Walking to Dinner
These guides follow food along pilgrimage routes and trails, from trail-town breakfasts and packed calories to temple meals, regional specialties, and approved food spots. Each route unfolds in stages, with practical notes and provenance information beneath the overview.
Kii Peninsula, Japan
Food on the Kumano Kodo comes from the cedar mountains, clear rivers, and Pacific coast. Pilgrims carry meharizushi, while mountain inns serve tofu, grilled ayu, wild boar broth, and pickled vegetables. Umeboshi appears near Hongu, then maguro tuna arrives at Kii-Katsuura after the descent to the sea.
Shikoku, Japan
Food on the Shikoku Pilgrimage changes across the island’s four prefectures. Convenience-store onigiri and baked goods carry pilgrims between temples, while Tokushima brings sudachi and ramen, Kochi brings seared bonito, Ehime serves sea bream over rice, and Kagawa ends the route with early-morning udon and temple cuisine.
Portugal & Spain
The Camino Portugués carries pilgrims north from Lisbon through a food culture built around bread, coffee, and the Atlantic. Tosta mista and galão begin the day; bacalhau appears in countless preparations; after the border, Galician octopus, peppers, scallops, and fixed-price pilgrim menus take over.
Eastern United States
Food along the Appalachian Trail changes with the landscape and the distance between towns. Southern breakfasts bring biscuits, gravy, eggs, and bacon; trail days run on ramen, peanut butter, and packed calories; farther north, delis, lobster rolls, poutine, and Maine blueberries mark the changing states.
Scotland
Food along this Scottish route shifts between what fits in a pack and what waits in a Highland café or pub. Cullen skink, steak pie, black pudding, oatcakes, and stovies suit long miles; near the sea lochs, shellfish and a final pint give the walk its taste of place.
Western United States
Food along the Pacific Crest Trail changes across five stages. Southern California centers on practical trail provisions and desert resupply. Central California brings mountain stretches, town breakfasts, and oversized pancakes, while Northern California adds diners, burgers, sandwiches, and pancake challenges. Oregon brings fuller town meals, pizza, pub fare, Pacific Northwest cuisine, festival food, coffee, beer, and cider. Washington closes with pastries, cakes, treats, and lunch.