The 12 Best Food Tours to Satisfy Your Wanderlust

Exploring new destinations is not just about seeing the sights; it is also about tasting the local flavors. Food tours offer the perfect opportunity to experience the heart of a place through its cuisine. These tours give you a chance to savor authentic dishes while learning about the culture behind them. Whether you are a foodie or just looking for an adventure, food tours add a delicious element to any trip. They take you beyond the usual tourist spots and into the kitchens of local chefs.

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Vietnam

Vietnam offers some of the best food tours for those seeking vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue, you can join tours that take you through local markets and street food stalls. Popular dishes to try include pho, banh mi, and spring rolls, each offering a unique taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage. These tours are perfect for experiencing the balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine.

Local guides will lead you through bustling streets, stopping at hidden gems for authentic meals. You may also have the chance to learn how to cook some of these dishes during cooking classes offered on certain tours. The local food culture is an essential part of the experience, and these tours offer the perfect way to immerse yourself in it. From seafood to noodle soups, Vietnam’s food scene offers endless possibilities.

Basque Country, Spain

The Basque Country in Spain is famous for its culinary excellence, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. You can explore food tours in cities like San Sebastian and Bilbao, where you can try pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, in local bars. This region is also known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts. Basque cuisine combines Mediterranean and French influences, with dishes like bacalao (salted cod) and chuleta (grilled steak).

Food tours often take you through the famous Mercado de la Ribera or along the coastal town of Getaria, where you can enjoy seafood and local wines. Another highlight is learning the art of making pintxos in small workshops. The Basque Country is not just about eating; it is about understanding the deep connection locals have to their food. This region’s unique combination of flavors and rich culinary history make it a must for food lovers.

Jordan

Jordan offers an incredible mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Arabic flavors that are perfect for any food tour. In cities like Amman and Petra, you can explore local markets and try traditional dishes like mansaf, falafel, and hummus. Jordan’s food culture is influenced by ancient culinary traditions, and these tours give you a taste of the country’s rich history. Many tours also take you to Bedouin camps where you can enjoy traditional barbecue and fresh bread.

A food tour in Jordan often includes stops at ancient spice markets, local bakeries, and home kitchens where families prepare traditional meals. You can also enjoy tasting local olives, dates, and authentic Jordanian sweets such as knafeh. The flavors in Jordan are bold, with spices like cumin, coriander, and za’atar frequently used. This is the perfect destination for those seeking both cultural and culinary experiences.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is known for its delicious Mediterranean-influenced cuisine with a blend of Turkish, Greek, and Balkan flavors. Popular dishes like tavce gravce (bean stew), ajvar (pepper spread), and kebapi are a must-try when touring the local food scene. You can join food tours in cities like Skopje and Ohrid, where local guides lead you through vibrant markets, showcasing fresh produce and local delicacies. North Macedonia’s food culture is known for its use of fresh herbs, cheeses, and grilled meats.

In addition to market visits, food tours in North Macedonia often include traditional cooking experiences. You can learn how to prepare Macedonian dishes using time-honored techniques in local kitchens. The food here is comforting and full of flavor, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. North Macedonia’s food tours offer a chance to explore an underappreciated culinary scene that is both diverse and delicious.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a food lover’s paradise, offering a rich blend of Indian, Dutch, and Portuguese culinary influences. You can join food tours in Colombo, Galle, or Kandy to experience local delicacies like hoppers, kottu roti, and rice and curry. Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its vibrant use of spices such as cinnamon, curry leaves, and cardamom, which give the dishes unique flavors. A tour will often include visits to local spice farms and street food stalls to taste these bold, aromatic dishes.

Sri Lanka’s food tours often highlight the island’s diverse food culture, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional sweets like wattalappam. Many tours also offer cooking classes, where you can learn to make dishes like curry and sambol from local chefs. The island’s cuisine is perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors with a rich cultural background. Whether in bustling cities or coastal towns, the food in Sri Lanka will take you on a flavorful journey.

Alsace, France

Alsace, a region in northeastern France, is a perfect destination for food lovers who enjoy hearty and flavorful dishes. Strasbourg and Colmar are great cities to explore local specialties such as choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages) and tarte flambée (Alsatian pizza). Alsace is also famous for its wine, particularly Riesling and Gewurztraminer, which you can enjoy on guided wine and food tours. These tours often include visits to local vineyards, where you can learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the best regional wines.

