Hi Hank, my husband & I love food tours! We were in Spain a few weeks ago and did another excellent one in Sevilla. Last June was an excellent one in London’s East End. If I suggest adding one to our itinerary while I’m planning, my husband always says an enthusiastic “yes”! Even the time we were in NYC, I had reserved one for us. We liked it so well that we signed up for another one with the same company for the next day. The company had a variety of choices for neighborhoods they covered.
What we like is first, that we have the chance to try several local foods in one “meal”. And when we’re traveling, we want local foods, not Americanized local foods, etc. Also, the stories and info the guide shares are very interesting! Since the info is stored in my brain with an associated food (using multiple senses), it is much easier to remember! Most of them have been a fun group experience with people interacting and an interesting or entertaining guide.
When I am traveling solo, they’re even a better activity for me because it gives me the chance to try more food than I could as one person ordering a meal. For the cost, I think of it as an activity+dinner, so it’s usually worth it for me/us.
While researching, there are a lot of so-so ones out there. I try to find out what foods are included in the tour and whether it’s minor stuff I could just purchase myself from bakeries, etc. I don’t choose ones that center on a market; I prefer ones that go to several small restaurants /bars and we have some food at each location.
Where are you thinking about doing one?