"I have always believed that good food and dining involve taking risks and embarking on an adventure. With the rise of culinary tourism in 2024, are Indian travelers following in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain by combining food and travel for a unique experience? From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the trend of culinary tourism aims to tantalize the taste buds of travelers. Let's delve into why food and travel should be a part of your plans for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new and local cuisines when they travel. According to Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, the essence of a place can be experienced through its food. Exploring local dishes, such as spicy Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish and Pad Thai in Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, provides insight into the local culture and traditions. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, reflects on her flavorful journey through Tuscany and Uzbekistan, highlighting the impact of simple ingredients on her culinary experiences. Furthermore, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their culinary offerings, such as Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur who dedicated part of her travel budget to sampling a variety of dishes from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether driven by a curiosity for new flavors, a desire to taste authentic dishes, a willingness to invest in culinary experiences, or an innate passion for satisfaction, these travelers embrace the fusion of food and travel for a memorable journey."A growing number of Indian travelers are drawn to culinary getaways, with 24% expressing interest in visiting countries such as Italy and Japan to explore local food experiences like aperitivo and chanoyu. This trend is driven by the desire to understand different regions’ food philosophies. Travelers like Arshdeep Singh are considering Thailand, Italy, and London for their next trips, drawn by the reputation of Thailand for its food and London for its coffee scene.
Before traveling, 47% of travelers make lists of restaurants to visit, guided by the abundance of food content on social media and other platforms providing global restaurant recommendations. For some travelers, like Elina, meticulous planning includes creating Excel sheets detailing culinary specialties of each destination. Immersive culinary workshops are gaining popularity, with 55% expressing interest in trying their hands at cooking local dishes under expert guidance, accompanied by historical and cultural insights.
For those seeking deeper culinary experiences, workshops often start with a visit to local markets to source ingredients before cooking and enjoying the prepared dishes. Popular international destinations for culinary travel include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic favorites include Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. South Korea, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries are top choices for upcoming holiday destinations among travelers. (Based on findings from a Times of India Supplement poll)According to a poll conducted by a supplement of the Times of India in cities such as Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata, here are some interesting trends in culinary tourism:
- There has been a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019.
- 59% of Indian travelers have visited a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant.
- 61% of global travelers are now more interested in learning about the origins of a destination's must-eat delicacies.
Popular foods and experiences that travelers are seeking include traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, and region-specific specialties like steaks in London or kebabs in Lucknow. In various countries, travelers are also drawn to eclectic food in places like Japan, wine in Italy, and well-known chef-driven restaurants such as Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.
