What is your priority of your travel?
If you ask me what I remember most from my travels, it’s not always the landmarks or the tours—it’s the food. For me, food travel isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of connecting with the world, one bite at a time. While some travelers chase mountains, history, or nightlife, I chase flavor. Food is where culture, tradition, and storytelling meet, and it’s where I feel most immersed in a new place.
Whether you’re curious about food travel destinations, looking for new food travel recipes, or just a food traveler at heart like me, I hope this blog post gives you inspiration to explore the world through your taste buds.
What Does “Food Travel” Mean?
Simply put, food travel means exploring the world through its culinary culture. It’s about more than eating—it’s about understanding the story behind the dish, the ingredients, and the people who prepare it. It can be a gourmet experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a steaming bowl of noodles from a street vendor.
The beauty of food travel is that it’s for everyone. You don’t have to be a chef or a foodie to enjoy it. You just need curiosity—and an appetite.
My Journey as a Food Traveler
I was born and raised in Japan, and my first food travel destination was Seoul, South Korea in 2007. It was my first solo trip and also my first time studying abroad. I didn’t speak Korean, and I wasn’t confident in English either—but I had no fear. I was too excited to explore, especially the food.
Even with a language barrier, I discovered so much about Korean culture just by trying local dishes. I learned that food travel isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up, being open, and letting food guide your journey. In fact, when I started learning Korean in Seoul, I decided a Sik-tang (食堂、식당 ) near my school and kept going there every meal until I order everything on the menu and learned by eating local foods.
Finding the Best Food Travel Spots (Even If You Don’t Speak the Language)
Don’t let a language barrier stop you. Some of the best meals I’ve ever had came from places I found through hand gestures, pointing at menus, or simply following a long line of locals.
Here’s what I do:
- Look for long lines. That’s the universal sign of good food.
- Ask locals—your taxi driver, your Airbnb host, or a barista.
- Do light research using travel blogs and Google Maps.(I consider “trustable” reputations if it has many reviews more than 100+ and 4 stars above typically)
- Check for hidden gems not listed in typical guides.
Yes, food travel shows on Netflix or YouTube are fun to watch (like Street Food or Somebody Feed Phil), but the real adventure begins when you go beyond the screen and experience it yourself.
Side Story: A Night in Florence | One Meal, Many Stories
One of my favorite food travel memories took place in Florence, Italy. On a chilly evening, we decided to walk 30 minutes to a local spot called Osteria Pastella, located near Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. By the time we got there, it was packed. But instead of turning us away, they handed us glasses of sparkling wine to enjoy while we waited in the cold.
While in line, we struck up a conversation with a couple from our hometown in the U.S. That spontaneous moment turned into a shared experience—filled with laughter, travel stories, and, eventually, incredible pasta. It reminded me that food isn’t just about flavor. It’s about connection.
Photos: Ostellera Pasteria and its long waiting line (But it is definitely worth to wait.) In Florence, Italy
Ready to Start Your Own Food Travel Journey?
Here are some quick tips:
- Start with local food tours or cultural experiences in your destination.
- Try food travel packages if you’re unsure where to begin—some travel companies offer culinary tours focused on cooking classes, wine tastings, and farm-to-table experiences.
- Watch food travel shows to get inspired and learn what dishes to try.
- Recreate food travel recipes when you get home to keep the memories alive.
Final Thoughts
Food travel is more than a trend—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re trying exotic street food in Bangkok, sipping espresso in a Roman café, or learning to make kimchi in Seoul, you’re not just filling your belly—you’re feeding your soul.
So next time you travel, let your appetite lead the way. You might just discover a hidden gem, make a new friend, or even find a part of yourself in the process.
What’s the most memorable dish you’ve ever had while traveling?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!