No trip is complete without a delicious meal that is locally prepared and served. So if you happen to find yourself in Branson, Missouri, you’re in for a treat. This city is known for its hospitality and food. Therefore, if you are a fan of BBQ loin, fried chicken, and apple pies, you will enjoy your trip to this pleasant holiday destination.
But how do you make the most of your trip and hit all the famous eateries? Read below to find out:
- Always do your research
Before heading out to any new location, you should educate yourself on what the venue offers. Branson is a city in the southwest of Missouri; while it is known for its signature southern-style meals, you can find anything here, from Italian to Japanese cuisines. But to indulge in the finest meals Branson offers, make sure you do a quick Google search.
One of the most enthralling and local novelties the city is famous for are Branson shows that offer a unique culinary experience along with some quality entertainment. So, if you like watching horses parade in front of you and want to witness the crew perform breathtaking stunts, you will have an excellent time at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. You’ll also be served a four-course meal that will satisfy your foodie needs. Enjoy a tender whole rotisserie chicken, creamy vegetable soup, a specialty dessert, and more. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free meals available upon request.
You can also use applications like Google Travel or Google Maps and turn on your location services. This allows the app to provide tailored suggestions and recommendations based on your area. If you’re searching for the nearest restaurant, it will pop up on your application. Doing your research beforehand can help you identify the best places to eat.
- Mind your allergies
As eager as you may be about trying new cuisines, you must be careful of your allergies. The last thing you would want is to experience an episode in the middle of your meal. So, ensure you are stocked with all the necessary medications while traveling. At the same time, if you are highly allergic to ingredients like peanuts, always carry your epi-pen with you and never visit a restaurant without it.
While dining, make sure you let your server know about your allergies. This allows them to adjust your food for you and request the kitchen staff to prepare your meal in separate cookware.
If you’re unsure about a food item is prepared, don’t hesitate to ask. Some meals, like fried meals, contain traces of peanut oil, which is enough to induce a reaction.
- Talk to the local community
The community and culture in Branson are wholesome and closely knit. Therefore, if you are looking for recommendations, you can always ask locals. They may be able to guide you better on where you find the best deep dish pizza, where the best funnel cakes are available, and if you’re in the mood for burgers, which makes the best-pulled beef sandwiches.
Food blogs and reviews written by local food enthusiasts can also guide you on the best restaurants. You may even discover hidden gems like authentic Thai food or a traditional Italian dinner in Branson.
- Sign up for a food tour
Food tours are the best way to indulge in local cuisine without limiting yourself to one meal. The purpose of these tours is to walk you through the local culture and give you a glimpse of what the city has to offer.
If you want to enjoy copious amounts of food and dive into different flavors and textures, you will have fun going on a food tour. Depending on the kind of adventure you want, make sure you look into all the food tours offered in Branson.
These may include trips to distilleries, buffets, a cheese tour, or a coffee-tasting journey. Since these tours can be busy, make sure you book your tickets early and arrive at the venue on time. Showing up late can ruin the experience.
- Take risks
Part of being a foodie is taking risks with meals. If you are used to eating one type of food, you need to look into expanding your palette. This can help you diversify your flavor profile and encourage you to try new dishes you are unfamiliar with. For instance, Branson has unique dishes like a tomato bacon jam burger, fried green tomato caprese, and white bean hummus. If you have yet to explore these dishes, make sure you give them a try.
At the same time, Branson is also home to some of the finest Indian cuisine, specializing in Punjabi-style meals. Not everyone can handle Indian food since it can be particularly hot, but a trip to Branson warrants at least one spicy meal packed with flavor. Indulge in vegetable samosas, try various curry-based dishes, and taste some chicken tikka masala. You never know what meal may become your favorite when you head home.
Conclusion
Branson is a multicultural city; it houses various communities of different ethnicities. Hence, the food culture of this city is a reflection of its diverse population. Therefore, if you want to make the most of your trip to Branson, start by learning about the place, figuring out what food it is famous for, and making sure you taste it. But don’t forget to mind your allergies and be cautious when dining in unfamiliar spaces.
Furthermore, asking the local community can help you since they know what their city is famous for, so their guidance can match you with the best meals and restaurants. If you have time, sign up for a food tour and get educated as you relish a meal. Finally, try and step out of your comfort space. A holiday is an ideal time to test the waters and learn what food cuisines you enjoy.
