The 5 Best Strategies for Accommodating Picky Eaters While Traveling Abroad

Are you facing the challenge of traveling with someone who is a picky eater? You’re not alone. From refusing to try jokbal (pork trotters) because it’s too “exotic and weird,” to passing up on dakgalbi out of fear it might be spicy, picky eaters can transform a culinary adventure into a frustrating quest for something as simple as plain meat and rice. As a Reddit user shared their experience, even a dish like Korean fried chicken, which is universally loved, might not make the cut. It can be exasperating when you’ve gone the extra mile to find restaurants that cater to their limited palate, only to be met with comments like “that looks disgusting.” So how do you manage a trip with such a picky eater and still enjoy the experience? Let’s dive into some practical solutions to keep both your plans and taste buds happy.

1. Utilize Meal Delivery Services

When you’re in a bustling city like New York, you have a plethora of dining options at your fingertips, thanks to meal delivery services such as UberEats, Grubhub, or DoorDash. These platforms are a lifesaver for catering to the varied tastes and dietary restrictions of picky eaters. If, for example, the picky eater in your travel group is looking for gluten-free options, ordering from a restaurant like ‘Keste Pizza & Vino’ could be the perfect solution. Not only does this ensure that everyone can eat what they like, but it also eliminates the pressure of finding a suitable restaurant that pleases all palates.

2. Choose Accommodations with Cooking Facilities

Opting for a hotel room with a kitchenette or booking an Airbnb with a full kitchen can give picky eaters the freedom to prepare their own meals. This is especially useful when traveling abroad where food choices may be very different from what one is used to. For instance, while in Paris, one could visit the renowned Marché Bastille to pick up fresh produce and specialty items. Here, picky eaters can purchase ingredients that are familiar to them, ensuring they have meals they’ll enjoy while also having the chance to experiment with local products if they wish.

3. Research Customizable Restaurant Options

Before you travel, it’s a good idea to research dining spots that offer customizable menu options. This is particularly helpful for those with specific dietary preferences such because it’sarians or vegans. HappyCow is an excellent resource for finding such eateries. For example, if you’re in Tokyo, a visit to ‘Nagi Shokudo’ in Shibuya would be ideal. This restaurant allows diners to pick and choose from a selection of plant-based a la carte dishes, or they can opt to combine them into a set meal, offering flexibility to even the most selective eaters.

4. Leverage Social Media Food Groups

Don’t underestimate the power of social media when it comes to finding food recommendations. Facebook groups and food-focused Reddit communities are great places to get advice from both locals and fellow travelers. By joining a group specific to your destination, you can get insider tips on where to eat. For example, the ‘Food in Iceland‘ Facebook group could provide advice on Reykjavik eateries that are known for adjusting Icelandic dishes to suit simpler or more specific tastes, ensuring that the picky eater won’t miss out on the local cuisine.

5. Rely on Culinary Translation Apps

A culinary translation app like ‘Speak & Translate‘ or ‘iTranslate‘ can be incredibly helpful in countries where language is a barrier. These apps enable you to clearly communicate your dietary needs and preferences to restaurant staff, which is crucial for a picky eater. For instance, in a city like Shanghai, using a translation app could help ensure that a popular dish like ‘Gong Bao Chicken’ is prepared without peanuts if necessary. This not only prevents any potential allergic reactions but also provides peace of mind for the picky eater.