One of the greatest gifts of being a chef is the chance to taste the world. Every country has its own culinary heartbeat, its own traditions simmered and perfected over generations. And as chefs, when we travel, we don’t just bring back recipes, we bring back stories, techniques, and a deeper respect for the cultures that shaped them.

Take a simple loaf of bread. In France, it’s a crusty baguette, in Italy, a rustic ciabatta, and in India, a pillowy naan. Each tells a story of local ingredients, climate, and the hands that have kneaded it for centuries. As a chef, tasting and learning these traditions firsthand gives you a profound appreciation for the nuances of each cuisine.

What do we bring home from these journeys? We bring the confidence to mix and match flavours in ways we never imagined. We learn that a dash of spice from one culture can elevate a dish rooted in another, and that food is a universal language that brings people together, no matter where they’re from.

And if you’re looking for a practical takeaway, here’s one to try: the next time you’re making a simple roast chicken, add a sprinkle of garam masala, a warm, fragrant Indian spice blend, to your seasoning. You’ll find it brings a whole new depth of flavour to a familiar dish, and it’s a perfect example of how a little travel-inspired creativity can transform your home cooking.