Eating is not only a necessity for me but a hobby, a joy and a cultural experience when I’m travelling. I travel to eat. And no matter whether eating out is also an event and a celebration for you, or just sustenance, at some point your hunger has to be satisfied one way or another.
When I talk about my travels and the associated culinary delights, I am often asked: “How? You went to eat out all by yourself?” At first, I was surprised by this question because, of course, I eat alone when I travel. I get hangry easily, and ordering room service every night is not for me.
But over time, I realised just how intimidating the idea of a Dinner for One is for many. Some people have to dare to eat alone while travelling. So, how does it work if you want to discover the culinary delights of your travel destination on your own? I am here to share my best tips for eating alone while travelling with you!
My tips for eating alone while travelling: Start small
If you aren’t quite comfortable enough to go to a fancy restaurant in the evening yet, start small. Find a nice café for breakfast, or go to the eatery around the corner from your hotel for lunch.
Especially in big cities, many restaurants are quite relaxed at lunchtime because guests do not come to linger, but to have a quick bite during their lunch break. It’s rarely noticeable whether you’re eating alone or in a group, and you don’t have to worry about passing the time—lunch breaks are short and sweet in many places!
In some destinations, it is now also completely normal to sit and work in a café on a laptop for hours. Digital nomads show how it’s done and no matter, if you count yourself among them or not, sitting alone in a beach bar in Tulum, Bali, or Costa Rica, doesn’t attract attention at all.
My tip: Eating alone during the day is also something that you can practice at home. Sit down for half an hour in the coffee shop around the corner instead of getting a coffee to-go, and explore the lunch menu at the Italian restaurant next door instead of ordering delivery to your office.
It is possible to practice being alone and feeling comfortable in your own skin, and it is best to start in familiar surroundings.
Watch also: The best places for solo female travellers by Annika Ziehen
Eating alone in a restaurant while travelling
Sometimes, though, food is so much more than a quick bite. Having a meal out is fun and can be a memorable experience, especially when travelling. When I go to a restaurant alone, I want to sit at a small quiet table in the corner or jam-packed in the middle of the action, depending on my mood, and I communicate that clearly. As with so many other situations when travelling alone, self-confidence is key.
The staff may look surprised at first when you ask for a table for one, but it is rarely a problem. Don’t let yourself be pushed aside to sit at the rickety table by the toilet, but ask for the spot you really want. If the restaurant isn’t packed, chances are you’ll get it. In places that are very popular or in fine dining restaurants, I usually reserve in advance and then ask for the seat of my choice.
And even if you feel like you’re on display in the middle of the restaurant, remember that most other diners won’t even care that you are alone. At least, I’m always happy when I see other women by themselves in a chic restaurant, enjoying their own company and not caring what others are supposedly thinking.
While some may have looked a bit surprised—why does a woman eat alone here in the evening?—I’ve always had good experiences and found it not uncommon for the staff to go out of their way to make sure I have a nice evening. What are the highlights of the menu? Where can you get the best coffee in the neighbourhood? And what is the easiest way to get back to the hotel after dinner? The wait staff are often a real gold mine for insider tips that they are happy to share with interested customers.
Find out in advance when people usually dine at your destination and then come earlier. That way, there’s a good chance you’ll get a seat and the undivided attention of the staff. Then you can discuss just how spicy really is before ordering your curry, and you might even get a complimentary snack or dessert.
As a woman dining alone, I also like to go to dinner early so I can be sure to get back to my accommodation before it gets dark.
Another advantage of eating alone is that you often get a seat even if the restaurant seems full. Again, the earlier you get there, the better your chances, but generally, it’s much easier to grab a table in popular places when you are on your own.
What to do when dining alone?
Many are not only afraid of being judged by others, but also of being bored while eating out. How do you pass the time when you don’t have anyone to chat to, flirt with or at least stare at your phone in silence together?
Some swear by people-watching, others by free Wi-Fi when dining out alone. I belong to the second category, and also have the Kindle app on my phone, so that I can read while dining out.
And I like talking to strangers. Particularly in tourist areas, it is usually fairly easy to strike up a conversation with others. “Oh, that looks delicious, what is that?” and a glance at the plate at the next table is often enough.
A great alternative is large communal tables where different guests sit together or the bar counter. In some top restaurants, kitchen counters are part of the concept these days with comfortable chairs and a great view if you like to watch the chefs while they work. And unlike a separate table, any counter offers a good opportunity to start a conversation with your neighbour.
Tasty alternatives to eating alone in a restaurant: Street food
The local street food is an utter delight for every travelling foodie. You will rarely eat more authentically and cheaply than at food stalls, markets and typically on small plastic stools on the side of the road. Street food is also a great option if you want to eat alone while travelling because street food is actually always fast food. You order your food, a stool becomes available, you eat and then continue with a happy belly full of noodle soup.
And whether it is pita gyros, a kati roll or empanadas, there’s plenty of street food that’s perfect on the go, so you can feast and stroll at the same time.
Cooking classes
Do you enjoy cooking? Then a cooking class is a great way to avoid eating alone while travelling and to learn a few new skills while you are at it. Cooking classes for travellers have become very common in many places—an Italian nonna will teach you the secrets of homemade pasta, or you can learn how to make Indian roti extra crispy and Thai soup extra spicy.
Local cooking classes are not only a great way to learn how to make authentic dishes, but also to make new friends. Courses also include a meal together, which is a great time to chat about your homemade creations with others.
Depending on the country and the course, you will cook in a hotel kitchen with a renowned chef, over an open fire or in a private home. A special highlight that is often part of a class: is a visit to the local market, where you buy the ingredients for your menu under expert guidance.
Food tour
Don’t feel like cooking and are a bit scared to try the local street food? Then a food tour could be the tasty answer to your dilemma. Such tours usually take you through a certain part of a city in a small group, and you visit markets, food stalls and small eateries along the way.
A guide organises the dishes you’ll taste, translates, explains and makes sure that you are full at the end of the tour. Street food tours are not only a great opportunity to get to know other travellers and the regional cuisine, but also combine a city tour and dinner in one.
A home-cooked meal
Where can I find the best food at my destination? The answer is frequently: at home. Difficult if you don’t know anyone in the country who could invite you over for a home-cooked meal.
Luckily, the internet has solved this problem. More and more providers such as BonAppetour offer the opportunity to try real home-cooking. You book lunch or dinner in a private household where you not only eat delicious food but also get a glimpse into local life.
