For a long time, I have believed that the essence of good food and dining lies in taking risks. Food has always been an adventure for me. In the year 2024, culinary tourism has gained significance as Indian travelers seem to resonate with Anthony Bourdain's perspective on combining food and travel experiences. From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary adventures, the trend of culinary tourism aims to tantalize the taste buds of travelers. Let's delve into the reasons why incorporating food and travel into your plans for the upcoming festive season is essential. A significant 82% of Indian travelers enjoy exploring new or local cuisines while traveling. "To me, the soul of a place is woven into its cuisine. Whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry prepared by a local in the Konkan region or relishing a meal of Thai-style fish paired with pineapple and Pad Thai at Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, one truly gets to understand a destination by indulging in its local delicacies," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange not only revolves around food but also fosters community ties and cultural immersion, offering insights into culinary traditions, lifestyle, indigenous produce, and customs. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, reminisced on her flavor-filled journey in Tuscany where she found magic in the simplicity of basic ingredients. She praised the local wine and also couldn't forget the delectable Uzbek cuisine, especially their Plov. Furthermore, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their culinary offerings. "I embarked on a culinary expedition across various Southeast Asian countries primarily for the food. My itinerary included sampling dishes from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants. I allocated a specific portion of my budget solely for this gastronomic exploration," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by the desire to discover, taste authentic dishes, allocate resources, or nurture an inherent craving for culinary experiences, traveling for food holds a special allure for many adventurous souls.Capturing the attention of food enthusiasts, culinary vacation destinations are gaining popularity among Indian travelers. Approximately 24% of travelers are considering visiting countries like Italy and Japan to explore the culinary culture, such as aperitivo and chanoyu, and grasp the essence of the region's food philosophy. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, expressed interest in visiting Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned food scenes. A substantial 47% of travelers compile lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their journeys.

The proliferation of food-related content on various platforms, coupled with access to a vast database of global eateries, has empowered travelers to systematically explore and savor must-try dining experiences during their trips. Elina highlighted her meticulous approach of creating Excel sheets outlining culinary specialties of different countries prior to her travels. A notable 55% of respondents expressed willingness to participate in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes, underscoring a deeper engagement with culinary traditions.

For those seeking an immersive culinary experience, workshops like the one at Blue Elephant in Thailand provide an opportunity to delve into the cooking process guided by experts while delving into historical and cultural narratives. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, shared her enriching experience beginning with a local market visit, followed by hands-on cooking and communal dining.

The survey findings from a Times of India Supplement poll revealed the top international destinations favored by travelers, including Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, as well as the preferred domestic locations such as Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. On the upcoming travel itineraries of many are destinations like South Korea, Italy, and countries from the Middle East.According to a poll conducted by a Times of India Supplement, cities such as Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have seen an annual growth of 15% in culinary tourism in India since 2019. Furthermore, the poll revealed that 59% of Indian travelers have visited a destination for the sole purpose of dining at a specific restaurant, while 61% of global travelers are more interested in learning about the origins of a destination's "must-eat" dishes than ever before, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com. Travelers are particularly interested in traditional or ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, and region-specific delicacies such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic food in countries like Japan, wine in Italy, and renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.