Some of my favorite dining experiences never happened inside a restaurant. When three of my best friends and I got together, each cooked a recipe passed down in our family. Another time, I made a new friend in a foreign city and shared a bottle of wine and takeaway in the city park. That’s the reason why the EatWith app is so revolutionary.
In the world of overtourism and disconnection with our destinations, our travel experiences veer further away from authenticity. Instead of going to a new country and trying their unique cuisines, we go to a chain restaurant because it’s cheap and convenient.
I’m not knocking anyone who enjoys a good cheeseburger once in a while, but the question still stands: if we didn’t step out of our comfort zone while traveling, did we really travel at all?
EatWith is a new platform where visitors can book a dining experience with someone from the local area. The host welcomes you into their house and will then make you a dinner that’s authentic to the region. Plus, you get to make a new human connection and possibly learn about this new country!
What Is EatWith?
EatWith is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts for unique dining experiences, such as home-cooked meals, cooking classes, and food tours.
I think of this platform as the Airbnb of local cuisine. You choose the dining experience of your choice and get paired up with the host.
Oftentimes, these hosts have a background in the culinary arts. They may be a foodie in their city, a chef, or perhaps a licensed tour guide with a special interest in food.
Continue reading for 15 unique EatWith authentic dining experiences in Paris, London, Milan, and Athens!
Why is the EatWith App So Beneficial?
The restaurant experience is great, but it doesn’t compare to the belly laughs, flowing wine, and happy memories you create when cooking dinner with a friend.
Also, let’s not forget that restaurants may have a menu set up for the traveler’s palette, and may not represent the authentic recipes or indigenous ingredients representative of that destination.
There are three types of food experiences on their website:
Private meals: A home-cooked meal with a local in that city. You schedule the date and time, then show up at their house.
Food tours: Food walking tours are an excellent way to immerse yourself in popular regional dishes while seeing the city sights. Food tours may either be private or within a group setting.
Cooking classes: Register for a private or group cooking class with a local host. Be ready to commit at least 2-3 hours to learn about the ingredients and preparation, then enjoy what you make!
Why Should You Try Experiential Dining?
When you travel to a new country, you might be curious about local cuisine and dining customs because ultimately, food culture is the local culture. However, even though you travel to a new country, it might not always be easy to get that detailed, intimate understanding of the culture and heritage surrounding food.
Also, the convenience factor is there. If you go to a super local restaurant, it’s possible that the waitstaff won’t speak English. So if you’re uncomfortable struggling through an order in a foreign language, it might make life easier to eat at a chain restaurant.
Also, you might do as the Japanese do, and avoid all contact with waitstaff and surrounding patrons.
I like EatWith because it turns a normal transaction into an experiential learning opportunity. Not only do you get to learn about the local cuisine or regional ingredients, but you also meet with a local expert who’s keen on sharing their knowledge!
15 EatWith Experiences That Should Be on Your Radar
Cool dining experiences in London
A Gluten-Free Pasta Masterclass with 4th-generation Naples Pasta Expert
B Ethiopian Cooking Class in Shepherd’s Bush Market
Cool dining experiences in Paris
A 4-course Parisian Dinner in Montmartre
B Gastronomic Dinner with a MasterChef
C Food, Culture & History Tour of the Jewish Quarter in Paris
B French Macaron Workshop with a Masterchef in his Private Atelier
Cool dining experiences in Milan
Cool dining experiences in Athens
Traditional Greek Cooking Class Overlooking the Acropolis
How do I use the EatWith app?
Using the EatWith platform is straightforward. If you have an upcoming vacation, you can book a dining experience just as you would a guided tour through a popular company like GetYourGuide.
Type in the city name and the dates you plan to travel. Then you can choose which EatWith experience piques your interest!
Should I only use EatWith abroad?
Not at all! You don’t have to wait until you travel to try EatWith. This platform is already in a few major cities, and may very well have experiences right in your neighborhood.
I had a friend once who did an EatWith experience after she moved to New York because she wanted to meet some acquaintances in her area.
Are there any downsides to eating with locals?
One potential downside to EatWith is the lack of accessibility. The platform is still up and coming, which means it isn’t available in every single country or major city. The places where you’ll find top-rated experiences and more variety are in major hubs like New York, Paris, and London.
Is EatWith worth it?
Overall, I think EatWith is a cool opportunity to meet new people, learn about local cuisine, and expand your experiences while traveling. For the price of a nice meal at a restaurant (typically $50-$100), you get a great experience along with the food.
Why I think EatWith is such a cool travel app
Food is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of culture and heritage travel. We have global examples of how available ingredients shape regional diets, along with the seasonal harvests that are often celebrated through various holidays. Some countries also have etiquette and respectful customs surrounding the dining table.
If you’re someone who would rather spend their money on experiences rather than fancy meals, then you will find the best of both worlds with this dining app. No matter what the setting is, whether it’s a private kitchen or a restaurant, you can still take advantage of a professionally prepared dish.
