Dream destinations & Workaway experiences for Foodies

1. Italy: Pasta and Pizza Paradise

• You will never be hungry: Lunch and dinner are usually a few courses and may include: Antipasti (appetisers) followed by primi (first courses, often pasta or risotto), secondi (main courses), and dolci (desserts).
• Regional variations: Northern Italy is known for its rich dishes such as creamy risottos and hearty stews. Central Italy is home to classics like pasta and rustic soups. Tuscany is a foodie haven in particular, famed for its hearty meats and beans. Southern Italy is more influenced by Mediterranean flavours as well as the beloved pizza, pasta and fresh seafood. 
  
  
• Pride in local produce: Italy is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world. It’s also famous for its wine regions producing renowned wines such as Chianti and Prosecco. If tomatoes are not your vibe, Italy won’t be either. They’re used in almost all dishes from sauces to salads to stews. 

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in Italy

• Help on an organic farm that produces wine, olive oil, veg, fruit and nuts in Naples
• Assist with cooking and gardening in a beautiful farmhouse, Umbria, Italy (paid position)
• Help out with our olive harvest in Campofiorito, Sicily, Italy
• Help on a small family farm and learn about Italian cuisine in Tuscany, Italy

2. Japan: Sushi Sensation

• Umami: It’s worth knowing that the concept of "umami," the fifth basic taste, is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, contributing to its distinct flavours. 
• Traditional dishes: Iconic dishes include: Sashimi which is thinly sliced raw fish, sushi, ramen, a noodle based broth, Yakitori which is skewered and grilled chicken pieces and Tempura which is lightly battered and deep fried seafood and vegetables. 
• Ceremonies: If you get the chance, take part in a traditional tea ceremony which is a ritual centred around preparing and serving - you guessed it - tea! You’ll also find casual, pub-like establishments called Izakaya where you can enjoy small plates and drinks. For a super special treat, you may get to experience a Kaiseki meal which can be anywhere from six to 15 courses (usually around 9) with each course an absolute work of art. 

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in Japan

• Support a Vegan/vegetarian cafe and yoga studio in Nozawa onsen, Japan (paid position)
• Help an organic, additive-free restaurant with homemade fresh food in the countryside of Kamigori, Japan (paid position)
• Help with a permaculture project in the ancient imperial city of Nara, Japan 
• Help make Japanese sweets and live in a traditional Japanese house

3. Spain: Trailblazing Tapas

• Traditional dishes: Tapas where people enjoy small bites while socialising, is a culinary custom in Spain. Chocolate fans should try churros which are fried dough (think skinny, tall donuts) often dipped in chocolate for dessert or breakfast. Not forgetting Paella - A Valencian rice dish typically cooked with saffron, vegetables featuring seafood or meat.
• Regional variations: Each region in Spain has its own distinct culinary identity. For example, Andalusia is known for gazpacho (cold soup) fried fish, and flavorful stews, whereas Catalonia is famous for its seafood dishes, tapas, and Catalan cream dessert. Head to Basque Country for its innovative cuisine, including pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and hearty stews or seafood lovers may prefer Galicia which is notable for its seafood, octopus dishes, and empanadas (savoury pastries).
• Late dining: Spaniards often gather with family and friends to enjoy leisurely meals that extend late into the night. Partly thanks to the mid-afternoon siesta, it’s not unusual for dinner to start around 10pm in the evening.

Best Workaway Experiences for Food in Spain

• Help to create a food forest in Las Alpujarras, Granada, Spain
• Stay with a chef/nutritionist on a vegan biofarm in Majorca, Spain
• Learn how to take care of the olive and almond trees in Sella, Spain
• Help at a beautiful finca: olive harvest, gardening and enjoying nature in Cataluña, Spain

4. Mexico: Taco Fiesta

• Street food scene: Mexico is famous for its vibrant street food culture. Food stalls offer everything from tacos to elote (grilled corn on the cob.) It’s ideal for those travelling on a budget, as the average taco from a street vendor in Mexico costs between 10-15 Mexican Pesos (roughly $0.50 – $0.75 USD) 
• Traditional Dishes: Many Mexican dishes are corn (maize) based. It is used to make tortillas used in enchiladas and tacos as well as Tamales. Tamales are steamed or boiled pockets of masa (corn dough) filled with various fillings and often wrapped in corn husks. You can also try pozole, a hearty soup made from hominy (corn kernels) and meat. 
• Regional Variations: Mexico's cuisine is incredibly diverse. For example, the Yucatan Peninsula is known for using achiote (annatto seed) and unique dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork). Oaxaca is famous for its rich moles, tlayudas (large tortillas), and chapulines (edible grasshoppers!) And Puebla is the birthplace of mole poblano, chiles en nogada, and other iconic dishes.

