Skip the Tourist Traps, Follow the Grandma Food Rule

Tourist traps are everywhere, and they all have the same signs: flashy menus in five languages, servers waving you inside, and overpriced, mediocre food. If you want a real taste of a destination, you need a better strategy. Enter the Grandma Food Rule: If you see locals’ grandmothers eating there, it’s probably amazing. Here’s why this rule works—and how to find the best hidden food spots wherever you go.

Why Grandmas Know Best

Grandmothers have high food standards. They don’t waste time or money on bad meals. If a place is packed with elderly locals enjoying their lunch, you can bet the food is authentic, affordable, and made with care. Plus, grandmas usually know all the unwritten rules of a city—including where to eat the best traditional dishes.

How to Spot a Tourist Trap vs. a Hidden Gem

Not sure if you’re about to walk into a tourist trap? Look for these red flags:

• Menus with pictures and 10+ language options – A sign the food is designed for tourists, not locals.
• Waiters trying to pull you in – If a place needs to convince people to eat there, it’s probably not great.
• Located next to major landmarks – Convenient? Yes. Worth it? Usually not.
• Unrealistic pricing – If a plate of pasta costs triple what it should, you’re paying for location, not quality.

Now, here’s what to look for instead:

• Small, no-frills restaurants with simple, handwritten menus.
• Places that look full of older locals—if grandmas are eating there, you’re in good hands.
• Spots that are a little hidden, away from main streets and tourist zones.
• Short menus—a place that specializes in a few dishes instead of trying to please everyone.

Ask, Observe, and Follow the Locals

If you’re in a new city and don’t know where to eat, ask a local. But don’t just ask your hotel concierge—ask a taxi driver, a street vendor, or the person working at a small shop. Better yet, follow the locals. If you see a tiny restaurant with a line of older locals waiting, get in that line. You’re about to have an amazing meal.

The Verdict: Grandma Knows Best

Tourist traps rely on visitors who don’t know any better, but you’re smarter than that. By following the Grandma Food Rule, you’ll find better, cheaper, and more authentic meals—and probably some of the best food of your life. Because if it’s good enough for a grandma, it’s good enough for you.