision and balance. From the slurpy ramen at local eateries to gourmet sushis crafted by master chefs in Tokyo and the delicate art of tempura, it is a treasure trove of delicacies. An article by Hindustan Times says, ’Tokyo alone is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, but the culinary magic extends across the country, from Osaka’s vibrant street food to Kyoto’s refined kaiseki meals.’
3. Thailand - Thailand grabs your attention with its plethora of street side stalls that serve up lip-smacking dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup. Phuket has its own beachside charm, serving freshly cooked seafood and offering hands-on cooking classes. Flavours abound, from Fiery curries to sweet mango sticky rice! Visit Thailand for bold gastronomic delights that your tastebuds are never ever going to forget.
4. France - The epitome of culinary excellence for decades now, Paris leads the way with its patisseries, cheese shops, and bistros. Burgundy’s vineyards and Provence’s olive oil farms offer an array of regional specialities. If you’ve heard of coq au vin (and even if you haven’t!), learn to cook it at the Loire Valley chateau or explore Lyon, the gastronomic capital where this dish comes to life. France is especially popular among culinary enthusiasts because food is treated as an art form.
5. Goa - Reflecting a combined Portuguese-Indian heritage, Goa is renowned for its coastal flavours. A mandatory dish is the vindaloo or xacuti, paired with locally brewed Feni. Experience spice plantations to understand the trade history of spices. When in Goa, you must also visit a local fish market to witness the delectable fresh catch that’s auctioned daily.
