Do you prefer to eat the local food when traveling? .......

1. 68

   travelespressoposted 12 years ago

   Or, do you seek out "food like back home"?

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      Originposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I honestly don't think about it while I'm traveling, I usually just eat anything that looks good at the moment.

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         travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         That's a good way. 
         
         I try to do the same but sometimes the food is strange and unfathomable and I have NO idea what's on offer!

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      emievilposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'd prefer the local food especially if those are the type that I'm somewhat familiar with (like Thai, Korean, Japanese) .

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         travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Hello Emievil
         Nice that you commented.  I wonder how many people are like that - and they choose similar food when away from home.
         
         I know I can do that at times too - actually more often than I care to admit, especially when I'm away from home for a long time.
         
         Is that just human nature do you think?

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      lender3212000posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I always like to sample whatever the local cuisine is when I travel, it can be a great way to try new things you might not otherwise be exposed to.

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         Bellmarposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Life is stoo short not to experience the different fooods.  Isn't that a part of the travel experience?

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            travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, trying new things is definitely part of the travel experience, but sometimes, the "new things" are a little challenging!

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      estranged911posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I do like to eat local dishes as long as I am not in Asia. Its so gross there.. In Europe and west its fine.. and i am more than excited to try the local dishes

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         Sab Ohposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Are you kidding?!

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         travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Much of the food in Asia is divine.  You are truly missing out on multiple memorable experiences if you don't try it. 
         Do you eat Chinese, or Thai in your home country?

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      Hurley Projectposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No, many times I will prepare my own food or consult a cruise chef or travel guide for adequate food choices.

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      tvtansrusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You've definetly got to eat the local food when you travel - it's all part of the experience.

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      rbjlljposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I like to try the local cuisine.

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      dong van linhposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It's interesting to enjoy the local food. but you should find the good restaurant one which should be clean.
      Welcome to Vietnam, you could have opportunity to enjoy lovely local food.

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   earnestshubposted 12 years ago

   For me it depends on how safe the food and local water is. If it is crook, I eat only fruit that has a skin, and remove it.

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      travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's surely very important too EarnestHub. 
      
      After suffering dreadfully during one trip, I take even more care now and wash cut fruit such as pineapples before eating. 
      
      But I'm eating (vendor) street-side food at the moment (in Vietnam) and so far its been really tasty with no ill effects.

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         earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I would think Vietnam would be pretty safe. Malaysia and Thailand are not so good for me. When I worked in Malaysia I soon learnt to eat imported food from Australia.
         I got very ill from a fresh salad in Malaysia, and lost about 3 kilos in two days. Geez I was crook!

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            travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yes...I got very ill from eating (I think fresh fruit from a vendor) in Southern Thailand. 
            
            I was fine in Malaysia and ate food from the markets and little food places by the road.
            
            But a lot of it is luck I think.  Like you EH....I was very sick for many days!  Sheesh....enough info
            
            But, I'm really craving food I'm used to at the moment.  I'm hanging out for a good western breakfast of crispy fried bacon and eggs with toast.  Oh how I'm craving toast!  Can't find it (yet anyway) where I am.

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               earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Maybe you can buy a toaster and some bread! I can send you some vegemite to put on it.

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                  travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Aah marmite if you please! Thanks for your very kind offer:)

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   CaribeMposted 12 years ago

   I also prefer local food, unless it is in England (international food is much better than local)

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   nasus loopsposted 12 years ago

   I think it is an important part of travelling trying the local food.  It gives you a better perpective on the country you are in and the way the people live.

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      travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Do you do that?  Only eat local food I mean?

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         nasus loopsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         No, not only local food, but mainly.  For example when we were in Gambia on holiday we did eat in the local resturants eating their food.  We also ate lunch with a local family in their compound (home).
         
         When in Europe I prefer to try and find local resturants, for example when in Greece we eat in greek resturants.  We don't find an English one for Fish and Chips etc.

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            travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Finding new places to eat is a lot of the fun when traveling isn't it?  Sometimes that's MUCH easier than others depending upon where you are, how long you've been away from home, how you feel, how adventurous you are etc.
            
            At the present time, I've been away from home for about 10 weeks and the cravings are strong!  I had a delicious western breakfast this morning - a ham omelette and a hash brown washed down with a huge cappuccino. 
            
            It was incredibly satisfying.  But then I began to question myself about why I don't want to get into the Vietnamese breakfast which is like a noodle soup.  I just can't do soup for breakfast!

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               nasus loopsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               A noodle soup would be a very filling breakfast, being high in carbohydrates it would help to sustain you through the morning. 
               
               I see what you mean though, not sure I could get my head around a soup for breakfast.

