Food/Travel Writing

Food writing is probably the purest form of travel writing. I can think of no better example than Anthony Bourdain, as discussed in this article. some notes:

voice - 

When you start a travel‑essay, ask: Why me here? What viewpoint am I bringing? What stakes (emotional or personal) do I have?

observation -

Write a scene of five lines; then remove one adjective per line. See if it still jumps off the page.

curiosity -

Bourdain often emphasised that his work was less about mastering a place and more about trying to understand it. Include a moment when you were wrong, surprised, or humbled. It will, most likely, resonate.

show the scene -

“This is the way so many of the great meals of my life have been enjoyed. Sitting in the street, eating something out of a bowl that I’m not exactly sure what it is. Scooters going by. So delicious. I feel like an animal. Where have you been all my life? Fellow travelers, this is what you want. This is what you need. This is the path to true happiness and wisdom.”

Identify three full senses (smell, sound, taste) in your next scene and build around them.

the myth of neutrality -

Travel writing is not inherently neutral. When you’re a visitor - to another culture, country, community - your gaze matters. What do you assume? Whom do you centre? How do you handle difference?

suggesetions -

• Start with an image that surprised you.

• Let sensory detail lead.

• Allow yourself to not know.

• End with not the summary of what you “learned”, but the question you’re left with.

• Write what you see, not what you expect.

• Let discomfort into the narrative - if you feel out of place, lean into it.

• Structure your piece around a question, not a conclusion.

• Think in terms of scenes.

• Your confusion is part of the story so welcome it in, don’t hide it.