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in Mexico

• Help and enjoy the centre of food and culture of Oaxaca, Mexico
• Help on our organic farm and glamping site in Huatulco, Mexico
• Help a chef Create a New Eco Farm in Centre Oaxaca, Mexico.

5. France: Culinary Elegance

• Traditional tastes: Wine lovers, listen up! France is renowned for its wine regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne producing some of the world's finest wines. If you’ve a sweet tooth you need to visit the famous patisseries (pastry shops), which offer pastries and desserts that taste as good as they look as well as boulangeries (bakeries) famed for their baguettes and croissants. Feeling adventurous? Why not try escargot, snails cooked in garlic butter, bouillabaisse - a fish stew from Provence or Duck à l'Orange roasted duck served with a sweet orange sauce.
• Regional variations: Provence is known for dishes rich in herbs and olive oil, such as ratatouille and bouillabaisse. Normandy is famed for its apple-based products like cider and also Camembert cheese. Whereas Alsace cuisine is influenced by German traditions, so you can try dishes like choucroute (sauerkraut) and flammekueche (a type of flatbread).
• Cheese please: If you lived in France for an entire year, you could try a new cheese every single day and STILL there would be some new varieties to try! This is because France has nearly 400 types of cheeses that are traditionally made there. 

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in France

• Food travel: a journey in France with Workaway
• Help to Harvest chestnuts in Saint-Genest-Lachamp, France
• Join a vegetarian family, professionally involved in organic foods near Nîmes, in South France
• Live a minimalist life with a baker and pastry chef in Onesse Laharai, France

6. Thailand: Land of Smiles...and street food!

• Traditional Dishes: You cannot leave without trying Tom Yum Goong a hot and sour shrimp soup, Pad Thai which is stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) a spicy curry made with a paste of green chili peppers, coconut milk, vegetables or meats and Massaman Curry which is a rich and flavorful curry influenced by Indian spices, often made with beef, potatoes, and peanuts.
• Sweet treats: Many Thai dishes have sugar added to them. Even unexpected ones like Pad Thai or green papaya salad, it is common for sugar to be added during the preparation. If you don't want your food to be too sweet, just say 'waan noi', which means slightly sweet.
• Eating alone: Unlike Japan where eating alone is common, and they use "Mokushoku" to describe “silent eating” or “eating alone,” in Thailand eating alone is a sign of bad luck!

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in Thailand

• Join an open-air creative Thai Cooking School with cocktail / wine classes 
• Learn about permaculture, cooking and enjoy pure nature in Pakchong, Thailand
• Help us to grow and develop our cooking school in Chiang Mai and learn Thai Akha food
• Learn artisan sourdough bakery-pastry, coffeeshop & permaculture in San Kamphaeng Chiang Mai, Thailand

7. India: Curry Carnival

• Vegan and vegetarian: If you’re wondering how to travel through Workaway as a vegan, India is a great place to start. Some of the best vegan Indian dishes include chana masala, palak (tofu) paneer, biryani, masala dosa, baingan bharta, gobi manchurian, aloo gobi, kofta balls, pakoras, and samosas. 
• Regional Variations: Thanks to the country’s immense size, you can expect a multitude of foodie traditions for each region. For example, North Indian Cuisine is known for its rich curries, bread varieties like naan and roti, and Mughlai influences. South Indian Cuisine on the other hand is characterised by rice-based dishes, coconut as well as dishes like dosas and idlis. West Indian Cuisine is famed for seafood dishes and flavours influenced by Portuguese colonisation, but East Indian Cuisine is inspired by neighbouring countries like Bangladesh. 
• Spice capital of the world: India produces more than 70 percent of the world’s spices and has a greater variety of spices than any other country. Not a fan of spice? No worries! Northern Indian cuisine uses more milk products than that of southern India so the food is considerably less spicy.
• Sweet Treats: There are over 200 Indian desserts (often called Mithais.) The most common is Kheer, a traditional rice pudding, or Gulab Jamun, Indian milk balls served with honey syrup.