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               china manposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               It took me a couple of years or more to accept the idea of noodles in soup for breakfast, now I find it preferable in hot weather. Also I visited the UK in June for one week and all my private mental dribbling over egg and bacon, truckstop breakfasts, 'properly' cooked steak that is not tenderised to jelly, and cheese, soft, blue etc etc came to nothing.  In a rush everywhere to get too much done I suffered meal after meal of plastic bacon, plastic sausage, tasteless processed c**p, and the cheese always too young, tasteless and dissapointing. I guess if I had made more effort to find small places, or look them up in a good food guide that does not give 5 stars to factory produced frozen pub food I could have found some. Next trip back will be via France where I am confident they still cook and know what is good food and where the rating is not just a list of supermarket freezer brands.

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   LeanManposted 12 years ago

   I eat the local food, that is probably why I have managed over the years to eat;
   
   Crocodile
   Ostrich
   Wildebeast
   Zebra
   Snake
   Horse
   Kangaroo

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      nasus loopsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I myself have not eaten of of the foods you mention but do no of people who have. 
      
      As a society I think we find it difficult to eat meats that are not normally seen on our home menus.  For most the closest they would come to these animals is a zoo, unless they horse ride.

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   Yard of natureposted 12 years ago

   Traveling in the U.S. it's getting more difficult to find local food. Chains have sapped the flavor out of many a town's cuisine. We still like to head down a two-laner to a town away from the freeway exchanges and there you can sometimes find regional food without fanfare.
   
   When out of the country, we try to eat locally. What's the point of traveling if one doesn't sample the local culture?

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   Jeff Berndtposted 12 years ago

   Oh, I absolutely try to find the local favorites. Trying the food is one of the great ways to experience a new place.
   
   I don't get to do much actual traveling anymore, but trying new world cuisines is a nice way to travel without actually going anywhere.

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   freecampingaussieposted 12 years ago

   I love to try local foods as that is a big part of the whole experience ,tried frogs legs in France got the whole family to try them ! They were nice.
   You miss out on a lot if you dont give things a try .

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   Macedonianposted 12 years ago

   Has anyone tried the Macedonian local food ?? Its delicious, if someone ever goes to this awesome country, dont even think of going without trying the local food !!

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      travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No, I haven't tried Macedonian and nor have I traveled there.  Do tell, what delights do you recommend?  Tempt us!

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         Macedonianposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Well, depends what u like to eat, if u prefer salads, u have the best of salads here, maybe u can search for Shopska salad on google. Oh so many things u can find... let me know what kind of food u like....i work in a hotel and i know all guests that are coming from all around the world love macedonian food... i am not saying about other national food... Local food here is probably the best... I am getting hungry now, gotta go:))

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10. 59

    maruthirpposted 12 years ago

    Our body will be well accustomed to the regular food that we have every day and any change in food habits will irritate the digestion system. This reason compells me to have my regular food as far as possible.

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       Macedonianposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Depends what u are about to eat. By trying local food it doesnt always have to be something so different. There are simillar ingredians everywhere... The preparation is typical for every part of the world.

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    Lady Roseposted 12 years ago

    I live in Taiwan and like to eat local food when out. Of course i will avoid ordering salads like anywhere else in Asia. Unless i clean it myself at home, i abstain.  I would not usually drink water or anything with ice cubes, as you cannot be totally sure that they are using purified water to make them. Tea is an excellent and safe drink at all times.

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       Sab Ohposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You can feel free to order a salad in Japan.

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    Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

    I like to try the local foods when I travel. However, I will never have nachos on the beach in Mexico again

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       travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Is there a story here UW?
       
       I really enjoyed the food in Mexico!

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          Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Just a case on Montezuma's Revenge Food I had elsewhere was great.

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             travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Ooh dear UW.  Yes, that can cause a traveler to avoid particular food in a particular place!

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    chasingcarsposted 12 years ago

    I love not only to try the local food, with some reservations, when I travel, but I do some research ahead of time as to the possible problems with food.  I have visited Mexico many times and never gotten sick, but one of my mates became very ill--I think from the ice in a mixed drink.  Had I not tried the food on the Pacific Coast, I never would have discovered civeche and mojo de ojo--grilled red snapper.  In Greece, I loved the wonderful salads with feta cheese, their fresh breads, and their local table wines.  I also recommend getting to know the locals and not just follow a guide's red umbrella everywhere. Those two things, the food and the people, make the discomfort of travel worthwhile.

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    Sab Ohposted 12 years ago

    I figure if you are afraid to eat, just stay home.

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    SurferGirl1posted 12 years ago

    Absolutely, that is the best way to get the local culture.

