Asian food in all its sweet and sour glory continues to influence world cuisine. Ginger, cinnamon, pepper and turmeric were the stuff of legend in the 1600s, and sticky stir-fries, fragrant curries and juicy dumplings have all made their mark on today’s global palate. But nothing beats the real thing, fresh from the wok. Come with us on a food tour through the night markets of Thailand, the luscious Vietnamese Mekong Delta, and the beautiful teahouses of Japan. One tip? Pack stretchy pants.
You can't go to Vietnam and not order at least one of everyone's favourite sandwich - the banh mi. Dating all the way back to the French colonial period, this fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine is filled with vegetables, meat or tofu, a healthy helping of pate, and finished off with flavourful herbs.
The national dish in Sri Lanka is rice and curry and while it might sound simple, it's really anything but. Fragrant in smell, flavourful to taste, and colourful to lay your eyes on, this dish is traditionally made using fluffy rice (samba or kakulu varieties) and a variety of meat-based side dishes called curries.
You'll never run out of mouthwatering dishes to try in any Japanese restaurant, especially if okonomiyaki is on the menu. Essentially a savoury pancake, this filling snack is made with shredded cabbage, your choice of protein, and a whole heap of okonomiyaki sauce for a taste you'll always be hungry for.
We love the highlights, but for us, the real magic is found off the tourist trails. Our trips combine iconic sites with hidden gems that you’ll only discover with Intrepid. We’re talking mornings exploring the Taj Mahal, followed by a Mughlai cooking class with a passionate home cook.
Local expertise
Whether you’re perusing markets, hunting down the best street food bites or learning how to cook centuries-old family recipes at a homestay, there’s no better way to get the inside scoop on a destination – and its culinary traditions – than with an expert local leader by your side.
Small groups
Big coaches and flag-toting tour guides don’t cut it for us. With a maximum group size of 12, our groups blend in with the locals and have plenty of opportunities to interact with chefs, street food vendors and group leaders. It also means you can really connect with your fellow foodies.
Reviews
4.8
out of 5 based on 467 reviews submitted.
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Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure
Philip · Traveled August 2024
An excellent trip that got under the skin of Sri Lanka, its food, its people and its culture. Well recommended to all however the hotel by the coast although idyllic should be informed that it’s a party town and sleep is not possible as a consequence of adjacent bar music events.
Review submitted 03 Sep 2024
Japan Real Food Adventure
Suzanne · Traveled August 2024
An excellent trip taking in so much of Japan while the added interest of the food and culture. Quote: best time of my life so far!
Review submitted 04 Sep 2024
South Korea Real Food Adventure
Alex · Traveled August 2024
Korea was a country that far exceeded my expectations. Led by Peter, the finest guide I have had in my many intrepid trips, I tasted so many new foods and met some new friends along the way.
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024
South Korea Real Food Adventure
Marie · Traveled August 2024
I recently returned from the South Korea Real Food Adventure with Intrepid, and I can't speak highly enough of the experience! From start to finish, the trip was an absolute delight, largely thanks to our incredible guides, Peter and Coby. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail truly made this one of the best tours I've ever taken with Intrepid.
Peter's leadership was outstanding; he ensured that every aspect of our journey was seamless and enjoyable. He had a perfect balance of keeping us on track while making sure we never felt rushed. His warmth and ability to bring the group together made each day feel like an adventure with friends rather than just a tour group.
Coby added an extra layer of depth to the experience with his insights and knowledge. He was always ready with fascinating information about the places we visited and the dishes we tried, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of South Korea's rich culinary culture.
Our group was fantastic, and Peter and Coby did an excellent job of fostering a fun and inclusive atmosphere. They even joined us on the nights when dinner wasn't included, offering superb restaurant recommendations that allowed us to experience the best of South Korean cuisine. These evenings were some of the highlights of the trip, filled with laughter, great food, and a genuine sense of camaraderie.
The itinerary was beautifully crafted—kudos to the team working behind the scenes! Each day was filled with valuable activities and experiences that showcased the very best of South Korea, yet the pace was relaxed and never felt overwhelming. The balance between guided experiences and free time was just right, allowing us to explore on our own while still feeling well-supported.
This was undoubtedly my favourite Intrepid tour to date, and that’s saying something! A huge thank you to Peter, Coby, and the entire Intrepid team for creating such a memorable and enriching adventure. I can't wait for my next journey with Intrepid!
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024
Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure
Daiana · Traveled August 2024
The trip is beautifully organised, excellent experience who brought me to see how people really live in Sri Lanka, the culture, the beauty of these people, the flavours, the green hills, the temples etc.. I’m going back with a smile on the face and I will always remember the smiles of
The people here.. beautiful trip
