World Food & Drink Explorer
Search destinations and famous dishes, discover what to eat, understand local dining customs and get practical food, drink, tipping, water and dietary advice before you travel.
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Understanding Food Culture Around the World
Eating customs can be very different from home. Knowing what to expect can make your holiday more enjoyable.
Meal Times
Some countries eat much earlier or later than you may be used to. Check local meal times before planning restaurant visits.
Sharing Food
In many destinations, several dishes are placed in the middle of the table and shared by everyone.
Eating With Hands
Eating with your hands is normal in some cultures. Watch what local diners do and follow their lead.
Bread and Rice
Bread, rice and other staples can have cultural importance as well as being part of everyday meals.
Drinks
Coffee, tea, juices and local drinks can be an important part of social life and meals.
The Bill
Payment customs vary. Some places expect payment at the table while others may require you to pay at the counter.
How to Eat Like a Local
Trying local food is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
Look Beyond Tourist Streets
Walk a few streets away from the busiest attractions and look for places filled with local customers.
Ask Locals
Hotel staff, shopkeepers and residents can often point you towards good-value local restaurants.
Try Regional Specialities
Every destination has dishes that tell part of its history and culture. Try at least one local speciality.
Breakfast Around the World
Breakfast can be completely different depending on where you travel.
Europe
Bakeries, pastries, bread, coffee, cheese, fruit and eggs are common in different combinations.
Asia
Breakfast may include rice, noodles, soup, eggs, vegetables or savoury dishes rather than sweet foods.
Middle East
Bread, eggs, beans, yoghurt, olives, vegetables and dips can form part of a filling breakfast.
Understanding Local Meal Times
Restaurant opening hours can be very different from those in the UK.
Plan Before You Arrive
If you normally eat early, check when restaurants open. In some destinations dinner may not begin until the evening is well underway.
- Check restaurant opening hours.
- Do not assume lunch and dinner times are the same as at home.
- Book popular restaurants in advance.
- Markets and bakeries may offer food throughout the day.
Street Food: What to Look For
Street food can be fantastic, but a little common sense goes a long way.
Busy Stalls
A busy stall often means food is being prepared regularly and has a good turnover.
Freshly Cooked
Food cooked thoroughly in front of you is generally preferable to food that has been sitting out for a long time.
Clean Preparation
Look for clean preparation areas and sensible handling of cooked and raw ingredients.
Food Markets
Markets are an excellent way to discover local ingredients and everyday food.
Go Earlier
Early visits can give you a better choice of fresh produce.
Compare Prices
Walk around before buying if you are unsure about typical prices.
Try Something New
Ask vendors what an unfamiliar ingredient is and how locals normally eat it.
Restaurant Etiquette
A few simple habits can help you avoid awkward moments.
- Watch how local diners behave.
- Check whether you need to wait to be seated.
- Ask before moving tables or chairs.
- Check whether bread or table items are charged.
- Check the menu for service charges.
- Do not assume tipping works the same way everywhere.
Tipping Around the World
Tipping customs vary considerably between destinations.
Check the Bill
Look for service charges before adding anything extra.
Ask If Unsure
Staff can usually explain the local custom if you are uncertain.
Do Not Assume
A tipping habit from home may not apply in another country.
Water, Ice and Hydration
Staying hydrated is particularly important when travelling in hot weather.
Check Local Advice
Water quality varies around the world. Check reliable local guidance before drinking tap water. Where appropriate, use sealed bottled water and check the seal has not been broken.
- Carry water when sightseeing.
- Check local drinking-water advice.
- Be aware that ice may be made from local water.
- Drink regularly in hot climates.
Alcohol and Local Drinking Customs
Drinking customs vary greatly around the world.
Know Local Rules
Laws and customs around alcohol can differ significantly between countries.
Drink Responsibly
Alcohol can affect you more quickly in hot weather or when you are dehydrated.
Check Prices
Ask about prices before ordering unfamiliar drinks in tourist areas.
Spice and Heat Guide
A dish described as spicy can mean very different things in different places.
Ask First
Ask staff how spicy a dish is before ordering.
Start Mild
If you are not used to chilli, begin with a milder option.
Local Ingredients
Chilli, pepper, ginger and other spices may be used differently from what you are accustomed to.
Allergies and Dietary Requirements
Planning ahead can make eating abroad much easier.
Explain Your Requirements Clearly
Learn the local words for your allergy or dietary requirement. Do not rely only on menu symbols. Confirm ingredients with restaurant staff.
- Research common local ingredients.
- Save important food words on your phone.
- Tell staff about serious allergies before ordering.
- Ask about sauces, stocks and marinades.
- Consider carrying a translated allergy card where appropriate.
Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian and Vegan
Dietary choices are becoming easier to manage in many destinations, but availability varies.
