Looking for a fun activity on your next trip? A food tour may be the perfect choice for you. Read on to find out why we consider food tours to be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences while travelling. 

What is a food tour?

Food tours have become very popular across the world. Food tours generally last 2-4 hours and are normally restricted to small groups (we’ve never had more than 12 people on a tour with us). Generally speaking, your food tour guide will walk you through one or multiple areas of the city, where you will sample different types of food at 3-8 different stops. Many food tours incorporate a mix of local farmers’ markets, food stall vendors, cafes, and restaurants.

Food tours usually provide a large amount of food that can replace two meals in one day.  It is a wonderful gateway to understanding the gastronomy and culture of your location.

Why you should take a food tour

1. Try the local food of your destination

This one seems obvious. Food tours will usually sample foods that are local to that area and specific to the culture. Many tours do an excellent job of combining street food with more traditional “sit-down” type meals, so you can try foods from daily life and special occasions. 

Food tours also encourage you to try foods that you might not have otherwise. For example, pierogi are Poland’s most famous dish, but did you know soup is a Polish staple? Things that may seem daunting or weird on restaurant menus become accessible and delicious when a guide is able to explain the ingredients, preparation, and cultural significance. 

3. Sightsee (with snacks!)

Many food tours are also walking tours with a certified guide. This means that your brain will be as filled with interesting facts and stories as your stomach is with food. 

Food tours can be a great way to see a specific area of a city. For example, New York’s Greenwich Village or Athens’ Psyrri district are both inextricably linked with the food you can sample there. A food tour allows you to check out an area that has no major sights or is primarily known for its food.

In many ways, local food is a history lesson in itself. Food tour companies like to bring guests where there is history or culture, be it the bakery with the award for best croissant in Paris, or the oldest coffee shop in Rome. Besides, who wouldn’t want to eat amazing food while sightseeing?

4. Experience the food culture as locals do

As a tourist, it can be hard to decide where to eat for the best food and atmosphere. Luckily, the food tour company already knows this and is eager to share it. You will visit some amazing places that may be otherwise hard to find without speaking the local language or knowing the city very well. 

Many food tours also prioritize local and family-run businesses, or businesses with a strong history. This way, you know you aren’t getting caught in any tourist traps and are supporting those historic family businesses (especially since so many closed during the pandemic – we like to support them whenever we can). 

Food tours have the added bonus of a local tour guide. This is a great opportunity to connect with a local and ask your questions about food, politics, history, economics, or anything else you have been dying to learn about your destination. 

On a food tour, you know you are getting an authentic feel and taste of the region. We walk away from food tours feeling satisfied and savvy about one of the most important aspects of culture: food. 

Tips for taking food tours

Now that you’ve decide to take a food tour, read on for our tips on finding and scheduling a food tour into your itinerary.

1. Browse food tour companies online

Many places have multiple companies running food tours. Some companies are purely local and designed specifically for that city, while others offer tours in many different cities across the world. 

We have taken both types (small tour company and multinational tour company) and in general, we prefer the small local companies as they tend to be more supportive of those family-run operations and offer better history. That said, we had a superb tour in Rome using Secret Food Tours, a company that runs tours across the world.

2. Book online in advance

Food tours have limited spaces due to restaurant space and food supply. Some tours only allow 6-8 people on their tours! And believe us, the tours fill up fast and far in advance.

As soon as you have your travel dates and you decide on a tour, book your party online or by email. 

3. Take the food tour early during your stay

We learned this one the hard way. Trust us, you will probably want to go back and eat at some of the restaurants you visit on your food tour. 

Do the tour ideally on the first or second day of your visit to that city, leaving you time afterwards to return for a full meal. Many food tour companies will also send a post-tour email with other recommendations for eating in the area that you might want to try during the remainder of your stay. 

If we could only offer one tip, this is it. Take your food tour as soon as possible once you arrive.

4. Check food tour companies’ website for recommendations

Many food tour companies, especially the small/local companies, have a blog section that contains recommendations for restaurants or updates on new foodie trends in the area. This also applies to local tour companies not involved in food tours, or local city guides. 

Even if you decide not to take a tour, it’s worth it to check out their website for some great ideas and possibly to plan your best meal. 

THE BIG PICTURE

Food is so much more than calories or sustenance. It’s the gateway to a new culture and way of life. Food is history, art, tradition, and culture all wrapped in a delicious package. That’s why taking a food tour is so amazing. 

For more on finding unique activities, read our post on Finding cultural hidden gems on your travels.

Do your travel party a favour and book a food tour for your next trip.