If you’re a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new cultures through food, Eatwith is a platform you must know about. This review will delve into what Eatwith is, how it works, the types of experiences it offers, and why it could be your next favorite way to enjoy authentic culinary adventures. Let’s explore Eatwith and uncover the myriad of dining experiences it brings to your table.
What is Eatwith?
Eatwith is a pioneering platform that revolutionizes the way people experience food and culture while traveling. Founded in 2012, Eatwith has rapidly grown into a global community, connecting travelers with local hosts who offer unique and personalized dining experiences. The platform is currently available in over 130 countries, featuring a diverse range of culinary events, from intimate home-cooked meals to professional cooking classes and guided food tours.
How Eatwith Works:
Explore a Variety of Experiences: Start by browsing the extensive selection of culinary experiences available on the Eatwith website or app. You can filter your search by location, type of experience (such as dinner parties, cooking classes, or food tours), and specific dietary preferences. Each listing provides detailed descriptions, menus, and information about the host to help you make an informed choice.
Secure Your Spot: Once you’ve found an experience that piques your interest, booking is straightforward. You can select the date and number of guests, and make a secure payment through the platform. Confirmation details and instructions on how to reach the host’s location will be provided after booking.
Enjoy an Unforgettable Meal: On the day of your event, you’ll join your host and other guests for a memorable dining experience. This could be in the host’s home, a local market, a private venue, or even an outdoor setting. You’ll not only savor delicious, authentic dishes but also engage in enriching conversations and cultural exchanges.
Share Your Feedback: After your experience, you have the opportunity to leave a review and share your thoughts. This helps other travelers in the Eatwith community choose the best experiences and supports hosts in improving their offerings.
Why Eatwith Stands Out:
Authenticity: Eatwith experiences are designed to provide an authentic taste of local culture. By dining with locals in their homes or exploring markets with knowledgeable guides, you gain insights that typical tourist activities can’t offer.
Personal Connection: The communal nature of Eatwith experiences fosters meaningful connections between guests and hosts. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group, you’ll find it easy to make new friends and learn about different cultures.
Unique Offerings: Eatwith boasts a diverse array of experiences that go beyond the typical restaurant meal. From learning to make traditional dishes in a cooking class to embarking on a gourmet food tour, there’s something for every food lover.
Support for Local Hosts: By booking through Eatwith, you directly support local entrepreneurs and chefs. This not only benefits the hosts but also helps preserve culinary traditions and contributes to the local economy.
Examples of Eatwith experiences:
Eatwith offers a diverse array of culinary experiences that cater to different tastes and interests. Here are some detailed examples to illustrate the variety and uniqueness of what you can enjoy through the platform:
Home-Cooked Meals
Italian Dinner in Rome
Join a local host in their cozy Roman apartment for an authentic Italian dinner. Savor a multi-course meal featuring traditional dishes like bruschetta, homemade pasta, and tiramisu, all paired with fine Italian wines.
Highlights: Learn about Roman culinary traditions, enjoy the warmth of a family environment, and engage in lively conversations about Italian culture and history.
Moroccan Feast in Marrakech
Experience the flavors of Morocco with a sumptuous dinner in a local’s home. Enjoy a variety of dishes such as tagine, couscous, and an assortment of mezze, followed by Moroccan mint tea and pastries.
Highlights: Discover the intricate spices and ingredients that make Moroccan cuisine unique. Participate in traditional customs and possibly even a cooking demonstration by your host.
Sushi Night in Tokyo
Dine with a skilled sushi chef in Tokyo who prepares fresh sushi and sashimi right before your eyes. Learn about the art of sushi-making, including the selection of fish and the techniques used.
Highlights: Enjoy an intimate setting with a master chef, taste premium sushi, and gain insights into Japanese culinary practices and etiquette.
Cooking Classes
Pasta Making in Tuscany
Participate in a hands-on pasta-making class in the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Learn to make different types of pasta from scratch, such as ravioli and tagliatelle, under the guidance of an expert chef.
Highlights: Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal, complemented by local wines. Take home new skills and recipes to recreate the experience.
Tapas Preparation in Barcelona
Join a local chef in Barcelona to learn the art of preparing tapas. Discover how to make classic dishes like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and Spanish omelette.
Highlights: Savor the tapas you’ve made while enjoying stories about Spanish cuisine and culture. Perfect for foodies looking to bring a piece of Spain into their own kitchen.
