"I have always believed that good food and dining involve an element of risk, as food has always been an exciting adventure for me. In 2024, culinary tourism has been gaining popularity, with Indian travelers embracing the idea of combining food and travel experiences. From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary adventures, the trend of culinary tourism aims to satisfy the appetites of travelers. Let's explore why integrating food and travel should be a part of your upcoming festive season plans. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new and local cuisines while traveling. Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, believes that the essence of a place can truly be experienced through its food, such as indulging in a Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or savoring Thai-style fish and Pad Thai in Thailand’s Amphawa Floating Market. This culinary exchange extends beyond food to include community engagement, cultural understanding, culinary traditions, local lifestyles, produce, and customs. According to Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, her journey to Tuscany was a flavorful experience with simple yet magical dishes, including bread with olive oil and excellent local wine. She also recalls the unforgettable taste of Uzbek cuisine, particularly their Plov. Furthermore, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine. Entrepreneur Divya Gupta shared her experience of exploring South East Asian countries primarily for their food, from sampling street food carts to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. She allocated a portion of her budget exclusively for this gastronomic adventure, driven by a desire to discover, taste authentic dishes, and satiate her culinary curiosity."Embracing their inner food enthusiasts, culinary getaways have become a popular choice for Indian travelers. Around 24% of travelers are planning trips to destinations like Italy and Japan, where they can immerse themselves in culinary experiences such as aperitivo and chanoyu, and gain insights into the food culture of the region. Arshdeep Singh, founder of a branding and design agency, shared his excitement about exploring Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned food scenes. Many travelers are now creating lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their journeys, inspired by food content on social media and streaming platforms. Elina, a traveler, meticulously plans her culinary adventures by researching each country's traditional dishes. Additionally, 55% of respondents expressed interest in taking culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local specialties firsthand. These workshops offer a comprehensive experience that includes cooking under expert guidance and learning about the history and culture behind each dish. For some travelers, like corporate communications professional Shrestha Saha, the workshops begin with a visit to a local market and culminate in a shared meal, offering an authentic glimpse into the destination's culinary traditions. The top international destinations on travelers' radars include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic favorites are Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. For their next holidays, many travelers are eyeing destinations like South Korea, Italy, and countries in the Middle East. (Information sourced from a Times of India Supplement poll)Based on the findings of a survey conducted by a Times of India Supplement, cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have emerged as popular culinary destinations. The study also reveals that there has been a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers indicate that they have traveled to a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant, while 61% of global travelers are increasingly interested in learning about the origins of a destination's signature dishes, according to reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com.

Travel enthusiasts are seeking a variety of dining experiences, including traditional or ethnic dishes, local street food, and immersive culinary adventures. There is a growing demand for region-specific specialties such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic cuisine in Japan, wine in Italy, and dining at renowned chef-driven establishments like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.