Culinary travel agency: food for adventure

Mathilde Bourge | 8/17/24, 10:58 AM

Some travel agencies specialize in discovering a country through its culinary culture. Here's some inspiration for your next vacation.

It's not just a country's landscapes and culture that attract tourists. Local gastronomy is also a major asset. In fact, one in two French people would choose their vacation destination based on the local cuisine*. That's why some travel agencies have sniffed out the good news by specializing in holidays based entirely around culinary discovery, most often in the company of a chef.

An unforgettable stay

Peru, Italy, Thailand... There are many countries that combine a number of strong points to attract holidaymakers. With this in mind, the Roads and Kingdoms agency, known for its programs with Anthony Bourdain, launched League of Travelers after the American chef's death in 2019. According to Nathan Thornburgh and Matt Goulding, the co-founders of this new concept, food is a spectacular way to understand the world. So, together, they organize stays that explain a place's history, culture, language and music through its cuisine. The agency goes beyond simple restaurant bookings, creating unique and special events.

Each group, of around 10 people, leaves for a renowned culinary destination, accompanied by a renowned chef such as José Andrés, Andy Ricker or Elio Ferpel. These chefs are chosen for their friendliness, curiosity and ability to communicate through food. While travelers choose in advance the country they wish to discover, the experiences offered on site remain a mystery until the last moment, both for them and for the chefs accompanying them, making the stay even more experiential.

Exclusive events are organized, such as a seafood barbecue on a wild Asturian cove with chef Elio Ferpel, or an indigenous Red Zao feast in Vietnam. In Andalusia, some travelers have also taken part in the Seville Feria in horse-drawn carriages and traditional costumes, discovered hidden tapas bars and attended private dinners with renowned chefs. These trips, although expensive (just under 10,000 euros for a week), promise unforgettable memories and are always accompanied by a local guide.

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In France, Cocotte Food Tour is also making inroads, offering a day's discovery of a city such as Marseille, Cannes or Lille through its good addresses. There's also Néogusto, whose credo is "to combine local encounters, the discovery of a country and culinary experiences". So, would you like to give it a try?