When it comes to preparing a journey, there are several factors to take into account: the choice of transportation (flight, bus, train or cruise ship), accommodation (hostels, budget hotels or luxury venues?), ways to move around (are you a walker or do you prefer a cycle, public transport or do you require a taxi?), possible purchases (just souvenirs, or something more?) and even a margin for a little extra you want to taste. Within these elements, two main considerations that are not to be belittled are food and activities.
While some people have a previous notion of the activities they want to do and places they want to visit and choose to set a number of how much to spend on food in a day (usually based on previous research), others choose to combine the two in a food tour. This way, you can enjoy a city’s most famous locations, iconic sites and landmarks, while also grabbing a bite of the local culture. In a food tour, you get to know about the history of a particular place and the flavors that have been there throughout that history.
However, not every food tour is the same and not every food is perfect for every budget. In this article, we propose some elements to consider while you are preparing your trip.
Food tours: how to spot the perfect one
The perfect food tour will be the one that contains all your preferences and adjusts to your budget. Here are some factors to take into account while making your choice:
Cost
Different companies, different plans, different approaches, different budgets: make sure to check if accommodation is included (which is also linked to the duration of the tour), the activities listed, whether the menu comprises snacks or meals and which kind of restaurant is serving them. Not all tours include drinks or desserts, so look for that information.
Duration
As we have previously mentioned, the duration is linked to the cost of the tour. Some tours may last days, some may be shorter. When it comes to food tours, the scheduled time is connected to the number of stops. Consequently, longer tours will linger more in each restaurant and quicker tours may aim for a multiple-stop, fast alternative.
Types of tours
Some tours aim at fancy restaurants, some at food stalls. This is linked to the type of tour you can book. On the one hand, you may find street food tours that focus on markets and street venues (perfect for those who want a bite of everyday, buzzy lifestyle); on the other hand, you can choose fine dining food tours that stand out for its sophisticated, exclusive spots (ideal for culinary connoisseurs). Other alternatives include neighborhood food tours (those which go deep into a particular zone of the city to show local highlights), cultural food tours (where particular ethnic recipes and cultures come to the forefront) and themed food tours (whose menu is centered around a particular element, such as cheese, chocolate or wine. This is especially important if you have particular preferences or dietary restrictions).
Group
From small gatherings to large groups, you can choose cozier or more energetic alternatives.
Language
Travelling abroad to a country with a language you are not familiar with? Make sure you know the program and the guide’s language.
London: food tours to choose from
Beef wellington, fish and chips, Sunday roast, English breakfast, bangers and mash and sticky toffee pudding are only some of the classic English dishes you can find in London. If you want to combine these London icons with some iconic landmarks, such as London bridge or Trafalgar Square, a culinary journeyis for you. If you are looking for a food tour London, you can check these notable alternatives:
Indian food tour
Visit East London and try all kinds of spicy Indian foods, such as curries or sweets.
West end food tour
Artisanal beer, donut venues and all the essential landmarks of this part of the city: Trafalgar Square, Seven Dials and Covent Garden.
Soho food tour
Jazz, rock and roll and bohemian air: this Food tour London goes through Europe’s oldest Chinatown and is renowned for its beverage menu.
Take a big bite of a big city: preview your budget, check your preferences and choose the perfect holiday for you.
