How to Find the Best Local Food

One of the most satisfying parts of traveling is undoubtedly the food. Whether it’s slurping spicy ramen in Tokyo or savoring a fresh croissant in Paris, food offers a window into the heart of a destination. But let’s be real: tourist traps are everywhere, and they’ll suck the joy (and the flavor) out of your culinary adventure faster than you can say “overpriced pizza.”

Finding authentic local food, however, is a skill. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or someone who just wants to eat where the locals do, this guide will help you sniff out the best bites in town—without getting stuck in those dreaded tourist trap eateries. Oh, and we’ll talk about how to do it all sustainably, because who says you can’t eat well and be eco-conscious at the same time?

Why Avoid Tourist Traps?

Let’s start with the obvious question: why avoid tourist traps in the first place? Here’s why:

1. Price Gouging: These spots are often more expensive than they’re worth. A mediocre plate of spaghetti shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg—unless it’s made of gold.
2. Lack of Authenticity: Tourist traps usually cater to…well, tourists. The food is often watered down to cater to foreign palates, so you’re missing out on what makes local cuisine so special.
3. Pre-packaged Experiences: It’s the same thing over and over again: the same dishes, the same vibe, and the same crowds. If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, this is not it.

1. Do Your Research Like a Food Detective

First rule of avoiding tourist traps: do your homework. But don’t just Google “best restaurants in [insert city].” That’s where everyone starts. Here are some sneaky ways to dive deeper:

• Use Local Blogs and Forums: When looking for recommendations, try local blogs or food forums instead of generic travel websites. Locals know their food better than anyone else, and they’re not trying to cater to tourists. Platforms like Reddit or travel subreddits, as well as food-specific forums, can provide some golden nuggets.
• Instagram Geotags: Not all influencers are sipping cocktails in touristy cafes. Check out geotags on Instagram for local spots—look for those smaller, lesser-known eateries that don’t have thousands of followers yet.
• Talk to Locals (Not Your Hotel Concierge): Locals—especially taxi drivers, bartenders, or shop owners—are the best source of food wisdom. Forget the hotel concierge, who likely sends you to places with a commission. Instead, ask people who live and breathe the local scene every day.

Pro Tip: For example, in Bali, instead of googling “best cafes in Ubud,” join Facebook groups that are for locals, like “Bali Expat Guide“, where real people discuss real spots.

Explore unforgettable food experiences here!

2. Learn to Spot a Tourist Trap from Miles Away

Avoiding tourist traps is like dodging potholes—you need to know the signs. Here’s how to spot one before you even step foot inside:

• Laminated Menus in Multiple Languages: Run. Fast. If a restaurant’s menu is printed in 12 languages, they’re catering to every tourist under the sun and likely cutting corners on the food. Look for spots where menus are handwritten or only available in the local language.
• Huge Signs with “Traditional Food”: You’ve seen them: bright, flashy signs trying to lure you in with promises of “authentic local cuisine.” Nine times out of ten, the food is anything but authentic.
• Close to Major Attractions: If the restaurant is located right next to a famous monument or popular tourist destination, it’s probably a trap. Walk a little further away from the action to find places where the locals actually eat.

Pro Tip: In Paris, for instance, you’re more likely to find genuine French cuisine by walking a few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower.

3. Timing is Everything—Eat When Locals Eat

Another sneaky way to find authentic eats is to eat when the locals do. Tourist traps tend to operate on “tourist time,” offering lunch at 11 AM and dinner as early as 5 PM. Locals, however, follow their own schedules.

• Spain: Dinner starts at 9 PM or later. If a restaurant is serving paella at 6 PM, it’s likely not a local favorite.
• Italy: Italians love a late dinner, so if you find a place packed at 7 PM, proceed with caution.
• Japan: If you’re in Tokyo, look for those hole-in-the-wall ramen shops packed with businessmen at lunchtime. These places are usually quick, delicious, and devoid of tourists.

4. Use Sustainable Dining Apps and Websites

Finding authentic eats while supporting sustainable tourism? Yes, it’s possible! There are a few great apps that help you find local, eco-friendly restaurants wherever you are:

• HappyCow: This app lists vegan and vegetarian restaurants all over the world, and they tend to focus on local, sustainable food options.
• Eatwith: Want to really eat like a local? Eatwith allows you to book a meal in someone’s home, offering an authentic dining experience. Plus, you’re supporting locals directly.
• Fairbnb: Similar to Airbnb, Fairbnb allows you to stay with locals who support sustainable tourism, and they often have the best tips for food spots too!

