I have always believed that good food and eating involve an element of risk and adventure. In 2024, culinary tourism has been in the spotlight, with Indian travelers embracing the idea of combining food and travel for an unforgettable experience. From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the rising trend of culinary tourism aims to excite the palates of travelers. Discover why prioritizing food and travel should be part of your plans for the upcoming festive season. An impressive 82% of Indian travelers enjoy indulging in new and local cuisines while exploring new places. Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer, emphasized the importance of food in understanding a place, citing examples like trying Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or enjoying Thai-style dishes in Thailand. This culinary exploration not only involves trying different foods but also facilitates community engagement and a deeper understanding of local traditions and customs. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, shared her unforgettable experiences with food in Tuscany and Uzbekistan. Additionally, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries known for their gastronomic offerings. Entrepreneurs like Divya Gupta allocate a portion of their travel budget to exploring diverse culinary experiences, whether from street vendors or Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether driven by curiosity, the desire to taste authentic dishes, financial flexibility, or an inherent passion for satisfaction, travelers are increasingly incorporating food exploration into their travel itineraries.Appealing to the food enthusiasts within, culinary travel destinations are gaining popularity among Indian tourists. Around 24% of travelers have expressed interest in visiting countries like Italy and Japan, where they can not only explore unique dining concepts like aperitivo and chanoyu but also gain insight into the region's culinary culture. "Thailand, Italy, and London are top of mind for my next trips. Thailand is praised for its culinary scene, while London offers great coffee and diverse food experiences," shared Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency.

In Japan, must-try dishes like grilled freshwater Unagi are attracting food lovers. An increasing number of travelers, accounting for 47%, now create restaurant lists before embarking on their journeys, inspired by food-related content on social media platforms and streaming services.

Moreover, 55% of respondents are willing to participate in culinary workshops during their travels to experience cooking local dishes firsthand. These immersive workshops, led by experts and enriched with historical and cultural insights, allow participants to delve deeper into the culinary traditions of a destination. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, shared her fulfilling experience of attending such a workshop that involved a visit to a local market, cooking, and savoring the prepared dish.

According to a poll featured in a Times of India supplement, top international culinary destinations include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while popular domestic food havens consist of Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers have also expressed interest in upcoming holidays to destinations such as South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries.According to a recent poll by a Times of India Supplement, cities such as Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata have seen a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019. Furthermore, 59% of Indian travelers have stated that they have visited 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 must-try delicacies than ever before, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com.

Travelers today are particularly interested in various culinary experiences, including traditional or ethnic dishes, sampling local street food, and exploring popular region-specific specialties such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic food in countries like Japan, and wine in Italy. Additionally, they are drawn to unique dining experiences offered by renowned restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.