Going on holiday is always an adventure, even if you’re treading familiar ground at a favourite beachside resort, or tearing it up in a city with which you’re already intimately acquainted. To holiday is to open yourself up to new opportunities, even in the ‘same old’ places. But there are many different ways you can approach a getaway, and some can give you new lenses through which to see the world. For instance, have you ever indulged in food tourism before?
This is my argument for you to do just that – to travel tongue-first, and find culinary delight in a travel adventure that favours the bold(-tasting). We are adventurous enough right here at home, as palates continue to broaden; why not let that intrepid taste lead you somewhere thrilling? Discovering a country through its food brings more depth to any trip, and could be the key to an adventure you’ll never forget.
Markets, Mezze And Memory-Making Meals
Food is memory-making stuff. It can be difficult remembering all the amazing views you’ve gazed across, both at home and abroad – and yet, surprisingly easy to recall that incredible platter you ate at a market that one time, or the amazing experience of a Michelin-guide meal you had five years ago. Sense memories are powerful, and an under-utilised tool in making memories that last a lifetime. This is why a holiday led by local food culture can create truly lasting experiences.
Regions That Reward The Curious Eater
OK, so food is a potent source of memory-making potential. But where’s good in the world? A more apt question would be ‘where isn’t?’, given the incredible food histories of pretty much everywhere (yes, even here at home). Still, there are some obvious starting points – like Japan, for its peerless seafood traditions and unbelievable flavour-packed local delectations, whether ramen or curry udon.
For something a little more Mediterranean, you might swerve the pizza-and-pasta conventions of modern Italy and instead holiday in Crete. Cretan food borrows from its neighbours to create something delightfully ‘new’, at least to the English tongue; a stay at Mitsis Rinela in Kokkini Hana puts you 15 minutes from Heraklion, and only ever 15 minutes from the most adventurous Mediterranean menus going.
Food Tours, Cooking Classes And Hidden Gems
It isn’t just local food markets and restaurant experiences that can make for an unforgettable holiday either. In taking food tourism to its natural conclusion, you’ll go beyond the restaurant – to active food and food history experiences. In Japan, you might go to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and try your own hand at making ramen noodles; in Crete, you might visit Kleanthi Olive Farm to learn how olive oil is made, and even join a hands-on workshop.
