Hunt, Gather, Savour

An international class of foraging expeditions is luring adventurous eaters out of the dining room and into the field.

- Vivian Song

WILD-FOOD FORAGING IS having a gourmet moment. From the jungles of Cambodia to the fjords of Sweden, the promise of gastronomic experiences in untamed settings is attracting curious travellers seeking to reset their relationships with nature and with food. The appeal is understandable. Anyone can get a table at an award-winning restaurant, but only a select few can catch a fish in the morning and watch it get turned into sushi the same evening.

“The new luxury is learning new things, being with people who know their trade extremely well and (want to share) that information with you—whether it’s a leatherworker, potter, chef, or barman,” says Valentine Warner, a British chef, writer, and TV host who founded Kitchen in the Wild last year. Through its elaborate culinary retreats in the Kenyan bush, guests team up with an array of cooks to collect edible plants in a combination masterclass and gathering mission. “We aim to fill everybody’s heads up with wonderful things,” he adds.

For food-minded travellers with an adventurous streak, here’s a look at five experiences around the world where back-to-basics foraging meets wild gastronomy.

EL KARAMA LODGE X KITCHEN IN THE WILD