Introduction
I’ve always been a picky eater. I’m the person who will order a cheeseburger and hold the lettuce, ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles. I won’t even touch mayo if it’s not on my sandwiches. And I hate seafood with an almost religious passion that borders on obsession. I mean this in the best way possible. So when friends told me about their incredible experiences eating local food in foreign countries, I was skeptical at best. But after spending time in Spain and learning more about its culture through local cuisine, I finally have an appreciation for what it means to love new foods (without having to consume anything slimy).
Be open to trying new things.
- Be open to trying new things.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Get a local to help you order.
If you’re feeling adventurous, ask a local to help you order. It’s okay if they don’t speak English or your language isn’t their first language. You can get by with pointing at them and miming the motions of eating while they make suggestions. If they are unsure what something is or how it tastes, try asking them questions like “is this spicy?” or “does this have garlic?” If you’re worried about offending anyone by asking too many questions (or maybe just want some privacy), try listening closely when s/he speaks so that when it comes time for ordering food later on in your stay, some words will already be familiar to you!
If there’s something on the menu that looks interesting but seems too expensive or exotic (and therefore intimidating), don’t be afraid of trying something more basic first–you might find out later that it wasn’t as good as expected anyway! And remember: No matter how much money goes into making each dish look beautiful on Instagram–it’s always best enjoyed with friends and family 🙂
Take small bites, but don’t hesitate to ask for more.
It’s important to take small bites when you’re trying something new. That way, if you don’t like it, you can stop eating and move on with your life. If you do like it, however…don’t be afraid to ask for more! If there’s anything that makes me want to keep eating something over and over again (even if it’s bad), it’s having another bite or two after my first one was so good. I love feeling like I’m getting away with something good–like a kid sneaking candy before dinner–and this is exactly how I feel when I eat food that isn’t normal for me but turns out really great anyway.
Don’t be afraid of spices.
Spices are a great way to add flavor to food. But because they can be overpowering, it’s important not to be afraid of asking for less–or even none at all! Spices can also help you discover new foods that you might not otherwise like. For example, if your favorite thing in the world is pizza and your friend loves pasta with pesto sauce on top, ask them what kind of spices they used when making their meal. It might just lead you down an exciting new culinary path!
Try new things and don’t be shy about asking for more
I’ve learned that it’s okay to get a little weird.
I’m not saying you should be eating bugs or anything, but if you’re trying something new and it doesn’t taste good, don’t be afraid to ask for more. You’ll never know what you like until you try it!
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you some insight into how to approach new food. If you’re looking for more tips, I recommend checking out my video on how to order an exotic dish in a restaurant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-dVXLZQ1X4
