Travelling with Picky Eaters: Fuss-free Adventures in Flavour 

As a travel lover, you probably rejoice in immersing yourself in new cultures.

A significant part of that is experiencing the local cuisine.

But if your kids balk at anything beyond chicken nuggets or plain pasta, you’re not alone. 

When trying to strike a balance between respecting your kid’s preferences and encouraging exploration, it can be easy to become frustrated.

It doesn’t have to ruin your next family getaway.

With a bit of planning, you can enjoy all the restaurants and street vendors you want.

This article will give you some tips to create a positive and fun environment around mealtimes.

Pre-Trip Prep: Laying the Groundwork for Culinary Success

Before you even pack your bags, involve your picky eater in the planning process.

Take the focus off food entirely and start with fun tasks like looking at accommodation.

Check the weather for your destination together, and let your child pack their suitcase ahead of time (make sure to review it, of course).

Pre-trip exposure can make trying new things less daunting. 

Once your child feels involved, food documentaries or cooking shows filmed in the country you’re visiting can be a great way to build familiarity and excitement for the whole family.

Researching local dishes and restaurants together builds anticipation and excitement. 

If your child shows apprehension towards a particular food, there is no need to focus on it; you can move on to the next dish. Knowing there’s a “safe” option available can ease anxiety for both your picky eater. It’s essential to keep in mind that even you, as an adult, also have food preferences. 

With excitement for the new experience established, you could even try recreating some simple recipes at home, like patatas bravas, those crispy, spicy potatoes so popular in Spain. 

Implementing Tactics for Success

Once you arrive, here are five strategies to make every meal a positive experience:

1. The One-Bite Rule:

Encourage, but never force, your picky eater to try at least one bite of a new dish.

It’s a low-pressure approach that can lead to surprising discoveries.

Perhaps the creamy texture of a French crêpe or the savoury filling of a Spanish empanada will become a new favourite.

Frame it as a culinary adventure, not an obligation.

To avoid food wastage, encourage a bite of the food you are eating, and if they like it, they can order their own. 

2. Sometimes, the Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts:

You can point out parts of the dish that your child’s familiar with.

By leveraging the familiar as a gateway to the unknown, you can gradually introduce variations.

Ordering ‘controversial’ ingredients on the side empowers kids to tailor the meal to their liking and avoid potentially overwhelming combinations.

Most restaurants are happy to accommodate reasonable requests like serving a sauce on the side. 

3. Don’t Dismiss Seemingly “Exotic” Dishes Outright.

Some surprisingly options might win over your hesitant eater if they don’t overthink it.

In Portugal, pastel de nata, with its creamy custard and flaky pastry, is often a universal crowd-pleaser despite its unfamiliar appearance.

In France, the garlicky, buttery flavour of escargots might be surprisingly well received. 

4. Go Beyond the Restaurant Setting.

Visit local markets, enjoy street food or take a cooking class to foster an appreciation for the ingredients.

These immersive experiences create positive associations with food and encourage culinary curiosity.

Remember to carry small denominations of local currency to make paying markets and street vendors a breeze.  

5. Pack a few familiar snacks.

While encouraging new food experiences is important, having a backup plan can prevent meltdowns. These snacks can bridge the gap between meals or provide comfort in case a culinary experiment doesn’t go as planned. 

Remember, travelling is about shared experiences.

While accommodating your picky eater is important, ensure everyone in the group enjoys the culinary journey.

Balance adventurous choices with familiar options and prioritise having fun, however that looks. 

Photo Credit: Depositphotos