"I have always believed that good food and dining involve taking risks and experiencing adventures. As the year 2024 shines a light on culinary tourism, are Indian travelers embodying Anthony Bourdain's philosophy by embarking on culinary adventures that combine food and travel? From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the culinary tourism trend aims to tantalize the palates of travelers. Let's explore why combining food and travel should be part of your plans for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new or local cuisines during their journeys. According to Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, the essence of a place can be found in its food. Whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish dishes in Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, experiencing local cuisine provides insights into a destination's culture, traditions, and way of life. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, reminisces about how exploring Tuscany introduced her to a variety of flavors, including the magic of simple ingredients like bread and olive oil, along with excellent local wines. Uzbek cuisine, especially their Plov, left a lasting impression on her. 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine. Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur, shares her experience of traveling across Southeast Asian countries primarily for their food, from sampling street food to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. By setting aside a portion of her budget for culinary experiences, she satisfied her desire to explore and taste authentic dishes at their place of origin."With the rise of the food enthusiast trend, culinary travel destinations are gaining popularity among Indian tourists. Approximately 24% of travelers are interested in visiting countries like Italy and Japan, where they can immerse themselves in experiences such as aperitivo and chanoyu, while also understanding the region's food culture. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, mentioned that Thailand, Italy, and London are among the destinations he is considering for his next trips, with Thailand being known for its exceptional food scene and London offering unique culinary experiences.
Furthermore, the survey shows that nearly half of travelers (47%) create lists of restaurants they want to try before heading to a destination. Social media, over-the-top platforms, and the availability of extensive databases of restaurants have enabled travelers to explore must-visit dining spots while on their journeys. Planning ahead, some travelers like Elina prefer to organize detailed lists, including local specialties, before embarking on their culinary adventures.
Moreover, over half of the respondents (55%) expressed interest in participating in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes themselves. These workshops offer a hands-on experience led by experts, blending cooking techniques with historical and cultural insights. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, shared her immersive workshop experience that involved visiting a local market, preparing a dish, and enjoying the meal, highlighting the authenticity of the culinary journey.
The survey results based on a poll from a Times of India supplement reveal that top international culinary destinations include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while popular domestic choices consist of Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers are also eyeing upcoming holidays to South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries as their next culinary exploration spots.According to a poll conducted by a Times of India Supplement, cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata are becoming popular destinations for culinary tourism in India. Statistics show a significant 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in the country since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have reported visiting a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant, while 61% of global travelers are now more interested in learning about the origins of a destination’s signature dishes.
Notably, travelers are seeking traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food experiences, and immersive culinary experiences. Additionally, popular regional specialties such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic food in Japan, wine in Italy, and renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are in high demand among food enthusiasts.
