"I have always believed that good food and good eating involve taking risks. Food has always been an adventure for me." In 2024, culinary tourism has been a popular choice, prompting Indian travelers to follow Anthony Bourdain's words and embark on a journey that combines food and travel. From food-specific destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the culinary tourism trend aims to satisfy the cravings of travelers. Discover why food and travel should be on your agenda for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy exploring new or local cuisines during their travels. "To me, the true essence of a place lies in its food. Trying dishes like spicy Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or enjoying Thai-style fish with pineapple and Pad Thai in Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market allows you to truly connect with a place," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This cultural exchange goes beyond food, fostering community engagement and providing insight into culinary traditions, local lifestyles, produce, and customs. "Exploring Tuscany was a flavorful journey with simple yet magical dishes. The local wine was exceptional too. However, Uzbek food left a lasting impression on me, especially their Plov," mentioned Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. 51.3% of participants have traveled to countries renowned for their cuisine. "I specifically visited various Southeast Asian countries primarily for their food. I sampled dishes from street carts to Michelin-starred restaurants, allocating part of my budget for this culinary adventure," explained Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by a curiosity to taste dishes at their place of origin, a desire to explore, the financial means to indulge, or an innate need to satisfy their culinary cravings, travelers are increasingly seeking culinary experiences as part of their journeys.Embracing their inner food enthusiast, culinary destinations are a top choice for Indian travelers. Approximately 24% of travelers are interested in visiting countries like Italy and Japan to not only experience aperitivo and chanoyu but also to explore the food philosophy of the region. Arshdeep Singh, founder of a branding and design agency, expressed his excitement over upcoming trips to Thailand, Italy, and London, noting the popularity of Thailand for its cuisine and the diverse culinary scene in London.

In Japan, grilled freshwater Unagi is a must-try dish. Many travelers, around 47%, create lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their journey. With the influence of food content on social media and OTT platforms, more travelers are discovering new dining spots through global restaurant databases. Elina, a traveler, shared her approach of creating detailed Excel sheets listing culinary specialties and dining options before traveling.

The trend of taking culinary workshops is also on the rise, with 55% of respondents expressing interest in trying their hand at preparing local dishes. These immersive workshops offer participants a deep dive into cooking alongside experts while learning about the historical and cultural significance of the cuisine. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, highlighted her experience in Thailand, where the workshop began with a visit to a local market, followed by cooking and enjoying a meal sourced from the market.

The survey, conducted by a Times of India Supplement, revealed top international destinations such as Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, and top domestic destinations like Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers are looking forward to exploring South Korea, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries on their upcoming holidays.Based on the findings of a poll conducted by Times of India Supplement in cities such as Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata, the following interesting trends have been observed in culinary tourism in India:

- Culinary tourism has seen a significant 15% annual growth in the country since 2019.

- 59% of Indian travelers reported visiting a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant.

- 61% of global travelers are showing a growing interest in learning about the origins of a destination's signature dishes.

According to reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com, travelers are seeking:

- Traditional and ethnic cuisine, local street food, and immersive culinary experiences.

- Region-specific dishes like steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, diverse food in Japan, wine in Italy, and establishments by renowned chefs such as Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.