How Culinary Experiences Are Redefining Travel

From trying out viral food trends in Japan to cooking classes in Italy, food is front and center of travel

- Arzoo Dina

Late last year, I found myself planning a trip to Thailand for my birthday, with the sole purpose of eating my way through Bangkok's culinary offerings. Skipping the country's pristine beaches, I chose instead to immerse myself in food-related activities during my five-day visit to the city.

In the Notes app on my phone, I had a list of experiences and places—a craft chocolatier tucked away in Bangkok's alleyways and known mostly to locals; a trendy dessert spot serving fluffy Korean breads drizzled with Asian-inspired toppings from pandan custard to taro, made fresh in front of you; hidden speakeasies; rooftop bars and street food where I relished piquant bowls of pad Thai, cooling down with portions of tub tim grob, a popular Thai dessert made with chilled coconut milk and water chestnut. For a city that's synonymous with food, it's really hard to go wrong here.

Culinary experiences have been shaping our travel narratives for some time now. Social media does the rest of the job, with eager travelers scrolling through their feeds, looking at the latest viral food trends, or the hottest new restaurants to dine at. This could be anything from eating your way through Dubai's slick, fine-dine offerings to a visit to Japan or South Korea to get your hands on the latest viral food—vegan ramen, iced banana coffees at 7-Eleven convenience stores, decadent matcha parfaits, and croissant-themed cafes that are currently very popular in South Korea—or, it could be as simple as savoring local, regional cuisine.

While culinary holidays are not new, people are increasingly seeking out more specific, niche experiences. A wine trail in Nashik in Maharashtra or Burgundy in France? Yes please.