One of the best rules I have learned while traveling is this: when in doubt, order the local special. Sure, it might look strange on the menu, or you might have to ask the waiter to repeat it three times, but that’s part of the adventure. And trust me — it usually pays off.

Here is why saying “yes” to the local favorite is one of the smartest things you can do on a trip.

1. You Discover Hidden Gems

I once visited a small seaside town where I could not even begin to pronounce half the menu. I pointed to a dish the waiter recommended — some kind of fish stew with herbs I had never heard of. Fast forward 10 minutes: the most flavorful, comforting, and downright unforgettable meal of my life was sitting in front of me. I would never have found it if I had played it safe.

2. It is a Shortcut to Authenticity

Tourist traps often serve the same “safe” dishes no matter where you go. Ordering the local special is your shortcut to authenticity. You will taste what the locals are proud of, not what the guidebooks say you should try. Bonus: you can feel like a culinary insider, even if your pronunciation is way off.

3. It Makes Ordering Fun

Pointing, guessing, mispronouncing is all part of the experience. One time in Italy, I tried ordering a pasta dish I could not say correctly. The waiter laughed, corrected me, and suddenly we were swapping stories about food, family, and travel. Sometimes the magic is in the interaction, not just the food.

4. You Might Surprise Yourself

I have been hesitant before — maybe the dish looked strange, maybe it sounded exotic, maybe I was scared of “spicy” turning into “flaming disaster.” But 9 times out of 10, I have been blown away. Your taste buds might discover a new favorite that you cannot even spell, let alone pronounce.

5. It is a Story Worth Telling

Whether it is mispronouncing “Ratatouille” in Paris or bravely ordering something unidentifiable in Thailand, these meals become stories. They are the moments you laugh about, Instagram about, and remember years later — not the safe salads you ate at chain restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Travel is about exploration — and food is one of the most delicious ways to explore. Do not be afraid to take a chance, point at a dish, or mumble through a menu. You might discover flavors you never imagined, meet locals who make the experience unforgettable, and come home with a story that’s way better than “I had a burger for lunch.” not that there is anything wrong with a Burger.

Until next time, I am Brian — and remember to Take the Trip!

(And do not worry if you butcher the pronunciation — your stomach does not judge.)