Social dining: The case for eating meals with strangers
Are you a food enthusiast looking for a novel way to meet new people? Social dining — eating a meal with strangers — is becoming increasingly popular among travelers both in the U.S. and abroad.
A growing number of platforms like BlendAbout, PurpleDinner and MealSharing are harnessing the power of the Internet to connect strangers over dinner, at private homes and restaurants. The trend is an offshoot of the sharing economy that spawned popular peer-to-peer sites like Airbnb, HomeAway and Uber. First popularized by tech-savvy young people, it has spread to other users of computers and smartphones.
For travelers, it’s a way to meet locals while experiencing new cuisines, customs and cultures in authentic settings. For those who opt to participate in meals closer to home, it’s a non-threatening way to get out of the house, enjoy a shared dining experience and potentially meet new friends who live nearby.
Writing for the PBS website Next Avenue, I interviewed several diners and experts about their experience and advice for those interested in diving into the world of social dining.
Read the entire article on social dining on Next Avenue.
Hi Irene,
Thank you for including me — and my oh-so-gorgeous group in Madrid — for this timely article.
The sharing culture created by Airbnb, Uber, and meal sharing sites is, I believe, a direct result of, or backlash if you will, of the complete separateness created by technology. We all need to feel connected, and meal sharing brings folks together in a unique way, across cultures!
Wishing you safe and happy travels,
Josie
Thanks for sharing your story with me, Josie!
It really inspired me and will likely inspire others~
Best, Irene
I know about community tables at restaurants and intimate pop-up dinners where strangers may share tables- but this is new for me. Thanks for widening my dining horizons.
I learned a great deal doing the research for this piece, too!
I love that travel is becoming more and more about getting under the skin of the locals – as in the AirBnB example you equated this with –
I assume then like AirBnB these home dinners will operate on a review system where once someone has a few under their belt the danger of the visitor going in totally blind is removed?
Many have reviews…because some are new, the reviews may be minimal in number. HomeFoods in Italy, for example, has the oversight of an organization.
You raise an important point, Linda.
This is such a cool idea! I would love to try it! The easiest way to get to know people is to enjoy a meal together. This concept facilitates opportunities by removing some of the risk.
I love the idea. Food and travel is a perfect mix and this brings lots of different people together
I agree. Social dining is a great way to get introduced to a place, its people and culture.
Great idea – I shared the article on facebook. I’m interested to know if it has taken off in Australia and whether any of my friends know about it.
Thanks for sharing! The number of social dining apps is rapidly expanding and as they do, they are increasing their reach across the globe.
We’ve always marveled at how easy it is to meet new friends while traveling and how difficult it was to meet and make new friends when we lived in the US. Maybe travelers are more open to new experiences and setting aside some of the more confining social barriers … ? For whatever reasons, social dining sounds like a great way to continue to expand one’s circle of new and interesting friends. I’d love to try this!
I think people are more open to new experiences when they’re traveling!
This is an interesting concept. It sounds like a good way to meet people and sample local cuisine, but may take some investigation and preparation.
As I mention in the article, it’s prudent to not go alone and also to do due diligence! I agree, Donna~
I have heard about these meal sharing programs but I have not tried one yet. It is always a treat to share a meal with locals and try their cuisine.
It’s a great way to get the feel of living like a local!
I love that dining with strangers is becoming more popular. I frequently travel alone and don’t enjoy sitting at a table by myself at all. This is a great way to experience dining in different countries as well as make new friends.
Long tables are another great way to dine communally. See some of my favorites: https://www.pinterest.com/ireneslevine/long-tables/
I had just learned to ask the question, “May we join you?” when we wanted company in our travels. But these apps will bring more to the table, undoubtedly! We joined Visa Signature Events that also bring to the table Visa Signature cardholders you never met before. In our parish, we always joined a Supper Club where four couples rotate hosting dinner among their home and when done, go to another group of new couples. It is always a fun way to meet! Thanks for writing about it.
I simply love that these type of businesses are growing and doing well. Any time people can get together, share a delicious meal and learn from each other its wonderful. It should be included on everyones itinerary.
I haven’t travelled alone very often, but with an upcoming trip to Spain solo, this has been very timely to read. Thanks.
Hope you have a great trip in Spain!