There’s something deeply human about the way we connect over food. A shared meal breaks language barriers, bridges cultures, and turns strangers into companions. When you travel with Ina’s Kitchen and Tours, you're not just going from place to place—you’re stepping into the heart of a community, tasting its story, and learning how food shapes identity.

My journey with Ina wasn’t just a trip. It was a multi-sensory adventure that left a lasting imprint on my palate and perspective.

The First Bite: Morocco

Our first stop was Fez, Morocco—a city as rich in flavor as it is in history. We walked through the medina, a labyrinth of spices, colors, and aromas. At a family-run riad, Ina introduced us to rfissa, a traditional dish of slow-cooked chicken, lentils, and spices atop shredded msemen bread. But what made the meal unforgettable wasn’t just the food—it was the grandmother who invited us into her kitchen, showing us how she ground fenugreek by hand, sharing stories of her childhood over mint tea.

That’s the Ina difference. You don’t just eat; you connect.

Italy: Where Simplicity Reigns

In Tuscany, we stayed on an olive farm surrounded by hills dusted with vineyards. Mornings were foraging lessons and pasta-making classes; evenings were slow dinners under the stars. We learned how to roll gnocchi with just the right pressure and how to tell when the tomatoes were “speaking to the sauce.”

One night, I asked our host why the food tasted so good. He smiled and said, “Because we respect it.” And that’s a philosophy Ina champions: respecting ingredients, heritage, and the people behind the plate.

Thailand: Layers of Flavor, Layers of Culture

In Chiang Mai, flavor came alive in ways I hadn’t imagined. A local chef guided us through a bustling market, introducing us to herbs and spices I couldn’t pronounce but instantly loved—galangal, kaffir lime, holy basil. We cooked over open flames, grinding curry paste with a mortar and pestle, and I realized that Thai food is a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy—just like life.

Beyond the kitchen, we visited a hill tribe village where we prepared a meal with the community. It wasn’t part of a scripted tour—it was a genuine exchange. Ina’s team fosters those rare, authentic moments that travel so often misses.

Lessons Beyond the Plate

At every stop, Ina emphasized that food is more than sustenance—it’s a story. It tells of migration, resilience, celebration, and adaptation. A grandmother’s bread recipe in Greece carries generations of memory. A street vendor’s stew in Mexico speaks to regional pride. These dishes aren’t just delicious—they’re living archives.

The tours also reminded me of the joy of slowing down. In a world of fast everything, Ina encourages presence. Whether you're kneading dough in Provence or picking fresh lemongrass in Vietnam, you’re invited to savor—not rush.

What Sets Ina Apart

Many companies offer food tours. What sets Ina’s Kitchen and Tours apart is the intimacy and depth. You’re not a passive traveler—you’re an engaged guest. Group sizes are small, hosts are thoughtfully chosen, and each itinerary is designed to go deeper than surface-level sightseeing.

There’s also a strong focus on sustainability and ethical tourism. Local vendors, family businesses, and underrepresented communities are at the heart of each experience. When you travel with Ina, you’re not just tasting—you’re giving back.

Come Hungry—for More Than Just Food

I returned home not just with new recipes, but with a renewed appreciation for connection. I saw how food can heal, inspire, and educate. I met people I still keep in touch with. I learned that discovery isn’t just about finding new places—it’s about rediscovering yourself in them.

If you’re curious, open-hearted, and hungry (for more than just food), Ina’s Kitchen and Tours offers something extraordinary. It’s more than travel. It’s a journey through flavor—and through the stories that make us human.