Tips for Enjoying Local Food with Kids Abroad
Introduction
Travelling with kids can be an incredible adventure, providing them with valuable cultural experiences and broadening their horizons. One exciting aspect of travelling with children is introducing them to new and diverse cuisines from around the world. However, dining with kids abroad can present some challenges. Thank you for coming to read Tips for Enjoying Local Food with Kids Abroad.
Plan Ahead and Research Local Cuisine
Before embarking on your journey, take some time to research the local cuisine of your destination. Look for dishes that are child-friendly and familiar to your children’s taste buds. Familiarise yourself with any dietary restrictions or common ingredients that may pose challenges for your family.
Involve Kids in the Planning Process
Engage your children in the trip planning process, including selecting restaurants or discussing potential meals. Involving them in decision-making will create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the dining experiences abroad. Look for child-friendly restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, as well as establishments that provide highchairs, booster seats, or play areas to keep your kids entertained.
Embrace Local Markets and Street Food
Exploring local markets and sampling street food can be an exciting and authentic experience for both kids and adults. Many countries have vibrant markets where you can find an array of fresh produce, snacks, and local delicacies. Let your children wander around the market, encourage them to try new snacks, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
Be Mindful of Food Safety and Hygiene
When dining abroad, it’s crucial to prioritise food safety and hygiene, especially when it comes to your children’s health. Look for restaurants with good reviews and high hygiene standards. Avoid eating at street food stalls or establishments that appear unsanitary. Encourage your children to wash their hands before eating, or carry hand sanitisers for situations where hand-washing facilities are not available. Where possible I take the girls to wash their hands before we order food. Also be cautious about drinking tap water in foreign Countries, we avoid it but if you have no choice boil or sterilise it first.
Opt for Buffets or Family-Friendly Restaurants
Buffets and family-friendly restaurants are excellent options for eating with kids abroad. Buffets often offer a wide variety of dishes, allowing your children to choose their favourites and try new things in small portions. Family-friendly restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere, accommodating staff, and menus that cater to children’s tastes. Consider looking for restaurants with play areas or entertainment options to keep your kids engaged during mealtime.
Learn Basic Local Phrases
Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way when dining with kids abroad. Simple expressions like “please,” “thank you,” “water,” and “bill” can help create a positive and respectful dining experience. The effort to communicate in the local language will be appreciated by the locals and can foster a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for your family. We always travel with a guide book as well as the google translate app on our phones.
Pack Snacks and Familiar Foods
While it’s fun to explore new cuisines, having some familiar snacks or foods from home can provide comfort to your children, particularly if they are picky eaters or have dietary restrictions. If we are self-catering we often take small cereal boxes for breakfast, plus some familiar foods from home.
Conclusion
We’ve had some brilliant experiences eating out with our kids abroad. Our eldest will try anything which is great but even our slightly pickier 5-year old will try the occasional new dish when abroad which is brilliant. Most places have bread, rice, or fries so she’ll never go hungry! I hope you enjoyed reading Tips for Enjoying Local Food with Kids Abroad.
If you like this article, have a read of The Top Reasons City Breaks are perfect for kids.