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    Greek Oneposted 12 years ago

    depends where I go

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    CASE1WORKERposted 12 years ago

    I prefer the local stuff but my teenagers prefer soemthing to remind them of home. Ever since the time in Warsaw when all they ate on the menu was chips, I have carried sachets of Heinz tomato ketchup in my bag- the local stuff is no good.
    Oh and we have to take our own tea- the foreign stuff isnt up to much!!

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    trenb8qemcposted 12 years ago

    Absolutely!  You have to eat the local food or else why travel?  I especially love finding the locals favourite restaurant, not being able to work out a thing on the menu and just taking a random pick and hoping for the best.  I've had some great meals this way especially in Mexico and Turkey.

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       CASE1WORKERposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I did that once in Manchesster at a chinese. There was a eurpean buffet downstairs  but i stood my ground and was given a table in the upstairs chinese dominated restaurant - it was superb

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    ediggityposted 12 years ago

    Heck yes I try the local foods.  In California I always get a Carne Asada Burrito, in Philly a Cheese Steak, in New Orleans a Po Boy, In New York or Chicago a good slice.  Traveling abroad I eat the local cuisine prepared at my hotel, unless dining out with colleagues, and then I pray not to get sick.

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    lilian_sgposted 12 years ago

    So far on my travels, I have always attempted to try out local food because I believe that it is a part of learning about local culture. Besides, it can get pretty interesting and introduce me to new favourites. On my recent trip to Korea, tried samgyetang for the first time. Quite liked it!

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       Sab Ohposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Did you try any dog meat? Or the grilled insects from a street vendor?

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    Lady_Eposted 12 years ago

    Yes - it's part of the experience of travelling.
    
    Well, as long as it's not Snakes or Shark fish...

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       Sab Ohposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Why not those?

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          Lady_Eposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          they might wake up ....

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    BRIAN SLATERposted 12 years ago

    for me you just have to eat the local food, it's all part of being away from home and trying different things.

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    Michael Willisposted 12 years ago

    Sometimes it will depend on how much time I have at a stop, but when traveling, I like to find that "hole-in-the-wall" place to eat!  The place only locals know about that is just awesome.
    It can be a great experience. I will admit finding a couple of places that were just...Blah!!!   lol, But sometimes you do find a little hide-a-way restaurant that is truly great.

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       travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, Michael, I know just what you mean.  Isn't it just wonderful to find those very special places to eat and aren't those meals high on the list of memories?

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    cocopremeposted 12 years ago

    I always try to eat at places I don't have at home.  Sometimes that means being adventurous, sometimes not.  I am a picky eater, so I don't get too native.  All in all, I like to experience new foods.

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    Jane@CMposted 12 years ago

    We always look for and ask for restaurants that are family owned or just local to the area.  We've found some fantastic food this way.  The one person not to ask is the teen at the front desk of the hotel.  Asking strangers on the street is fun & they love their locals.

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       travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yes that's a good idea. 
       
       Its good IF they speak your language otherwise the results can be very interesting!  The other night I braved a new place.  They spoke not one word of English. 
       
       Trick was finding something to eat without being surprised too much.
       
       I didn't want to eat bear (a popular dish here) or chicken feet etc but I did want some vegetables and protein!  I must have looked like a crazy woman as I mimed and drew pictures.  Eventually I got some chicken (but with chicken feet), carrot strips, and some delicious pumpkin flowers.

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          china manposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Good fun isn't it !!  I always wear my glasses eating in China, there are all the now routine things like chicken in its own soup that looks at you, but the occasional surprise can still pop up in the most unexpected places, like in the bottom of your soup noodles !  The big difficulty is that often the place is being nice and giving you the 'best' bit !

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             travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Too true China man.  There are some ....lets say...awkward moments when being hosted!  I've had a couple of surprises at the bottom of my noodle/hot pot dish too!

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          Sab Ohposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Why didn't you want chicken feet or bear?

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    SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years ago

    sure...I want to try the local food...and where the locals eat...now in a country with a very, very different culture...I'd try some; but I may not be able to communicate to really understand what it is that is being served up....that's a tough one - especially when you are buying it and you are hungry.
    
    Even in Canada...you just never know...what's on the plate if being offered food by someone in their home....I tend to be polite and try it since everyone else is chowing down....some of the inuit or first nation delicacies can be quite interesting.

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       travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Too true SomewayOuttaHere (love your name by the way).
       
       Can you share some of the interesting things you've tried from the first nation or inuit people?
       
       In New Zealand the Maoris (indigenous culture) have a hangi which is food cooked in a pit in the ground over many hours.  I love the smokey taste of hangi food, especially the corn, kumara (sweet potatoe and chicken which melts in the mouth).

