Is a Food Tour Worth It? — A Practical Guide to the Pros and Cons

If you’re visiting a new city and curious about food, then you might be wondering if it’s worthwhile to do a food tour. If you’re unfamiliar with the local cuisine, then a food tour can be a great way to gain a basic introduction. A food tour gives you quick access to discovering iconic dishes, hygienic stalls and restaurants, and local context you’d likely miss on your own.

The real issue

Without a tour, most people:

• Eat average food
• Miss hidden spots
• Waste precious time researching

So let’s look at guided food tours

The huge benefit of a guided tour is learning about food culture from someone who knows the city. Your guide will share information about traditional cooking methods, and where to find the best regional flavours.

Often guided tours include visits to local food markets, with someone who knows the rhythms and stall reputations. Your guide translates, points out seasonal produce, and explains local names for things.

A guided tour could be worthwhile if;

• It’s your first visit to a city or country
• You’re feeling overwhelmed by choices
• You want a stress-free intro to the local cuisine

A guided tour may not be ideal if;

• You prefer the freedom of choosing what you eat
• You don’t want to be in a group with other people
• You want to go at your own pace

Alternatively, you could do a self-guided tour

With a self-guided food tour;

• You’ll visit the same quality spots
• Have the freedom to choose when and what you eat

If you’d like to spend less time guessing and more time tasting, click below to check out our range of self-guided food tours.