When traveling, it is sometimes difficult to know where and how to taste authentic local cuisine. Yet immersing yourself in the flavors of the country is an integral part of the cultural experience. More than just a meal, sharing a traditional dish in the company of locals is a way to learn about their history, their customs and their way of life. So, whether you are a gourmet or a simple culinary adventurer, here are some tips for eating like a local during your trip.
Summary
1 Find the right restaurants
1.1 Favor small family addresses
1.2 Observe the premises
1.3 Rely on word of mouth
2 Discover local specialties
2.1 On the menu: essentials and culinary surprises
3 Make yourself at home…elsewhere
3.1 The art of the table
3.2 Meal times
3.3 Portions and how to share dishes
4 Think outside the box
Find the right restaurants
The first step to discovering local gastronomy is obviously choosing the right place to eat. If you are far from tourist attractions and restaurants with flashy storefronts, look no further: you are in the right place .
Favor small family addresses
These establishments are often run by families who have perpetuated their culinary traditions for several generations. In these authentic places, the dishes are lovingly prepared using ancestral recipes and fresh market produce. It is not uncommon to come across regulars who come to enjoy their favorite specialties.
Observe the premises
The adage “where the locals go, you will go” takes on its full meaning here. If a restaurant is crowded with locals, it’s a safe bet that the cuisine will be excellent and in keeping with regional traditions. In addition, this will allow you to share a friendly moment with them and why not glean some advice for the rest of your stay.
Read also: Practical tip for managing jet lag when traveling
Rely on word of mouth
Don’t hesitate to ask advice from the people around you: hoteliers, shopkeepers or even taxi drivers will be happy to direct you to their favorite addresses.
Discover local specialties
It’s not enough to choose the right restaurant, you also need to know what to order! To fully enjoy the local flavors, don’t hesitate to vary your pleasures by tasting all the typical dishes of the region.
Let your curiosity guide you and taste everything that tickles your taste buds, even if it’s out of your comfort zone.
On the menu: essentials and culinary surprises
Each country has its own emblematic dishes, those that you absolutely must have tasted once in your life, but also lesser known dishes that are nevertheless worth the detour. Here are some examples :
Breakfast abroad can be very different from what we are used to. Try the Spanish “níscalos” (wild mushrooms), the Venezuelan “arepa” (corn pancake) or the Turkish “menemen” (scrambled eggs with vegetables).
Barbecues have an important place in certain culinary cultures. If you have the opportunity, try the South African “braai” (meat grilled over a wood fire) or the traditional Argentine “asado” (piece of beef slowly cooked over coals).
Don’t forget the sweet treats: Indian “kulfi” (spiced ice cream), French “chocolate cake” or even Italian “tiramisù” are essential desserts to be enjoyed without moderation!
The secret to fully enjoying your dining experience lies in your ability to embrace local customs. Here are some of the culinary habits you can adopt:
The art of the table
In each country, there are rules and customs around the serving of dishes and the way of eating. For example, in Japan, it is rude to stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice, while in India, we traditionally eat with our fingers.
Some countries have very different meal times than us, so it is crucial to adapt . For example, in Spain, we eat lunch around 2 p.m. and often dine after 9 p.m. In the United Kingdom, “tea time” is a famous tradition where tea is consumed with small cakes between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Portions and how to share dishes
In some countries, it is common to order several dishes which are then shared at the table. This allows you to taste as many local specialties as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask the server if this is done in the country you are visiting.
Go off the beaten track
Finally, don’t forget that the best culinary discoveries are often made by chance . So let your instincts guide you and take the time to stroll through the local markets, chat with street vendors or even sit in front of an exotic fruit stall you’ve never seen before.