"I have always believed that good food and good eating involve taking risks. Food has always been an adventure for me." As culinary tourism gains popularity in 2024, are Indian travelers embracing Anthony Bourdain's sentiment and embarking on journeys that combine food and travel? From food-specific 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 on your agenda for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new and local cuisines during their trips. "To me, the heart of a place is found in 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, understanding a place is enhanced by eating what the locals eat," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This exchange goes beyond food to foster community and cultural engagement, providing insight into culinary traditions, local lifestyles, produce, and customs. "Exploring Tuscany was a sensory journey with the simplest ingredients. For example, a humble bread paired with olive oil can create magic... the local wine was exceptional too. However, Uzbek cuisine left a lasting impression on me, especially their Plov," expressed Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine. "I traveled across various Southeast Asian countries primarily for their food. My itinerary included street food carts along with Michelin-starred restaurants. I allocated a portion of my budget just for this purpose," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by a desire to explore, taste dishes at their origin, financial capability, or an inherent need for satisfaction, culinary tourism offers a unique and enriching travel experience.Appealing to the food enthusiasts among them, more and more Indian travelers are considering culinary getaways as their next choice of travel destinations. A significant 24% of travelers have expressed their intention to visit countries like Italy and Japan to not only explore aperitivo and chanoyu but also gain insights into each region's unique food philosophy. Arshdeep Singh, founder of a branding and design agency, shares his plans for future trips, mentioning Thailand, Italy, and London as top contenders due to their renowned culinary scenes. The trend of researching and making lists of must-visit restaurants before traveling has seen a surge, propelled by the abundance of food content available on social media and OTT platforms. Travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, with 55% showing interest in taking culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes firsthand. Such workshops provide participants with a deep dive into cooking techniques, often accompanied by historical and cultural background information. Popular international destinations include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic favorites comprise Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries are high on the agenda for future holiday plans, as indicated by a recent poll conducted by Times of India Supplement.According to the results of a Times of India Supplement survey, cities such as Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have been identified as popular culinary destinations in India. The survey reveals a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in the country since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have indicated that they visit destinations specifically to dine at particular restaurants. More than ever before, 61% of global travelers are interested in understanding the origins of a destination's signature dishes.

When it comes to what travelers are seeking, traditional and ethnic cuisines, local street food, and immersive culinary experiences are in high demand. Region-specific dishes, such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic food in Japan, and specialties like wine in Italy, are also popular choices. Notable establishments like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are attracting attention for their chef-driven culinary experiences.