When I travel, I consider food to be a very important item on my to-do list. A destination's food is a crucial part of the experience you'll have there, and I think of the best ways to truly experience a destination is by sampling the menus.
Trying local cuisine gives you a direct connection to the culture, history, and people that a place holds. From the tangy flavors of Thailand to the fresh and savory Mediterranean palate, food has always been one of my favorite parts of every trip. But, it can be a little tough to find those authentic, mouth-watering local spots while avoiding tourist traps that serve up overpriced, mediocre fare. Don't sweat it– that's what I'm here for. 😎
Imagine strolling through a picturesque alleyway, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. You follow that scent and find yourself at a family-run bakery where recipes have been passed down for generations. Picture sitting in a bustling trattoria in Italy, savoring a plate of pasta so divine that you can practically taste the love and tradition in every bite. And just try to imagine walking through the busy streets of Bangkok and stumbling upon the savory street foods that locals love. These are the culinary experiences that create lasting memories and deepen your connection to a destination.
However, discovering these hidden gems requires a bit of know-how and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, the charming neighborhoods of Paris, or the vibrant markets of Marrakech, these tried-and-true tips will help you eat like a local and experience a true culinary dream tour. Here’s how you can avoid the tourist traps and savor authentic flavors as you travel:
1. Seek Out Trattorias, Brasseries, and Family-Owned Spots
Family-owned spots and local eateries like trattorias in Italy or brasseries in France are more likely to offer authentic dishes made with love and tradition. You can find them simply by strolling the streets or checking out reviews ahead of your trip. Here are a few things to look for in order to narrow down your options to the best of the best:
⛔️ Closed Days: In Italy and similar destinations, many authentic restaurants tend to close after lunch and reopen only around 7 PM for dinner. Additionally, if a restaurant is closed on Mondays, it's often a sign that it's locally owned and family-operated.
🤏 Small Menus: Restaurants with small menus typically focus on what they do best. This often means fresher ingredients and expertly prepared dishes.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Operated: These establishments are often passed down through generations and focus on quality and authenticity. You might even get to meet the owner or the person cooking your meal!
2. Make Use of Food Tours
Food tours can be an excellent introduction to a new city’s culinary scene. I always book a food tour for the first day or night I arrive. It’s a fantastic way to get acquainted with your surroundings, understand the local cuisine, and gather insider recommendations from knowledgeable guides.
Not only do food tours take you right to the doorstep of a local guide's favorite places, they also offer the chance to meet fellow travelers from around the world and share in the excitement of discovering hidden gems. Maybe you'll get lucky and share a family-style meal with your tourmates, letting you sample the most food for your dollar!
Food tours will take you to places you might not uncover on your own and offer a deeper understanding of the region’s flavors and food culture. Click here to book your next food tour!
3. Look for Menus on Chalkboards
Restaurants that change their menus daily often write them on chalkboards, so that they're easier to erase and remake. This usually means the dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients– they change often, a sign that they're really using the best of the best available! It’s also a good sign that the place is frequented by locals who appreciate quality and variety, and that you should take a chance and explore their menu, too.
4. Do Your Research Before You Go
I know, I know– you don't want to do homework, you're ready to hit the ground running as soon as you land! But a little bit of digging can make all the difference in having the best meal ever, or a "meh" kind of dinner. Before hopping on a plane, spend some time researching local cuisine and dining spots. You can check these places for some helpful (and honest) reviews:
✍️ 🎥 Food Blogs and Vlogs: Local food bloggers and vloggers can offer insights that help you discover off-the-beaten-path eateries. They usually contain personal reviews and hidden gems from regular people, not trained reviewers– it's super authentic!
📺 Travel Shows: Watching shows like Andrew Zimmern’s “Bizarre Foods,” Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy,” or “Bobby and Giada in Italy” can give you a sense of what to look for when traipsing through a new country. Keep tabs on any interesting options featured on the shows, and take note of the ways the hosts find places to dine!
👩💻 Check Google Reviews: Seek out places with a significant number of reviews in the local language. This can be a good indicator that the restaurant is popular among locals! Pop those reviews into the Google Translate function for a decent translation where you can find details about locals' experiences.
💬 Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends or acquaintances who have visited your destination; personal tips can be goldmines! You can post on social media to reach a wide audience of friends and fam who may have already been (and eaten their way through) your destination.
