I have always believed that good food and dining involve taking risks and embarking on culinary adventures. In 2024, the trend of culinary tourism has gained momentum, prompting Indian travelers to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain by intertwining food and travel experiences. From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary encounters, culinary tourism aims to tantalize the taste buds of travelers. Let's explore why combining food and travel should be a priority for the upcoming festive season. An overwhelming 82% of Indian travelers enjoy trying new or local dishes when they travel. Food plays a crucial role in understanding a place's essence, as highlighted by Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, who values the communal and cultural aspects of partaking in local cuisine. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, reminisces about her flavor-filled journey in Tuscany and memorable culinary experiences in Uzbekistan. Additionally, 51.3% of respondents have deliberately journeyed to countries renowned for their culinary offerings. Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur, shared her food-centric expedition across various Southeast Asian countries, encompassing everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether driven by a desire to explore, indulge in authentic dishes, allocate a food-focused budget, or simply satisfy their innate curiosity, travelers are increasingly embracing the fusion of food and travel experiences.Appealing to the food enthusiasts, culinary travel destinations are gaining popularity among Indian travelers. About 24% of travelers are keen on visiting countries like Italy and Japan, not only to experience cultural food rituals like aperitivo and chanoyu but also to delve into the unique food philosophies of these regions. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, shared his desire to explore Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned culinary scenes. Grilled freshwater eel in Japan is a must-try dish, and 47% of travelers create lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their journeys.

With the proliferation of food-related content on social media and OTT platforms, as well as easy access to global restaurant information, travelers are meticulously planning their dining experiences while abroad. Elina emphasized the importance of researching a country's culinary specialties beforehand and even creates detailed Excel sheets outlining her dining plans.

Moreover, 55% of travelers express interest in taking part in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes firsthand. These immersive workshops, guided by culinary experts and enriched with historical and cultural insights, provide a deeper understanding of a destination's food culture. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, shared her rewarding experience of participating in such a workshop that involved exploring a local market, cooking, and enjoying the meal with fellow food enthusiasts.

The top international culinary destinations sought after by travelers include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic favorites include Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries are among the destinations high on travelers' lists for upcoming holidays, as per data from a Times of India Supplement poll.As per the results of a survey by a Times of India Supplement, cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have seen significant growth in culinary tourism. Statistics show a 15% increase annually in culinary tourism in India since 2019. Furthermore, 59% of Indian travelers have stated that they have specifically visited a destination to dine at a particular restaurant. On a global scale, 61% of travelers are showing more interest than ever in exploring the origins of the "must-eat" dishes of a destination. This information has been sourced from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com. Travelers are currently seeking traditional or ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, and popular region-specific delicacies such as kebabs in Lucknow, steaks in London, eclectic food in Japan, wine in Italy, and signature dishes from renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.