One of the best things about traveling is the food that you get to try. Sure, you can pack your own food, as packing food for travel is easy, but the best of all is getting to try different foods from all over the world is just amazing. One thing every traveler should always do is go out of their comfort zone and try something else, but it can honestly feel like a challenge, right?
You don’t know what you’re going to enjoy; you don’t know what’s expensive, sketchy, safe to eat, etc. It’s honestly a big challenge to the point where you might want to play it safe. But there are ways to still enjoy unique cuisines while being safe. So, here’s how you can find the best food when you’re traveling!
Start By Looking at Reviews
Sometimes, the best food when traveling is a hidden gem. It can take some time to find, but the food is worth it. Look at online reviews before going to a restaurant. It’s important to read between the lines, as people can be overly sensitive, but if multiple reviews say the same thing, then it may be worth trying. Also, check out the reviewer’s reputation if you’re able to. Generally speaking, this is going to be the best and safest thing. You got Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, and sometimes even local review companies too. This is usually ideal for large to medium-sized cities, maybe not villages, however.
Check Out Local Food and Travel Blogs
This isn’t always going to work, but it’s at least worth a shot! Whether you’re going to the Galapagos or anywhere else, it doesn’t hurt to search online to see if there are bloggers, YouTubers, or even Influencers who might have something to say about the cuisine or just the food in general. Local food websites often offer great tips on restaurants. These sites are usually run by locals and can be trusted more than some review sites.
You can also search for a local food tour. These are usually led by guides who are passionate about the local cuisine and love to share it with others. They can also be a fun way to get a taste of the culture. These are usually mentioned on travel sites too. But overall, just hunt around for travel and/or food-focused websites for ideas on where to get the best food.
Don’t Be Afraid to Wander Around
Traveling is about immersing yourself in local culture, including food. Whether it’s indulging in Michelin-starred restaurants or eating deep-fried crickets at the market, great cuisine can be found almost anywhere in a city. Don’t be afraid to wander around and try new places. Sometimes these adventures result in the most treasured memories. Plus, it can be a great way to save money! Sometimes, the best food is truly those hole-in-the-wall places!
Ask the Locals
If all else fails, just ask some of the locals! You can ask the hotel staff about their opinions or even see if they have menus or flyers of nearby restaurants. For the most part, hotels will cater to this and will almost always help out in this aspect. You can always ask random strangers too, or even those on a tour. But overall, your best bet is to just reach out and ask a local for their opinion. For example, if you are in Philadelphia and want to try cheesesteaks. Simply, talk with the locals and they will know everything from where to find the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia to where to find the best places for hanging out and getting a drink.
If you’re traveling to exotic Central American destinations such as Mexico, tequila may be your drink of choice particularly when visit El Tri. Yet, many restaurants offer more beverages to delight patrons, and locals may recommend other authentic Mexican cocktails like the Paloma cocktail. If you are familiar with this cocktail, then you can also try the Paloma in a can style for a refreshing original Mexican taste.
Most people are happy to provide you with a recommendation. Street vendors are often a great place to start since they tend to be cheap and serve large portions. You can also try looking for places near universities, hospitals, and transportation hubs, as these areas are popular with students who tend to eat inexpensively. It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from friends who have visited the area previously.
Go to the Local Market
Sometimes, these are every day, while in other areas, it may be once or twice a week. It’s all going to vary, really. The merchants at the local market will be happy to interact with you, so don’t hesitate to show some interest in their products. Plus, there may be super unusual things there that you can try, buy as a souvenir, and more. Also, for the most part, markets offer street food, too, and they are usually considered more reputable.
In general, while it may feel like a challenge getting good food while you travel, it’s going to honestly be up to you. You can’t always be a picky eater, and sometimes you need to be more adventurous. The cuisine is a major part of travel, it’s a major part of the immersion, so if you really want to make a massive impact on your trip, then you need to be able to get outside of your comfort zone in order for it to truly happen.
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