Table of Contents
Introduction
Food is one of the main reasons why I actually travel and I’ve always said that it is a good way you can connect with a new culture. It gives me so much joy to cook with local people, learning a new dish while also connecting with memories and generations of recipes. But do you know the best local foodies travel tips?
I love travelling to a new destination and doing a cooking class, then coming back to cook it myself gives me so much joy. If you’ve been following me for a while, you will remember the days of Cooking Travel Talks, where I would cook a dish during COVID-19, that I tasted while travelling and tell my stories of my travels while cooking it on Instagram Live.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to spot the real food spots, real foods from the world, the best local food travel spots and the best restaurants to go to when travelling. This is whether I’m travelling solo, with friends, or on a group trip, one thing stays consistent with me finding the best local food possible. And not just for the photos, I want real foods from the world for the flavour, variety, culture, and a meal that actually tells me something about where I am.
This post is for anyone who wants to know how to locate the best local food travel spots and avoid getting caught in tourist traps. These are also a list of my favourite foods in the world.
Related Post: 10 Amazing Ways to Start Your Travel Food Journey
How I Choose Where to Eat
- I always check TikTok, Instagram and read up on Google reviews – but I always dig into the bad reviews first – LOL!
- I look for queues of locals, not tourists. You really want to eat away from the famous local sites, like (what’s that Rome fountain) avoid those places as the restaurants will be more expensive.
- I trust smells and vibes – if the grill is hot and the place is buzzing, I’m intrigued and want to go and check it out for myself
- Finally, asking the hotel staff or local tour guides for personal favourites and popular foods in their country is a good one also.
My go-to food apps for the best local foods in the world
- You can use GetYourGuide, EatWith and Viator are great for cooking or food tours.
- Google Maps (saved lists with food pins). I have my own favourite list that you can add which is global!
- TikTok & Instagram Reels. Type in “best restaurants in X city”
- TheFork or OpenTable for bookings and reviews
- Pinterest for foodie guides and popular foods (can be helpful)
Examples of Food I Still Think About
- Fresh Ceviche in Peru in the Morena Peruvian Kitchen Restaurant
- Fresh seafood pasta in Albania at the Nobus Hotel and Spa
- Fresh Lobster Stew and rice in Zanzibar at the Rock Restaurant
Bonus: Food Tours & Experiences Worth Booking
- Zanzibar: Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Class – Great to experience the spice farm and local cooking in Zanzibar
- Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe – Great to get a food tour around Rome
- Jaipur: Home cooking class tour with lunch/dinner – Great to get an Indian cooking class experience in India
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap – Great to get a taste of Cape Malay food in South Africa
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena– Great for a food tour around Cartagena, Colombia
Final Words on The Worlds Popular Foods
Eating well when you travel doesn’t mean spending loads. In fact the more local you eat, I would argue you end up eating cheaper. Knowing where to look and what to book helps you save some coins. Now over to you. I’d love to hear: How do you find the best food when you travel? Drop your go-to trick in the comments below!
Where are all my foodies travel people?
Lets meet in the comments.
Speak soon,
MBV x