5. Wander the Markets for the Freshest Finds

One of the most underrated ways to enjoy local cuisine is by exploring local markets. You get a taste of what’s fresh, seasonal, and directly from the farmers or fishermen themselves. Bonus: it’s a sustainable way to eat as it supports local producers, cuts down on food miles, and reduces packaging waste.

• Barcelona’s La Boqueria: It may be crowded, but if you venture past the main entrance, you’ll find vendors selling fresh seafood, fruits, and tapas at reasonable prices. Just follow the locals.
• Bangkok’s Floating Markets: Hop on a boat and float past vendors selling everything from fresh mango sticky rice to grilled fish. You’ll get a taste of Thailand’s food culture without sitting in a restaurant.
• Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa: By night, this market transforms into a maze of food stalls serving everything from tagines to snail soup. It’s chaotic, but the food is unbeatable (and most of it is not catering to tourists).

Pro Tip: Always carry a reusable tote or container to avoid using plastic bags at markets, contributing to eco-friendly tourism.

6. Follow the Locals—Literally

Ever notice a long line of locals standing outside a food stall or small restaurant? That’s your cue to join the queue. The locals know where the best food is, and if they’re willing to wait, it’s worth it.

• In Italy, it’s common to see locals standing in line for freshly made pasta or pizza. Trust me, this is where the best pizza is hiding—not in the fancy restaurants but in the tiny corner spots.
• In Bangkok, the food carts that attract a steady stream of locals are always the best choice. Street food here is the real deal, not just a tourist attraction.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about what to order, take note of what locals are eating, and just ask for the same.

7. Seek Out Family-Owned Restaurants

Want to avoid chains and franchises? Look for family-owned spots. These are often small, hole-in-the-wall places where the recipes have been passed down for generations. You’ll get the most authentic experience, and it’s a great way to support local businesses.

In Vietnam, for example, many family-run “pho” stalls have been operating for decades. The flavors are more authentic, and you’ll likely pay half the price compared to bigger restaurants that cater to tourists.

8. Trust Street Food—It’s Not Just Safe, It’s Fantastic

Street food often gets a bad rap, but in many parts of the world, it’s the epitome of authentic eating. Street vendors usually specialize in just one or two dishes, and they’ve perfected them over years of practice. Plus, you can see the food being prepared right in front of you, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

• Mexico City: Tacos al pastor, anyone? The street stalls here are a foodie’s dream, and the locals flock to them for lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
• India: From chaat in Delhi to vada pav in Mumbai, the street food here is bursting with flavor. Just follow the locals to the most popular stalls.

Sustainable Tip: Bring your own utensils and napkins to cut down on waste while indulging in street food.

9. Book a Food Tour (But Not the Tourist Kind)

Food tours can be an excellent way to dive into the local food scene. But beware—many food tours cater to tourists and take you to places that are anything but authentic. The trick is to find tours that are run by locals, for locals.

• Devour Tours: This company offers food tours led by local experts who take you to lesser-known spots in cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Rome. You’ll avoid the tourist traps and dive deep into the local cuisine.
• Secret Food Tours: Another great option for finding authentic food experiences in major cities worldwide.

Book your unforgettable local food tours here!

10. Eat Seasonally and Sustainably

A savvy foodie traveler knows that the secret to truly experiencing local flavors is by eating seasonally and sustainably. Not only does this ensure that you’re getting the freshest produce and ingredients, but it also reduces your environmental impact. Here’s why it’s important:

• Seasonal Produce is Fresher and Tastier: Foods that are in season are grown locally and don’t need to be shipped from halfway across the world. This means fewer food miles, less pollution, and fresher, more flavorful meals.
• Support Local Farmers: By eating seasonal and local, you’re supporting small farmers and the local economy, not large corporations. This is key to maintaining a sustainable food system that benefits both the environment and the people who live there.

For example, in Italy, it’s common for restaurants to serve dishes that reflect what’s fresh at the local markets. In the summer, you’ll find menus filled with juicy tomatoes, basil, and fresh seafood, while in the winter, hearty root vegetables and slow-cooked stews take center stage.

Pro Tip: Look for restaurants that highlight seasonal ingredients on their menus or, even better, head to local markets and buy the ingredients yourself. You could even book a cooking class to learn how to cook a local, sustainable dish using fresh ingredients from the market!

Savor Your Journey with Sustainable Choices

Finding authentic local eats while avoiding tourist traps doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little research, some savvy detective work, and the right tools, you can eat your way through any city like a pro. And by incorporating sustainable choices, such as supporting local vendors and eating seasonally, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also treading lightly on the planet.

So next time you’re jetting off on a foodie adventure, remember these tips. Let your stomach guide you away from the tourist traps and into the real heart of the destination—where the locals eat. Bon appétit!

Book your local food tours here!