Many of us enjoy travel not just because of the sightseeing opportunities it offers, but because it gives us an opportunity to explore unfamiliar countries; to experience different cultures; to meet fascinating people; and to learn about the world. Yet surprisingly, the most interesting part of travel may be right in front of us at mealtime. More than anything else, the thing that differentiates one destination from another is the food served on the table.
With the advent of globalization, it’s not difficult to find familiar food outlets all over the world. McDonald’s fast food is available in Singapore and Moscow; Starbucks has coffee shops in Prague and Athens; and Pizza Hut restaurants are on the streets in Perth and Mexico City. Anywhere you go you can enjoy the comforts of home but if you do, you will miss the best part of travel.
When you set forth on your journey, be determined to taste the local food. You won’t need to dine in the fanciest gourmet restaurants in Paris to know what French cuisine is all about, as this sort of expense may be out of reach unless you just happen to win a lottery like EuroMillions. Instead, try the local food. You’ll find the food extremely tasty and reasonably priced as well.
By tasting unfamiliar food, you will get a true understanding of the country you’re visiting. The local cuisine introduces you to that country’s culture. The specialities you’ll try may have been prepared according to recipes that have been part of the country’s heritage for many generations. And if you happen to sit down with local residents, you’ll not only enjoy your meal, but you’ll also learn about their country’s history, religion, and traditions.
Each country you visit has its own cuisine, with menu items that are specific to that particular destination. Some of these dishes will be local variations of food with which you are already familiar, but in other cases, you’ll come across food that you’ve never previously encountered, or even considered eating.
The best place to experience a country’s local food is on the streets. The open air markets offer the healthiest food, the freshest produce, and the most inexpensive meals. When you eat street food, you’ll be eating like the natives. You’ll find this type of dining a completely enjoyable, and even educational, experience.
Eating street food is probably the best way to get to know the countries you visit. Dining on dishes traditional to a country’s menu gives you a true sense of what that destination is all about. Could you really understand Spanish culture without eating paella? Would you consider visiting Mexico without dining on enchiladas? Would a trip to the Middle East be complete without trying hummus and tahini? Not only are these the best tasting meals, but they are frequently the most affordable.
When you make your next travel plans, get ready to have the culinary time of your life!
