Embarking on a food tour is like diving headfirst into the local culture with your taste buds leading the charge. It’s an adventure full of mouthwatering discoveries, culinary revelations, and, occasionally, a few missteps that might leave you blushing—or reaching for a napkin.
If you want to savour every bite and avoid being that person on your next foodie escapade, here’s a tongue-in-cheek guide to the most common food tour faux pas and how to sidestep them like a pro.
1. Skipping Breakfast “To Save Room”
Ah, the rookie mistake of arriving on an empty stomach. You might think you’re being clever, but starting a food tour ravenous can lead to overindulgence at the first stop (hello, carb coma) or worse—getting hangry before the guide even starts their introduction.
What to Do Instead: Eat a light breakfast. A banana, some yoghurt, or a small slice of toast will keep you primed without ruining your appetite. Trust us, your fellow foodies will thank you when you’re not side-eyeing them for taking the last canapé.
2. Being Too Adventurous Too Soon
We get it—you’re here to try new things. But diving straight into the spiciest, smelliest, or most outlandish dish might leave you regretting it. And by regretting, we mean fanning your tongue or Googling “nearest pharmacy.”
What to Do Instead: Pace yourself. Start with milder flavours and work your way up to the daredevil bites. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and your palate will thank you for the warm-up.
3. Asking for a Fork When You Don’t Need One
You’re served a steaming plate of street-style dumplings or a traditional curry, and instinctively, your hand goes up. “Do you have a fork?” Cue collective gasps.
Why It’s a Faux Pas: Local dishes are often meant to be eaten with your hands, chopsticks, or bread. Requesting cutlery where it’s not typically used might rob you of an authentic experience (and a little street cred).
What to Do Instead: Embrace the local way! If you’re unsure how to eat something, watch your guide or fellow foodies. They’ll happily show you the ropes.
4. Comparing Everything to Home
“Oh, this bread is great, but back in insert hometown, we do it differently…” Repeated comparisons to your home cuisine can come across as dismissive, even if unintended.
What to Do Instead: Appreciate the differences and celebrate the uniqueness of the local food. Food tours are about experiencing something new, not judging it by your usual favourites.
5. Forgetting Your Manners
This one should be obvious, but it bears repeating: basic table manners apply, even when you’re having fun. Chewing loudly, talking with your mouth full, or jostling for the best spot at the buffet can sour the experience for everyone.
What to Do Instead: Take your time, be courteous, and remember—you’re representing yourself and your culture, too.
6. Refusing to Try Anything “Weird”
One of the joys of a food tour is stepping out of your comfort zone. Declaring “I don’t eat anything green” or “that looks weird” at every stop might make your guide question why you signed up in the first place.
What to Do Instead: Keep an open mind! You don’t have to love every bite, but you might just discover your new favourite dish by giving it a try.
7. Forgetting the Basics: Hydration and Shoes
You’re halfway through the tour, your feet are aching, and you’re parched. Why? Because you wore brand-new shoes and forgot to bring water. Rookie errors.
What to Do Instead: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. This isn’t just about looking after yourself—it’s about staying in the game for all the delicious stops ahead.
8. Ignoring the Guide’s Wisdom
Your guide is a treasure trove of local knowledge, but if you’re too busy scrolling through your phone or chatting about last night’s escapades, you’ll miss out on the context that makes each bite special.
What to Do Instead: Listen! Guides often share fascinating stories about the origins of dishes, insider tips, and where to find the best hidden gems. Trust us—you’ll want to hear it.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip Dessert
Sure, you might be full after three courses, but skipping dessert on a food tour is like walking out of a concert before the encore. Dessert is where the magic happens.
What to Do Instead: Always save a little room for that last sweet bite—it’s the perfect way to round off the experience.
Conclusion: Go Forth and Feast
Food tours are one of the best ways to connect with a city and its culture, but avoiding these foodie faux pas will ensure you enjoy the experience to the fullest. Remember: taste with curiosity, savour with respect, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself if you make a mistake—it’s all part of the adventure.
Ready for your next culinary journey? Join one of our food tours in Edinburgh or London, and we promise to guide you through the dos and don’ts while serving up unforgettable flavours. Book now and let’s eat!
