Several years ago, I had a boss who confessed to me her dismay at an inability to find a chain restaurant on a recent trip out of town. She went on to complain to me, oblivious to my horror, about how there were only local eateries in the airport, so she opted for a peanut butter sandwich rather than “risk it.” As I left her office, I made a promise to myself: I would never miss out on the chance to try a local place by eating the “safe” option. I decided I would always eat like a local.
Eating like a local has a highly different meaning depending on where you’re travelling. It only seems logical to me that, should you be in a different country (especially one regarded internationally for its cuisine), you stick with the national cuisine (such as Indian dishes in India). However, this has a very different meaning in a melting pot such as the United States (or even the UK or Canada). Certainly, you want to eat grits when you’re in the Southern US (trust me on this, I don’t care if they look weird) and try the pizza when you’re in Chicago, but did you know that Kansas City has excellent German and Ethiopian restaurants? Or that Tulsa has a delightful English pub with authentic fare? Unless you’re particularly adventurous, I would wager not. But, if you follow these tips, you’ll find yourself eating like a local in no time.
Research in Advance
If you take just a moment to Google “Kansas City food,” for instance, you end up with a list of the 10 best restaurants per TripAdvisor. If you take another moment to try looking for “Kansas City famous food,” you’re treated to lists of the best barbeque joints and articles from local resources. In as much time as it takes for you to get pizza delivered, you can have a list of restaurants and bars which intrigue you in your upcoming vacation destination. To me, this step is like any other vacation prep, but one all too often forgotten. Most people will put hours of research into local attractions but completely ignore one of their most basic needs until they find their stomach rumbling at lunchtime. If you have to do something, why not put a little advance planning into it and actually enjoy it?
Use Your Eyes
While getting from point A to point B, keep your eyes open. You might spot a local breakfast joint with the line wrapping around outside on your way to the morning activities of your business conference. You might even find a restaurant which shares your name, or simply has an eye-catching sign. I walked into a bar in Post Alley in Seattle based solely on the word “books” on their sign and was treated to the best Pimm’s cup of my life. The best tip of this, though, is if you see a large line, that’s probably a good sign. Especially if it’s a non-peak time (think Tuesdays, or late afternoons). It means people are willing to wait for this place. You probably should be, too.
Check the Reviews
This is where having a smartphone is especially helpful. Try doing a quick search on Yelp or Google, they’ll tell you about anything wrong with the place well before you step foot inside (and if you honestly want to step foot inside). They also may give you some idea of an appetizer you don’t want to miss or how much money you’ll be forking out. It might even tip you off to non-peak hours if you’re not keen on a long wait at a particularly popular place.
Ask the Locals
Even if you’re planned everything out in advance, never miss the opportunity to ask locals. Friends are a great resource, but, even if you don’t have friends in the area, don’t think you’re unable to ask around. Hotel staff is an obvious resource, but don’t be afraid to talk to local cashiers, gas station attendants, or tour guides. The trick is asking them about where they like to eat- don’t bother asking about the popular places to go, they’re likely to send you on your way to some tourist trap. Another fantastic resource? Bankers. In my experience, bankers love to eat out. So, should you need to do any business at the local branch, ask!
Ignore the Chains
Okay, so this one comes with a caveat. I mostly mean to say “ignore the national chains” because, even though the first Starbucks is in Seattle, you’re not going to find locals fighting through the tourists and it’s going to be the same coffee you can get back home. There are better places. Small local chains can be awesome. I’m personally addicted to Bill and Ruth’s, a sandwich place in the Tulsa area. And you also have smaller regional chains you might not be able to get at home. I have no shame in admitting I enjoy stopping at Braum’s for a shake anytime I’m in a town that has one (especially if we’re talking Eastern Kansas, they seem to be especially good there). But definitely, step away from the Golden Arches, you can have that whenever you have a craving at home. Try the burger joint down the road. You might find the best fries you’ve ever tasted, you never know.
A note on “Travel Tip Tuesday:” it is my goal to publish tips like these every week (or every other week if things get particularly hectic), so be sure to come back nex Tuesday for more if you liked today’s article!
Dude, the FIRST thing I do when I’m traveling somewhere new is research the food! Why eat boring when you could eat AWESOME?
Love it! Trying local foods and establishments. You might also look into food tours; they give you a local view usually of more than one place with an occasional spice shop, market or cook store. I especially liked Charleston SC with an older southern belle wearing cotton gloves and hat. She spoke of history and tradition while sharing local cuisine. San Fransisco CA Chinatown tour ending with a round table of dim sum. The world of food is ours to explore.