Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

Xzar Lim

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

MANILA — For a growing number of Filipino travelers, the most memorable part of a trip isn&#x27;t a famous landmark or a postcard-worthy view. It&#x27;s the meal that tells the story of a destination.From family-run eateries in Kyoto to humble dumpling shops in Taiwan, food has become a gateway for travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences, reflecting a broader shift toward more intentional travel.Rather than collecting passport stamps or checking attractions off an itinerary, many travelers are choosing experiences that connect them with local communities and traditions — often beginning at the dining table.Travel creators Kelly Misa-Fernandez, Xzar Lim and husband-and-wife duo Moe and AJ Cenzon say some of their most unforgettable travel memories came through local cuisine rather than iconic tourist sites.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784946386362Xzar Lim.JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Xzar Lim. Handout</div>For Lim, who documents her backpacking adventures across Asia, trying unfamiliar dishes has often led to a greater appreciation of a destination&#x27;s history and culture.One standout discovery was ba-wan, a Taiwanese dumpling made with pork, bamboo shoots and mushrooms wrapped in a chewy sweet potato starch skin.Beyond its flavor, Lim said the dish carried a story. Originating in Changhua County in the late 19th century, it was created as an affordable meal for farming communities recovering from natural disasters, making it a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness.Misa-Fernandez, meanwhile, recalled seeking out a family-run restaurant in Kyoto that served obanzai, a traditional assortment of seasonal side dishes.She said the meal reflected two longstanding Japanese concepts: mottainai, or avoiding waste, and shun, the practice of eating ingredients at their seasonal peak. Rather than elaborate presentations, the dishes showcased everyday home cooking and generations of culinary tradition.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784946667422BeFunky-collage (2) 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>AJ Cenzon and Kelly Misa-Fernandez. Handout</div>As culinary tourism continues to grow, travel experts say discovering local food often means looking beyond social media recommendations.While viral restaurants can attract long queues, smaller neighborhood eateries, public markets and local recommendations frequently offer a more authentic glimpse into regional cuisine.At the same time, travelers are encouraged to prepare before trying unfamiliar dishes. Researching ingredients, understanding local food customs and being aware of allergies or dietary restrictions can help avoid health issues that could derail a trip.&quot;When you&#x27;re traveling with family, you&#x27;re responsible not just for yourself but for everyone else as well,&quot; Misa-Fernandez said. &quot;A simple stomach issue can quickly affect your entire itinerary.&quot;Lim recalled developing an upset stomach during a backpacking trip to India after sampling several local dishes with unfamiliar spices, requiring medical treatment before she could continue her journey. She said her travel insurance through AXA Smart Traveller covered her medical expenses, allowing her to focus on recovering instead of worrying about unexpected costs.The experiences also underscore the importance of travel insurance, particularly for trips centered on food and adventure, where unexpected medical expenses abroad can quickly add up.Whether it&#x27;s discovering a generations-old neighborhood recipe or sharing a meal with locals, food offers travelers a deeper understanding of the places they visit — one plate at a time.

From family-run eateries in Kyoto to humble dumpling shops in Taiwan, food has become a gateway for travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences.

From family-run eateries in Kyoto to humble dumpling shops in Taiwan, food has become a gateway for travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences.

Food becomes the journey as Filipinos embrace culinary travel

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Food becomes the journey as Filipinos embrace culinary travel

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published July 25, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

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