Originally Created For: Unorthodox Travel
Author: Mariam Amini
Original Article Link: When abroad, eat local – here’s why. – Unorthodox Travel
Let’s be honest, food is a big part of why we travel. Each new country comes with its own gastronomic take. Every place holds a whirlwind of flavours waiting to be sampled.
As travellers, throwing ourselves into the cuisine of an unfamiliar location allows us to experience that destination more deeply, as well as in a more authentic way.
Through taste, we discover not only new flavours, but the passion with which a dish or plate can be prepared.
Take a local olive oil tasting on a Croatian farm, for instance. A piece of fresh bread dipped in organice olive oil, while delicious in its own right, is even more special knowing the story behind the bite.
On this occasion, let’s say the farm is a family-owned business that has existed and been passed down for generations. You will probably even meet and be hosted by a member of the family, as is the custom.
Now, you could have purchased some bread and a bottle of olive oil from a big grocery store instead. They’d have more options, and you may even be familiar with some of the brands.
However, it’s almost guaranteed that the experience wouldn’t taste as sweet, wouldn’t be as immersive and therefore memorable.
Farmers markets are another great way to dive into the food of a foreign place. The produce will naturally be different depending on where you are, but even the discovery of what’s in season and when can be insightful to future or more long-term trips.
And once again you’ll be surrounded by locals, and can learn more about their customs and how they interact.
It goes without saying, but eating and shopping locally when abroad also boosts the income of small businesses within the population, and is therefore much more sustainable.
It’s a simple step in ensuring we move forward as ethical travellers, as well as consumers.
And if a local food experience in Croatia tickles your fancy, our partners at Kated.com can organise exactly that.
They’ll connect you with a local expert from Croatia who can help design your ideal trip, making sure there are plenty of native dining experiences along the way.