When I first started traveling, one of my main goals was to experience the local culture—really dive into it. And one of the best ways to do that? Food. But let’s be real: trying authentic local food is not always as easy as just picking the restaurant with the prettiest menu. Over the years, I’ve learned that to truly eat like a local, you need to approach it with a little bit of curiosity, a pinch of bravery, and a lot of openness. Let me share with you some of my favorite tips for finding authentic food on your travels, ones that have completely transformed the way I experience a new place.

1. Ditch the Tourist Traps

I get it—after a long flight or a full day of sightseeing, it’s easy to want to head to the nearest restaurant with a “Tourist Menu” plastered outside. But trust me, the best food isn’t usually found in tourist hotspots. On one of my trips to Italy, I made the mistake of following the crowds into a bright, bustling restaurant near a major landmark. The food was fine, but it didn’t really taste like Italy. I soon learned that the real magic happens when you venture just a little farther from the tourist-heavy areas.

Look for small, family-owned eateries tucked away in quiet streets or off the beaten path. These places often serve food that’s fresher, more traditional, and much closer to what locals actually eat day in and day out. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the restaurant is filled with local patrons rather than other tourists.

2. Ask Locals for Recommendations

One of the best things I learned on my travels is that locals are often more than happy to share their favorite food spots with you—if you just ask. In Barcelona, for example, I struck up a conversation with a barista at a small café, and after a few minutes of friendly chat, she eagerly recommended a hidden tapas bar just a few blocks away. It was there that I discovered the most amazing croquetas I’d ever tasted—crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, a perfect bite that I never would have found without her recommendation.

Don’t be afraid to approach locals in cafés, markets, or even on the street. Ask where they’d go for an authentic meal. You’ll be surprised at how eager people are to share their food culture with a fellow food lover.

3. Follow the Sizzle (And the Smells)

During my time in Southeast Asia, I learned that street food is often the best way to get a true taste of a place. One evening in Bangkok, I was wandering through a busy night market, surrounded by the delicious smell of grilled meats, fresh herbs, and sweet treats. The smell of sizzling skewers lured me to a small food cart where a local woman was expertly grilling chicken satay.

I didn’t need to ask twice—I grabbed a seat and watched as she skillfully prepared the food right in front of me. The aroma was intoxicating, and the flavors were out of this world. Sometimes, the best food experiences happen when you follow your nose—if it smells good, it’s probably going to taste even better. Street food vendors often use the freshest ingredients, and they’ve honed their craft for years, creating flavors that are as close to authentic as it gets.

4. Learn About the Local Specialty

Every place has its own unique dish or style of food, and I’ve found that truly immersing yourself in a place’s food culture means understanding its culinary traditions. When I was in Peru, I made sure to learn about ceviche, one of the country’s most famous dishes. At first, I thought it was just raw fish marinated in citrus, but I quickly realized that there’s so much more to it than that. Each region has its own version, with varying ingredients, spices, and preparations.

Research the signature dishes of the area you’re visiting and make sure to seek them out. In Japan, for example, don’t just settle for sushi in a tourist area—go to a local sushi spot and experience omakase (where the chef prepares a set of dishes for you), and enjoy the art of sushi-making firsthand. Every country has its own food culture, and the best way to understand it is to try its specialties.

5. Visit Local Markets

One of my favorite ways to get a taste of local life is by visiting the markets. In places like Morocco, Thailand, or Mexico, the markets are more than just a place to shop—they’re where food comes alive. I’ll never forget wandering through the maze of stalls in the Marrakech souks, where I sampled local olives, dates, and pastilla (a savory-sweet pastry). The best part? These markets are often filled with local people buying the ingredients they’ll cook with at home, which makes it the perfect spot to see food in its most authentic form.

I recommend checking out local markets early in the day, when everything is fresh. Take your time to walk around, talk to the vendors, and try as many small bites as you can. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up local ingredients or snacks to bring home as souvenirs.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you stumble upon by chance. I remember walking down a narrow alley in Hanoi when I spotted a small, family-run noodle shop. The place had no sign, just a couple of plastic chairs out front and a few locals enjoying their bowls of pho. The smell of broth simmering away was irresistible, so I decided to pull up a chair and join them. That bowl of pho was one of the most authentic and flavorful meals I’ve ever had—it wasn’t just food; it was an experience.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Some of the best meals I’ve had came from trusting my gut and diving into a local food scene with an open mind and adventurous spirit.