Some people travel for adventure. Others hit the road for romance, work, or just to escape the grind of everyday life. More and more, however, travelers are planning their trips around food.
Culinary tourism is one of the best ways to dig in and experience a foreign culture. From learning to cook dumplings in Shanghai, to tapas tours of Madrid, focusing on food allows travelers to connect with locals, try new flavors and expand their cooking repertoire.
Here are 10 foodie-centric tours from around the world that are sure to tantalize your taste-buds:
1. Flee The Resort In Mexico
Mexico is a tourist mecca, but the food in most resorts, such as in Cancun or Cozumel, is far from the fresh local cuisine foodies know and love. So, be adventurous and leave the confines of your all-inclusive resort for a food tour of San Miguel.
Sip horchatas while nibbling on ceviche tostadas (made from fish straight off the boat) and other Yucatan delicacies. Gobble up mole enchiladas, fresh coconut, crispy tacos, savory soups, regional sweets, and more while you try out your Spanish skills on local artisans.
2. Hit The Street In Vancouver
Sure, Vancouver has a thriving restaurant scene that is not to be missed. But some of the city’s most exciting and innovative cuisine is located right on its streets. Hop from small carts to food trucks on a tour of Vancouver’s street food.
We’re talking Berkshire pork hot dogs at Japadog, a Japanese fusion hot dog cart, and butter chicken naan kebabs from the Top Chef approved Soho Road Naan Keba cart. Move on to a hot smoked wild salmon sandwich from Kaboombox, possibly the world’s only salmon-smoking food truck, and then switch gears and head over to visit the Roaming Dragon, British Columbia's first mobile gourmet food truck, and sample their acclaimed rice balls.
3. Goa Cooking Course
Goa is known for its gorgeous beaches and wild parties, but it’s also a haven for foodies. The cuisine combines Indian food with Portuguese influences (they had a settlement here in the Colonial period). Get acquainted with the area’s history and learn some new skills with a 3-day cooking course at the boutique Siolim House hotel, a palacio built in 1675 during the Portuguese occupation.
From tradition Hindu vegetarian cuisine (try their staple kokum fruit), to fresh fish curries and Catholic dishes like arroz doce and their world famous vindaloo (did you know the name comes from the Portuguese?), you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Indian delicacies.
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