Travelling to touristy destinations can inadvertently block opportunities that would otherwise enrich the travelling experience. A website called “Bonappetour,” is working to offer a service to avid travellers that would further enhance their experience of local culture. It is said to be the “Airbnb of food,” referring to the popular website that allows travellers to rent others’ apartments for short stays in lieu of expensive hotels.
Hosts from around the world sign up on the website to offer a local menu that they cook themselves, depending on their location and guest preference. The website offers authentic Italian meals on a rooftop in Rome or sushi in a traditional Japanese household. It is up to the host to create a pleasing menu that appeals to guests from around the world.
Founders Giovanni Casinelli, Rinita Vanjre and Inez Wihardjo collaborated on the website after Vanjre and Wihardjo were travelling through Scotland where they stayed at a local Airbnb. Their host made them a home-cooked meal and they realized how much of a role this simple gesture had played in the overall enjoyability of the trip. It was through this experience that they discovered the most important part of travel is the social experience that comes with a good meal.
Unless conversing with locals it can be hard for travellers to get a good understanding of the culture and customs of whatever city they are frequenting, as well as a truly traditional meal. Bonappetour is a highly regulated website, so everytime a host signs up, they will be inspected to meet regular hygiene standard for their guests by city ambassadors, putting the minds of guests worldwide at ease.
The experience is available for both solo travellers and families alike and is not necessarily restricted to homes. Bonappetour is slowly changing the way we travel, placing more emphasis on the social aspect than ever before. Bonappetour may just be the ice breaker needed to experience the local culture and cuisine all around the world.
