I've always believed that great food and dining experiences involve taking risks and embarking on culinary adventures. As 2024 promotes culinary tourism as a prime attraction, are Indian travelers embodying Anthony Bourdain's philosophy by combining food and travel into thrilling escapades? From specific food-centered destinations to immersive culinary encounters, the culinary tourism trend aims to excite the palates of travelers. Let's explore why combining food and travel should be a priority for the coming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new or local cuisines during their journeys. "To me, a place's essence is captured in its food. Sampling dishes like spicy Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or savoring Thai-style fish and Pad Thai at Thailand’s Amphawa Floating Market allows you to truly understand a location through its cuisine," explained Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange goes beyond food, fostering community engagement and cultural understanding by delving into culinary traditions, local produce, and customs. "Exploring Tuscany was a flavorful journey with simple yet magical experiences, like how a humble bread paired with olive oil can create wonders… the local wine was exceptional too. However, the unforgettable experience was the Uzbek cuisine, especially their Plov," shared Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. 51.3% of travelers have deliberately visited countries renowned for their gastronomy. “I once embarked on a culinary expedition across various Southeast Asian countries solely for their food. My itinerary included street vendors as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, with a portion of my budget allocated specifically for this purpose,” revealed Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by a curiosity to explore, craving to taste authentic dishes, willingness to invest in gastronomic experiences, or an inherent desire to satisfy the wanderlust, combining food with travel adds an extra layer of excitement to a journey.The Indian travelers are increasingly drawn to culinary getaways, where they not only discover unique food traditions but also delve into a region's culinary philosophy. Destinations such as Italy and Japan are popular choices, with 24% of travelers planning to visit and explore concepts like aperitivo and chanoyu. Social media, OTT platforms, and a wealth of information on global restaurants are enabling travelers to create detailed lists of must-visit eateries before their trips. Many are opting for immersive culinary workshops where they can participate in the cooking process and learn about the cultural and historical background of local dishes. The top international destinations of interest include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic destinations like Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata are also popular choices. South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries are on the agenda for many travelers' upcoming holidays. (Based on a Times of India Supplement poll)According to a recent Times of India Supplement poll, cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have seen an increase in culinary tourism. The culinary tourism industry in India has experienced a 15% annual growth rate since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have visited a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant, while 61% of global travelers are more interested in learning about the origins of a destination's must-eat dishes. Travelers are seeking traditional and ethnic meals, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, as well as popular regional dishes such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic cuisine in Japan, and specialties like wine in Italy. They also show interest in dining at renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.