A Life Devoted to Flavor: My Global Adventures in Food Tourism
Ever since I was five years old, the kitchen has been my favorite place in the world. I’d stand on a stool beside the matriarchs in the family, barely able to see over the counter, stirring pots, flipping pancakes, and falling in love with the magic of cooking. That love never left me. Fast forward to today—after 17 years of travel and more than 35 countries explored—food has remained the heart and soul of every adventure. For me, traveling isn't just about sightseeing. It’s about tasting. A major part of our journeys is focused on exploring a country’s flavors, diving into its traditional cooking methods, and connecting with its culture through food. Here’s what I’ve discovered about the beautiful world of food tourism, and why it continues to be the most fulfilling way to travel.
What is food travel called?
When people talk about traveling for food, the term food tourism usually comes up. It’s also known as culinary tourism, though there’s a slight difference between the two (more on that later). At its core, food tourism is about exploring the world with your appetite as your compass. It could mean diving into a street food alley in Vietnam, kneading dough in a Moroccan riad, or sipping espresso in a quiet Roman café.
What is the difference between food tourism and culinary tourism?
One should see food tourism as the umbrella term—it includes everything from casual street food hunts to immersive gourmet experiences. Culinary tourism, meanwhile, tends to be more focused on intentional, often upscale engagements with food: cooking schools, wine tastings, fine dining, and chef-led tours.
We enjoy both ends of the spectrum. Some of our most meaningful meals have been from tiny roadside eateries, while others have been in elegant restaurants led by chefs preserving centuries-old techniques.
Where is food tourism most popular?
Some destinations have become icons in the world of food tourism. Countries like Italy, Japan, Thailand, France, Mexico, India, Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, and Peru are absolutely thriving when it comes to culinary experiences. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, these countries wear their food culture with pride.
In our travels, we’ve spent entire days in food markets, joined local cooking classes, dined in family homes, and learned firsthand how food ties deeply into every aspect of daily life.
What are the benefits of food tourism?
Food tourism has been the most enriching and authentic way for us to connect with a place. Here’s why:
- Deeper cultural connection – Food is a reflection of history, tradition, and identity. Sharing meals with locals or learning their recipes opens up a world of understanding.
- Support for local communities – By eating locally and engaging in traditional food experiences, we’re contributing to sustainable tourism and supporting artisans, farmers, and chefs.
- Sensory immersion – Every dish is a memory. The smoky scent of a tandoor in India, the crunch of a fresh baguette in Paris, or the tangy brightness of ceviche in Lima—it’s all unforgettable.
What is the best country to visit for food?
This is a question we get asked a lot—and it’s so hard to choose just one! But if I had to pick based on our experiences, Italy would be right at the top. From north to south, every region offers something unique:
- Naples: Pizza Margherita from its birthplace
- Emilia-Romagna: Rich ragù and handmade tortellini
- Sicily: Fresh seafood and sweet cannoli
The culture of food in Italy is deeply rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and community—and every bite is a celebration.
The Top 10 Foodie Countries (and What to Try)
Here are the top 10 countries we recommend for any passionate foodie, along with a few must-try dishes from each:
- Italy – Pasta alla carbonara, risotto, gelato, pizza Napoletana
- Japan – Ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, wagyu beef
- Thailand – Pad Thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, tom yum
- Mexico – Tacos al pastor, mole poblano, tamales, elote
- France – Coq au vin, escargot, croissants, bouillabaisse
- India – Butter chicken, dosa, biryani, chaat
- Spain – Paella, tapas, jamón ibérico, churros con chocolate
- Vietnam – Pho, bánh mì, bun cha, fresh spring rolls
- Turkey – Kebab, meze, baklava, menemen
- Peru – Ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, causa limeña
Each country has its own food philosophy and regional diversity, which makes eating there feel like traveling within the country itself. No matter where you want to go in the world, there is a Food Tour waiting for you!
What is the world's best city for food 2025?
As of 2025, the crown for best food city goes to Bangkok (as voted by Time Out Magazine) and it’s well-deserved. The energy, the flavor variety, the sheer vibrancy of its street food scene—it’s unmatched.
Our Most Memorable Dishes from Around the World
Budapest – Roasted garlic soup and Chicken Paprikash. It was so good I tried my hand at both, my “must try” at the top of my list.
Prague – Goulash served in a hollowed round bread, great to tuk into, tearing of chunks of bread to dip into that rich goulash sauce.
The Netherlands – The fried potato chips…OMG…the Dutch know how to make chips. I think they are three times fried and served with a wide variety of dipping sauces.
The pancakes, these are pizza sized, thicker than normal pancakes with the filling in the batter, one is enough, trust me!
Germany – Eisbein (slow cooked and crispy pork hock) has been a favourite of mine for many years. Best served with mustard, mash and sauerkraut. The we all know about the German Pretzel, but on a recent trip seeing the Christmas Markets throughout Europe, I discovered a variety of savoury pretzels, these included bacon & cheese, cheese & onion, Italian pizza pretzels and many more.
Portugal – Our new home country. Mike loves the bacalhau a bras, made from shreds of salted cod, onions and thinly chopped (matchstick-sized) fried potatoes, all bound with eggs. My favourite is Letão, roasted suckling pig, but what makes this dish amazing is the Letão sauce, made with loads of black pepper, garlic and aromatic herbs.
London – Nothing beats a good old beer battered fish & chips. Venturing further into the country side the best dish we had at a pub was the plate of the day – roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, served with veg, roast potatoes, gravy and of course fresh home make horse radish sauce.
Thailand – unlike may countries when one should not eat the street food, Thailand street food count not have been cleaner/fresher. It was a real culinary delight getting a “mixed grill” of goodies to snack on.
We’ve been to many places, and have always eaten well. Strange that its so hard to think back over the years for my most favourite. It’s a blur of food and drink!
How popular is food tourism?
Food tourism is more than a trend—it’s a global movement. More travelers than ever are choosing destinations based on what they can eat there. In fact, over 80% of people say food is a top priority in their travel plans.
Everywhere we go, we meet fellow food travelers—from backpackers hunting for the best dumplings to families booking pasta-making workshops.
Globally, food tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry—and growing rapidly. Hotels, airlines, and tour operators are all jumping on board with food-focused experiences.
What excites me most is the rise of hyper-local and authentic offerings—things like visiting spice farms, fishing with locals, and learning grandmother-style recipes in home kitchens. That’s the future of travel, and it’s one I’m proud to be a part of.
A World of Flavor Worth Exploring
Looking back, it’s clear that food has shaped not only the way I cook but the way I see the world. From my early days in the kitchen, my youth working in restaurants, to traveling across five continents and 35+ countries, food has always been my guide, my passion, and my joy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to travel deeper, more meaningfully, and more deliciously—start with your stomach. Trust me: every bite is a story, every meal a memory, and every dish a step closer to understanding the world.
Bon appétit, and happy travels.
Also READ – “The Rise of Slow Travel“