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in India

• Explore the essence of Indian culture and cuisine with us in Gurgaon, Near Delhi India.
• Enjoy yoga and Healthy organic food in Mysore, India
• Volunteer at a beautiful organic Cacao (chocolate) farm in Mangalore, India
• Learn to cook brilliant finger licking Indian home cuisine at a family homestay in Swargashram, Rishikesh, India

8. Israel: A Haven for Hummus

• Hummus: Who knew this creamy chickpea dip could be so controversial. Israel originally adopted hummus as its unofficial national dish because it suited Jewish kashrut laws. These are religious rules that cover eating and food preparation. While many Israelis believe hummus is their creation, other middle eastern nations (such as Lebanon) disagree. Egyptians also claim hummus is their invention and it's also a staple along the Mediterranean coastline. Want to know what all the fuss is about? Learn how to make hummus the Israeli way here.  
• Traditional dishes: You cannot leave without trying falafel (deep fried balls of chickpeas typically served in pitta) Shawarma (usually grilled lamb, chicken or beef served in flat bread) or Baba Ganoush, a dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. 
• Street food scene: Israel is famous for its vibrant street food scene with bustling markets and food stalls. It is the best place to try the national favourites mentioned above like hummus, falafel, shawarma, and shakshuka on a budget. 
• Sushi fans: Fun fact: Tel Aviv has over a hundred sushi restaurants! This means it’s just behind Tokyo and NYC for the most sushi restaurants per capita!

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in Israel

• Eco-community, food forest in the countryside near Tel Aviv, Israel
• Learn how to make cheese from goat milk on a small goat farm in the Negev Desert, Israel
• Live, feel and help on our organic, educational farm in the spring valley of Emek Yizrael, Israel

9. Vietnam: Street Food Symphony 

• Traditional dishes: The most popular Vietnamese dishes are Pho, a fragrant noodle soup, Banh Mi, a French-influenced baguette filled with meats, vegetables and condiments and Goi Cuon fresh spring rolls made with rice paper, shrimp and vermicelli noodles served with peanut sauce. 
• Blood for breakfast? If you’re someone who likes to try the unusual foods on offer, Vietnam is one of the very few countries in the world where people eat animal blood (Tiet Canh). You can try pig blood, duck blood, dog blood and shrimp blood. 
• Sauces for all: Are you a condiment connoisseur? No other place does dipping sauces quite like Vietnam. From fish sauce to frog sauce, the country has more than 30 kinds of sauces!

Best Workaway Experinces for Foodies in Vietnam

We have nearly 100 hosts in Vietnam, but here are our top foodie finds:

• Looking for chef to work with our team of graduates from hospitality schools for disadvantaged youth in Hanoi, Vietnam
• Help with a coffee shop and sustainable coffee project in Vietnam!
• Stay on a traditional Vietnamese farm and help us with harvesting in Daklak, Vietnam
• Help my family build a vegetarian restaurant in the midst of nature in Ninh Thuận, Vietnam

10. Peru: Andean Culinary Expedition

• Traditional tastes: Peru is known for its superfoods like maca, lucuma, and sacha inchi, as well as quinoa which have gained global popularity for their nutritional benefits. Some iconic Peruvian dishes include Ceviche which is fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice served with onions, cilantro and spicy peppers. Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry dish featuring marinated beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries, often served with rice. Pachamanca, a traditional Andean dish featuring meats, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in an earth oven and Causa Rellena, layers of seasoned mashed potatoes filled with ingredients like chicken, tuna, or vegetables.
• Peru and potatoes: As the birthplace of potatoes it's no surprise Peru is home to 3000 types of domesticated potato. It also boasts over 100 varieties of corn!
• Try Cuy: Seasoned with spices then grilled on open fire, guinea pig known as cuy has been a delicacy for the Andes people for a long time! 

Best Workaway Experiences for Foodies in Peru

• Get to know the Amazon and help us establish a food forest in Ucayali, Peru
• Come and help me grow organic mushrooms in the valley of the Incas, Peru
• Natural Farming at a remote organic farm in the Andes mountains, Peru
• Volunteer at a restaurant surrounded by mountains in Peru