I have always believed that good food and dining involve an element of risk. For me, food has always been an exciting adventure. As we approach the year 2024, with a focus on culinary tourism, are Indian travelers embracing Anthony Bourdain's philosophy and embarking on journeys that blend food and travel? From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary experiences, the culinary tourism trend aims to excite the taste buds of travelers. Discover why incorporating food and travel into your plans for the upcoming festive season is essential.
A significant 82% of Indian travelers enjoy exploring new and local cuisines during their journeys. "To me, the heart of a place is found in its culinary offerings. Whether it's savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry prepared by a local in the Konkan region or relishing Thai-style fish with pineapple and Pad Thai in Thailand's Amphawa Floating Market, experiencing local cuisine allows you to truly understand a destination," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange extends beyond food, fostering community and cultural engagement and providing insights into culinary traditions, lifestyles, local ingredients, and customs. "Tuscany was a journey of flavors with the simplest of things. For instance, witnessing how a basic bread transforms with just olive oil... their local wine was exceptional too. However, Uzbek cuisine left a lasting impression, particularly their Plov," expressed Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director.
A noteworthy 51.3% of individuals have specifically traveled to countries renowned for their cuisine. "I took a trip across various South East Asian nations primarily for their food. My itinerary included street food vendors as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. I allocated a portion of my budget solely for this culinary exploration," shared Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by a desire to explore, taste authentic dishes, allocate resources, or satisfy an intrinsic craving, the lure of culinary experiences continues to captivate travelers.Expressing the foodie spirit, culinary escapes are a top consideration for Indian travelers. Approximately 24% are planning trips to countries like Italy and Japan, not just to experience aperitivo or chanoyu but also to delve into the local food philosophy. "Thailand, Italy, and London are next on my travel list. Thailand is renowned for its cuisine, while London offers great coffee and fascinating food adventures," shared Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency.
In Japan, grilled freshwater unagi (eel) is a must-try dish. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) compile lists of restaurants to visit before embarking on a trip. Social media, OTT platforms, and wider access to global restaurant recommendations enable travelers to explore must-visit dining spots during their journeys. Elina shared her method of creating Excel lists detailing culinary specialties of each destination before traveling.
A culinary workshop at Blue Elephant in Thailand entices 55% of respondents to attempt cooking a local dish hands-on. These workshops provide immersive experiences with expert guidance, culinary insights, and cultural anecdotes deeply intertwined with the cooking process. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, highlighted her enriching workshop experience starting from a local market visit to cooking and savoring the dish.
According to a Times of India Supplement poll, top international destinations for culinary exploration include Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York. Domestically, Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata are popular choices. Travelers have their sights set on upcoming holidays in South Korea, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries.Based on a Times of India Supplement poll, the cities of Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata emerged as popular culinary destinations. The results also showed a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019. Additionally, it was noted that 59% of Indian travelers have visited a destination specifically for dining 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 the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com, travelers are seeking traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food, immersive culinary experiences, and region-specific delicacies such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic food in Japan, wine in Italy, and renowned chef-driven restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.
