Ask the experts: how to find the best food on holiday

Words: Ina Yulo Stuve

Food tourism is a travel trend that shows no sign of slowing down, with a recent study by the World Food Travel Association revealing that 80 per cent of travellers research where to eat and drink before arriving at their destination. This doesn’t surprise Gail Simmons, who has eaten her way around the world as a judge on Bravo’s Top Chef for nearly two decades. “I have had too many memorable meals abroad to count,” she says. “Travel is my favourite way to taste and learn about a new place.”

But with so many options, getting overwhelmed – or worse, falling into a tourist trap – plague many a food tourist. This is why Los Angeles native Kaitlin Orr and her Norwegian partner Anders Husa founded their international food club, The Hungries. “Since our members are avid travellers like us, there is always someone who has been to a destination or is from there and can provide first-hand recommendations,” they share.

Read on to discover how foodie frequent flyers find the tastiest places to eat when travelling the globe.

Rafael Cagali, chef patron of two-Michelin-starred Da Terra
As a chef, you know someone who knows someone who either has a great spot or can suggest a great spot. When I go abroad, I also check the Michelin Guide as I feel it’s one you can trust, because it’s not about the hype. Michelin doesn’t only mean starred restaurants – it’s also about [the more accessible] Bib Gourmand restaurants and general recommendations.

Most memorable meal abroad: The Alchemist in Copenhagen

Lulu Grimes, managing editor at Good Food and Olive magazines
Always ask someone who has been to the place who has a similar budget to you. Social media makes it easier to find local tips, though I avoid anything that looks like it’s on any kind of bucket list. I try and do plenty of research beforehand but, if I see a venue that looks as if it’s loved by locals, I’ll give it a try. On Instagram, I follow a couple of go-to industry insiders with good recommendations, such as Jules Pearson.

Most memorable meal abroad: Sant’Angelo Muxaro in Sicily

Kaitlin Orr & Anders Husa, food bloggers and founders of The Hungries
Our research often starts long before we even have a trip on the calendar and we save spots in dedicated Instagram folders and on Google Maps. We always check restaurants on Instagram to see photos of the food – this helps us get a sense of their style, presentation and overall vibe and it helps us decide what we want to order on our first visit. But the absolute best resource we have is our international food club, The Hungries.

Most memorable meal abroad: Frantzén in Stockholm

Lara Dubier, projects and programmes manager, British Airways
I use Instagram – searching hashtags and following food bloggers – all the time to suss out not only the menu, but also the vibe of a place. I also look up local market or food tours and have done this in Mexico City, Bologna and Florence. They took me to a few hidden gems and places only locals knew about.

Most memorable meal abroad: A tiny food stall in Kuala Lumpur

Cheryl Tiu, journalist and culinary consultant 
I follow a ton of incredible people and lean on those whose tastes I trust or are aligned with. I also go through lists from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and 50 Best Discovery, James Beard, Michelin –full disclosure: I’m a Tastehunter for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars – and cross-reference all my research. At the end of the day, though, I gravitate towards those I’m most interested in, not the most highly ranked restaurant or one that’s viral on Instagram.

Most memorable meal abroad: Too many! Moonrise, Tresind Studio, Surfret Maryan, Restaurant FZN, and Jun’s – all from a recent trip to Dubai.

Gail Simmons, food writer, culinary expert and judge on Top Chef
For recommendations, I start by reaching out to friends who either live in the destination, have visited it or know it well. If I don’t know anyone who’s been, I cross-reference several reliable websites and blogs to see which venues and food experiences appear on everyone’s list. When I reach my destination, I make a point to ask restaurant servers, baristas and the hotel concierge where they like to go, eat, hang out – I’ve got some of the best restaurant advice from locals in the hospitality industry.

Most memorable meal abroad: Asador Etxebarri in the Basque countryside