"I have always believed that good food and eating involve an element of risk, making it an adventurous experience for me. As the year 2024 promotes culinary tourism as a prominent trend, are Indian travelers embracing Anthony Bourdain's philosophy by embarking on food-centric adventures during their travels? From food-focused destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the rise of culinary tourism aims to tantalize the palates of travelers. Let's delve into why combining food and travel should be part of your plans for the upcoming festive season. An overwhelming 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new and local cuisines while they travel. Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, emphasizes that the true essence of a destination can be found in its food, citing examples like savoring a Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish at Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market. This culinary exploration goes beyond just food, fostering community engagement and cultural understanding by delving into traditions, local produce, and customs. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, reminisces about her flavorful journey through Tuscany and the unforgettable experience of Uzbek cuisine, particularly their Plov dish. Moreover, 51.3% of travelers have deliberately visited countries renowned for their culinary delights. Entrepreneur Divya Gupta shares her South East Asian culinary adventure, where she savored dishes from street carts to Michelin-starred restaurants, setting aside a portion of her budget exclusively for this gastronomic exploration. Whether driven by curiosity, the desire to taste authentic dishes, the willingness to splurge, or an inherent need for satisfaction… (continues)"Appealing to food enthusiasts, culinary tourism spots are gaining popularity among Indian travelers. Approximately 24% of travelers are looking to visit places like Italy and Japan to experience unique culinary traditions such as aperitivo and chanoyu, and to understand the local food culture. Arshdeep Singh, founder of a branding and design agency, expressed his interest in exploring Thailand for its renowned cuisine, while also considering Italy and London for their diverse food experiences. With the influence of food-related content on social media, online streaming services, and easy access to information about global restaurants, travelers are creating lists of must-visit eateries before embarking on their journeys. Some even go as far as participating in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare authentic local dishes, immersing themselves in the cooking process while gaining insights into the history and culture behind each recipe. Top international destinations for such food-centric trips include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while popular domestic destinations include Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers are now setting their sights on upcoming holidays in destinations like South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries. (Source: Times of India Supplement poll)Based on the results of a poll conducted by a Times of India Supplement, culinary tourism has been growing at an annual rate of 15% in India since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have stated that they have visited a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant. There is a rising interest among 61% of global travelers in delving into the origins of a destination's most popular dishes. According to reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com.
What are travelers looking for in terms of culinary experiences? This includes traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive dining experiences, as well as region-specific favorites such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic cuisine in Japan, wine specialties in Italy, and renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, among others.
