063 How to Enjoy Food Like a Local While Traveling

We all know that food can really enhance your travel experience but how can you discover the flavors, spices, and specialties that different destinations have to offer? Sandra Clark Jergensen joins Lisa to share her food discovery experiences from traveling to many destinations around the world. Learn how Sandra researches food before a trip, where she suggests that you shop for food while traveling, and how you can have the most authentic food experiences while exploring the world.

063 blog header.jpg
“Find fun and interesting food while you travel and it will add another level to your experience.”
— Sandra Clark Jergensen

How do you research popular food for places you will be visiting?

Library! I start with general guidebooks and then check out regional cookbooks from the library- I read them like novels. Also, maybe try out a restaurant and/or an international market at home. Websites can be useful too, but I do like the polished writing in published books. 

Visit international markets to discover things before and after a trip. Get familiar with new food and seasonings. 

“When researching food for a new destination, I’m building up my appetite.”

Do you like to eat out at restaurants or shop at local markets?

All of the above. I like to vet them with Yelp and/or Trip Advisor first to know basics- especially when it comes to getting there, any safety issues, and to find the best bets.

Shop where the locals shop and where they eat. It won’t be the fanciest but it will be the most authentic. 

Tip: watch for pickpocketers when you visit markets.

There’s something about food markets in other countries. They have such great energy.

Do you have any tips for food safety in other countries?

In second and third world countries eating on the street can be risky, so use caution and common sense. If it’s a morning market, go early when they open so everything is as fresh as possible. If it’s an evening market, go at the beginning of the market.

Always wash your hands and watch the cleanliness of others.

Don't drink the water or eat food with water that hasn't been boiled. Know that eating is always a risk - so if you are going to, know nothing is a guarantee but it's always been worth it to me. Also, coconut water and moringa (both African discoveries) is my favorite thing for when you don't feel great.

Water tip in 3rd world countries: place a sticky note with a skull on it on the faucet so you don’t accidentally use the water to brush your teeth.  

Sandra’s Travel Food Highlights

So much fried plantains. I'll always buy them roadside because they're pretty safe and downright delicious. (South and Central America and Africa)

Ghana: bean fritters on the street

Liberia: sweet potato greens, peanut sauced sea snails

Barcelona: paella, tomato bread, jamon iberico, churros and chocolate

Guatemala: Coco Frio, plato tipico beans, water hot chocolate

Peru: cherimoya, ceviche, chica morada, salads

Canada (BC): maple doughnuts, smoked salmon soup 

Costa Rica: gallo pinto, rice pudding

Iceland- fish, bread.

Best thing when you have time: progressive meals: Costa Rica, Barcelona

Airbnb Experiences are a great way o have cooking experiences with locals. Use this link to save money on your first Airbnb Experience.

“If you are going to have ceviche for lunch, the fish should have had breakfast in the ocean. Amazing ceviche in Lima”

Look for restaurants that are endorsed by Slow Food International. They use sustainable practices and local food.

Sandra is graciously sharing a recipe she created that was inspired by her travels. See below for the recipe!

IMG_8297 (1).jpg
IMG_8298 (1).jpg
063_travelfood 5.jpg

This episode’s sponsor is our Amazon Travel Tribe Essentials Shop. Head over to see what items I love to use when I travel.

If you loved this episode the podcast, please consider supporting it…

Some links in the post may be affiliate links. If you use them I will receive a small commission that I use to keep this site running.

Food, Travel TipsLisa AndrewsComment