"I always believed that the essence of good food and eating lies in taking risks. Food has always been an exciting adventure for me." While 2024 has embraced culinary tourism, are Indian travelers following Anthony Bourdain's lead and embarking on food and travel adventures? From food-focused destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the trend of culinary tourism aims to tantalize the taste buds of travelers. Let's delve into why combining food and travel should be on your agenda for the upcoming festive season. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new and local cuisines when they travel. "To me, the heart of a place is found in its food. Whether savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry prepared by a local in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish and Pad Thai at Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, you truly understand a place by sampling local dishes," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange goes beyond food, fostering community and cultural connections, offering insights into culinary traditions, lifestyles, local ingredients, and customs. "Tuscany was a flavor-rich journey with simple pleasures, like the magic of dipping bread in olive oil... the local wines were exceptional. However, Uzbek cuisine left a lasting impression, especially their Plov," recalled Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine. "I traveled across various Southeast Asian countries primarily for their food. My itinerary included street vendors and Michelin-starred restaurants, with a portion of my budget dedicated to this culinary exploration," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by curiosity, the quest for authentic flavors, financial flexibility, or an inherent desire to satisfy their palate, travelers are increasingly immersing themselves in the culinary delights of their destinations.Appealing to food enthusiasts, culinary tourism destinations have caught the interest of Indian travelers. Around 24% of travelers are planning trips to countries like Italy and Japan to explore the cultural nuances of aperitivo and chanoyu while delving into the region's gastronomic philosophy. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, shared his excitement about visiting Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned food scenes. Social media, OTT platforms, and global restaurant databases have empowered travelers to create detailed lists of top dining spots to visit while abroad. Additionally, 55% of respondents expressed interest in participating in culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes hands-on. These workshops not only involve cooking but also provide historical and cultural insights into the cuisine. The top international destinations on travelers' wish lists 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 slated as upcoming holiday destinations for many travelers according to a survey conducted by a Times of India Supplement.According to a poll by a Times of India Supplement, cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata are trending destinations for culinary tourism in India. The data shows a significant 15% yearly growth in this sector since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have reportedly traveled to a destination specifically to dine at a specific restaurant. Furthermore, there is a growing interest among 61% of global travelers in understanding the background of must-try local delicacies in the places they visit, as revealed by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com.

Travelers are seeking a variety of culinary experiences, including traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food, and region-specific specialties such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, and eclectic food in countries like Japan. Other popular choices include wine in Italy, renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera, and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.