It’s natural to sample the local cuisine every time you travel, but to make that a focus of your trip is a different experience altogether. More so if you’re a traveller eating foreign or French cuisine (also known as อาหารฝรั่งเศส in Thai), for example. Without a doubt, you’ll be thinking about how the food will taste, given it’s prepared in a different country. This is the kind of adventure gastronomic tourism offers.
Choose Your Destination
Just like any type of travel, going on a food trip is all about choosing a destination that will provide you with the best experience. When deciding on a location:
- Make a list of dishes that you want to taste. Even if you specifically choose Thai food, for example, you’ll have a long list of options that you may not be able to enjoy during the duration of your trip. The good news is that the Thailand Foundation has launched the Street Food App that will serve as your guide in narrowing down your options.
- Once you’ve decided on a cuisine, find out which region or city is known for it. With a bit of research, you’ll know a country’s food capital and the local specialities.
- Check out trusted food and travel blogs for additional resources. Take it from people who have had firsthand dining experience.
Plan Your Itinerary
- For a seamless journey, don’t overlook the essentials of travel: knowing the best time to visit, booking accommodation and flights, logistics, and transportation. Taking care of all these will guarantee your safe arrival and departure from your destination.
- Check if reservations are required at any of the dining places you want to visit. Better yet, work with an agency or guide that specialises in food travel if and when available. Of course, you can still take a DIY route, but make sure to research thoroughly.
- Create a schedule that will allow you to save your meals and take breaks in between. You should also pencil in experiences other than food. The best culinary trip should be more than just travelling to eat.
- Create a backup plan in case something goes wrong. The restaurant may be fully booked or even permanently closed. Keep your schedule and itinerary flexible.
Don’t Overlook Safety
You can better appreciate your food trip if you don’t get sick along the way.
- Check for any food issues that have happened at your destination. Find out how these were resolved so you can better protect yourself.
- Only eat foods that have been safely processed and cooked thoroughly.
- Avoid eating raw or lukewarm food. The dishes served should be hot and cold, and not in between.
- Always keep your hands clean and washed.
Learn a Bit of the Local Dining Customs
- For an immersive experience, learn how the locals dine and eat. Not only will this show your respect for the culture, but also spare you from offending anyone.
- Watch food videos and travel shows that showcase the dining etiquette of the destination you picked. These shows will also help you understand what to expect during your food trip.
- Check out the latest food recommendations, so you’ll know what to try first or what to include in your itinerary.
Going on a gastronomic journey is an experience you shouldn’t miss. It’s one thing to visit a destination and another to travel primarily to enjoy the food offering, local, fusion, or international. If you’re craving French food while in Thailand, dine at Novotel Future Park’s Aimée Petit Bistro.