Food tours

Uncover a world of authentic, mouth-watering food.

Food brings people together. It anchors you in the present moment. That’s why, years after a trip, you can still remember the taste of fresh, juicy olives in Greece or the fragrant smell of pho simmering on the stove in Vietnam. By pairing the classic grassroots Intrepid travel style with a focus on food, you’ll get up close and personal with the world's most exciting food cultures. It might be spoiling your tastebuds with flavour-filled curries in Sri Lanka, mastering the art of making soba noodles in Japan or sharing a meal with Buddhist monks in South Korea.

Created with the culinarily curious in mind, these are real, local experiences with a foodie twist: one part culture, one part adventure and three parts delicious. From bite-sized trips to gastronomic odysseys, we’ll get you munching, crunching, sipping and slurping just like the locals. Hungry?

Our food trips

Explore the flavours of India. Be Open. Be Intrepid.

Must-try dishes around the world

Closeup of a plate of ceviche in Peru
Peru – ceviche

Ceviche is the unofficial national dish of Peru. It's made by marinating cubes of raw fish and seafood in lime juice, onions, salt and aji amarillo chilli peppers, and is served cold with sweet potato chunks, plantain chips and corn on the cob.

Paella served fresh in Spain
Spain – paella

This saffron-flavoured rice dish originated in Valencia hundreds of years ago when hungry servants would combine rice with leftovers from Moorish kings' lavish banquets. The dish varies across the regions, but the mixed version with chorizo, mussels and prawns is the most popular internationally.

Plate of different Indian of dishes curries and foods
India – thali

Struggling to choose just one curry? Fear not. A thali comprises several eye-popping dishes served on a large plate. The dishes typically include grains, lentils, vegetables or meat curries, chutney, raita, pickles and pappadum – creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy flavours.

A plate of fresh cooked meats and cheeses at lunch in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Balkans – cured meats and cheeses

When travelling through the Balkans, treat your tastebuds to delicious charcuterie boards loaded with traditionally preserved meats, cheeses, vegetables and bread. Some of the most popular Balkan meats to try include cevapi (homemade grilled sausage), njeguši (dry-cured ham) and pljeskavica (Balkan burger).

Fresh bowl of khao soi in Thailand
Thailand – khao soi

There’s a whole world of Thai noodle dishes to discover beyond the obvious (and delicious!) pad thai. Khao soi is a chicken and coconut noodle soup from northern Thailand. It’s packed with vibrant aromatics and is served with crispy fried noodles, shallots and fresh lime wedges on top.

Man cooking Falafel in the markets in Bethlehem, Israel
Israel & Palestinian Territories – falafel

Considered to be Israel’s national dish, these balls of deliciousness (made with ground chickpeas, herbs and spices) are a must-try plant-based dish. They’re usually served on a platter or in a warm pita pocket filled with pickled vegetables, crunchy cabbage salad and generous lashings of creamy tahini sauce.

Where you can try authentic local food

Why choose us

Real, authentic experiences

We love the highlights, but for us, the real magic is found off the tourist trails. Our trips combine iconic sites with hidden gems that you’ll only discover with Intrepid. We’re talking mornings exploring the Taj Mahal, followed by a Mughlai cooking class with a passionate home cook.

Local expertise

Whether you’re perusing markets, hunting down the best street food bites or learning how to cook centuries-old family recipes at a homestay, there’s no better way to get the inside scoop on a destination – and its culinary traditions – than with an expert local leader by your side.

Small groups

Big coaches and flag-toting tour guides don’t cut it for us. With a maximum group size of 12, our groups blend in with the locals and have plenty of opportunities to interact with chefs, street food vendors and group leaders. It also means you can really connect with your fellow foodies.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 895 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Italy Real Food Adventure

Alpena · Traveled August 2024
I recently concluded this incredible tour of Italy, and I can't recommend it highly enough! From start to finish, every moment was a delight. Our tour leader Emi was exceptionally knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights into the rich history and culture of the places we visited, which truly enhanced the experience. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the food. Every meal was a celebration of Italian cuisine, with each dish being more delicious than the last. Overall, this tour exceeded my expectations in every way.
Review submitted 30 Aug 2024

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

Ursula · Traveled August 2024
I recently celebrated my 50th birthday with a tour around Spain & Portugal. It was nothing short of amazing, thanks to our incredible tour guide, Adrian. His deep knowledge of the country’s history, culture, and hidden gems added so much depth to our journey. Each day was filled with fascinating stories and experiences to last me a lifetime. Thank you for making my 50th birthday so magical!
Review submitted 29 Aug 2024

South Korea Real Food Adventure

Marie · Traveled August 2024
I recently returned from the South Korea Real Food Adventure with Intrepid, and I can't speak highly enough of the experience! From start to finish, the trip was an absolute delight, largely thanks to our incredible guides, Peter and Coby. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail truly made this one of the best tours I've ever taken with Intrepid. Peter's leadership was outstanding; he ensured that every aspect of our journey was seamless and enjoyable. He had a perfect balance of keeping us on track while making sure we never felt rushed. His warmth and ability to bring the group together made each day feel like an adventure with friends rather than just a tour group. Coby added an extra layer of depth to the experience with his insights and knowledge. He was always ready with fascinating information about the places we visited and the dishes we tried, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of South Korea's rich culinary culture. Our group was fantastic, and Peter and Coby did an excellent job of fostering a fun and inclusive atmosphere. They even joined us on the nights when dinner wasn't included, offering superb restaurant recommendations that allowed us to experience the best of South Korean cuisine. These evenings were some of the highlights of the trip, filled with laughter, great food, and a genuine sense of camaraderie. The itinerary was beautifully crafted—kudos to the team working behind the scenes! Each day was filled with valuable activities and experiences that showcased the very best of South Korea, yet the pace was relaxed and never felt overwhelming. The balance between guided experiences and free time was just right, allowing us to explore on our own while still feeling well-supported. This was undoubtedly my favourite Intrepid tour to date, and that’s saying something! A huge thank you to Peter, Coby, and the entire Intrepid team for creating such a memorable and enriching adventure. I can't wait for my next journey with Intrepid!
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024

South Korea Real Food Adventure

Alex · Traveled August 2024
Korea was a country that far exceeded my expectations. Led by Peter, the finest guide I have had in my many intrepid trips, I tasted so many new foods and met some new friends along the way.
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024

Ljubljana to Split Real Food Adventure

Sherridan · Traveled August 2024
This tour was an incredible way to immerse myself in local culture, connect with community members, and sample a variety of delicious cuisines. I had the chance to participate in unique experiences that I never would have discovered on my own, such as truffle hunting, visiting local wineries, and enjoying homemade delicacies in the homes of local residents. It’s also an excellent introduction to the beauty and charm of Slovenia and Croatia. One thing to note: our tour had only three travelers. Of course this might vary depending on the season but something to consider if the group travel aspect is a priority.
Review submitted 21 Aug 2024

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