✈️ Travel Forums: Websites like TripAdvisor, Reddit, or travel-specific forums can offer valuable insights. If a particular place is frequently recommended across different lists or by multiple people, it might be worth trying. But, remember to take online advice with a grain of salt—most travelers visit a destination only once, and may not delve deep enough to uncover true local gems. Quality varies, and everyone’s taste is different, so read a lot of comments on the threads to ensure you're getting well-rounded advice.
✅ 👉 Chelax Pro Tip: Saving restaurants in Google Maps is an invaluable tool. I jot down notes on what I want to order, and after my visit, I add additional notes about what I liked. This helps me keep track of all my great dining experiences, ensures I don't forget any hidden gems, and saves time when deciding where to go next—just pull up the map and see what's closest. Plus, it's incredibly helpful when I want to share my favorite spots with friends and clients!
5. Avoid Tourist Hotspots
Restaurants located right next to major tourist attractions often cater to tourists, not locals. So, when you're ready to eat, turn away from the crowd! Here's what to do instead:
👟 Walk a Few Blocks Away: Sometimes a short walk can lead you to more authentic dining options. Tourist-focused places tend to be concentrated around landmarks. So ditch the hotel and the buzzy areas in favor of a more quiet, unassuming route when you're on the hunt for good eats.
👀 Check for Locally Popular Spots: Look for places that seem busy with locals. If a place is buzzing with local patrons, it’s generally a good sign!
🙅♀️ Steer Clear of Menus in Multiple Languages: Avoid places with menus in seven languages; it’s often a sign that the restaurant caters to tourists. Authentic local spots usually have a menu only in the local language, because the majority of their customers reside in the area.
🍗 Avoid Display Cases: Be wary of places with food in display cases. Freshly prepared meals are a much better indicator of quality– display cases are a sign that food is made more on an assembly line than on a fresh, day-to-day basis.
🙋♂️ Watch Out for Solicitors: Skip restaurants with people standing outside encouraging you to sit down. Great local spots usually don’t need to pull in guests—they attract diners through word of mouth and reputation!
6. Follow the Footsteps!
You'll notice a theme, here: if you want to eat like a local, go where the locals go! But, how do you go about finding these beloved hot spots? Here are some additional tips to help you blend right in:
🗣 Learn Key Phrases
Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can go a long way. A simple “Where do you eat?” in the local language can lead you to some fantastic spots that might not be on Google Maps.
👣 Walk With the Locals
Take a moment to observe where locals are heading during meal times. Is there a particular café that’s always packed during breakfast? A street vendor with a long line of locals? Follow their lead!
🍢 Embrace Street Food
Street food often offers some of the most authentic and delicious dishes. It’s usually made by locals, for locals, and provides a true taste of the region. Don’t be afraid to sample food from street vendors, but do check for cleanliness and local reviews.
🛒 Check Out Local Markets
Local markets are a treasure trove of fresh, authentic ingredients and ready-to-eat dishes. They also offer an excellent opportunity to interact with locals. Ask vendors about their favorite spots to eat or must-try dishes!
📲 Use Local Food Apps
Many countries have food apps that locals use to discover new places to eat. Find out which apps are popular at your destination and use them to find highly-rated spots.
🏨 Ask Your Hosts or Hotel Concierge
If you’re staying at a local guesthouse or hotel, don’t hesitate to ask your hosts or the concierge for recommendations. They live there and will likely point you to their favorite local eateries.
Our Final Thoughts on Eating Like a Local
Eating like a local isn’t just about the food—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the culture and connecting with the destination on a deeper level. Some of my very favorite travel memories center around the menus I sampled and the people I met and history I learned in the process.
By doing a bit of research, embracing the local dining scene, and seeking out authentic experiences, you can enjoy the true flavors of your destination and avoid the pitfalls of low-quality touristy eateries. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, remember these tips and get ready for a culinary adventure!
Let Us Find You Hidden Culinary Gems!
At Chelax Adventures, we go so you know. That means that we travel across destinations and find the very best experiences, including amazing eateries, so that we can give you personal recommendations and truly vouch for the culinary best of the best!
Let us handle dinner– book with Chelax Adventures to get the most sought-after reservations, uncover the finest local places to eat, and ensure that your entire trip is one to cherish forever.