"I have always believed that good food and dining are about taking risks. Food has always been an adventure for me." In 2024, culinary tourism is a popular trend, with Indian travelers embracing the concept of combining food and travel in the spirit of Anthony Bourdain's words. From food-centric destinations to immersive culinary experiences, culinary tourism aims to tantalize the tastes of travelers. Let's explore why incorporating food and travel into your plans for the upcoming festive season is essential. 82% of Indian travelers enjoy sampling new and local cuisines during their journeys. "To me, the heart of a destination lies in its food. Whether savoring a spicy Tisrya stir-fry in the Konkan region or indulging in Thai-style fish with pineapple and Pad Thai at Thailand’s Amphawa Floating Market, tasting local dishes provides a deeper understanding of a place," shared Priya Ganguly, a graphic designer. This culinary exchange goes beyond food, fostering community engagement and cultural understanding by exploring culinary traditions, lifestyles, local ingredients, and customs. "Exploring Tuscany was a flavorful journey through simple pleasures. A plain loaf of bread paired with olive oil created magic, and the local wines were outstanding. However, the cuisine of Uzbekistan, especially their Plov, left a lasting impression," noted Elina Mukherjee, an associate creative director. Additionally, 51.3% of individuals have traveled to countries renowned for their cuisine. "I embarked on a trip across several Southeast Asian countries primarily for their food. I made sure to include street food carts and Michelin-starred restaurants on my itinerary, allocating a part of my budget for this culinary journey," explained Divya Gupta, an entrepreneur. Whether driven by a desire to explore, taste dishes in their place of origin, allocate resources for gastronomic experiences, or satisfy an inherent craving, the combination of food and travel offers a multifaceted and enriching adventure.The idea of exploring culinary hotspots is gaining popularity among Indian travelers. About 24% of travelers are considering visiting countries like Italy and Japan to experience not only unique dining concepts such as aperitivo or chanoyu but also to immerse themselves in the food culture of the region. Arshdeep Singh, the founder of a branding and design agency, expressed interest in exploring places like Thailand, Italy, and London for their renowned cuisine offerings.
Social media, OTT platforms, and the availability of extensive restaurant databases are influencing travelers to create lists of must-visit restaurants before their trips. Elina mentioned her practice of meticulously planning her food experiences in advance, including researching the culinary specialties of a destination.
Furthermore, 55% of travelers are keen on attending culinary workshops to learn how to prepare local dishes hands-on. These workshops provide a comprehensive cooking experience guided by experts, often accompanied by interesting historical and cultural insights. Shrestha Saha, a corporate communications professional, shared her enriching workshop experience starting from a local market visit to cooking and enjoying the prepared meal.
The survey revealed top international destinations including Thailand, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and New York, whereas popular domestic destinations were Delhi, Goa, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Travelers have South Korea, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries on their radar for their upcoming holidays.According to a poll from a Times of India Supplement, the cities of Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata were highlighted. Statistical data indicates a 15% annual growth in culinary tourism in India since 2019. It is noted that 59% of Indian travelers have traveled to specific destinations solely for dining purposes. Furthermore, there is an increased global interest in discovering the origins of a destination's famed dishes, with 61% of travelers expressing this desire. Insights from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Skyscanner, and Booking.com shed light on these trends.
When it comes to travelers' preferences, they are seeking traditional and ethnic dishes, local street food, and immersive culinary experiences. Regional specialties such as steaks in London, kebabs in Lucknow, eclectic cuisine in Japan, wine in Italy, and renowned chef-owned restaurants like Pujol by Enrique Olvera and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are particularly sought after.
