A steaming bowl of pho on a foggy morning in Vietnam. A taste of the good life in the rolling hills of Tuscany in Italy. Or an exploration of Mexico‘s vibrant culinary heritage. There are few better ways to dive straight into the heart of a new country than experience its diverse cuisine. Our personalized food tours allow you to do just that, while helping you gain deep insights into the region’s culture and history.
Allow our travel experts to take you on a tantalizing journey you’ll never forget. Here’s a round-up of some of our favorite food tours, curated to delight your senses.
Uncover the secrets of Malaysian cuisine in Kuala Lumpur
Creamy coconut, fresh shrimp, smooth pandan leaf, piquant chili, and aromatic lemongrass – Malaysian cuisine is an explosion of flavors. For a gastronomical experience like no other, make your way to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia‘s diverse capital is particularly well-known for its phenomenal variety of food – from fine dining restaurants to bustling street stalls. Discover the city’s best eateries as part of our curated food tour. You’ll begin in Bukit Bintang, one of Kuala Lumpur’s top shopping destinations and enjoy a range of fantastic dishes at Lot 10 Hutong Food Court, a heritage food destination. It’s the ideal place to feast on soft bao buns stuffed with crispy chicken or flaky pastry pockets filled with curried chicken.
If you’d like to sample local Malaysian delicacies, a visit to Jalan Alor may be worthwhile. This market comes alive after sunset, and is particularly satisfying if you are an adventurous foodie who enjoys exploring street food. Walk past dozens of stalls laden with tempting goodies, from crispy dosa (pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils) with a side of coconut chutney to delicious tofu noodles infused with chili oil and fish paste. Jalan Alor also hosts several Mamaks (eateries run by Indians, predominantly) where you can relish signature dishes such as roti canai and nasi lemak that fuse Indian and Malay influences. Round off your meal with a cup of teh tarik: a hot beverage made from black tea and condensed milk.
Experience La Dolce Vita in Florence
Italy never ceases to amaze with its range of culinary offerings, and if you are dreaming of soaking up the region’s flavors, a trip to Florence comes highly recommended.
Join us on a culinary tour of Italy starting with the charming capital of Tuscany. A bucket-list destination for art lovers and culture seekers, Florence draws you in with its exquisite flavors and fresh produce. As well as setting off on guided tours of Florence’s ancient cobbled streets or taking leisurely trips to picture-perfect trattorias in quaint neighborhoods such as Oltrarno, you could sign up for a private Tuscan cooking class.
Before you head into the kitchen, you’ll delve into the city center’s best bodegas (traditional grocery stores) to sample and source your ingredients. A seasoned Italian chef will then show you how to whip up a sumptuous three-course feast from scratch. You’ll learn to make a big batch of fresh potato gnocchi and create sensational pasta sauces using just a handful of simple ingredients.
Have a sweet tooth? Wrap up your meal with a homemade dessert such as Tuscan biscotti (almond-flavored biscuits) dipped in sweet Vinsanto wine. You’ll even receive a personalized recipe booklet featuring all the dishes you made during your cookery class, so you can enjoy a taste of la dolce vita once you return home.
Sample the earthy flavors of Vietnamese cuisine
Vietnam’s cuisine has a multitude of cultural influences, from China and Laos to France. Our culinary tour of Vietnam opens you up to the rich and layered food history of the country, with opportunities to savor delectable dishes in towns such as Hue.
The historic city sits along the Perfume River and as part of our guided food tour, you will get to sample a spectacular array of dishes, right from spicy pho variations to sweet potato-filled summer rolls. Kick off the tour at one of the city’s chic bars, before enjoying a short tutorial in making Banh Nam — the so-called ‘Vietnamese tamale’ — at a local restaurant. These savory rice flour cakes were once a favorite snack of Hue’s Imperial Emperors and they’re typically stuffed with an assortment of seafood, pork, and spices.
You will then explore the UNESCO-listed Citadel on vintage Vespas, making pit stops at some of Hue’s much-loved eateries. BBQ skewers marinated in lemongrass, crispy bean sprout pancakes, and seafood caught in the nearby East Vietnam Sea will all be on the menu!
Explore Mumbai’s diverse foodscape
Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures. This vibrant city in West India is the commercial and financial heart of the country, welcoming people from all backgrounds to become part of the bustling atmosphere. On our curated food tour of Mumbai, you can see how this confluence of cultures plays a big role in shaping the city’s culinary landscape.
Our trip coordinators will pair you up with a local culinary expert who’ll not only take you to some divine dining spots but also give you a fascinating history lesson about the city’s eclectic cuisine. Experience the best of the city’s diverse offerings – from swanky fine-dining restaurants to traditional eateries that have stood the test of time. From centuries-old Irani cafes run by the Parsi community to unassuming stalls whipping up chaat (an assortment of savory snacks) and other delectable treats.
Learn to cook Mexican food in Oaxaca
Mexico is famed for its rich mole sauces, meat-filled tamales, quesadillas dripping with melted cheese, and mezcal cocktails, making it a great destination for food lovers.
Historic Oaxaca is a must-see on any Mexican food tour thanks to its mix of bohemian cocktail bars, bustling local markets, sizzling BBQ stands, and welcoming family-run restaurants serving up Zapotec dishes. If you’d like to learn more about the intricacies of Mexican food, you could sign up for a cooking class. Not only is it a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, but also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich and vibrant culinary history.
Once you’ve handpicked ingredients for your cooking masterclass from the local produce market, you’ll be taught important Mexican cooking techniques such as how to chargrill chili peppers and create soft homemade tortillas from scratch. By the end of the day, you’ll have cooked a wonderful selection of Mexican dishes, from a salsa starter to a traditional dessert like sugar-dusted churros. Expect to dine on your home-cooked fare alfresco and wash it all down with a glass of smoky local mezcal or a refreshing cup of agua fresca (blended fruit juice).
Go on a walking food tour of Rio de Janeiro
If Brazil is on your travel agenda, a culinary walking tour down Rio De Janeiro’s vibrant streets is sure to leave you spellbound.
You’ll begin your adventure in the north of the city where there are fewer crowds and plenty of traditional dining spots. Savor a few locally-brewed artisan beers or sip on the country’s most famous cocktail — the lime-infused caipirinha. Your local guide will then take you to some of Rio’s most inspiring eateries. Tuck into popular Brazilian dishes such as feijoada (a hearty mix of beans, rice, meat and green chili peppers), feast on melt-in-your-mouth grilled meats at a rustic churrascaria (BBQ restaurant), or indulge in innovative fusion food at one of Rio’s most up-and-coming gourmet dining venues, like Chef Alberto Landgraf’s Oteque.
No tour of Rio de Janeiro is complete without exploring its electric nightlife. Make a beeline for lively Lapa in the historic downtown district to uncover a collection of cosmopolitan concept bars and vibrant samba clubs where you can dance the evening away.
Want to sink your teeth into one of our culinary tours? Speak to our travel experts today about adding a fantastic food experience to your next itinerary.
Argentina and Chile: Food and Wine Experience
10 Days: $ 5,390 / person
Wine and dine in style – this is the ultimate wine tour of South America! Experience the very best of Chile and Argentina’s wine regions and soak up their cosmopolitan capitals. Details Inquire
Portugal: Food and Wine
14 Days: $ 9,090 / person
Go on a culinary journey into Portugal on this 14 day tour. From personalized cooking classes in Porto to a tour of wineries in Douro Valley and oyster picking in Algarve, this itinerary is packed with some distinct experiences. Details Inquire