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       alternate poetposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Shame they didn't do a bit more boiled missionary then the demographic might have been a little more in their favour

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          SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I just caught that....LOL!

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       SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       it all depends on where you are in Canada...on the west coast - it's every type of seafood available and prepared in traditional ways....especially the salmon....smoked, candied, etc....and then some not so tasty but an acquired taste - like some really smelly fish oils.
       
       in the arctic....hmmmmm.......you might not want to know! ha ha!...so picture -  seal, whale...frozen carcass - thinly sliced and eaten raw, etc. (that's not so different than people eating other raw meats however)...also fresh caribou kill and some organs eaten immediately - on the spot!....and other interesting items relevant to fresh kill!

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    DonnaJim23posted 12 years ago

    I like to eat lots of delicious local food that really fascinates me especially the exotic ones.

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    Tenerife Islanderposted 12 years ago

    Yes because I like a change!

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    LeanManposted 12 years ago

    Had camel a few days ago, I think that counts as local, otherwise it's all McDonalds, KFC or TGI Fridays...

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       china manposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You 'had' Camel !!!   we are talking about local foods here not local sports

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    Chaotic Chicaposted 12 years ago

    I would love to say that I sample the local stuff but I inevitably end up sticking with 'safe choices'.  I know it's cowardly.  Shoot, I can't even go to IHOP without ordering the same thing (I love their french toast!). 
    
    The really funny thing is that I'll try new experiences MUCH quicker-I love doing new things.  This cowardice is pretty much for food alone.

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       travelespressoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       It is easier to keep eating the things you know and like isn't it?
       
       The other day I was faced with fifty or so preserved food items.  I was keen to try but before I tasted them I wanted to know what they were.  I tried some preserved sweet potato which tasted just like apricot.  I tried and bought some preserved apples which are the size of cherries!  Strange but delightful to eat.

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    HSanAlimposted 12 years ago

    I always eat the local food when I travel but it is important to have someone from the area take you to what they consider safe and best places. Not necessarily the most expensive but those known to have good food, at which other visitors have had good experiences. That way you avoid bad food and illnesses.

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    myawnposted 12 years ago

    I eat the local food for something different. I like to know whats in the dish before I eat it first.

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    sukrithaposted 12 years ago

    It depends to individuals... Me always prefer routine food... Many times tried local foods and most of the time got some problem with my stomach....

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    Capt and The Kidposted 12 years ago

    Yes, local.  Fresh and cooked.  If it doesn't come up out from the sea, then also a good salt scrub can be a good idea in some places here and there where beware is better than be sick.

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    GarunaLiuposted 12 years ago

    I just need to taste it, but do not want for the main dish.

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    mqueeposted 12 years ago

    I always love to try the local food. I always try some type of soup first, this can be a clue on how good other foods may taste.

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    Abecedarianposted 12 years ago

    I always try something local. When my husband and I travel together, we order something local and something we know we'll like and split it, that way we know we won't go hungry in case we don't like it much. Haven't been disappointed yet though.

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    kms728posted 12 years ago

    My boyfriend and I actually go places for the food they are known for.  We are food guru's so we'll try anything!  I am a huge fan of New Orleans and I have to say...aside from Krystal Burger (similar to White Castle) late night on Bourbon St, you will not find me in a restaurant that has food that I can get at home.  There is so many different kinds of food, and so many different places to get it...why go away and eat what you can have at home???

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    Kyrianaposted 12 years ago

    I like to try places that I don't have at home. Especially locally, small places. I don't want to go somewhere and have McD's for lunch.

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       miolunaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Sure! National cuisine is a part of each culture and it helps you to learn more about the city or country that you visited.

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    ftclickposted 12 years ago

    depends on where I am. If it looks or previously tasted like hometown buffet, I'll buy from a local market & make my own.

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    andygrantposted 12 years ago

    I always try the local cuisines whenever I travel.

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    sid_candidposted 12 years ago

    I always love to try the local food when I am traveling as that's make your trip interesting(delicious).

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    manumposted 12 years ago

    What a great question. I like to buy local food at bakeries, and the grocer rather than all types of restaurants. Otherwise pizza is mostly a safe bet.

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    almera diwaposted 12 years ago

    I love to eat local  foods. It makes me feel home.

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    CYBERSUPEposted 12 years ago

    I enjoy the local food as long as it prepared and served by a local cook.

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    qualifydisabilityposted 12 years ago

    As a vegetarian, it's pretty tough to be adventurous when it comes to food (I seem to recall German and Persian food being especially meat-centric). Within certain vegetarian-friendly cultures, though, I love "ethnic" cuisine (for want of a better word). I've never traveled abroad, but if I did, I'd eat local, diet permitting.

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    Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

    Yes, part of the travel adventure for me is to try local cuisine.

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