The Philosophy Behind Having Local Food Experiences

As Ancient Greek philosopher and famed lover of good food, Epicurus said, “We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.”

While Epicurus lived all the way back in 300-200 B.C., his wise words still ring true today for travelers exploring new countries and cultures. Dining in great company is often the secret ingredient that transforms an already tasty dish into a fantastic meal. Add dining with locals to the mix and you’ve got the recipe for a truly unforgettable experience.

What is it about eating with locals that makes the experience so special? Let’s dig right into that delicious question.

Why should you eat with locals?

Discover a real taste of local life

You’ll get unique insight into the local culture and learn what it’s really like to live here. Your local host can answer questions you might have about things you’ve seen, tell you what a day in their life is really like, and even share their best tips for discovering the city like a true local.

Stopping at a local restaurant will give you a chance to sample some of the regional specialties, but eat with locals and you’ll get to truly understand what life here is like too.

Get off the beaten tourist track

An authentic dinner with locals is something not many visitors get to experience. Take your trip to a new level and try something different.

Here are just a few dinners our hosts offer:

-Take a tour of traditional Catalan food and wine while on a boat on the coastline of Barcelona.

-Savor a home-cooked meal cooked with seasonal products in Paris’s 15th arrondissement on the banks of the Seine.

-Discover Italy with a night of pizza, focaccia, and local wine in the heart of Florence.

With 20,000 hosts offering 5,000 different culinary experiences, there’s something to whet any appetite!

Become a part of a global community

Did you know that there are over 100,000 EatWithers from 110 different countries? Sign up for one of our experiences and you may find you end your meal with a new group of friends from different corners of the globe. You’ll become part of a worldwide community of people who love exploring new places, new tastes, and new friendships.

Find your "home away from home"

There’s no better way to feel at home in a new place than by being invited into somebody’s home to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Our hosts believe “mi casa es tu casa” – or your maison, húsið or nhà!

Choose the experience you want

Some of our hosts offer traditional food in traditional settings, while others serve up new tastes and flavors. Fancy a spot of local comfort food in Lisbon? Would you like to learn how to cook Peruvian food in Berlin? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for modern Asian food in London. Whatever it is, you’ll be able to choose from a huge range of options.

You can even choose a local food tour or a cooking class with a trip to the neighborhood market to really get in touch with the local culture. Did you know that you can also book private parties? We can help you find the perfect host for the event you have in mind. From there, your host will take care of the details to make your special day unforgettable.

No matter what you choose, all you need to do is show up and enjoy!

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Make your trip one to remember

Think back to your last trip or vacation. What do you remember most about it? A lot of the time, the things we remember most about trips aren’t the sights and monuments we’ve seen, but instead the people and moments we’ve experienced. Sharing a meal with locals and other travelers is a great way to create lasting – and delicious – memories.   

eat with locals

Have the time of your life at an Eatwith dining experience with locals

Who says food and eating has to be serious? A meal should be seriously delicious, but apart from that, one of the nicest things about dining in good company is the good times you share. Combine authentic food with authentic people, and you’re well on your way to a wonderful time.