For many people, the best part of traveling is getting to experience the cuisine of a location in an authentic way, tasting new dishes made with ingredients that they may not have access to at home. For others, however, leaving their culinary comforts is more scary than exciting, especially when the destination’s cuisine is vastly different than anything they’re familiar with. If you love to travel but consider yourself to be a picky eater, read on for a few tips to help get you through.
Do Your Research
Before you arrive at your destination, take some time to research the local cuisine. Look for restaurants that offer a variety of dishes until you find ones with options that align with your taste preferences. You’re probably not the first person with a particular palate to visit the place, so utilize websites and travel forums to see if you can find recommendations from other travelers who share your tastes.
Seek Out Staples While Staying Flexible
While there’s certainly value in venturing out of your comfort zone, it’s also perfectly fine to seek out what’s familiar to you. You may not be able to find everything you like exactly as you like it, but there’s a decent chance you’ll be able to locate certain staples— just with a local twist. For example, pizza is available pretty much all over the world, though there may be small variations in the type of cheese used or how the sauce is prepared.
Learn Key Phrases
Learning a few phrases in the local language can go a long way in terms of making sure your dining experiences are enjoyable. Simple phrases like “not spicy,” “vegetarian,” or “allergic to…” will help you communicate your dietary preferences and restrictions effectively and make it easier for you to find satisfying meals.