Dining Abroad

The Dining Abroad Archive is where our Libations of the World and Pubs, Breweries, and Bars posts reside.

Who better to speak to the importance of food when traveling than Anthony Bourdain? He will often be quoted on the topic of dining abroad. He inspired people to experience international cultures through food while encouraging them to be brave enough to embrace the unknown.

Food is an intricate part of the travel and cultural experience. It would be best to embark on this quest with a sense of adventure and a willingness to experiment in ways you had not imagined. People speak through their food. It is a window into their heart, culture, and traditions. We need to take the time to listen to them and appreciate the story while dining abroad.

The core of most cultures lives in food; it is what family, friends, and communities gather around. As we, the traveler, enter their world, sharing that food is a means to show respect for what is important to them. We are guests in their homes at that moment, and while there, we choose to be a good one. The value of that should never be diminished or dismissed.

Even when dining in Lisbon, a full-size octopus arrives on your plate, and you have no idea what the parts are or if you can eat them.

Blushing, Joelle subsequently asks, “Is there any part we can’t eat.”