Needless to say, food is so integrated in our daily lives that it is possibly the most talked about topic in town. Over here in Singapore, nobody asks how you have been. Instead, they greet you by asking if you have already eaten. Which is why there is no surprise that most of these self-professed foodies prefer going on a food-centric holiday. We too are guilty of this trend.

From learning about a different culture, gaining new knowledge and/or skills to meeting likeminded travellers, here are 8 Reasons Why A Food-Centric Holiday Is More Fun.

#1 NEW EXPERIENCES AND CREATE MEMORIES

Sampling a local delicacy that you never had before in a foreign city is an exciting experience that we can all relate to. All your senses are instantly amplified and a new memory is formed. Think traditional treats, squirmy live octopus and even fried cockroaches! These memorable experiences are definitely something you would look back on fondly in years to come.

#2 GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILLS

Are you an avid baker, amateur chef, cocktail connoisseur or simply an indulgent epicurean? It doesn’t matter. Signing up for a cooking class or registering for a wine tasting session can actually be very rewarding. Think preparing a variety of dishes and/or savouring a selection of premium wines with an expert right beside you. Who says educational activities are not fun?

#3 EXPLORE FOREIGN TERRITORIES

More often than not, the arduous hunt for food often end up leading us to a neighbourhood that we never thought of visiting. The obscure coffeeshop that you saw on the city guidebook actually brought you to a plethora of other up-and-coming hipster cafes. Sounds familiar?

#4 MEET LIKEMINDED FOODIES

Chances are, you would be meeting heaps of likeminded foodie travellers throughout your holiday i.e. when dining at an exclusive restaurant (which requires a reservation several weeks in advance) or a ticketed food festival. We are not sure about you, but the more the merrier!

#5 LEARN ABOUT A DIfFERENT CULTURE

It is through food that you will get to learn about the cuisine’s culture, ethnicity and even history. If language is not a barrier, go on ask about the preparation methods or even the inspiration behind your dish. Most chefs and cooks are more than happy to share the interesting story behind it – but of course, they will probably not share their secret recipe.

#6 GREAT FOR BOTH SOLO AND GROUPS

Food-centric holidays are suitable for both solo travellers and those travelling in a group. For instance, a food-centric itinerary will keep solo travellers occupied and entertained all day long whilst providing opportunities to meet new people. On the other hand, food acts as a bonding tool amongst family, friends and is also great for building professional business relationships.

#7 PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND IT

A common woe of inexperienced travel planners is that they do not know how to plan a trip and where to even start! If food is of top priority, then plan your holiday itinerary around it i.e. mapping places you want to eat at and you will get an idea on which area you should stay at.

#8 SPOIL YOURSELVES SILLY

Last but not least, a food-centric holiday allow you to spoil yourselves silly. There is surely no other better way to celebrate a holiday than with good food! There is a reason why food is present in virtually every festive season – they bring everyone in good cheer together.