Here’s a Little Food Magic from My Favorite Places

Part of a robust, magical traveling experience involves sampling fabulous foods from far-flung destinations, right? It slays me when I hear travelers asking for directions to the nearest American fast food joint when the locals can suggest so many marvelous and different options. You can get a burger and fries at home. Anytime. While you’re visiting Spain, try the Paella Valenciana, and in Portugal the Croquetas or the Padron Peppers. Pho in Vietnam. Couscous in Morocco. Boxty in Ireland. Escargots a la Bourguignonne in France.

Click the dishes listed for recipes.

One of my favorites on tour has been the adventures I have had with a company called “Eating Europe“.

We are giving people a taste of Europe they won’t soon forget by exposing them to real food, people and neighbourhoods. Our mission is to leave travelers with an unparalleled, non-touristy, food-related experience in undiscovered neighborhoods of the most fascinating cities in the world.

– Eating Europe

What’s a Food Tour?

There are so many things to choose from when you’re traveling in a new country. Museums to visit, monuments, art galleries, shopping…most of these are pretty easy to navigate. But you have to eat, every day. And sometimes it’s difficult to find the perfect dining experience. Here’s where “food tours” come in. These tours show you where the locals actually hangout AND give you a meaningful understanding of the history of the city and its way of life. In context. In real time. Without breaking the bank.

Food tours are hosted by locals who take you to a variety of locations. You’ll know the selection upfront. They might include markets, diners, bars, bakeries, lounges…and at each, you’ll be able to sample a small dish, a drink, a pastry, an appetizer.

Something representing the local culture. The neighborhood. You’ll eat like a local with a better understanding of life in Paris, Rome, Berlin, Hanoi, Marrakech or Lisbon. It’s like having an entertaining, really cool and well-connected friend who knows where to go for the absolute best ( fill in the blank) to eat or drink. Sample sized. Like a traveling dinner party with everything made especially for you.

The problem with following guidebook recommendations is that everyone is reading the same reviews! If you’re looking for authentic food, there’s nothing worse than turning up at an “undiscovered gem” only to find out that every other visitor has heard of it too! Our food tours take to you shops and eateries that the locals actually visit. Plus we introduce you to the people behind the food so you can enjoy authentic interactions while you’re there. Our goal is to give you a taste of local life from a local’s perspective!

-Eating Europe

My first experience was in Lisbon. Five stops at five different places, all within walking distance with six other tourists whom I’d never met but enjoyed their delightful company.

I’ve tried food tours in Amsterdam, Strasbourg, and Paris. I’m booking Naples for a May visit. And hope to do London too! Above you’ll find a selection of wonderful dishes from my more recent travels with links to great recipes. And you can sign up solo, if you have food allergies or preferences you can discuss them upfront. There are also tours designed specifically for vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, all manner of “arians”, with or without alcohol. You choose. The tours are guided, the pacing is comfortable and I felt completely safe. And I loved every sip and bite!

Buona Cena!

Bon Appetit!

Phelidphelin kạb xāh̄ār k̄hxng khuṇ!

Sample the Food Magic!