Travelling is not only about visiting a place, it is also about exploring the topography, culture and people of the place. The experience is however not complete if one does not relish the local cuisine, art, customs and festivals. A country is defined in terms of its history, culture and people and therefore to explore a new country dissolving in its culture and local lives is imperative. From this intersection of travel and cultural exploration of a place, travel for food has branched into a whole new genre. People are increasingly travelling in order to explore the local cuisine of different countries, thus challenging our traditional definition of what travel means. There are many reasons why food has not only become an important part of travelling but often commands the course of a trip. Some of which has been listed below:
For the love of food
The most basic reason to travel for food is the innate love for food! If one loves to try new dishes and experience new food then travelling becomes another excuse to do so. Going around the world brings a change of not only the destination but the taste and type of staple food a country has to offer. The exposure to such diverse food is possible when one travels for food.
People are increasingly travelling in order to explore the local cuisine of different countries, thus challenging our traditional definition of what travel means.
Food defines the culture and identity of a place
Food and culinary traditions are an important part of the cultural identity of every place and its people. The kind of food they eat reflects who they are. Besides food is also an important part of daily life in a country. So exploring the local menu and traditional food of a place brings one closer to the historic and cultural identity of a place and how life conducts itself there on a daily basis. Experiencing the food culture of the place is the authentic travel experience.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝐒𝐑𝐒𝐘. (@a1srsy127) on
Food is the most memorable part of the travel
Food is something that involves all the senses as an experience. One first looks at the food, its presentation, whiffs its peculiar smell and eats it to finally preserve the flavour forever. Hence, experience food gives us life long memories from our travels. Once the food has been tasted, whatever is the taste, it clings on to the memory of the travel forever. Just think about your own recent trip and we are sure that atleast one food-related memory, good or bad, or even weird is ought to pop up and that is the power our palate holds on us.
View this post on InstagramThai Sweets #thaisweet #thaifood #foodphotography
A post shared by kivshie.shotpics (@kivshie.shotpics) on
Food is something that involves all the senses as an experience. One first looks at the food, its presentation, whiffs its peculiar smell and eats it to finally preserve the flavour forever.
Also Read: TravelHer: When I Challenged Myself To Discover Paris In A Saree
Food connects people
Food is one of the best way to connect with new people at a new place. Friends and family get-togethers are always over food, whether at dinner lunch or some specific restaurants. Similarly, while travelling to a new place, the best way to know the people is to join them over food and talk to them about the local cuisines. Especially if you are travelling solo, food can come to your aid and help you develop new connections and friendships.
Know how the same thing can be done in different ways
At times, the local food at certain destinations tastes familiar in terms of flavour. But what makes it distinctive is the way it is presented and eaten. So travelling for food allows one to enjoy delicacies that we know but in a different manner in a different way. It gives different perspectives on how the same thing can be creatively done in different ways.
Besides, food travel gives a repository of ideas to bring back home and experiment. A new food can be added to one's own culinary list and can be experimented with, and used to impress near ones.
Rudrani Kumari is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.
Also Read: TravelHer: Seven Women Share What Travelling Means To Them