Your 2024 dining bucket list to become a more adventurous diner

Your 2024 dining bucket list

Looking to spice up your new year’s resolutions? Here at Dish Cult we’re all about trying new things when it comes to dining out, and 2024 is all about being an adventurous diner. So, to help you widen those horizons we’ve put together the ultimate 2024 Dining Bucket List to tick off each month! Let’s get intrepid!

Remember, the key to becoming a more adventurous diner is to stay open-minded, curious and willing to step outside of your culinary comfort zone.

1. Try a new cuisine every month

African cuisine grilled chicken legs with jollof rice with orzo and black eyed peas

Lucky for us, the UK and Ireland are both melting pots of cultures, so we’re never short of trying something new. Explore the diverse world of food by dedicating each month to a different cuisine. From German to Vietnamese, challenge your taste buds and learn about different culinary traditions, techniques, and dishes. Who knows, you might just spark some travel inspiration too?

Our top pick: Tuk Tuk in Edinburgh

2. Order the chef's special

Grilled lamb served on cous-cous with sun dried tomatoes and raisins, goat cheese pastry and smoked tomato and butter sauce

Instead of sticking to familiar menu items, make it a habit to order the chef’s special. This allows the chef to showcase their creativity and often introduces you to unique and innovative dishes. You’ll get the chance to try seasonal produce, experimental techniques, and tried and tested signature dishes – all while taking the guesswork out of what to order!

Our top pick: Dine with Chef Cal Byerley at Pine in Newcastle

3. Attend a food festival

Dubai, UAE - March 26, 2016: groups of people gathered for the Food Truck Jam, an outdoor event with food trucks and live music at the Emirates Golf Club.

Attend a local food festival to experience a variety of dishes in one place. This is a great way to discover local flavours, artisanal products, and street food from different cultures. From classics such as The Great British Food Festival and Taste of London to more niche events like the Rock Oyster Food Festival and National Geographic Traveller Food Festival, you’ll be opened up to a world of new dishes and a fun day out.

Our top pick: The Taste of London Festival in June (or visit standout vendor Cinder in the meantime if you just can’t wait)

4. Dine solo

Empty interior of a small cafe, there is a seating area with leather sofas and a wooden table.

Step out of your comfort zone and dine alone. Whether this is at a local haunt where you feel most comfortable, or a new spot where you’re not a familiar face, sit in the presence of now and focus on the flavours, textures, and overall dining experience without distractions. It can be a liberating and enlightening experience, and may even teach you a thing or two about yourself.

Our top pick: Maray in Manchester

5. Visit a farm-to-table restaurant

Ratatouille made of zucchini, eggplants, peppers, onions, garlic and tomatoes slices with aromatic herbs. Rustic wooden table. Traditional French food, vegetable, vegan healthy dish. Copy space

Support local British and Irish farmers and experience the freshness of farm-to-table dining. It’s a privilege to have so many restaurants that prioritise locally sourced, seasonal ingredients for a more sustainable and unique culinary experience.

Our top pick: The Pig’s Head in Clapham

6. Take a cooking class

Close-up of male chef pouring oil into the pan

Gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts by taking a local cooking class. Learning to prepare a dish can enhance your understanding of flavours and techniques, making you a more informed diner. Whether you’re learning how to make homemade pasta or picking up new street food recipes, you’ll be left with the secrets to your own new signature dish.

Our top pick: La Bottega in Liverpool

7. Explore street food

one of most favorite and famous Asian Thai street fast food in hot pan, Pad Thai (Phad Thai), is a stir fried rice noodle dish commonly served as a street food and at casual local eateries in Thailand

Embrace the vibrant world of international street food. Visit a food truck, explore local markets, or find the best street food vendor near you to savour the authentic flavours of quick, affordable, and often innovative street eats that have kept the world spinning for centuries.

Our top pick: La Taqueria in Belfast

8. Organise a tasting menu evening

Bartender or male cavist standing near the shelves of wine bottles holds a glass of wine, looks at tint and smells flavor of wine in glass.

Make a date and gather your friends for a tasting menu night at a restaurant known for its degustations. This let’s you try smaller portions of a variety of dishes, expanding your palate and creating an intricate evening that you won’t forget anytime soon (unless you opt for the wine pairing of course!).

Our top pick: Adelina Yard in Bristol

9. Become a regular at a local spot

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America – September 25, 2016. Historic buildings and commercial properties on the Market Square in Knoxville, TN.

Always dreamed of being greeted by your name and usual order? Foster a sense of community by becoming a regular at a local restaurant. You’ll be supporting local businesses but also allowing yourself to build relationships with chefs and staff who may introduce you to off-menu items or specials – trust us, it certainly pays to know the chef!

Our top pick: LEAF in Liverpool

10. Participate in a food safari

Spanish food, Tapas

Carve out a day and get ready to eat. A food safari is designed to get you moving and grooving around the city, exploring all the best bites on offer. This immersive experience will introduce you to hidden gems, local favourites, and memories made in your very own city.

Our top pick: A food safari in London, Bristol, or Glasgow

11. Experiment with vegetarian or vegan dining

Vegetarian dinner with nut roast, potatoes, yorkshire pudding and gravy

Challenge your perceptions of a complete meal by exploring vegetarian or vegan dining options. Many restaurants now offer creative and flavourful plant-based dishes, that are often enjoyed and even preferred by non-vegetarians too. Start small with a vegetarian or vegan starter before diving in and exploring completely vegetarian and vegan venues.

Our top pick: The Spread Eagle pub in East London

12. Take a foodie vacation

pool with artificial beach and tropical ocean

Whether your budget allows for a vacation or stay-cation, book a weekend away centred around food. Head to the nation of your favourite cuisine, or look into local towns with stellar reviews to discover some hidden gems close to home. There’ll be no hotel breakfasts this trip, go all out and treat yourself to the ultimate foodie holiday!

Our top pick: Head to sunny Spain for tapas on tap, or for a more local getaway, eat your way around the charming restaurants of Dublin (our favourite it Mamó for a contemporary European meal)