For convenience’s sake, you may stick to acclaimed, touristy restaurants on vacation. But if you want a more authentic, immersive culinary experience, you’ll have to know how to eat like a local. Below are tips to help you find those eateries that shy from the spotlight.

How to Enjoy Local Food on Your Travels

1. Research Wisely

Familiarize yourself with the cuisine that’s distinctive to the area. Whether it be savory street food or noodle shops, you’ll need to know what the locals are likely to have on their plates. Google local food or travel bloggers in the area to get a sense of which restaurants are lesser-known. 

2. Peruse Social Media

Social media can provide you with visual representations of a local’s dining habits. Instagram, in particular, can help you search through restaurants with its geotag feature. Depending on the attention that an eatery receives in your area—usually by the number of posts it has—you’ll be able to differentiate tourist spots and hidden gems.

3. Get Suggestions From Locals

What better way to find local spots than by talking to the locals themselves? Bring your research into play and ask about popular native cuisine. From taxi drivers to hotel workers, you’re sure to get a wealth of culinary information from the people who know the area best.

4. Skip Busy Areas

You’ll have a difficult time finding an elusive eatery if you stick to tourist towns. Venture out of the metropolitan area and into villages or small neighborhoods. Though the trip may be out of your way, food markets and street vendors can promise you tasty rewards for your efforts. 

5. Be Wary of Online Reviews

Popular restaurants in the area are likely to get a lot of traction online. But most reviews are written by their primary patrons: tourists. Though inconspicuous eateries may not rank as highly on Google searches, their reviews are likely to be more credible and authentic than their touristy counterparts. Look past the stars and into the heart of a small shop’s culinary potential—your lucky find could be a click away.

If you’re looking for an authentic dining experience on your Hawaii vacation, start your excursion at Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa on Sunset Beach. This family-owned and -operated restaurant offers traditional cuisine, such as loco moco and mahi mahi, and a host of delectable desserts for tourists and locals alike. The staff is dedicated to providing you with an optimal dining experience through quality service, expert recommendations, and flavorful foods. Call (808) 638-8207 for inquiries or visit them online to explore their menu.