I never expected some random appetizer at a local restaurant would be the thing that ruined a birthday weekend in Florence, Italy. But there I was, spending two days unable to even handle the smell of food. My food poisoning story is not an uncommon one but with a little bit to preparation, you can avoid this travel nightmare when eating out abroad.
We are fortunate to have access to foods from different cultures available to us in the US. It gives us a peek into the cultures of people from around the world that we may not ever get the opportunity to explore. As an avid traveler and foodie, I am constantly seeking out foods that define a country. Sometimes eating out abroad can be a bit risky. Unfamiliar ingredients, dietary restrictions, food safety, or simply not knowing what to order are common problems when dining out. Unfortunately, it could also lead to gastrointestinal issues that no one wants to deal with when traveling.
But what if the best meal of your life was waiting for you across the world. I’ve had some of my most memorable dining experiences in places that I never would have imagined. We once stood in line outside of a pizza spot in Naples for over an hour, just to get a sample of an authentic margarita pizza. And yes, it was totally worth it!
In my travels, I’ve come to understand that culinary standards vary greatly around the world. One country’s code violation is another country’s flavoring. Food is a key part of experiencing a new culture, and with a little preparation it can be the highlight of any trip. So what should you keep an eye out for when you are traveling to avoid praying to the porcelain gods after a meal or worse? I’ll break it down for you so can experience local foods in a healthy way and dine out abroad with confidence.
5 Essential Tips for Trying Local Food
There is nothing more disappointing to me than seeing an American going to an American food chain when traveling just because it is the only thing they recognize. News flash, you don’t have to eat at McDonalds just because you are in another country. If you are worried that your tummy won’t be able to handle the food when eating out abroad, I’ve got news for you.
Here’s how to confidently explore local food on your next international trip. These five tips will help you step away from the KFC and enjoy the local cuisine—without the stress.
1. Research Popular Dishes Before You Go
Before you travel, look up must try foods in your destination. Watch social media videos of people trying them so you have an idea what to expect. Once you’ve settled on a few items that you absolutely want to try, you need to find a place that get’s great accolades for their version of it.
Don’t leave it to chance that you will find the perfect dish at the perfect spot. There is just too much information out there for you to land in a place serving a touristy version of a popular dish. It could leave you asking the question “what were they all raving about?”
For example in Dubai, you can find a Pistachio Chocolate Bar on every corner. But if you want the very best, then you need to grab it from Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Anything else is just a knock off version of the real thing. If you are still unsure, check out some foodies or travel bloggers that have visited a city to see what they recommend when eating out abroad. Pro Tip: Save a list of foods with pictures that you are interested in so you recognize them on the menus.
2. Use Food Translation Apps
While tempting, it might not be ideal to ask the server to bring you their favorite dish on the menu. This is certainly risky. You might get lucky or you might find yourself eating pickled pig tongue. Either way, you want to have a better approach to your food ordering practices when eating out abroad.
The easiest thing to do is refer to Google translate to help you with the menu. With today’s technology you can point your camera at the menu for instant translations.
Apps like TheFork, Yelp and HappyCow provide restaurant reviews in different languages that could be extremely helpful when you need to know if a location is a solid one. But reviews only get you part of the way there when eating out abroad.
If you have food restrictions or allergies, you will want to also learn a few phrases in the local language before you go to dine out abroad. Being able to say “no peanuts” in Chinese might be the thing that saves your life.
3. Eat Where the Locals Eat (And Avoid Tourist Traps)
If the restaurant sits on a heavily trafficked street and the workers are standing out front encouraging people to come in, then it’s probably a tourist trap.
Your second hint, if the restaurant has an English only menu. It’s a clear sign they are catering to tourists. They are often overpriced and the quality can be questionable.
Instead of walking into the first spot you find down the busiest street in town, check in with a few people at your hotel. And I don’t mean the concierge. Ask the server in the restaurant or the person that helps you with your luggage for some of their favorites to get an idea where the locals go. I’ve gotten some great recommendations this way.
If you are wandering around town, ask the associate at the store where you are browsing. They are less likely to send you to a tourist restaurant because they are less likely to go there themselves. If you are feeling a bit shy, look for places that are crowded with residents. I once wandered into a restaurant in Italy with a handwritten menu and someone’s grandma working as the chef. We couldn’t read one word but the food was amazing.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Street Food (But Choose Wisely)
Street food is probably some of the most authentic food you will find, but it can come at a cost. You will need to exercise more diligence if you choose this option when eating out abroad. Translations can be poor and you can’t be too certain on where/how they source their ingredients.
Go where the locals line up—high turnover means fresh food. Just keep in mind your tolerance levels for unfamiliar foods. Your tummy may not be able to handle scotch bonnet pepper.
Watch how food is prepared — if it’s hot and fresh, it’s likely safe to eat. Avoid food that has been sitting out too long or isn’t cooked to order. Pay attention to things that require refrigeration that are not being maintained at the proper temperatures. For example, mayo based foods that are sitting in the sun will not sit well with your digestive system. Pro Tip: Things that are fried typically work best to eliminate germs.
When in doubt, politely decline. You’ll thank yourself later.
5. Don’t Ignore Obvious Warning Signs
While there is no real science to this, your intuition can be your best guard against illness. Here are a few signs I look for when traveling.
Is there anyone else in the restaurant? Don’t make the mistake of eating someplace where others don’t. If no one is patronizing the establishment and it’s during typically busy times then it’s likely for good reason.
Don’t ignore your senses. If it smells odd, looks weird or tastes strange, don’t just attribute it to cultural nuance. Your senses are there for reason and may be the warning you need to avoid something. If it appears undercooked, then send it back. Don’t risk salmonella or something worse because you didn’t want to insult the chef.
Check for cleanliness. If there are bugs flying around or dirty dishes stacked in a corner, then you might want to grab a drink and get out. I once pointed out a mouse to a server who shrugged and continued to take orders. I knew that was my sign to exit immediately.
What Else?
It should go without saying, if you have food allergies this becomes even more important. Unfamiliar ingredients could have similar effects of others. And if you struggle with the language you could really screw things up. Learn important phrases to explain allergies and look up the ingredients or phrases in the local language before you go to the restaurant. Carry a written note in the local language with you to the restaurant to share with the server before ordering.
In places where the water is unsafe, always order bottled water and drinks without ice. Be careful when ordering fruits or vegetables that could have been cleaned in unsafe water. And I would stay away from anything raw.
My Perspective
Exploring local food is all a part of the adventure – embrace it. It would be a shame to visit someplace and never try an authentic version of something that you love back at home. But preparation is key. Know what to look for, find places that have a good reputation for serving it and then indulge. I’ve had some amazing meals when traveling and I haven’t always spent a fortune to make that happen.
Eating out when traveling should be stress free. Make sure you keep a list of what you want to try handy and have a translation app for times when the menu is totally in local language. Stick with these tips and you should be able to dine confidently anywhere in the world.
Check out a few of my other blogs about dining in different cities. I share some of the best eats in Italy and where to dine in Portugal.
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FAQs About Trying Local Food While Traveling
Is it safe to eat street food in another country?
Yes, street food can be safe as long as you choose vendors with high turnover, fresh ingredients, and a clean cooking setup. Always observe how food is prepared before ordering.
What if I have dietary restrictions when traveling abroad?
Many international restaurants can accommodate dietary needs, especially if you learn key food phrases in the local language. Apps like HappyCow can help locate vegetarian, halal, or allergy-friendly restaurants.
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