Meet Abd: The Chef's Guide to Eating Like a Local

Hey everyone! I’m Abd, and I’m the guy who turns “let’s go somewhere” into epic adventures. While Wala is chasing sunrises and Raza is hunting for the perfect street food, I’m the one figuring out how to get us there, where to stay, and most importantly, where to eat like a local.

The Art of Adventure Planning

People think I’m a control freak, but that’s not quite right. I’m not controlling - I’m prepared. I believe that good planning doesn’t kill spontaneity; it creates the foundation for it. When you know where you’re staying, how you’re getting around, and where the good food is, you can be spontaneous within that framework.

My Philosophy: Plan the Structure, Leave Room for Magic

The 70/30 Rule

I plan about 70% of our trips in advance. The flights, the accommodations, the major attractions, and most importantly, the restaurants. The other 30% is left completely open for spontaneous discoveries.

Research is Everything

Before we go anywhere, I spend hours researching:

Local food blogs - Not the touristy ones, but the ones written by locals
Food markets - Where do locals shop? What’s in season?
Hidden gems - The places that don’t show up in guidebooks
Cultural events - Festivals, markets, celebrations
Transportation - How do locals get around?

The Language Barrier Solution

I don’t speak 20 languages, but I’ve learned that food is a universal language. I always learn a few key phrases:

“What do you recommend?”
“What’s your specialty?”
“Is this spicy?”
“Thank you, that was delicious”

How to Eat Like a Local (Anywhere)

1. Follow the Crowds

If you see a long line of locals waiting for food, get in that line. They know something you don’t.

2. Look for the Oldest Person

The oldest person in the restaurant usually knows the best dishes. They’ve been eating there for decades.

3. Ask “What’s Fresh Today?”

Instead of asking what’s good, ask what’s fresh. Fresh ingredients make the best food.

4. Go Where the Workers Go

If you see construction workers, office workers, or students eating somewhere, that’s where you want to be.

5. Learn the Local Customs

In Japan, it’s rude to pass food with chopsticks. In India, you eat with your right hand. In Ethiopia, you share from the same plate. Respect the culture.

My Favorite Local Food Discoveries

Tokyo, Japan

The Discovery: A tiny ramen shop in a residential neighborhood
The Story: I followed a salaryman who looked like he knew where he was going. The shop had no English menu, no English speakers, and the best ramen I’ve ever had.
The Lesson: Sometimes the best experiences require a leap of faith.

Mexico City, Mexico

The Discovery: A family-run taco stand that only opens at 2 AM
The Story: We were walking back to our hotel when we smelled something incredible. The family had been making tacos al pastor for three generations.
The Lesson: The best food often happens when you least expect it.

Istanbul, Turkey

The Discovery: A hidden courtyard restaurant in the Grand Bazaar
The Story: A shopkeeper invited us to lunch with his family. We ate traditional Turkish dishes that weren’t on any menu.
The Lesson: Accept invitations from locals. They’ll show you things you’d never find on your own.

Bangkok, Thailand

The Discovery: A street food stall that only serves one dish
The Story: The vendor had been making the same pad thai recipe for 40 years. It was perfect.
The Lesson: Mastery comes from repetition. Find the places that do one thing perfectly.

My Planning Process

Phase 1: Research (2-3 months before)

Read local food blogs and forums
Watch YouTube videos from locals
Check social media for recent posts
Look up seasonal ingredients and festivals

Phase 2: Create a Framework (1 month before)

Book accommodations in food-centric neighborhoods
Make reservations at must-try restaurants
Plan transportation routes
Create a loose itinerary with built-in flexibility

Phase 3: Stay Flexible (During the trip)

Ask locals for recommendations
Follow your nose (literally)
Be willing to change plans
Say yes to unexpected invitations

The Tools I Use

Apps and Websites

Google Maps - For finding restaurants and reading reviews
Instagram - For discovering new places through hashtags
Local food blogs - For authentic recommendations
Translation apps - For communicating with locals

Physical Tools

A small notebook - For writing down recommendations
A camera - For documenting discoveries
An open mind - The most important tool of all

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Only Eating at Tourist Restaurants

If the menu is in five languages and has pictures of the food, you’re probably in the wrong place.

2. Not Asking Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask what something is, how it’s made, or what’s in it.

3. Rushing Through Meals

Take your time. Food is meant to be savored, not rushed.

4. Being Afraid to Try New Things

You might not like everything, but you’ll never know unless you try.

5. Not Learning Basic Phrases

Even a few words in the local language can open doors and hearts.

Food Brings People Together

Some of my best travel memories aren’t about the food itself, but about the people I shared it with. The conversations, the laughter, the connections made over a shared meal.

Breaking Down Barriers

Food is a universal language. When you’re sharing a meal with someone, it doesn’t matter if you speak the same language. You’re connected.

Creating Memories

The best travel memories are often centered around food. The meal you had with that family in Morocco. The street food you discovered in Vietnam. The restaurant where you met your best friend.

My Advice for Food Travelers

1. Start Local

You don’t have to travel far to eat like a local. Explore your own city’s ethnic neighborhoods.

2. Be Curious

Ask questions. Learn about the ingredients, the techniques, the history behind the dishes.

3. Respect the Culture

Food is deeply personal and cultural. Be respectful, be grateful, and be open to new experiences.

4. Document Everything

Take photos, write down the names of dishes, record the stories. You’ll want to remember these moments.

Food is better when shared. Invite others to try new things, share your discoveries, and create memories together.

The Future of Adventure Planning

With Sevenize, I want to help people plan their own food adventures. Not just where to eat, but how to discover the hidden gems, how to connect with local communities, and how to create their own unforgettable experiences.

I’m working on:

Interactive food maps - Showing the best local spots in each city
Cultural guides - Explaining local customs and etiquette
Language tools - Basic phrases for food-related conversations
Community features - Connecting travelers with local food enthusiasts

Join Me on This Culinary Adventure

If you’re interested in food travel, cultural exploration, or just want to see the world through my eyes, follow along with our adventures. I’ll be sharing tips, discoveries, and of course, lots of delicious recommendations.

And if you’re ever in a new city and see me at a local restaurant, come say hello. I’m always happy to share a meal and a story.

What’s the best local food discovery you’ve ever made? Let me know in the comments below!

Follow my adventure planning journey on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.