I was a picky eater once. If it had a sauce I’ve never heard of, there was no chance. An ingredient I couldn’t pronounce? Good luck getting me to try it. A few things saved me from my comfort zone and launched my love for flavor, and traveling was one of them.
I know that traveling abroad can be daunting when it comes to trying new foods if you’re a picky eater. However, with a bit of preparation and an open mind, it is possible to enjoy the unique and delicious cuisine that different countries have to offer. Nowadays I seek out new foods and flavors when I travel, excited to bring them back home to my kitchen. Here are some tips that helped me survive my first few trips abroad and expand my palate along the way.
1. Know exactly what you do and don’t like (flavors, textures, spices, food groups)
Before embarking on a food adventure abroad, it’s important to identify exactly what you don’t like. Is it spicy or sweet flavors that you can’t handle? Or perhaps it’s certain textures or food groups that don’t agree with you. Knowing what you don’t like can help you avoid specific flavors and narrow down your options while dining out.
Think of the foods you just can’t stand, and consider what it is about them. For example, I always ate a ton of chicken when I was a kid, but I couldn’t stand the taste of orange chicken. If you would have asked me back then, I would have simply said, “the sauce,” but ordering food without sauce is no way to live. Now I know that it’s actually the ginger in orange chicken that I don’t like.
Now think about the foods you do like. What flavors do you gravitate towards in cooking? Do you like salty, sweet, savory, sour, or spicy foods? I’m from a Polish-Italian household, so I gravitate towards savory, salty, and sour flavors from my family’s cuisine. Knowing these types of preferences can really help you find a menu option that you might like more than others, even when you can barely understand what you’re reading.
2. Learn to say those things in the language
If you’re an English speaker traveling to a non-English speaking country, learning a few key phrases in the local language can be incredibly helpful when it comes to ordering food. Being able to communicate your dislikes and allergies to the server or chef can help ensure that your meal is tailored to your preferences.
Sticking with my orange chicken example, I might learn the word “ginger” before I travel to China, so I can make sure that whatever I’m ordering doesn’t use that particular spice. Learning even the simple phrase, “no ginger,” can turn a potentially bad culinary experience into a good one. Likewise, learning to ask, “is it sour?” or “is it sweet?” can help you determine if you might like the flavor profile of a dish.
3. Research the local cuisine ahead of time
Before arriving in a new city, take some time to research local food options. If you know that you’re particular about certain foods or flavors, try to find restaurants that offer dishes that cater to those preferences. Online reviews can be a valuable resource in identifying places that serve food you’ll enjoy.
By familiarizing yourself with the traditional foods of your destination, you can identify safe options and choose dishes that may appeal to your tastes. You can also ask local friends or restaurant staff for recommendations.
On our recent trip to Puerto Rico, my partner (who is a picky-eater) reluctantly tried Mofongo for the first time. If we hadn’t learned from the local tour guide what that was, he never would have ordered it off the menu, opting for something safer instead like seafood (which he loves). But, because he knew that Mofongo was made from plantains – which was a starchy fruit, almost like a mix between a banana and a potato – garlic, and pork, he knew he would probably like those flavors all together. Low and behold, Mofongo is now one of his favorite foods ever.
4. Look for familiar dishes and ingredients
Another strategy is to stick to familiar ingredients. For example, if you are not a fan of seafood, opt for dishes with chicken or beef. You can also look for familiar cuisines like Italian or Mexican, which have a global presence and offer dishes with recognizable flavors.
If you’re hesitant to try new foods, look for familiar dishes that you know you’ll like. Many countries have their own versions of well-known dishes such as pizza or sandwiches, which can provide a sense of comfort while still allowing you to experience the local cuisine.
While it’s always fun to try local cuisine, sometimes a picky eater may need a familiar option. Many international chain restaurants can be found in major cities around the world, offering menus that cater to a variety of tastes. So if the local fare isn’t to your liking, consider checking out a familiar chain for a meal.
5. Branch out one small step at a time
I’ll absolutely encourage even the pickiest of eaters to branch out of their comfort zone and give something new a try. The culinary world is brimming with amazing flavor combinations that are unlike anything you could imagine. As a self-proclaimed foodie and former picky-eater, I know that to miss out on rich culinary traditions is to starve yourself of a huge part of travel, and life.
If you’re still nervous, start with small portions or appetizers to avoid overwhelming your taste buds. This way, you can get a taste of something new without committing to a full meal. If you’re travelling with friends or family, try a bite of their meal first, and if you like it, order it next time!
And sometimes, however hard you try, you just won’t have much of a choice on what to eat. On my first trip to Mexico, we took an excursion that provided lunch. It was tacos or starve. Believe it or not, I used to hate tacos. But then I had the best frickin’ taco on that beach in Mexico, and I learned that I don’t hate tacos, I hate boring American tacos. Before I was forced into that terrifying taco torture, I thought ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheese, packaged taco seasoning, and canned salsa is just what a taco was, and thank god I was SO wrong!
While it’s important to know your food preferences, don’t let your picky-eating habits limit your experience abroad. Be open to trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. You might just discover a new favorite dish.
While it’s important to stay true to your tastes, traveling is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Food is often a crucial part of a culture and by sampling local dishes, you can gain a better understanding of the customs and traditions of the places you visit. You may be surprised to find that you enjoy a dish that you never would have tried at home. So don’t be afraid to be adventurous with your food choices, while still keeping your preferences in mind.
-w.w.
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