Traveling allows you to see new places, meet interesting people, and learn more about the world. For certain travelers, the most exciting and fun part of the journey is the food you get to try!
Almost every tourist destination has some excellent food options, and Pigeon Forge isn’t far behind. Along with the sightseeing and various events, this region also offers loads of restaurants to satiate your taste buds. There are meals and snacks available for all kinds of budgets, cravings, preferences, and moods. You can find local delicacies, upscale dining options, and several dessert choices.
Of course, Pigeon Forge is just one example. While traveling, a tourist or adventurer might find many places for a delectable foodie experience. However, they may also be spoilt for choice. With so many options and limited days, can you be sure of having the best foods in the area?
As with everything else related to travel, some preparation can make things easier. While you’re making arrangements, consider the following tips for finding the best food during your travels:
1. Consider Your Food Preferences
First things first, what kind of food do you want to eat on this trip? Destinations such as Pigeon Forge don’t just offer one type of cuisine. This town might be famous for its Southern delicacies, but you can even find some of the best Mexican cuisine in Pigeon Forge. You can do a quick Google search with keywords like best Mexican in Pigeon Forge for the best options. Look up the top restaurants for your preferred cuisine and try it out. You might be surprised by the authenticity of the taste.
Here are some other food preferences to consider while traveling:
- Any dietary restrictions such as food allergies or religious limitations (look for vegetarian or vegan choices or foods that are kosher)
- Some safe options that you can easily eat at any time
- Level of spice
While it’s always safer to have food that you like while traveling, this is the perfect chance to try new things. You may want to try restaurants that offer a wide variety of dishes and cuisines. This way, the whole group will have a chance to taste different items. If traveling solo, you can get one safe meal and an experimental side.
2. Conduct Some Research
If you’re aiming to eat well while traveling, accumulate some relevant knowledge. Look up some articles about your destination and see what’s available there. You may want to focus on the following points:
- Know about the most common and popular local dishes or ingredients
- Know the best places to try a certain dish
- Make a list of restaurants to try; go for a mix of fine dining, street food options, and some spots in between
- Read reviews for an idea of what a certain culinary establishment is like
3. Ask Around
While the internet is a valuable source of information, it can’t tell you everything about a place. You might find yourself in a city, town, or village without any idea of what food to try next. In such cases, consider the following steps:
- Ask some locals about the best culinary options around. You might make some new friends this way and also find an amazing hidden gem that most tourists don’t know about!
- If you have the time, consider joining an online page about the place you’re visiting. You might connect with some locals who can provide valuable foodie guidance.
- Online reviews may also work as long as you’re sure that they’re genuine.
- Request your hotel concierge for some recommendations. For even more options, consider asking the other staff, including the guards and bellboys.
- Try apps like Travelling Spoon or EatWith to get options for eating with the locals
- See if there’s a supper club available where everyone brings some food to share
- Go for restaurants that offer dishes with in-season and local ingredients; you’ll be more likely to get fresh and authentic food this way!
- Ask about guided foodies tours; these will point out the best eating spots and perhaps even get you a good deal on some options
4. Make an Extra Effort
What if a highly recommended restaurant is situated a long way away from your accommodation? You may have to walk a little more or pay extra for transport. The prospect might seem daunting and troublesome, but do consider going for it!
After all, delays and waiting are inevitable parts of traveling. There are lines, delayed flights, and other challenges to overcome. If you’re ready to go through all that, why not go the extra mile for the sake of a memorable meal?
5. Make a Bucket List
Before setting out on your journey, conduct some research on the best local foods and where you can get them. Read reviews online and ask regular visitors about the must-haves of your destination. These steps will help you create a useful bucket list to satisfy that foodie in you!
If you’re not familiar with the language or dialect of the region, it may help to have pictures alongside the written list. Make an album of the dishes or snacks you want to try and show them to the locals. It’ll be much easier for them to point you in the right direction.
6. Discover the Culture through the Food
Consuming the local food of a region is not just about trying and enjoying new things. Food is one of the best ways to experience the essence of most cultures. There are certain ways to eat food, stories behind their dishes, and several enjoyable experiences linked to the specialties of a particular region or restaurant.
This is especially important if you’re a food blogger. Whenever you’re enjoying a meal, make a list of some questions like:
- What are the different ingredients inside this dish?
- What ingredient contributes to the different textures and flavors?
- What is the origin of this dish?
- What is the significance of how the dish is presented?
- Do we use our fingers, spoons, chopsticks, forks, or something else to eat the dish?
- Does the way of eating change the food experience?
- Are there any rituals connected to serving certain types of food?
When you know something about the food and its place in the culture, the meal will be even more enjoyable. You’ll be able to write and talk more knowledgeably about it and get more out of these travels.
Conclusion
The tips above will hopefully get you the best foodie experience during any future travels. Don’t be afraid to ask around, try new stuff, and go down the local route. Food is a great way to familiarize yourself with a certain place, so don’t neglect this part of your travels! It’s also an opportunity to make lasting memories.
