Lessons from 20 Years of Travel: Embracing Local Cuisine

Photo credit: www.bonappetit.com

After two decades of traversing the globe, I have learned that food is a primary motivation for my travels, leading me to explore everything from top-tier Michelin-starred establishments to less-recognized gems (and occasionally, places that should frankly be shut down for health concerns). The pursuit of an exceptional meal has taken me on many culinary adventures, and I’ve picked up valuable lessons along the way.

Initially, my restaurant choices were often misguided as I navigated the world without much experience. Like many young travelers, I relied heavily on guidebooks, gravitating toward eateries near famous tourist sites and as a result, I frequently ended up paying more for subpar dining experiences. One particularly regrettable occasion in Barcelona involved ordering paella at a busy spot on Las Ramblas, where the dish arrived at lightning speed. Good paella, I soon realized, requires patience, and this quickly served dish lacked both freshness and flavor. Similarly, a recommended restaurant in Sydney served food that paled in comparison to even the most basic airline meals.

These missteps have taught me essential strategies for finding the best dining options while abroad.

One effective tactic I employ is known as The Five Block Rule: I avoid dining within five blocks of major tourist attractions. It seems as if an invisible barrier exists around these hotspots, where the crowds congregate and the cuisine typically suffers. Venture beyond this zone and you will discover a world where restaurant menus are less reliant on multiple languages, prices become more reasonable, and the culinary experience significantly improves.

During one of my excursions, I meandered south of Montmartre in Paris, a renowned tourist magnet. Upon crossing into the 9th arrondissement, I stumbled upon a charming little bistro named Le Dit Vin. The menu changes daily, emphasizing fresh ingredients, and allowed me to experience authentic French cuisine—rich in aroma and complexity, and ultimately, deeply satisfying. Upon returning with a local friend, I was pleased to hear their endorsement of the spot—a true compliment from a Parisian. Embrace the opportunity to dine at unassuming, hole-in-the-wall establishments; they may not always dazzle, but they often leave a lasting impression.

When utilizing apps like Google Maps or Yelp for restaurant recommendations, I advise paying attention to the number of reviews rather than just their ratings. A high total number of reviews can indicate that a venue is well-loved by locals, inviting a more genuine dining experience. Opt for a restaurant with a solid average rating based on hundreds of reviews rather than one that boasts a handful of overly enthusiastic endorsements.

Furthermore, when engaging with locals about dining recommendations, asking “where do you eat?” tends to yield better advice than the simple query “where should I eat?” Most people’s first suggestions will often reference tourist-friendly establishments. However, inquiring about where they personally dine often leads to discovering their cherished local spots—places that are both affordable and uniquely representative of the local culture. This slight shift in wording can result in uncovering more intriguing and authentic culinary treasures.

Source
www.bonappetit.com