The proliferation of international chain restaurants throughout the world means that it is now possible to go to almost any corner of the world and eat only food that is familiar.
- try local food when travellingecstaticist / Food Photos / CC BY-NC-SA
But is there any point to travelling if you don’t sample the local cuisine?
What kind of traveller are you?
There are people who think of a holiday as the ultimate opportunity to relax  they want to expend the least energy possible, perhaps spending most of their time sitting by a pool or on a beach, being waited on hand and foot and barely having to leave their hotel, let alone their comfort zone. But if you fancy something a little more active, such as a ski holiday, then it’s a great opportunity to soak up a little culture by getting to grips with the local food.
Bring home something different
It is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways of expanding your horizons and although it can be tempting to dine on something familiar, ski holidays in Austria can become journeys of discovery if you try something new. Anyone can take home a handful of holiday snaps but if you return with a delicious recipe to share with your friends then they will be much more interested in sampling your souvenir snacks than flicking through photos.
How to learn about the local fare
Whilst it can seem daunting to pick something from a menu with no idea what to expect on your plate, asking the staff is often a great way to begin your gastronomic adventure as their recommendations will reflect not only the local tastes, but also the specialities of the specific chef in that restaurant. There is no reason why you have to take their advice if it’s something you really don’t fancy, but keep your eyes peeled for delicious looking food being delivered to other tables and don’t be afraid to ask what that tantalizing dish is if you think you’ve spotted something you like the look of. One of the benefits of ski holidays in Austria is that you will encounter plenty of people who have a wealth of local knowledge and will be more than happy to direct you to a favourite eatery nearby and suggest their dish of choice.
When in Rome
Method is another thing that can put people off, from mastering chopsticks to the correct way to crack open a lobster, but you will always look sillier if you leave the tastiest part of a meal because you didn’t ask how to eat it. Keep your eyes open, copy anyone who seems to know what they’re doing and take advice on any items of cutlery which aren’t familiar and you will soon be tucking in with the gusto of someone who has been doing it all their life. With so much to gain and only your pride to lose, it’s always worth at least tasting something new and you might just find discover a taste sensation which becomes a firm favourite.
AUTHOR BIO
Betsy Kincaid is a seasoned traveller who has taken many ski holidays in Austria and is passionate about sampling different cuisines when abroad. She writes about school travel for a number of websites.
But if you fancy something a little more active, such as a ski holiday, then it’s a great opportunity to soak up a little culture by getting to grips with the local food.