Exploring exotic destinations isn’t just about enjoying beautiful scenery or delving into historical buildings; it’s also about tasting authentic cuisine from those places. This is commonly done by travelers as it can provide a unique pleasure.

Finding Authentic Cuisine in Exotic Destinations

Searching for food in local markets presents its own challenge in getting authentic flavors that suit your palate.

However, don’t be afraid. You can find authentic cuisine in exotic destinations without fail by using the following tips:

a. Recognizing Local Specialty Foods

Before vacationing in your chosen destination, it’s advisable to gather information or research about the specialty foods there. You can start by searching for information on local cuisine, street food, and historic restaurants that offer authentic culinary flavors.

Recognizing popular dishes will further facilitate your efforts in making a list to try those foods. To obtain this information, aside from using the internet, you can also interact with locals.

Never hesitate to try foods you’ve never consumed before. This can be a step in exploring new flavors that stimulate your palate and broaden your culinary tourism.

b. Exploring Traditional Markets

Traditional markets can be called culinary heavens. Every region or country you visit has traditional markets with a variety of local culinary options with enticing flavors to try.

You can try communicating with vendors at traditional markets and ask about local specialties with authentic flavors. Usually, vendors are happy to interact with tourists, and you’ll find delicious food.

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c. Finding Restaurants Visited by Locals

The most effective way to find the best local cuisine is by seeking out restaurants frequented by locals. Not only are they affordable and ensure the taste is authentic, but these restaurants also usually provide a deeper cultural experience.

To find these restaurants, the easiest way is by asking locals. You can confidently ask hotel receptionists or tour guides during your vacation or search for information online.

d. Avoiding International Chain Restaurants

While on vacation, the desire to seek out familiar foods may cross your mind. Unfortunately, this limits you from exploring the local cuisine at that holiday destination.

It’s better to avoid chain restaurants that typically serve international cuisines. Prioritize local culinary stalls so that you can recognize the authentic taste of the cuisine and how it’s prepared.

e. Following Food Bloggers’ Footsteps

The final tip in finding authentic cuisine is to follow in the footsteps of food bloggers. Local food bloggers are a source of culinary information that you can find on online platforms.

You can visit recommended local eateries because food bloggers usually provide honest reviews about the food, which can be tailored to your taste.

Those are the tips for finding culinary tourism in exotic destinations that you should follow. Trying new things in culinary tourism is indeed exciting and enjoyable. However, not all culinary menus may suit your taste.

What are Some Popular Local Food Markets in Exotic Destinations?

Now, for those of you who enjoy culinary tourism by exploring popular local food markets in exotic destinations, here are some references you should try:

1. Local Food Markets in Bali

It’s no longer a secret that almost every corner of Bali has local markets that tourists must visit. Each market has its own uniqueness that attracts tourists to shop.

When visiting Bali, you can try culinary tourism at Kreneng night market. In this market, tourists can find a variety of Balinese cuisines that tantalize the taste buds, such as pisang laklak, giling-giling, pisang rai, and others.

Moreover, there are many other local food markets that you must visit when in Bali. These culinary markets include Gianyar night market, Sindhu market, Jimbaran market, Kuta night market, and others.

2. Local Markets in Mexico City

Mexico is known for its extraordinary cultural activities, so visiting there would feel incomplete without trying the local cuisine. You can start by trying tacos at Taqueria.

Tacos are a typical Mexican food that should not be missed. Besides, you can also try culinary delights in several places with unique flavors such as the Mercado De San Juan and Mercado De Ciudadela.

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3. Alor Market in Kuala Lumpur

Food adventurers must visit Alor Market when in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This market is visited by not only locals but also tourists who want to try authentic cuisine of the country.

There are many oriental menu choices that stimulate the palate. When visiting Alor Market, just prepare an empty stomach so that you can explore all the culinary delights available in the local market.

4. Changi Village Hawker Center, Singapore

Located in Changi Village, Changi Village Hawker Center is often referred to as a culinary paradise that must be visited by tourists. Especially since this place is known to have lower prices compared to other culinary spots in Singapore.

If you’re at this Hawker Center, don’t miss the opportunity to try BBQ chicken wings from Ah Hwee’s shop, which has a juicy and spicy flavor. Besides, you can also try Cendol Malaka, which is quite popular among culinary enthusiasts.

5. Quiapo Market, Philippines

Quiapo Market is the first market in Manila city that not only meets the basic needs of its residents but also a haven for street food that must be tried. You can find a variety of traditional Filipino cuisine, one of which is Halo-halo.

Halo-halo is a cold dessert consisting of shaved ice mixed with various ingredients such as seaweed, grated coconut, sweet beans, fruit slices, and many more. This cuisine is somewhat similar to mixed ice in Indonesia but has a unique taste.

6. Gadong Night Market, Brunei

Gadong Night Market is the most popular street food market among culinary enthusiasts. If you have the opportunity to visit Brunei, this local culinary market should be included in your travel list.

Just like typical night markets, you can find a variety of culinary delights that stimulate the palate. However, when at Gadong Night Market, you must try the sticky rice mixed with coconut milk and served with grilled fish, chili sauce, and lime.

Those are the local food markets in exotic destinations that you must visit. Vacationing without tasting authentic cuisine from the destination would surely feel incomplete. Especially if you’re a culinary enthusiast, you should not miss the opportunity to explore the culinary flavors you find in exotic destinations.