Experiencing authentic eats abroad: a guide for travellers
Experiencing authentic eats abroad: a guide for travellers
Beyond the bustling streets and picture-perfect restaurants you may be drawn to when visiting a new location, there are neighbourhood cafes, morning markets, and small kitchens delivering delicious dishes that locals enjoy every day. Meals like these reveal the true nature of a destination, and are often shaped by long-standing traditions, rather than current trends. Looking out for them means really getting to know the destination you’re visiting on a much deeper level.
Finding authentic eats abroad can be tricky, but a little curiosity is worth it for unforgettable experiences. Here, we share our tips for travellers seeking authentic cuisines overseas.
Think like a local
Restaurants near tourist attractions will be targeted at visitors rather than the local community, and while you may find traditional dishes on these menus, they may be adapted versions that lack the same rich flavours and textures of the original dishes. Head towards residential neighbourhoods and small restaurants in lesser-known areas instead – if there are locals inside, there’s a good chance you’ll find authentic dishes on the menu.
Food is about more than just taste – it’s often the history of the community, so seeking such dishes will undoubtedly bring opportunities for connection. Don’t be reluctant to put yourself out there and ask around about the best places to eat.
Photo by Vernon Raineil Cenzon on Unsplash
Explore markets and street food stalls
Exploring local markets will take you straight to the source of some of your destination’s most authentic dishes. From fruit and vegetable stalls to street food vendors selling simple meals, you’ll find an abundance of flavours just waiting to be discovered.
This will also allow you to get a real feel for the quality of the produce, as you can see it in its fresh, raw form. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of these cultural hubs, and you’ll leave with a better understanding of where your dishes come from, as well as the people behind some of your most loved recipes. If you’re staying in a self-catered accommodation, why not take the chance to cook something local for yourself?
Photo: Ian Valerio, Unsplash
Embrace the unexpected
Some of the most authentic food experiences happen when you step out of your comfort zone. Be open to trying dishes you’ve never heard of, sitting at communal tables, or sampling dishes recommended to you by local chefs. While it can be daunting to put yourself out there, particularly when there’s a language barrier, this is the best way to discover new spots spontaneously – you’ll truly be getting a taste for life as most tourists never get to experience it.
Authentic food is less about labels and more about the context of the dish – it’s how locals eat, what’s grown nearby, and how flavours are built around the resources and traditions of the region. Being a good food tourist means respecting the people and places behind the dishes you’re served – remember that they reflect a whole culture, so be sure to follow necessary local customs and etiquette.
So long as you have a genuine appreciation for authentic food, it’s hard to go wrong abroad. Lead with curiosity and respect and you’ll be guided towards some of the most memorable dishes you’ll ever encounter.
