Food Is The New Travel Guide! 40% Indian Travellers Plan Trips Around Culinary Experiences

Do you instantly save every cafe, street food stall, or must-try restaurant that pops up on your social media feed before planning a holiday? If yes, you aren’t alone. Food is no longer just a part of the travel experience; it’s becoming the reason many people choose a destination in the first place. In fact, more and more Indian travellers are planning their vacations around local cuisine and unique culinary experiences. Here’s a closer look at the trend that’s reshaping the way India travels.

Food Becomes A Travel Filter For Indian Travellers

According to Pickyourtrail data, food now plays an important role in how Indian travellers choose destinations and plan itineraries. The report revealed that culinary experiences are emerging as a key driver of international travel decisions, with nearly 40% of travellers now identifying food and local cuisine as a major factor while planning overseas holidays.

Not just that, 30-40% of travellers actively consider a destination’s food culture before finalising where they want to travel. This highlights the growing popularity of gastronomic tourism. Now, travellers aren’t just looking for stunning landscapes; they are also seeking immersive culinary experiences.

Travellers between the 28-40 age group remain the primary driver of culinary tourism. Furthermore, travellers aged 22-27 are rapidly embracing food-led travel–influenced mainly by social media creators and food content.

Also Read: Planning An International Trip? These 4 Countries Have New Travel Rules For Indians From July 1

Destinations That Are Winning Over Food Lovers

Pickyourtrail data showed that Japan and South Korea are some of the fastest-growing food-focused destinations for Indians right now. Noting a 40% growth in food-related travel interest, travellers are planning trips around sushi-making workshops, ramen tastings, Korean BBQ experiences and bustling food markets.

Meanwhile, Italy continues to remain a favourite for pasta and gelato-making classes, while Thailand, Vietnam and Spain are seeing growing interest for their vibrant street-food scenes and local culinary traditions.

Not just eating, but food-related activities are also gaining popularity among Indian travellers. People are now actively booking cooking classes in Bali and Sri Lanka, sushi-making workshops in Japan, wine tastings in France, floating market food tours in Thailand and farm-to-table dining experiences across Europe.

Also Read: What Is Literary Travel, The New Vacation Trend That’s Captivating Book & Travel Lovers?

So, is food an important part of your travel plans? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/lechatnoir & Canva Pro/Lais Schulz