"I have always believed that good food and good eating involve taking risks. Food has always been an adventure for me." In 2024, culinary tourism has emerged as a prominent trend, prompting Indian travelers to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain by embarking on gastronomic journeys that combine food and travel. From food-specific destinations to immersive culinary experiences, this trend aims to tantalize the taste buds of travelers. Let's delve deeper to understand why combining food and travel should be a priority during the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy trying new and local cuisines while traveling. "To me, the essence of a place is reflected in its food. Whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry prepared by a local in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish with pineapple and Pad Thai at Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, tasting local dishes allows you to truly experience a place," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exploration extends beyond food, fostering community engagement and an appreciation for culinary traditions, lifestyles, local produce, and customs. "Exploring Tuscany was a flavorful journey through simple things. For instance, the way a humble bread paired with olive oil creates magic... the local wine was also outstanding. However, the flavors of Uzbek cuisine, especially their Plov, left a lasting impression," expressed Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. A note: AI-generated picture for representational purposes only. Approximately 51.3% of individuals have traveled to countries renowned for their culinary delights. "I once embarked on a journey across several Southeast Asian countries primarily for the food. My itinerary included everything from street food carts to Michelin-starred restaurants, and I even allocated a portion of my budget specifically for this culinary adventure," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by a desire to explore, taste authentic dishes, budget allocation, or the innate craving for culinary satisfaction...With the rise of the foodie culture, culinary tourism destinations are capturing the attention of Indian travelers. About 24% of travelers are planning trips to countries such as Italy and Japan, where they can explore not only the culinary traditions like aperitivo and chanoyu but also delve into the food philosophy of the region. For example, Arshdeep Singh, founder of a branding and design agency, is considering Thailand, Italy, and London for his next trips due to their renowned food scenes.

Food enthusiasts are increasingly creating lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their journeys, drawn by the abundance of food-related content on social media and streaming platforms. Some meticulous travelers like Elina even prepare detailed Excel sheets outlining what to eat and where to try culinary specialties in different countries.

A significant number, 55%, express interest in taking culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes hands-on. These workshops offer immersive experiences where participants are guided by experts through the cooking process, enriched with historical and cultural insights. One such participant, Shrestha Saha, recalls a workshop in Thailand that began with a visit to a local market, followed by cooking and enjoying the prepared meal.

The top international destinations for culinary travel include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while popular domestic destinations for food enthusiasts are Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers are already planning their next holidays to destinations like South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries.According to a poll by a Times of India Supplement, culinary tourism in India has seen a significant increase, with annual growth of 15% since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have visited specific destinations solely to dine at a particular restaurant. The interest in discovering the origins of a destination's signature dishes is higher than ever among global travelers, with 61% expressing interest in this aspect, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com.

Travelers are seeking a variety of culinary experiences, including traditional and local dishes, street food adventures, and unique region-specific delicacies. Examples include savoring steaks in London, indulging in kebabs in Lucknow, exploring eclectic food in Japan, enjoying specialties like wine in Italy, and dining at renowned chef-driven establishments such as Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.