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 prominent trend, with Indian travelers embracing the idea of combining food and travel for an enriching experience. From food-specific destinations to immersive culinary experiences, this trend aims to excite the taste buds of travelers. Discover why food and travel should be on your agenda for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy trying new and local cuisines when they travel. Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, values the essence of a place through its food, showcasing how sharing meals with locals fosters community engagement and cultural understanding. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, recounts memorable culinary experiences from her travels, such as savoring dishes in Tuscany and Uzbekistan. Additionally, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries known for their cuisine, like Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur, who dedicated part of her budget to exploring diverse dining experiences across Southeast Asia.The desire for culinary experiences is top of mind for Indian travelers, with 24% expressing interest in visiting countries like Italy and Japan to explore regional food cultures. For many, the appeal lies in experiencing traditions such as aperitivo in Italy and chanoyu in Japan, and understanding the unique food philosophies of each region. Social media and content platforms have heightened awareness of global dining options, resulting in 47% of travelers creating lists of restaurants to visit prior to their trips. Additionally, 55% express interest in participating in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes firsthand. These immersive experiences involve cooking alongside experts, delving into historical and cultural aspects of the cuisine. Top international destinations for culinary travel include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic choices like Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata remain popular. Future travel plans for many include visits to South Korea, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries.According to a poll featured in a Times of India Supplement, cities such as Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have been popular destinations for culinary tourism. Recent data reveals a 15% annual growth in this sector in India since 2019. In addition, 59% of Indian travelers have indicated that they traveled to specific destinations primarily to dine at particular restaurants. Moreover, there has been a growing interest among 61% of global travelers to discover the origins of a destination's signature dishes. Insights from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com shed light on these trends.

Regarding the types of culinary experiences sought by travelers, there is a significant demand for traditional and ethnic cuisines, local street food, and immersive dining experiences. Travelers are also keen on exploring popular regional dishes such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, diverse food options in countries like Japan, wine specialties in Italy, and well-known chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, among others.