The Family Food Adventure: How to Get Kids Excited About Trying New Foods

Trying new foods with kids can go one of two ways.

Sometimes they take one bite and discover something they love.

Other times they stare suspiciously at their plate like you've asked them to eat an alien.

We've learned that the easiest way to encourage kids to try different foods is to stop making the food itself the entire challenge.

Instead, make it an adventure.

Let the Kids Choose the Destination

Pick a type of food you've never tried together:

• Korean

• Indian

• Vietnamese

• Mediterranean

• Japanese

• Thai

• Ethiopian

• Filipino

• French

• Middle Eastern

Then let the kids help choose the restaurant.

Looking at photos and menus beforehand builds excitement.

Everyone Orders Something to Share

Instead of forcing a child to commit to an unfamiliar meal, order several things for the table.

Everyone tries a bite.

If somebody doesn't like something, that's okay.

The goal is trying—not finishing.

Create a Family Rating System

Our version could look something like:

⭐ Never again

⭐⭐ It was okay

⭐⭐⭐ I'd eat it again

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really good

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We HAVE to come back

Kids love becoming food critics.

You can even keep a notebook documenting your family's favorites.

Always Include Something Familiar

Trying new foods is much easier when there's also something recognizable on the table.

Rice, bread, noodles, chicken, potatoes, or another familiar food can give less-adventurous eaters something comfortable.

Don't Forget Dessert

This may be the easiest gateway into another culture's food.

Explore:

• Mochi

• Churros

• Baklava

• Mango sticky rice

• Macarons

• Gulab jamun

• Bubble tea

• Gelato

Suddenly trying foods from around the world becomes something the kids request.

Food Creates Memories

Years later, your children may not remember everything they ordered.

But they'll remember the restaurant where Dad ordered something way too spicy.

They'll remember fighting over the last dessert.

They'll remember discovering something they couldn't pronounce—and absolutely loved.

That's why food is such a big part of travel and family life.

Sometimes exploring the world can start one bite at a time.