"I have always believed that good food and good eating involve taking risks. Food, to me, has always been an exciting adventure. With culinary tourism gaining momentum in 2024, are Indian travelers embracing Anthony Bourdain's philosophy and embarking on journeys that combine food and travel? From specific food destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the trend of culinary tourism aims to tantalize the palates of travelers. Let's explore why incorporating food and travel into your plans for the upcoming festive season is essential. A significant 82% of Indian travelers enjoy discovering new and local cuisines during their journeys. "To me, the essence of a place is encapsulated in its food. Whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry prepared by a local in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish with pineapple and Pad Thai at Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, delving into local culinary delights provides a deeper understanding of a destination," explained Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exploration goes beyond just food; it fosters community engagement, cultural understanding, and appreciation for culinary traditions, local produce, and customs. "My experience in Tuscany was a flavorful journey through the simplest ingredients. The way a basic bread transforms with a drizzle of olive oil... and the local wine was exceptional. However, the taste of Uzbek cuisine, particularly their Plov, remains etched in my memory," shared Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. Notably, 51.3% of travelers have specifically chosen destinations renowned for their culinary offerings. "I once embarked on a culinary adventure across various Southeast Asian countries primarily for their food. From sampling street food carts to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, I dedicated a portion of my travel budget exclusively for this gastronomic exploration," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether it's the desire to delve into authentic dishes, experience culinary origins firsthand, allocate resources for indulgence, or simply satisfy the inherent urge to explore, incorporating food into travel experiences adds a delightful dimension to one's journeys."For the food enthusiasts, culinary travel destinations are gaining popularity among Indian travelers. Around 24% of travelers plan to visit countries like Italy and Japan to explore concepts such as aperitivo and chanoyu while immersing themselves in the region's food culture. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding agency, expressed interest in visiting Thailand, Italy, and London for their diverse food experiences and unique culinary offerings.

Many travelers, influenced by food content on social media and OTT platforms, create lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on their trips. Some even go as far as taking culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes, opting for immersive experiences that include visits to local markets and hands-on cooking sessions led by experts.

According to a poll by Times of India Supplement, top international culinary destinations include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, while domestic hotspots comprise Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers are looking forward to exploring upcoming holiday destinations such as South Korea, Italy, and various Middle Eastern countries.According to a recent survey by a Times of India Supplement, culinary tourism is on the rise in India, with a 15% annual growth since 2019. Additionally, 59% of Indian travelers have visited a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant. Globally, there is a growing interest among travelers in understanding the origins of a destination's signature dishes, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com.

What are travelers seeking in terms of culinary experiences? This includes traditional and ethnic dishes, sampling local street food, and participating in immersive culinary experiences. Popular regional delicacies such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, diverse food options in countries like Japan, iconic specialties like wine in Italy, and renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are among the experiences that travelers are craving.