Would you travel to a country for its food?

UAE influencers speak out

Being a food and travel blogger, I constantly find myself facing the same dilemma - should I travel to a place and explore the culinary delights that are on offer, or immerse myself in the culture and attractions like most tourists? Nowadays, with the assistance of travel aggregation sites and the ease of online booking, it is very easy to fly to a destination just for a gastronomic experience. But is it a good idea? Well, I have visited places such as Spain, Portugal, Poland and London for the sole purpose of visiting their many exciting eateries that are pushing the boundaries when it comes to cuisine.

Food is such an integral part of our lives and it has such a social aspect to it too. By exploring a destination through its food, you can learn about the food habits of locals, the stories behind their traditional recipes, and ingredients that are native to the region. Most importantly, sharing a meal gives you a chance to really interact with the locals and be a part of the place. These are some of the reasons organising my trips around food gives me utmost joy - however, I can understand if others don't relate, because you need to be really passionate about food to plan a whole trip around it.

I think one of the major reasons planning a culinary journey can be daunting is because of the expenses involved. But whether you are excited about trying a Michelin-starred restaurant or the local street food scene, advance planning can make all the difference. Another fun way to experience food in another country is to try and learn to cook the local cuisine, so you can take that knowledge home with you. It's also fun. Either way, try to stick to a budget so that you don't end up with a huge bill.

On one such trip to Singapore I had the chance to try some Michelin-starred food, and, in Hong Kong I savoured some great street food without breaking the bank. No matter where you plan to go (your options are obviously based on proximity), be sure to return with a full stomach and happy heart.


- Sana Chikhalia
Is the food and travel blogger behind www.sana.ae. Be sure to keep up with her journeys on Instagram @sana and on Facebook @sanaonfood
Ever since I can remember, I have walked into restaurants - around the world - and, while ordering, announced several times (loudly, might I add) that, I am a vegetarian. This is often followed by, "Can you make sure there is no fish sauce?" and "Please make sure there's no chicken broth either". Nevertheless, still finding bits of unknown ingredients (not veggies, for sure) floating in my food is common.

Travelling as a vegetarian has its difficult moments - especially if you want an "authentic" gastronomic experience of the place. But it is still travel, an enormous privilege, I remind myself as I pack extra cup noodles and biscuits for a trip. Sure, it sometimes takes away from the pleasure of having the 360-degree experience of a country, but I'd never travel for a cuisine - unless it's to Chandni Chowk in Delhi!

There's so much more to travel than just the cuisine. Food, for me, is never a concern while travelling. It is the visual culture that becomes the determining factor - things I'd get to see, experience and learn about. Places with history intrigue me - so, while there really wasn't much for me to eat in the little town of Wolfgangsee (Austria), there was much to see, much to cherish, and, let's not forget, raindrops on the roses.

Travel for me is an invitation to a new perspective, and what makes me decide to visit country is the weather, the culture, my budget, the cost of the tickets (high in certain seasons, obviously) and recommendations from people I trust. I have chosen countries purely because they had Disneyland (Hong Kong) or the Northern Lights or just endless museums and stunning architectural wonders (Versailles, Russia, Estonia, Prague) -
because that is what is important to me.

There's a surprising upside to being a vegetarian as well. It has actually opened the door to several conversations in broken languages with confused servers and dumbfounded chefs from around the world! And it has never stopped me or my backpack full of cup-noodles and biscuits from travelling.


- Swati Jain
Is the travel lover and blogger behind www.swatiness.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @swatsiie