French Pastry Workshop in Paris
Immerse yourself in the world of French patisserie with a baking class in Paris. Learn to make iconic pastries such as croissants, éclairs, and macarons.
Highlights: Delight in the delicate flavors and techniques of French baking. Enjoy your creations with a cup of coffee or tea in a charming Parisian setting.
Food Tours
Food and Wine Tour in Bordeaux
Explore the culinary delights of Bordeaux with a guided food and wine tour. Visit local markets, taste regional specialties, and enjoy wine tastings at renowned wineries.
Highlights: Gain insights into Bordeaux’s rich gastronomic heritage, meet local producers, and sample exquisite wines and gourmet products.
Street Food Safari in Bangkok
Discover the vibrant street food scene in Bangkok with a local guide. Sample a variety of street foods, from pad thai and mango sticky rice to lesser-known delicacies.
Highlights: Navigate bustling markets, learn about Thai ingredients and cooking techniques, and experience the energetic atmosphere of Bangkok’s street food culture.
Gourmet Chocolate Tour in Brussels
Indulge your sweet tooth with a gourmet chocolate tour in Brussels. Visit some of the city’s finest chocolatiers, taste artisanal chocolates, and learn about the history and craft of Belgian chocolate-making.
Highlights: Enjoy exclusive tastings, meet master chocolatiers, and gain a deeper appreciation for one of Belgium’s most famous exports.
Special Events
New Year’s Eve Dinner in Lisbon
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special dinner hosted by a local in Lisbon. Enjoy a festive meal with traditional Portuguese dishes, live music, and fireworks to ring in the new year.
Highlights: Experience the warmth and hospitality of a Portuguese celebration, savor a gourmet meal, and enjoy a memorable night with new friends.
Thanksgiving Feast in New York
Join a local family in New York for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy classic dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Highlights: Share in the American holiday spirit, learn about Thanksgiving traditions, and enjoy a comforting meal in a welcoming home.
Private Yacht Dinner in Santorini
Experience luxury dining with a private dinner on a yacht in Santorini. Enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by a personal chef while cruising around the stunning caldera at sunset.
Highlights: Indulge in fine dining with breathtaking views, experience the beauty of Santorini from the water, and enjoy a romantic and exclusive setting.
Eatwith is revolutionizing the way we experience food and culture while traveling. With its wide range of dining experiences, authentic local interactions, and easy-to-use platform, Eatwith is a must-try for any food lover. Whether you’re looking for a home-cooked meal, a hands-on cooking class, or an immersive food tour, Eatwith has something to offer. So next time you travel, consider booking an experience with Eatwith and make your culinary adventures even more memorable.
PROs
Authentic Cultural Experiences:
Enjoy meals and cooking classes in locals’ homes, providing genuine cultural immersion.
Variety of Offerings:
Wide range of experiences including home-cooked meals, cooking classes, food tours, and special events.
Personal Connection:
Opportunity to meet and interact with local hosts and fellow travelers, fostering meaningful connections.
Support for Local Hosts:
Directly contributes to the local economy by supporting small-scale hosts and chefs.
Unique Dining Options:
Access to dining experiences that are often unavailable through traditional restaurants.
Customizable Experiences:
Flexibility to communicate with hosts about dietary restrictions, preferences, and special occasions.
Educational Value:
Learn about local ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary traditions from knowledgeable hosts.
User-Friendly Platform:
Easy-to-navigate website and app with detailed descriptions, reviews, and secure booking options.
Reviews and Ratings:
Ability to read and leave reviews, helping ensure high-quality experiences and informed choices.
CONs
Availability:
Popular experiences can book up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Price Variation:
Prices can vary widely depending on the location and type of experience, sometimes making it expensive.
Quality Consistency:
Experience quality may vary as it depends heavily on the individual host.
Limited Locations:
While available in many countries, not all destinations have a wide selection of experiences.
Cultural Barriers:
Potential for cultural misunderstandings or communication barriers if hosts and guests do not share a common language.
Safety Concerns:
Being in a private home or unfamiliar setting can raise safety concerns for some travelers.
Dietary Restrictions:
Not all experiences may be able to accommodate specific dietary needs or allergies.
Group Dynamics:
Experience can be affected by the dynamics and behavior of other guests.