If you’re like most people, then you probably enjoy trying new things when you travel. After all, part of the fun of going to new places is experiencing all the different sights, sounds, and flavors they offer. And when it comes to food, one of the best ways to get a taste of the local culture is to check out the top food joints in town.
Sure, you could just grab a bite at some chain restaurant, but where’s the fun in that? Trying local joints is a great way to get a real sense of what a place is all about. Eating at local joints has its upside, but it can also be a bit of a challenge when it comes to finding good food.
With so many options to choose from, how can you be sure you’re finding the food joints that are totally worth it? After all, not every restaurant is created equal, and you don’t want to waste your time on a subpar meal.
Here are a few tips that can help you find good food joints while traveling. So, without further ado, let’s get right to them!
Do a Thorough Research Before Traveling to a Place
Doing the proper research before you travel to a new place is a neat way of finding the food joints worth their salt. Once you know where you’ll be staying, take some time to look up restaurants in the area. The internet is full of local food guides that can help you find the most palatable food in town.
Check out online reviews, see if there are any awards or accolades, and see what the local paper has to say. A little bit of planning can go a long way in ensuring that you eat the best food while being away from home. You can even ask friends or family for recommendations.
Locals Are Your Friend in Your Food Search
Once you’re on the ground, the first thing you should do is ask the locals. They’ll be able to tell you where to find the hidden gems that visitors often miss. The locals know the area better than anyone and can point you in the direction of some great places to eat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even ask them for specific recommendations.
Another tip is to look for places that are always crowded. This is a good indicator that the food is delicious and reasonably priced. Eating is one of the best ways to experience a culture, so go ahead and order that dish that you can’t pronounce. Who knows? It might just become your new favorite food.
Make Your Way to The Local Market
One of the best ways to find good food when traveling is to go to the local market and eat on the streets. Street food is usually fresh and inexpensive and can help you meet new people and learn about the country’s culture.
Of course, not all street food is created equal, so it’s essential to use your judgment. If the vendor looks clean and the food looks fresh, it’s probably safe to eat. And if you’re not sure what something is, simply ask!
Keep Essential Apps Handy
When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to end up at a tourist trap restaurant that serves bland, overpriced food. Downloading some essential apps can help to save the day.
Yelp and Foursquare are two great platforms for finding local restaurants that have been rated by other diners. You can also use Google Maps to search for nearby eateries and check out what other people say about the food joint.
Eating Near Tourist Attractions Is a Big No
When traveling, it can be tempting to just eat wherever is convenient. But it is best to avoid eating near the most prominent tourist attractions in town. These places are often packed with people, and the food is often overpriced and disappointing. And the fact they are jam-packed doesn’t necessarily mean that their food is any good. Their perfect location very well may be the reason these food joints are drawing so much attention.
Summing It Up!
If you’re looking for good food while traveling, it’s best to do your research before heading out. Hit up the local market, talk to locals, and keep essential apps handy to find the best eats no matter where you are.
Well, there you have it! Our tried and tested tips for finding the best food joints while traveling. Did these tips work out for you? Let us know in the comments section below.