I have always believed that good food and dining involve taking risks and embarking on an adventure. As culinary tourism gains popularity in 2024, are Indian travelers following in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain by combining food and travel to explore new destinations and experiences? From food-specific locations to immersive culinary journeys, culinary tourism seeks to tantalize 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, believes that the essence of a place can be found in its food, whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish with pineapple at Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, experiencing local dishes provides insights into cultures and traditions. Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director, recounts memorable culinary experiences in Tuscany and Uzbekistan. Additionally, 51.3% of travelers have specifically visited countries renowned for their cuisine, like Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur who dedicated a portion of her travel budget to exploring a variety of dining options, from street carts to Michelin-starred restaurants.In the minds of Indian travelers, the appeal of culinary getaways is growing. Around 24% of travelers are planning trips to countries such as Italy and Japan, where they can explore unique dining experiences like aperitivo and chanoyu while gaining insight into the local food culture. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, mentioned his interest in Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned food scenes. Some travelers, like Elina, meticulously plan their culinary adventures by researching and creating lists of must-try dishes before their trips.
Social media and streaming platforms have made it easier for travelers to discover popular restaurants and food trends globally, leading to a rise in pre-trip restaurant lists among 47% of respondents. Additionally, 55% of travelers expressed interest in taking culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes hands-on, immersing themselves in the cooking process alongside experts and fellow food enthusiasts. One such participant, Shrestha Saha, shared her enriching experience of a culinary workshop that included a visit to a local market and cooking session, highlighting the value of authentic and engaging culinary experiences.
According to a Times of India Supplement poll, the top international destinations favored by travelers include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while popular domestic destinations include Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Emerging destinations like South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries are on the radar for many travelers planning their upcoming holidays.According to a recent survey conducted by a Times of India Supplement, it was found that cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata are popular culinary destinations in India. The survey also showed a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers reported visiting a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant, while 61% of global travelers are more interested than ever in learning about the origins of a destination's popular dishes.
What kind of culinary experiences are travelers seeking? This includes traditional or ethnic dishes, sampling local street food, and immersive food experiences. Travelers are also interested in trying region-specific dishes such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, and eclectic cuisines in countries like Japan. Specialties like wine in Italy and popular chef-driven restaurants such as Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are also favored by travelers.
