Mushroom picking in Estonia
1) Research
Like all the best things, they take time and dedication to get right. Take some time to research using all the great information sources and services out there before you go. Planning a great itinerary doesn't hem you in but just gives you a better chance of hitting some of the best spots!
Andy Lynes, Travel and Food Journalist
2) Follow your nose
Even the most researched trips don't always turn out exactly as you'd hoped for. So don't be afraid to follow your nose. If you walk past a restaurant that is bursting with local diners, it's probably be safe to say that they are serving great food.
Liz Edwards, Travel Editor of Waitrose Kitchens
3) Destination Restaurants
Turn down side streets, explore the nooks and crannies of a city and you will be more likely to stumble across one of those hidden gems. These places are called 'Destination Restaurants' because they're so hard to find!
Andy Lynes
4) Enjoy the journey
Staying positive and upbeat when finding a good spot to eat is essential. Dragging people around a city and getting lost on empty tummies is not advisable. Turn your search for the perfect dining experience into a journey, take your time and combine 'slow food' with 'slow travel'. While you're looking for that perfect local restaurant, you're likely to be lead off the beaten tourist track, so enjoy the journey.
Catherine Gazzoli, CEO of Slow Food UK
5) Ask your favourite producers
If you're a real foodie, you'll have a few producers or restaurants that you feel very passionate about. Ask these people what they know about the area that you're going to. They may have suppliers or customers there who they would recommend to you. That way you'll be building on what you already know and love.
Liz Edwards
6) Check local credentials
It's advisable to ask your hosts in the destination, whether it be a hotel or a tour guide, if they use local produce in their cooking. It may be that local product is too expensive for the travel industry to use but if you tell them that you are particularly interested in it, they may make that choice to switch to local suppliers. Whatever the situation, it will be interesting to find out. Even if they do not use local food, ask where you can find it and take that step on your own.
Rosemarie Thomas, Regional Programme Coordinator (The Caribbean) of The Travel Foundation
7) Talk to Local People
The most simple rule to remember when you travel is to ask the local people. If they offer you restaurants or markets tailored for tourists, ask them where they eat and where they shop. Local people not only eat the local food but many people who you meet will also be proud of local tradition and keen to share it with you. Starting the conversation about local food can lead to many more discoveries about local lifestyle and culture. Food is about people, everyday life and real cultural experiences.
Sally Broom, Founder of Tripbod
Listen to the full recording of the Local Food & Travel Webinar
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