Food travel quotes tend to make us want to go on a plan to eat something super exotic, and here are 10 of the best.
We eat on travel to experience new flavors and cultures, and, well, because we gotta eat.
I mean, duh!
Right?
Anyway, here are 10 of my favorite quotes about food that I think apply well to travel.
Get ready to be inspired or to have the cravings go wild.
Food Travel Quotes
Food travel is exploring diverse cuisines and culinary traditions, immersing in culture through taste experiences.
While these quotes primarily focus on food and cooking, they indirectly relate to travel through culinary wanderlust.
You say “Delhi,” and I’m already drooling about the delicious biryani, or the pasta in “Rome,” or…
When traveling, experiencing different cuisines and dining traditions becomes a vital aspect of cultural immersion.
In this case, you could say that food serves as a bridge. It’s a bridge connecting us with new cultures.
It does that by enhancing our trip through taste and discovery.
Whether you’re enjoying the traditions of the Mayans or going up the northern coasts of Europe, food is powerful.
And these quotes really remind us of that.
Here we go…
1. “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” – Ernestine Ulmer
This quote humorously advises enjoying life’s pleasures without waiting for certainty.
Go take that trip you’ve been dying to go on!
AND… try street food in Italy and, maybe, even in Japan!
So, it suggests indulging in dessert immediately, symbolizing the importance of seizing joy and savoring moments.
Even in uncertainty.
What I love about this quote is that it really advocates for prioritizing enjoyment and living in the present.
You know… rather than postponing happiness for an uncertain future.
If I could bottle that as advice, it would be what I would give to people who think traveling is expensive.
Yes, and?
2. “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.” – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
The original French is, “Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es.”
I know exactly the type of person who likes Moroccan food. If you can eat lamb tagine with camel fat, oh, I see an explorer!
Wow, this is why this is one of my favorite food travel quotes: it is powerful. It means that one’s food choices reflect one’s identity and character.
So, this quote suggests that by examining a person’s diet, you can understand their habits, preferences, and perhaps even their cultural or social background.
This is a quote that clearly highlights the connection between food and personal identity.
I mean, it’s exactly a variation of “You are what you eat,”… right?
Yup!
3. “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard
And that’s why, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. James Beard is the iconic food personification that he has become.
This food travel quote highlights how eating connects us all. If you are in South Africa or in Norway, food is delicious.
In its heart of hearts, it implies that regardless of our differences, everyone shares the need for food.
It focuses on the universal nature of food as something that brings people together.
As a result, food is something that transcends cultural, social, and geographical boundaries.
What a message we all need to be reminded of.
4. “In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” – Julia Child
This quote from Julia Child encourages a bold and adventurous approach to cooking.
You could literally say the same about wanderlust, which is why it is such a great food travel quote.
So, Julia’s quote suggests that to excel in the kitchen, one should embrace experimentation and not be afraid of making mistakes.
The “what-the-hell attitude” implies a willingness to take risks and try new things.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is essential for culinary creativity and success.
This would be the same message I have for someone who’s afraid to visit East African nations like Kenya or Tanzania on their own.
5. “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw
This quote expresses the profound affection people have for food.
For instance, George Bernard Shaw suggests that the love for food is genuine and deeply felt.
In this case, the claim is that it surpasses other forms of love in its sincerity.
Basically, the quote highlights the emotional connection and pleasure that food brings to our lives.
Therefore, the focus is its importance in human experience.
6. “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” – Alan D. Wolfelt
This quote suggests that food can convey love and affection when spoken words fall short.
What makes it one of the best food travel quotes is that you will know this feeling as you travel.
There will be destinations in your life whose dishes will literally leave you speechless.
So, Wolfelt implies that in moments where expressing emotions verbally is challenging or insufficient, preparing or sharing food can serve as a meaningful gesture of care and affection.
Yes, the quote highlights the powerful and universal language of food in expressing love and connection.
7. “First we eat, then we do everything else.” – M.F.K. Fisher
This quote is really about the fundamental importance of food in our lives. A day can we go without it.
So, Fisher suggests that eating is a priority that precedes all other activities.
And that is exactly what makes it one of those food travel quotes that make you sit and smile.
Basically, this quote implies that nourishing ourselves is essential for energy and sustenance.
That is, enabling us to carry out tasks and engage in various activities effectively.
Yes!
8. “No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” – Guy Fieri
So, my traveling buddies, this quote highlights the universal aspect of communal dining across diverse cultures.
As you travel to diverse destinations, you will start to see this. Chinese New Year, Eid, Rosh Hashanah, Christmas, you name it.
Food travel quotes make us think about how much we have in common, and Guy Fieri does just that.
The quote suggests that regardless of cultural differences, the act of sharing meals brings people together.
So, it focuses on the commonality of gathering around food as a social activity.
Plus, this social activity transcends geographical, linguistic, and cultural boundaries.
Absolutely.
9. “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf
Well, I would add travel well, too! But, my oh my, what a quote, am I right?
Virginia Woolf proclaims that eating good food is essential for overall well-being.
And, yes, she implies that our ability to think clearly, love deeply, and sleep peacefully is closely linked to food.
The satisfaction and nourishment we receive from eating a proper meal is how we get to experience any of those.
100%!!!
10. “Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
This quote compares cooking to love. Harriet Van Horne says that both require wholehearted commitment.
I could not agree more!
Food travel quotes like this advise approaching cooking with passion and enthusiasm.
Basically, just as one would approach a romantic relationship!
Where is the lie?!?!
What I love about this quote is that it implies half-hearted efforts in either endeavor are insufficient for true satisfaction and fulfillment.
Add travel to that, my friends!
Food Travel Quotes – Final Thoughts
These quotes all center around the theme of food. They focus on its importance in life, relationships, and culture.
At the same time, they celebrate food’s universality and significance in human experience.
So, travel exposes us to diverse culinary traditions, which creates an appreciation for the significance of food in culture.
Plus, it reminds us of its universal role in human connection.
Therefore, I invite you to reflect on all of these!
Nina Walker is a food writer for Caravanzers.
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