"I have always believed that good food and eating involve taking risks and that food is an adventure for me." With the year 2024 focusing on culinary tourism, are Indian travelers embracing Anthony Bourdain's philosophy by embarking on journeys that combine food and travel? From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the trend of culinary tourism aims to tantalize the taste buds of travelers. Let's explore why combining food and travel should be a priority for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new/local cuisines during their journeys. "To me, the heart of a place resides in its food. Whether 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, you truly connect with a destination when you dine like the locals," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange goes beyond food, fostering community engagement and cultural understanding, offering insights into culinary traditions, lifestyles, local ingredients, and customs. "Exploring Tuscany was a gastronomic voyage with simple yet flavorful experiences. From how a basic bread transforms with olive oil to the exquisite local wine, every dish tells a story. However, the memories of Uzbek cuisine, especially their Plov, linger vividly in my mind," reminisced Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. Additionally, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine. "I once embarked on a culinary journey across various Southeast Asian nations, primarily for their food. My itinerary included street food vendors and Michelin-starred restaurants. I allocated a portion of my budget purely for this gastronomic adventure," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by the desire to explore, taste authentic dishes, readiness to invest, or an inherent need for fulfillment, the fusion of food and travel continues to captivate and inspire travelers worldwide.For the food enthusiasts, culinary getaways in various regions have caught the attention of Indian travelers. Around 24% of travelers are considering trips to countries such as Italy and Japan to not only experience traditions like aperitivo and chanoyu, but also to delve into the unique food philosophies of these places. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, expressed interest in exploring Thailand, Italy, and London for their culinary delights, citing the growing trend of travelers heading to Thailand for its food scene and London for its diverse coffee and dining experiences. Additionally, there is a rising trend of travelers creating restaurant lists to visit before embarking on their journeys, thanks to the abundance of food-related content on social media and online platforms. Many travelers, like Elina, meticulously research a destination's culinary specialties before their trips and even organize detailed guides to ensure they sample the best offerings.

Furthermore, a significant 47% of respondents have curated lists of must-visit restaurants for their travels, while 55% are intrigued by the idea of participating in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes firsthand. These workshops provide an immersive experience, guiding participants through the entire cooking process under the guidance of culinary experts and offering insights into the historical and cultural significance of the dishes. Individuals like Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, have found these workshops to be an enriching experience, starting from exploring local markets to cooking and savoring the dishes, showcasing the essence of the destination's culinary traditions.

The preferred international destinations for culinary travelers include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic hotspots such as Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata also hold appeal. Looking ahead, upcoming holiday plans for travelers include visiting destinations like South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries, indicating a continued interest in exploring diverse culinary experiences around the world.According to a recent poll in a Times of India Supplement, cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have emerged as top culinary destinations. The data shows that culinary tourism in India has been growing at a rate of 15% annually since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have reported visiting a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant, while interest from global travelers in learning about the origins of a destination's "must-eat" delicacies has reached 61%. The World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com have provided insights into the evolving preferences of travelers. Some key trends indicate a desire for traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, and popular region-specific dishes like kebabs in Lucknow or steaks in London. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in eclectic food offerings in countries like Japan, as well as specialties such as wine in Italy. Popular chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are also attracting culinary enthusiasts.