Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of food in tourism as a means of creating an interactive experience between tourists, chefs and the cultural atmosphere of destinations. This interaction is aimed at enhancing tourists’ satisfaction and the attractiveness of the destination. Drawing on Lugones’ concept of “world-traveling,” this study examines the collaborative efforts of food enthusiasts and chefs in elevating food appreciation and overall allure. Design/methodology/approach This study uses autoethnography as its methodology, with a focus on reflexivity to explore cultural practices and personal emotions. It examines the researcher’s 32-day dining experiences to gain insight into the cultural significance of food as a form of communication. These experiences include daily family meals, social gatherings with friends and festive celebrations during the Spring Festival, providing a rich and varied data set to underpin the thesis. Findings Through the lens of autoethnography, this study delves into the realm of food travel, wherein food takes on the mantle of art. The findings highlight that conceiving of food as art paves the way for the creation of a “new world,” turning dining into a transformative “world-traveling” experience that encompasses self-discovery and cultural enlightenment. Within this realm, chefs can hone their skills and gain recognition, while diners broaden their horizons and cultivate an appreciation for local cultures. The interplay of culture and environment is central to this “world-traveling,” and food, as a universal language, serves to bridge the gap between different environments and cultures, fostering cross-cultural interaction and communication. Originality/value This study introduces a new approach by blending food with the idea of “world-traveling,” providing fresh insights into human social interactions and experiences. It reframes the notion of success in “world-traveling,” giving importance to harmony and mutual growth, stimulating discussions on food as a social connector. Additionally, this study has extended the application of “world-traveling” to everyday life, expanding the research perspectives of this concept and enriching the dynamic understanding of human and societal communication. The practical implications present strategies to improve culinary tourism experiences and community involvement, emphasizing the potential of food as a conduit for spiritual communication and memory.
Xiong et al. (2025) studied this question.