Food tours in Alsace often focus on the region’s mix of French and German culinary influences. The region’s cozy, rustic restaurants are perfect for sampling traditional dishes like baeckeoffe (a meat and vegetable stew). Alsace’s picturesque villages, with their half-timbered houses, also provide a charming backdrop to any food tour. This region is ideal for those seeking authentic French cuisine combined with a unique cultural twist.

India

India’s food tours offer an explosion of flavors that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. From the streets of Delhi to the markets of Mumbai, you can explore a variety of regional specialties, such as chole bhature, dosa, and butter chicken. Indian cuisine uses a wide range of spices, creating rich, flavorful dishes that vary from region to region. You can join guided tours that take you to local markets, where you can try fresh ingredients and street food.

A food tour in India also offers the chance to explore the street food scene, from pani puri to samosas. Many tours include visits to iconic restaurants where you can sample regional dishes that are rarely found outside of India. Cooking classes are often a part of the experience, allowing you to learn how to make classic dishes like biryani and curry. India’s food culture is diverse and offers endless opportunities for food exploration.

Umbria, Italy

Umbria, located in central Italy, is known for its rich, rustic cuisine that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. You can join food tours in cities like Perugia and Orvieto to sample regional specialties such as truffles, porchetta, and farro. This region is renowned for its olive oil, which is used in many traditional dishes. Umbria is perfect for those who love authentic Italian food in a more peaceful, rural setting.

The food tours in Umbria often include visits to local farms and vineyards, where you can taste fresh produce and wines. The region’s cuisine reflects its agricultural heritage, with dishes that are simple yet full of flavor. Olive oil tasting and truffle hunting are popular activities on these tours. Umbria offers a true taste of Italy, combining rich history with delicious food.

Greek Island

Greek Islands offer some of the freshest and most delicious Mediterranean cuisine you can find. In places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, food tours provide the opportunity to sample local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood. Greek cuisine is known for its use of olive oil, herbs, and vegetables, making it both healthy and flavorful. These tours often include visits to family-run tavernas and local markets where you can sample authentic dishes.

A food tour on a Greek island allows you to experience traditional Greek hospitality while tasting the freshest ingredients from the sea and land. Many tours also include wine tastings, showcasing Greece’s unique regional wines. You may also learn to prepare dishes in cooking classes that highlight Greek culinary traditions. These islands are ideal for those seeking a laid-back yet delicious food adventure.

Portugal

Portugal is famous for its seafood, especially dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, and octopus. Lisbon and Porto are great cities for food tours that will guide you through traditional markets and bakeries. Portuguese cuisine features a mix of Mediterranean flavors, with an emphasis on olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Food tours often take you to historic eateries where you can taste local pastries, such as pastéis de nata, a sweet custard tart.

Portugal’s food culture is also rich in regional specialties, including hearty stews and rich seafood dishes. Many tours focus on pairing local wines with traditional meals, allowing you to explore the country’s wine regions like the Douro Valley. The combination of fresh seafood, rich history, and regional flavors makes Portugal a top destination for food lovers. Whether you are in a coastal town or a rural village, Portugal’s food scene offers something for every palate.

Peru

Peru’s food tours are a must for anyone looking to explore diverse and innovative flavors. Cities like Lima and Cusco are known for their food scenes, where you can try dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and the ancient grain quinoa. Peruvian cuisine is influenced by indigenous ingredients and techniques, as well as European and Asian flavors. Food tours in Peru often visit local markets and cevicherías, where you can sample fresh, high-quality seafood.

Peru’s food scene is diverse, with each region offering unique dishes and cooking methods. Tours often include visits to traditional kitchens where you can learn to make famous Peruvian dishes from local chefs. The popularity of Peruvian food has been growing worldwide, and tours offer a chance to experience it in its authentic setting. Whether you are sampling street food or dining at top restaurants, Peru’s cuisine is a delight for food enthusiasts.

Thailand

Thailand’s food tours offer a vibrant, spicy, and flavorful culinary journey through its many regions. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are popular cities where you can explore local food stalls, try Thai curries, pad Thai, and fresh spring rolls. Thai cuisine is known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Food tours in Thailand often include visits to local markets where you can watch chefs prepare fresh dishes right before your eyes.

The food tours in Thailand also include the opportunity to learn about traditional Thai cooking techniques, including how to make curries and desserts. Many tours offer tastings of regional specialties, like northern Thai sausages or southern Thai seafood. Street food is a major part of the Thai food experience, and these tours take you to the best places for authentic flavors. Whether you are eating from a market stall or a restaurant, Thai food will never disappoint.

Food tours are the perfect way to discover new destinations through their unique culinary offerings. With each stop, you not only sample delicious dishes but also gain insight into the culture and history behind them.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.