Anyone else guilty of planning travel itineraries around meals?! Louisa from Living Lou is sharing some of her tips for getting to know a city through its food. While I think heading to restaurants is always fun– especially if its one a local friend has recommended, there are more ways to eat your way through a new city. Restaurants are nice, but it might not be an authentic meal! Louisa’s tips have me craving a trip to somewhere new!
How to Eat Your Way Through a New City
Guest Post by Louisa from Living Lou
Guest Post by Louisa from Living Lou
One of my favorite things to do, like so many people, is to travel. There is something magical about exploring a new city and having new experiences. Last summer I traveled around Europe with my sister, recently I was in Banff, Alberta and right now, I’m writing this from the beautiful island of Kefalonia in the Ionian sea in Greece where I’ve been spending my summers ever since I was three with my family (check out my Instagram for lots of travels pics). I think traveling is one of the best experiences anyone can have, especially when you’re young, and it’s definitely doable on a budget.
If you’re still saving up to travel (because let’s face it, who isn’t these days) I think that exploring any city (even the one you’ve been living in for years) is similar. The same can be said for moving across the country, or just down the street to a new neighborhood or a new college town or campus (not that they are known for their food). Here are five tips for getting to know a new place through food.
Find the local farmer’s market
Exploring the farmer’s market in a new city is one of my favorite things to do. I recommend finding one that is closest to you and then try to stop by early in the morning (when all the best produce is available). You might find some new-to-you ingredients and buying food and cooking is a great way to save money.
Talk to the locals
Befriend locals or ask your neighbors about their favorite spots. Often, they will point out some local haunts you wouldn’t otherwise have known. You never know, they might even offer to take you around and show you the city.
Research their iconic dishes
Each city and country has at least one dish they are well known for. Take some time to research what that city is known for and then seek it out. When I was in Berlin, I went specifically to find currywurst from this hole in the wall spot, if you’re heading to Montreal you have to have Montreal bagels and of course, smoked meat and if you’re visiting Greece find the best gyros and feta (check out my eggplant salad and Greek salad for a taste of authentic Greek cuisine).
Splurge on one meal
I always find if I’m traveling or visiting a new spot, I try to be budget conscious and eat breakfast with produce from the market or grocery store and have snacks like nuts and granola bars ready at all times. That leaves a little extra room in my budget to splurge on one dinner at a restaurant of my choosing, this was a great way to make memories and enjoy the local cuisine.
xoxo
I am such a foodie! Definitely bookmarking this post 🙂
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
My friend studying in St Louis visited me and my friend in Philly over spring break. Unfortunately, the two of us based in Philly didn't manage to do as much exploring as we had hoped, so planning an itinerary for our friend in St Louis was a bit of a struggle. We 100% based our plans off of meals haha 😛 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
Gardening is my favorite hobby and they way you describe about it like superb.
Its also good idea to take care of neighbors and grow something what they like.
I always find if I’m traveling or visiting a new spot, I try to be budget conscious and eat breakfast with produce from the market or grocery store and have snacks like nuts and granola bars ready at all times.
I'm a frequent traveler and I couldn't agree more with these tips. It makes me so sad when I see people in incredible cities with amazing local food eating at chain restaurants. I love getting the chance to explore local cuisine and I hope your post inspires more people to do the same! xx
http://dreamingindubai.blogspot.ae/
What a great post! I love to travel myself and one of the best things about exploring a new city is definitely sampling their native dishes. Loved your tips, especially about heading to their farmer's market and seeking out a city's signature dish. Thanks for sharing 🙂
xoxo Nicole
http://www.brazenbrunette.com
Eating the local food of a city is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. I agree that splurging on one nice meal is well worth it!!
-Nicole
Meet Me in Midtown
What wonderful tips!