Travelling is without a doubt one of life’s greatest adventures, as deckhand and culinary enthusiast Oliver Mills-Nanyn can attest. Experiencing a different culture can be invaluable, shaping new perspectives and allowing people to learn about the customs and traditions of other countries.
Food can form a crucial and exciting part of a traveller’s experience. Eating locally produced food can be a wonderful change for the palate and also provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture and history of the local area.
Unlocking History
The diverse food of different countries and specific regions can demonstrate the unique journey of its people. Local cuisine reflects the challenges and opportunities experienced by citizens in a variety of ways, from Italy’s penchant for seafood borne from its history as a maritime republic to countries such as Austria where citizens sustain themselves through harsh winters with hearty, meat-based dishes.
The embedded PDF takes a closer look at speciality dishes from around the world.
Discovering new dishes isn’t necessarily just about the ingredients; it can also involve experiencing new ways of cooking and serving familiar dishes. These intriguing methods of elevating common ingredients can then be taken home and shared with friends and family.
Ways to Embrace Local Cuisine While Travelling
There are many ways to combine a passion for food with travelling. For those staying off the beaten path, connecting with the locals and observing their practices can be a valuable introduction to a region’s culinary traditions. Similarly, there may be cooking workshops and experiences for travellers to sign up to.
Travellers staying in one location for an extended period of time may wish to consider taking on part-time work in a local café or restaurant. This is an excellent way to fund further adventures and can also be tremendously useful in picking up hints and tips for crafting local dishes.
Even if there is some trepidation about trying regional delicacies, it’s important to be open-minded. Those who feel nervous about eating dishes that don’t immediately appeal may even find themselves surprised at the results!
Food Brings People Together
Whether at home or abroad, sharing a meal can bring people together and forge rewarding connections. Travellers dining with local residents can learn much about traditional methods of cooking and the history behind them. Furthermore, these experiences can be excellent for solo travellers.
