Part 2/3 : Travelling for Food
Food has always been a driving force behind my travels, inspired in part by my admiration for the late Anthony Bourdain. Early on, I found myself drawn to the idea of exploring the world through its flavours. Armed with recommendations from Lonely Planet and documentaries, I’d set out to discover iconic eateries, often imagining myself as the star of my own culinary show. Food became my itinerary, with each meal leading to discoveries in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Guided Food Tours
If you’re someone who typically avoids guided tours, I encourage you to make an exception for a food tour, as it unlocks a city's secrets in a way solo exploration rarely can, especially if you do not speak the language. It reveals how a region’s landscape shapes what’s grown or imported, and how those ingredients come together to create the dishes that define a place. A food tour isn’t just about eating; it shows you the story behind every bite.
My first food tour experience was in Hanoi, Vietnam, which I had found on Tripadvisor. I would say this beats exploring on your own hands down, especially if you start off pretty clueless, or if you're short on time. Over three to four hours, a local guide led our group through hidden alleyways and bustling streets, stopping at spots to sample iconic dishes at a comfortable pace. While I can’t find the exact tour I booked (it was on an old account), platforms like Airbnb, Klook, and Viator now offer a wide range of options. My advice? Check the inclusions and read reviews to find one that aligns with your tastes and preferences.
One company I can’t recommend enough is Lost Plate Food Tours. They operate in several popular cities across China, as well as in Vietnam and Cambodia. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I’ve joined their tours twice in Chengdu alone, and both times were incredible. Not only did I get to try all the must-eat dishes, but I also learnt about their origins and connected with fellow food lovers. For anyone planning a trip for a larger group, a food tour is a fantastic way to take the pressure off. No one will be asking you, “Where are we going next?” or “What’s the plan?”—just sit back, enjoy the ride, and savour the flavours. And if one evening isn’t enough, Lost Plate even offers multi-day food tours for those who want to dive even deeper into a region’s culinary scene.
Cafe-hopping
Some might argue that with the rise of high-quality, affordable home coffee machines, fewer people are venturing out for their daily cup. And sure, I get it—my trusty Gaggia Classic Pro sits proudly on my kitchen counter, and most mornings, it’s my go-to for a quick caffeine fix. But there’s something special about swapping your pajamas for real clothes and stepping out for coffee, whether it’s to meet a friend or simply to enjoy some solo time.
During my recent trip to Jeju and Seoul, I was reminded just how vibrant and dynamic South Korea’s cafe culture truly is. From tucked-away coffee roasters brewing the perfect americano to sprawling seaside cafes with panoramic ocean views, and even whimsical themed cafes in the heart of the city, it’s nearly impossible NOT to stumble upon a unique and Instagram-worthy spot. Many of these places were so popular that lines spilled out the door.
Honestly, I was blown away by the creativity. Sure, some themes might seem a bit over-the-top, but the coffee and pastries were genuinely delicious, and the variety was endless. You could spend months exploring and still find new favourites. Two standout spots for me were Orrrn Cafe in Jeju and Rain Report in Seoul. Each had its own distinct atmosphere—whether it was the serene, minimalist vibe of Orrrn or the cozy, rain-themed aesthetic of Rain Report—that made it hard to leave. If you’re a coffee lover or just someone who enjoys soaking up unique spaces, South Korea’s cafe scene is an absolute must-experience.
Wine-tasting Tours
Confession: I'm a wine enthusiast with a pretty basic palate. I love drinking it, pairing it with everything, and generally having a good time. Wine snobs, look away! I used to study in Adelaide, South Australia—a region known for its world-class wineries (think Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley) that export their finest bottles across the globe. Just an hour or two from the city, you’ll find yourself in wine country, surrounded by rolling vineyards, charming cellar doors, and exceptional food.
Yet, whenever I mentioned Adelaide, the response was often, "Isn't it boring? Did you at least visit Melbourne, Sydney or even the Gold Coast?" To which I’d reply, have you truly explored South Australia? Yes, the airport might be a tin shed, but beyond that lies a vibrant region brimming with local produce, a diverse food scene, and a thriving wine industry. If you're a food and wine enthusiast sleeping on South Australia in 2025, you're seriously missing out.
Naturally, my first cellar door adventure was in South Australia. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour took me through the region's wineries. After sampling countless glasses, I can't claim to distinguish between a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon, but i can tell you that we had a bloody good time and all wines are my favourite wines.
This is exactly why, for my upcoming trip to New Zealand’s South Island, I’ve booked my husband and me on two wine tours—one in Central Otago and another in Waipara. Both regions are renowned for their exceptional wines, and I can’t wait to explore their vineyards, taste their offerings, and soak in the stunning landscapes. Stay tuned if you’d like to follow along on our two-week adventure through the South Island—I’ll be sharing all the highlights!
Food and drink are such vast, fascinating topics, and it’s no wonder they dominate social media. If you’re as obsessed with food as I am, it’s easy to build an entire trip around it. Imagine weaving your way through local markets, indulging in regional specialties, and even taking a cooking class or two to bring those flavours home with you. Personally, I’d love to go on a multi-day pasta tour in Italy, learning to make fresh pasta from scratch in different regions. Just thinking about it, that’s already a six-day trip right there! What can I say—don’t be afraid to let your taste buds lead the way—your next adventure might just be the most delicious one yet.
