Exploring new cuisines is one of the most exciting ways to experience a culture. Whether you’re traveling to a new country or just visiting a local restaurant serving international dishes, knowing how to order like a local can elevate your dining experience. You don’t want to be that tourist who unknowingly orders the most basic dish or completely mispronounces a popular favorite. Instead, you want to immerse yourself, respect the culture, and enjoy the best that cuisine has to offer.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate a new cuisine like a pro, from understanding the menu to avoiding common mistakes.

1. Do Your Homework Before You Go

One of the best ways to prepare for trying a new cuisine is to do a little research beforehand. You don’t need to become an expert, but learning about the country’s food culture and staple dishes will help you make better choices when ordering.

• Look up traditional dishes – Find out what foods are considered local favorites.
• Understand the etiquette – Some cultures have specific dining customs (e.g., not tipping in Japan or eating with your hands in India).
• Learn key phrases – If the restaurant is authentic and in another language, knowing how to say basic words like “thank you” or “delicious” can make the experience more enjoyable.

2. Avoid the Obvious Tourist Dishes

Many restaurants serving international cuisine offer a “safe” menu section with familiar dishes catered to tourists. While this might be tempting, ordering from this part of the menu often means you’re missing out on the best food the restaurant has to offer.

Instead of defaulting to the most recognizable dish (like ordering spaghetti bolognese in Italy or orange chicken at a Chinese restaurant), ask about house specialties or regional favorites. Many of the best dishes are the ones you won’t find on a typical Westernized menu.

3. Observe What the Locals Are Ordering

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to order like a local is to see what the people around you are eating. If you notice a specific dish being ordered frequently, it’s likely a popular choice for a reason.

If you’re in a foreign country and unsure what something is, politely ask the server or even a fellow diner for recommendations. Most people are happy to share their favorite dishes and might even offer insider tips on how to eat them correctly.

4. Be Open to Trying New Ingredients

Part of the fun of experiencing a new cuisine is stepping out of your comfort zone. Many traditional dishes include ingredients that may be unfamiliar or unusual to you, but don’t let that discourage you.

For example:

• In Japan, try natto (fermented soybeans) even if the texture is different from what you’re used to.
• In Thailand, embrace the spice levels rather than asking for a mild version.
• In Mexico, don’t just stick to tacos—try tamales, mole, or chiles en nogada.

You might discover a new favorite dish that you would have otherwise avoided!

5. Understand the Structure of the Meal

In some cultures, meals are served in a specific order, and knowing this can help you order appropriately.

For example:

• In Spain, tapas are small plates meant to be shared before the main course.
• In Italy, a traditional meal consists of an antipasto (starter), primo (pasta or soup), secondo (meat or fish), and dolce (dessert).
• In India, a thali is a complete meal served with multiple small dishes, meant to be eaten together.

Understanding the flow of the meal helps ensure that you’re ordering enough food while also respecting local dining traditions.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Recommendations

Many people feel embarrassed about asking for suggestions, but servers are usually happy to help. A great question to ask is: “What do you recommend for someone who has never tried this cuisine before?” This gives them the chance to introduce you to a signature dish that represents their culture well.

Another good tip is to ask about the house specialty or the chef’s favorite dish. These are often the best options on the menu!

7. Pair Your Meal with Traditional Drinks

A meal is not just about the food—beverages play an important role, too! Each cuisine has its own traditional drinks that enhance the flavors of the meal.

• Japan – Try sake or matcha tea.
• Italy – Enjoy your meal with a glass of regional wine or an aperitivo like Aperol Spritz.
• Mexico – Pair your tacos with a refreshing agua fresca or mezcal.
• India – Sip on a mango lassi or masala chai.

Matching your meal with the right drink completes the experience and makes you feel more in tune with the culture.

8. Use the Proper Utensils (or Your Hands!)

Dining etiquette varies across cultures, and knowing how to properly eat your food is just as important as ordering the right dish.

• In Japan, slurping noodles is a sign of appreciation.
• In Ethiopia, food is traditionally eaten with injera (a type of flatbread) rather than utensils.
• In Thailand, use a spoon for most dishes, as forks are mainly used to push food onto the spoon.

If you’re unsure about how to eat a dish, observe those around you or simply ask your server.

9. Respect Local Customs and Traditions

Finally, the key to ordering like a local is respecting the culture behind the cuisine.

• Don’t ask for unnecessary modifications that alter the authenticity of the dish.
• Be polite and appreciative, even if a dish isn’t your favorite.
• Understand tipping culture—some countries include service charges, while others rely on tipping.

By showing respect and enthusiasm for the food, you’ll not only have a better dining experience but also create positive connections with the people serving you.

Final Thoughts

Trying a new cuisine is an adventure, and learning how to order like a local makes the experience even more rewarding. By researching traditional dishes, being open to new flavors, and respecting cultural dining customs, you can immerse yourself in the culinary world of another culture.

So the next time you step into an unfamiliar restaurant or travel to a foreign country, be bold, explore the menu, and eat like a local. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite meal!