Traveling is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about immersing yourself in new cultures, and a huge part of that is trying the local cuisine.

But let’s face it, not everyone embraces this aspect of traveling. In fact, some folks don’t bother to try local dishes at all.

Ever wondered why? Well, psychology may have some answers. If you’ve ever found yourself sticking to your tried-and-true meals while abroad or you’re just curious about those who do, stick around.

In this article, we’ll delve into seven behaviors of people who don’t bother trying the local cuisine when they travel, according to psychology.

And who knows, you might learn something new about your own travel habits along the way.

1) Fear of the unknown

It’s no secret that stepping out of our comfort zones can be a daunting task. And when it comes to food, this can be particularly true.

People who avoid trying local cuisine when they travel may have an underlying fear of the unknown. This behavior is rooted in our basic survival instincts.

In the context of food, the iceberg represents the familiar and tried-and-true meals that we know and love. The part beneath the water? That’s the vast array of untried foreign dishes that might be lurking out there.

For some travelers, sticking to what they know provides a safety net. It eliminates the risk of trying something new and potentially not liking it – or worse, having an adverse reaction.

If you see someone packing suitcase snacks or sticking to global fast-food chains instead of indulging in local delicacies, remember – it might just be their subconscious survival instinct kicking in.

2) Need for control

I have a confession to make. I am a planner. When I travel, I like to have a clear itinerary, know exactly where I am going, and yes, even what I am going to eat.

This need for control extends to my dining choices. I remember during a trip to Japan, I spent hours researching restaurants that served dishes I was familiar with, instead of exploring the authentic local cuisine.

Why did I do that? Well, as psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to understand ourselves.”

And it’s true. My need for control was infringing on my ability to fully immerse myself in a new culture.

Often, people who avoid trying local dishes when they travel might be doing it because they feel more in control when they stick with what they know.

This need for control can manifest itself in various ways – from choosing familiar foods to following strict routines and plans.

Next time you see someone opting for a burger over sushi in Tokyo or pizza over paella in Spain, it could just be their way of maintaining a sense of control while navigating the unfamiliar terrain of a foreign land.

3) Influence of upbringing

Have you ever considered how much your upbringing influences your eating habits?

For me, being raised in a family where trying new foods wasn’t encouraged, my palate remained limited for a long time. As a traveler, I found myself gravitating towards familiar dishes instead of delving into the local cuisine.

As famed psychologist Erik Erikson said, “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.”

This quote holds true in the context of food as well. Our food preferences are often shaped by our family’s eating habits and cultural background.

When we’re exposed to a limited variety of foods growing up, it can be challenging to break away from those habits and try something new.

And these habits can follow us right into adulthood, influencing our choices even when we’re traveling.

If you’re wondering why someone might skip the local delicacies on their trip to Italy and opt for a simple salad instead, their upbringing might just have something to do with it.

4) Sensitivity to taste and smell

Did you know that some people are more sensitive to taste and smell than others? This sensitivity can steer them away from trying new foods, especially when they’re travelling.

Individuals with a heightened sense of smell, also known as super smellers, are often pickier eaters. They tend to avoid foods with strong flavors or smells, which are often found in local cuisines around the world.

In my travels, I’ve met people who would rather eat bland, familiar food than try a local dish with a strong aroma.

It’s not that they don’t want to experience the local culture, but their sensitivity to taste and smell overrides their curiosity.

Next time you see someone turning down a plate of pungent durian fruit in Southeast Asia or refusing a spoonful of spicy curry in India, remember – it might not be a lack of adventurous spirit.

Their senses might just be working overtime.

5) Comfort in familiarity

One thing I’ve noticed in my travels is that some people find comfort in the familiar, even when they’re thousands of miles away from home. And this often extends to their food choices.

Trying local cuisine can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting. And when you’re in a new place, navigating a different culture and language, having a familiar meal can bring a sense of comfort and normalcy.

If you see someone ordering a cheeseburger in Shanghai instead of the local dim sum, it might not be an aversion to Chinese food. They might just be seeking a little taste of home in the midst of all the unfamiliarity.

6) Fear of missing out

It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes, people avoid trying local cuisine out of a fear of missing out.

Let me explain. When you’re in a new place with an abundance of food options, the pressure to make the ‘right’ choice can be overwhelming.

Paradoxically, this can often lead to decision paralysis, where the fear of making the wrong choice and missing out on something better leads to avoiding decision-making altogether.

As psychologist Barry Schwartz famously discussed in his book “The Paradox of Choice“, having too many options can actually lead to anxiety and stress.

This stress can cause people to revert to what they know and avoid making a new choice.

When you see someone opting for a familiar dish over exploring the local cuisine, it might not be because they dislike the local food.

They could just be grappling with the paradox of choice and trying to ease their fear of missing out.

7) Dietary restrictions

Finally, some people avoid trying local cuisine due to dietary restrictions. Whether it’s allergies, intolerances, or personal beliefs, these factors can limit a person’s food choices.

As psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy.”

For those with dietary restrictions, maintaining control over their food intake while traveling can be crucial for their health and well-being.

Before judging someone for not indulging in the local cuisine, consider that they might be managing dietary restrictions that make it more challenging to navigate unfamiliar foods.

Wrapping up

Peeling back the layers of why some people bypass local cuisine when they travel reveals a fascinating cocktail of psychology and personal preferences at play.

From the fear of the unknown and the need for control, to the impact of upbringing and the comfort found in familiarity, our eating habits are a mirror into our inner selves.

They shine a light on our deeply ingrained habits, fears, and comforts.

The next time you see someone choosing a familiar meal over a local delicacy, remember, their choice may be revealing more than just their food preference.

It could be a window into their psyche, triggered by the adventures and challenges of being in an unfamiliar setting.

After all, we are all unique in our own ways, and these differences extend to our food choices too. And isn’t that diversity what makes our world such an interesting place to explore?

Whether you’re a food explorer or someone who finds comfort in familiar meals, at the end of the day, travel is about personal experiences. So here’s to embracing our individual journeys, tastes and all!