Vegetarian
Check whether sauces, stocks or cooking methods contain meat or fish.
Vegan
Check for dairy, eggs, fish sauce, meat stock and other hidden ingredients.
Halal and Kosher
Look for trusted certification or specialist restaurants where appropriate.
Food Safety
Simple food safety precautions can help reduce the chance of food-related illness while travelling.
Wash Your Hands
Clean your hands before eating, especially after sightseeing, using public transport or visiting busy markets.
Check Food Temperature
Be cautious with food that appears to have been sitting at unsafe temperatures for a long time.
Be Careful With Raw Food
Raw or lightly cooked foods may carry additional risks in some destinations.
Choose Busy Places
Restaurants and food stalls with good customer turnover can be useful choices.
Check Water Advice
Always check reliable local advice about drinking water and ice.
Use Common Sense
If food looks poorly stored, smells unusual or has been left out for a long time, consider choosing something else.
What If You Get Food Poisoning or Feel Ill?
Most minor stomach problems improve with rest and fluids, but serious symptoms need medical attention.
Stay Hydrated
Drink safe fluids regularly and rest. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or you are concerned about dehydration or other serious symptoms.
Food Budgeting
Eating well abroad does not have to mean spending a fortune.
Local Cafes
Local cafes can often be cheaper than restaurants aimed mainly at tourists.
Markets
Markets can provide inexpensive snacks, fresh produce and local specialities.
Set Menus
Look for lunch deals, set menus and daily specials.
Supermarkets and Self-Catering
Self-catering can be a great way to control your food budget.
Useful Things To Buy
Water, fruit, breakfast items, snacks and simple meals can help reduce restaurant costs during a longer stay.
Useful Food Phrases
Learning a few simple local phrases can make ordering easier.
Hello
Start with a polite greeting.
Please
A useful word when ordering food and drinks.
Thank You
Always useful when dealing with restaurant and market staff.
Vegetarian
Learn the local word if you do not eat meat.
Allergy
Know the local word for your specific allergy.
The Bill Please
Learn how to ask for the bill in the local language.
More Ways to Discover a Destination Through Food
Food is more than a list of dishes. These practical ideas can help you understand how a destination eats, shops and socialises.
Look for Regional Dishes
National dishes are only the beginning. Islands, cities and regions often have their own recipes, ingredients and cooking traditions.
Visit a Food Market
Markets can be useful for seeing seasonal produce, local cheeses, breads, spices, seafood and everyday ingredients in one place.
Learn a Few Food Words
Knowing words for common ingredients, cooking methods and dietary requirements can make menus much easier to understand.
Eating Out With Children
Check meal times, portion sizes and whether restaurants commonly welcome children late in the evening. Carry familiar snacks for long travel days.
Watch Service and Cover Charges
Check menus and bills for service, bread, table or cover charges. Customs differ, so avoid assuming the system works as it does at home.
Do Not Chase a Single Idea of Authentic
Traditional restaurants, modern local cooking, bakeries, cafes and family-run businesses can all reveal different sides of a destination's food culture.
Consider a Guided Food Walk
A well-run food tour can introduce local dishes and neighbourhoods quickly, especially on the first day of a city break.
Check Before Bringing Food Home
Rules on meat, dairy, plants and fresh produce can vary by destination and arrival country. Check current customs rules before packing food souvenirs.
Book Popular Restaurants Early
Well-known restaurants and small local favourites can fill quickly. Check opening days, reservation policies and cancellation terms before travelling.
Important Travel Note
Food traditions, prices, water guidance, laws and restaurant practices can change and may vary within the same country. Treat this guide as practical trip-planning information and check current local or official advice where health, allergies or legal restrictions matter.
Food Travel Checklist
Tick off your preparations before you travel.
Food and Drink Travel FAQs
Should I drink tap water abroad?
Check reliable local advice before drinking tap water. Water safety varies between destinations.
How do I avoid food poisoning?
Use sensible hygiene, choose food that has been handled safely and be cautious with food that has been left at unsafe temperatures.
Should I tip in restaurants?
Tipping customs vary. Check local expectations and look for service charges.
How can I eat cheaply on holiday?
Local cafes, bakeries, markets, supermarkets and set menus can often provide better value than tourist-focused restaurants.
How do I explain an allergy abroad?
Learn the local words for your allergy and clearly explain it before ordering.
Is street food safe?
It can be, but use sensible precautions. Look for busy stalls, clean preparation and food cooked thoroughly.
Why are restaurant meal times different?
Meal times are part of local culture and can vary considerably between countries.
What should vegetarians check?
Ask about stocks, sauces, fish sauce, meat ingredients and cooking methods.
How can I find authentic local food?
Ask locals, explore neighbourhoods away from major tourist attractions and look for restaurants popular with residents.
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