Food tours are an introduction to both cuisine and culture.
Food and travel just seem to go together. When we’re away from home, we often dine at restaurants and try dishes that we do not typically prepare ourselves. Moreover, cuisine and culture are inextricably linked; therefore, when we travel internationally, tasting unfamiliar foods becomes part of the experience of learning about a place and the people who inhabit it. In fact, many seasoned travelers actively seek out food tours to become more acquainted with their destinations.
Food tours combine sampling new dishes with getting to know a region, cuisine, or even a different part of your local area. Guides are usually locals who possess extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods they explore, offering insights into history, architecture, and culture, while introducing new dishes or locations to procure ingredients. The discussions within the group contribute not only to the entertainment but also provide ideas regarding things to do or places to explore further.
Food tours represent an excellent staycation activity, even when you are not traveling far. You might discover a new favorite dining establishment or add a delightful recipe to your collection. Whether participating in a food tour nearby or thousands of miles away, another benefit is that you will be walking—consequently burning calories while also learning about the neighborhood, meeting new individuals, and expanding your palate through authentic experiences.
New York City
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Tours by Locals – Food Tours – New York City
A variety of tours covers many of the cuisines found in the New York City and Long Island area, including Italian foods, Chinatown specialties, Long Island’s wineries, Brooklyn distilleries, food trucks, and Staten Island pubs.
Best of New York Food Tour by Sarah Funky
Tour New York’s vibrant food scene with experienced guides and discover how iconic dishes shape the city today. Enjoy sizable tastings of classic New York snacks, lunches, dinners, and desserts. Between stops, you’ll gain insights into sites like the Brooklyn Bridge, appreciate local street art, and enjoy breathtaking skyline views.
Los Angeles
This guided tour visits six unique stops, including a French bakery, the historic Grand Central Market, a cheese shop, and the iconic Bottega Louie. Furthermore, guides will highlight landmarks like the Bradbury Building and Biltmore Hotel while you indulge in LA’s finest tacos, BBQ, and sweets without the hassle of long lines.
Choose from tours of the Farmers’ Market or venture into historic Old Pasadena, East LA’s Latin flavors, or Thai Town. On the La Española Meats VIP Tour, guests shop and dine with the Dona Juana family, renowned purveyors of authentic Spanish charcuterie, cheeses, wines, and imported specialties, culminating with a patio lunch of tapas and paella, followed by homemade churros.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A variety of tours are available, including a three-hour walking food tour with six to seven tastings of New Orleans specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya, and muffaletta. This tour allows you to visit famous eateries while also learning about the history and culture of New Orleans as you stroll through the Crescent City’s streets. Small groups, cocktail tours, and cooking classes are also offered.
Taste of New Orleans Food Tour, Tours By Locals
Sample appetizers during a leisurely walk through the French Quarter, stopping at two to three restaurants to select a variety of appetizers and desserts, along with a cocktail if desired. Informal discussions will enrich your experience as you cover the history and culture of New Orleans. Guides, who are natives of the city, will gladly answer questions as guests delve into the food and attractions of New Orleans.
Savannah, Georgia
The First Squares tour combines gourmet food experiences with visits to the historic squares of Savannah, making stops at six different restaurants and food boutiques along the way. Family-friendly and in small groups, knowledgeable tour guides connect Savannah’s rich history to the food you’ll enjoy. Tasting stops feature an award-winning honey shop, a British pie shop, a trendy eatery, a pub, and more.
The Dessert Tour is a three-hour adventure that includes various sweet treats while also providing insights into the city’s history during a walk through historic downtown Savannah. Visit a Cheesecake Market, sample coffee cake, and explore Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for praline and cookie samples from Byrd’s Famous Cookie Company. Conclude your tour along the historic riverfront with delightful brownies and ice cream.
Miami, Florida
Join a small group to delve into Miami’s rich Cuban cuisine and culture as you visit a traditional bakery for a guava pastelito, taste a beef picadillo empanada, sip fresh-squeezed guarapo juice, learn about tropical fruits, and snack on croquetas de pollo, culminating with Abuela Maria’s ice cream. Along the way, you’ll also visit an authentic cigar factory, admire street art, and relax in local parks.
The South Beach (SoBe) tour guides guests through five different local-favorite restaurants and cafes, offering tastings that include Miami Nouvelle cuisine, ethnic dishes, and delicious ice cream. Furthermore, it’s an architectural, historical, and cultural walking tour where guests will witness Miami’s stunning Art Deco buildings while hearing captivating stories of the city’s rich past.
