Solo Dining
- Clare Schubert
- Dec 30, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 24, 2023
Integrating the Practice of Enjoying a Meal Alone Into Your Travels
In recent years, solo dining is something that I have grown to love and cherish, a time to treat myself, try new restaurants and watch the local life go by. What once started out as uncomfortable has now become an integral part of any travel or long stay holiday. We can learn a lot from solo dining, which also provides the perfect coverup to do some great people watching, all the while savoring delicious meals.
By Clare Schubert
When I was growing up, my family would often take trips to Chicago to see our relatives. During these regular visits we would take the train downtown where the hustle and bustle, the densely populated commercial quarters, the skyscrapers and the energy of the cosmopolitan contrasted to the slower paced, family oriented feel of my hometown. We would walk along Michigan Avenue and watch the characters passing by, some dressed colorfully and playful, others a bit punk, businessmen and women in classy suits sporting leather briefcases, and other random unexpected characters dressed according to their mood of the day.
Nowadays, this tradition has automatically implanted itself into my travels. I love setting up at a cafe somewhere, grabbing a coffee and watching life go by. Sitting at a restaurant provides an innocent coverup to eavesdrop on fellow conversations, to watch how locals order food, to take notice of the current fashion trends, or to simply observe the scenes happening around.
Whether traveling alone or with a group of friends it’s always nice to slip away for some quiet time and roam the streets. In the case of the former, solo dining may be more automatic as you may find yourself without company. While some people tend to find the nearest thing available, I, on the other hand, tend to embark on a long and grueling mission of finding a memorable meal when I am extremely hungry. This approach is not for everyone and often leads to grumpy companions. In my solo travels I can go about my day and in my own rhythm. When I start to get hungry, I then begin my hunt for food, without a fixed time or place in mind. Some of my most memorable meals have been found while wandering aimlessly on some random street and then miraculously finding an amazing restaurant packed with locals and mouth watering aromas.
As travelers we often want to meet lots of new people, join in on other activities and make the most of the unique circumstances bringing together lots of different people. However, after some time it can be quite exhausting and oftentimes I found myself making compromises for the sake of the group. Nowadays, I cherish honesty and if I am ever with a group I try to make sure my own needs are met. It is totally alright for everyone to do their own thing, and then meet up later in the day. Not everyone is going to be in agreement one hundred percent of the time so better yet, let everyone do things their own way. After all, travel is one of the few times that we get to be a little ‘selfish.’ As I get older I realize that if I am not going to advocate for my own desires and expectations, then they are not likely to be met. And again, travel time is sacred and time is limited.
In fact, in many countries such as Taiwan, India and Vietnam for example, eating alone is nothing out of the ordinary. Where restaurants are cheap and you can find many places open at all hours of the day, eating alone is merely a part of everyday life. It’s not frowned upon or looked at oddly, yet often in the ‘Western’ hemisphere there is more shame associated with the fact that we can be spotted in public without company. As if eating with or without someone should be indicative of our social status or popularity.
In reality, there are so many reasons to love and celebrate eating alone. If you are a highly active introvert such as myself, quiet time away from others is critical. What better way to do it than treating yourself to a nice meal from time to time? So much of my day is already centered around food whether it be: grocery shopping, preparing food, eating, or cleaning up. What better self care ritual than taking myself out to eat once in a while in a picturesque location with a glass of wine or other ‘fancy’ beverage.
Dining solo can also be categorized into a practice of self care and self love. In recent years, I have been letting go of my hyper budgeted spending habits. For years while backpacking around I constantly tried to cut corners, just to prolong the trip for another day. However, now that I am more settled and traveling a bit less, I no longer have to be so radical with my budgeting. Despite the high costs of living, I am making my own money and I deserve to rest and enjoy a little treat every so often.
Now, I relish in these moments I have alone surrounded by breathtaking nature or bustling city centers. Sitting down and taking the time to reflect is an essential part of any trip. It allows us to slow down and take a step back from the hectic movements and constant stimulation around. We can check in with ourselves by asking how we feel in the moment: are we exhausted from being constantly on the go, are we finding purpose in our travels, have we met interesting people, is something bothering us, do we miss home, are we healthy and happy?
These reflections allow us to continue our travels more consciously and in connection with ourselves. This time alone provides important rest, a place to recharge and enjoy the present moment. While dining solo may seem like a mundane chore it can become a wonderful ritual if we choose to be intentional and positive about the experience.
Some of My Most Memorable Places to Dine Solo
Amalfi Coast, Italy
What better atmosphere to enjoy a meal alone than the Amalfi Coast with gorgeous sea and mountain views (hands down the best pasta I have ever eaten)? With many little villages dotted along the coast, you’re sure to have your choice of quaint seaside restaurants. Between walking along the sea line and stopping for beach breaks, a leisurely lunch break with a glass of wine, served with still-warm-from-the-oven focaccia followed by an aperitif to digest will never disappoint. Pasta, wine, sea and sunshine; simple yet feels luxury, it really doesn’t get better than that.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest was always one of those places that would repeatedly be mentioned again and again, however I was never far east enough to be able to make it work. I was finally able to pop over for a week and it did not disappoint. There were so many restaurants and cafes to choose from, all at very affordable prices and perfect to escape the cold November air. Between all of the different quarters and the massive monuments and historical landmarks there is never a shortage of eateries to sit and have a meal.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
When I arrived in Cluj, I was immediately drawn to all the cozy cafes, teahouses and vegetarian restaurants within the city center, perfectly timed with my autumnal stay. The city offers many vegetarian and vegan friendly options with great locations, some with large gardens and lots of greenery and others in the main plaza in front of the cathedral. A city rich in history and colorful architecture, this is one of my favorite stays in recent years and you can eat very well even with a modest budget.
Porto, Portugal
Porto has a much different vibe than that of Lisbon and I prefer this city for its laid back, non-fussy atmosphere. With all the amazing architecture and various viewpoints it’s easy to sit down and spend several hours taking in the scenery and watching life go by. Down by the bridge and along the riverside are the obvious places to look, but don’t hesitate to look outside of the main center.
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh is one of my favorite places in India, nestled in the mountains along the Ganges/Ganga river and dotted with numerous cafes and bakeries to sit and take in the greenery and fresh air. Most inviting are the terraces and outdoor seating backing right up to the river. With a steaming cup of chai, one of the many delicious sweet treats, it is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and calm and take in the natural beauty around. It is the ideal place to sit and relax with a book, journal or sketchpad.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a food mecca, famously known for its many night markets with sweet, salty, crunchy, mouth watering delicacies. However, beyond the night markets lies an array of local restaurants serving up Tawainese favorites like beef noodle stew, hot pot, oyster omelets and more. And let’s not forget the crown jewel of Taipei, Din Tai Fung, the famous Michelin star restaurant serving their fresh-made dumplings at ridiculously accessible prices. The hustle and bustle of the city, the young Taiwanese chattering away will provide enough animation to enjoy your solo meal amidst this vibrant city.
About Clare
A dreamer at heart, a creative soul and lover of all things vegetal and floral. Clare is constantly exploring new mediums of creative expression whether it be drawing, ceramics, writing, dancing, cooking or simply surrounding herself with beauty and inspiration.
