I have always believed that good food and good eating involve taking risks and that food has always been an adventure for me. With 2024 emphasizing culinary tourism as a highlight, are Indian travelers embracing Anthony Bourdain's philosophy and embarking on adventures that combine food and travel? From specific food destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the culinary tourism trend aims to pique the interest of travelers. Let's explore why incorporating food and travel into your plans for the upcoming festive season is essential. A significant 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new or local cuisines while traveling. "To me, the essence of a place is captured through its food. Whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry prepared by a local in the Konkan region or sharing a meal of Thai-style fish with pineapple and Pad Thai at Thailand’s Amphawa Floating Market, participating in the locals' culinary traditions allows you to truly understand a place," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange not only involves food but also fosters community and cultural engagement, offering insights into culinary traditions, lifestyles, local ingredients, and customs. "My journey in Tuscany was a flavor exploration using the simplest ingredients. For instance, witnessing how a plain bread transforms with olive oil... their local wine was remarkable too. However, Uzbek cuisine left a lasting impression on me, especially their Plov," recounted Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. Additionally, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine. "During my trip across various Southeast Asian countries, my primary focus was on food. I made sure to include street food stalls as well as Michelin-starred restaurants in my itinerary, setting aside a portion of my budget solely for this purpose," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether it's the desire to explore, taste authentic dishes, allocate resources, or satisfy an inner yearning, the connection between food and travel continues to inspire travelers worldwide.Appealing to the food enthusiast within, culinary tourism destinations have caught the attention of Indian travelers. Around 24% of travelers are eyeing countries such as Italy and Japan, not only to savor delicacies like aperitivo and chanoyu but also to explore the underlying food culture of these regions. For example, Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, expressed his interest in visiting Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned culinary scenes. Additionally, 47% of travelers compile lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their trips.

Thanks to the abundance of food-related content on social media and OTT platforms, as well as the accessibility to global restaurant databases, travelers are eager to sample the must-try eateries while on their journeys. Many travelers, like Elina, meticulously plan their food adventures by creating Excel sheets detailing what to eat and where to find the local specialties.

Furthermore, 55% of respondents are inclined to participate in culinary workshops to learn to prepare local dishes hands-on. These workshops offer a deep dive into the cooking process, enriched with historical and cultural insights, providing an immersive culinary experience. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, shared her rewarding experience of participating in such a workshop that involved visiting a local market, cooking, and enjoying the meal, demonstrating the appeal of such authentic food experiences.

Based on the responses from a Times of India Supplement poll, top international culinary destinations include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while popular domestic destinations comprise Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers are setting their sights on upcoming holidays in destinations like South Korea, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries for their upcoming culinary escapades.According to a survey conducted by Times of India Supplement, cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have seen a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019. The poll also revealed that 59% of Indian travelers have visited a destination specifically for a particular restaurant, while 61% of global travelers are increasingly interested in learning about the origins of a destination's "must-eat" delicacies. World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com shared these insights.

Travelers are seeking traditional or ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, and popular region-specific dishes such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic food in countries like Japan, specialties like wine in Italy, and renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.