When I was picking a location to study abroad, my biggest challenge was finding a place where I could eat new foods but also enjoy them. Cultural immersion isn’t just about learning a language and cultures, its about living like a local too. I have always been afraid to try new foods because I am an extremely picky eater. This has always been a nuisance to me whenever I would travel, as I would have to find a place that would have food that I could enjoy eating. For this semester abroad, I promised myself to try new foods, and to keep an open mind. Even though many people get stressed over trying new foods, it shouldn’t prevent them from travelling. This has been my experience with trying new foods.
On the first night that I came to Spain, I was offered tapas and wine. I do not drink alcoholic beverages, but I decided to try the tapas. Tapas are common in Spain, and I tried one called pincho moruno, which had spicy meat. One bite was all it took to come to the realization that I hated it. It had chorizo, which is the intestines of a pig. I refuse to eat this back in the States, and I get mad when I’m in the same vicinity of said food. When I realized I ate that, I felt sick to my stomach. Despite this I decided to continue to try to experience Spanish food.
I never become homesick, but because I keep eating foods I can’t handle, it makes me miss my mom’s cooking. This has been the only time I have gotten homesick. I know what foods I don’t like but I am always given foods that are outside what I am able to stomach. It gets difficult when people tell you to get over yourself and just eat. Its not that I don’t want to try new foods, but I physically can’t handle it.
I have learned a few tricks to help me with this.
- Be honest. Whenever I meet new people, I always tell that that I am a picky eater in advanced. I tell that that its nothing against the cooking, but I just don’t like certain ingredients. While it is hard for some people to understand, I normally just give them an honest response and I don’t sway away from that. It is hard for me to say no, but when it comes to food, I had to get better at it.
- Buy your own food. I have made it a weekly routine to go to the grocery store and by myself safe foods. I love vegetables and fruits, so I always make sure to have them on hand. Sometimes I must eat outside my homestay if I really hate the food.
- Find staple dishes. When I go to a restaurant, I look for the simplest foods to eat. I have gotten used to eating rice and some meats here. If I can’t find anything I go for a simple dessert, I get full very fast so its not a problem if I don’t have a huge meal.
If you’re a picky eater, good luck. I suggest you try new foods, but if you don’t like it, that’s ok too! Just try your best and continue to explore!
Ali's Adventures Abroad 