How to find authentic local food when travelling abroad

Time of India

3 days ago

Most people, while travelling, face the problem of not being able to find the perfect local food spots. When they are exploring the city, they tend to go for the restaurants near major tourist attractions rather than making the extra effort to find one that has delicious, authentic and affordable food.
You can learn a lot about a destination by trying its authentic local food—each bite has a story, and you should delve into it.
The best part of travelling is that you can try a new cuisine rather than the same old fast food, and we are going to walk you through the process of finding the best local spots while travelling:
Be tech savvy
Find the best local eateries on food apps or Google Maps. Then, scroll through those apps and look for places with many reviews and good ratings. You can even read the reviews to find the most loved dishes and order accordingly. Try to find local bloggers or influencers in that place on
Instagram
, YouTube, and other social media apps.
Watch their reels and videos about the local food they love, and go try them.
Opt for a cooking class
For all those food-junkies who love to try new dishes and cook them themselves, sign up for a cooking class and learn in detail about traditional techniques, you'll also make new friends. By the end of the class, you'll know how the palate of that cuisine works, widening your knowledge and adding a new set of skills.
Talk to locals and explore on your own
Try talking to locals and ask them about places 'where they eat.'
This trick will help you a lot, as the person will recommend local places they actually eat at. While traveling, chat with taxi drivers, hotel staff, shopkeepers, or just roam around and find small family-run places in neighbourhoods.
Avoid restaurants trying to usher you inside
Do not go to restaurants that are loudly advertising specials or aggressively trying to talk you into eating there. These places usually aren't visited by locals and rely on tourists to earn money.
Visit local markets and food stalls
A local market is like a treasure for tourists. Wander through the stalls, chat with vendors, and learn stories about their regional food. Try the food at local stalls, those are the most authentic delicacies, as these vendors know the right flavours. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations about other dishes.
Join local food tours
Local food tours are the best way to try a variety of dishes, they also teach you about the history and cultural significance of each one. Through these tours, you'll be able to try street food, underrated restaurants, and regional cuisine that's hard to find on your own. Guides even point out hidden hotspots you can explore later.
(Image credits: Canva)