Departures

In Berlin, where Karl is based, his tours blend historical exploration with gourmet dining – crafting experiences that are as rich in story as they are in flavour and inviting travellers to taste the world through his unique lens. Photography: The Chef’s Tours.

Creating memories as rich in story as they are in flavour

By Geoffrey Williams

Briefly …

Karl Wilder, Co-Founder, Chef, and Guide at ‘The Chef’s Tours’, shares his passion for food – one of travel’s undeniably great conversation starters and connectors.

“Food”, Karl tells The Solo Traveller, “is more than sustenance – it’s a cultural story told on a plate. Every dish speaks of geography, history, and the people who created it. Sampling a bowl of goulash soup in Budapest, for instance, connects you to centuries of Hungarian tradition, just as sharing tapas in Seville invites you into Spain’s communal way of dining. For solo travellers, food becomes a natural bridge to conversation. Sit at the bar instead of a table, ask the server what they recommend, or join a local food tour, and suddenly you’re not just a visitor – you’re part of the scene.”

“One of the unexpected joys of eating alone is that it draws people in. Locals are often curious about their visitor who’s tasting their favourite dishes with fresh eyes. A solo diner with a notebook or camera can spark friendly conversations with fellow guests or the chef proudly explaining their grandmother’s recipe in Istanbul. Food levels the playing field – you don’t need to speak the same language to appreciate the crunch of warm bread dipped in olive oil, or the earthy complexity of a glass of wine.”

Kadıköy, Istanbul, is a little-known gem where Karl and his guests dine with the locals. Photography: The Chef’s Tours.

Chef PJ’s Montmartre Food Tour, is the ultimate food experience for anyone wanting to dive deep into Parisian gastronomy. Photography: The Chef’s Tours.

Karl is a culinary innovator whose career spans continents and cuisines. From his roots in New Orleans, Karl, along with Chef PJ, set out to redefine what ‘food tourism’ means. His passion for authentic, immersive food experiences led him to co-found The Chef’s Tours, offering intimate culinary journeys in cities like Paris, Seville, Istanbul and Berlin (with Mexico City to open later this year). In Berlin, where Karl is based, his tours blend historical exploration with gourmet dining – crafting experiences that are as rich in story as they are in flavour and inviting travellers to taste the world through his unique lens. “We introduce our guests to the history and the culture of a city through the food, and all of our guides are chefs or sommeliers – no scripts, just pure passion.” Karl is also the proud human father of Milou, the company mascot.

(Left) Karl and the adorable company mascot, Milou; and exploring the street food markets in Istanbul. Photography: The Chef’s Tours.

While there are many differences in the way we experience the world as solo travellers, Karl believes that one of the great similarities we share with other travellers is that we often feel the need to ‘connect’. “Connecting over a meal is one of the greatest joys of travel. Solo travellers meet fellow travellers, as well as families from multiple backgrounds and cultures. I am often a solo traveller, and I love spending time with other travellers and meeting new people on my journey. Having a great experience is as important for a solo traveller as it is for those who travel in groups. During one of our Berlin tours, two solo travellers met at our table, left together and soon married. And while we do not expect to pair anyone off (because that is never our goal), it was lovely when it happened.”

Karl has been inspired by many people and experiences throughout his life, but it is American chef, author, and television personality, Julia Child, who immediately springs to mind. “Julia Child said ‘Be fearless’, and even though she was talking about the kitchen, it applies to all of life.”

Karl Wilder’s top 3 tips for solo travelling success

1. Be fearless!

2. Travel light.

3. Eat everything, taste all the local foods, on or off a tour – this is the best way to connect.

More than the journey

At The Solo Traveller, we believe travel isn’t just about the places we go, it’s also about the values we carry with us. Whether it’s a grassroots initiative, an environmental project, or a community program, these are the values Karl believes in, and values he encourages his fellow travellers to learn about and support.

“When we sit down to a meal, we connect with farmers, recipes passed down through generations, and the landscapes that nourished our crops. That is why the rise of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply is such an important issue – one that deserves thoughtful consideration and strong resistance.”

“Non-genetically modified foods preserve the integrity of nature’s design. Crops that evolve over centuries are adapted to local soils, climates, and ecosystems in ways that laboratory-engineered seeds simply cannot replicate. By keeping our food non-GMO, we respect biodiversity and maintain the natural balance that sustains wildlife and human health. In contrast, monocultures of GMO crops often encourage overreliance on herbicides and pesticides, which can degrade soil quality and reduce ecological resilience.

Fresh produce available in the markets in Istanbul. Photography: The Chef’s Tours.

“One of the strongest arguments against GMOs is the uncertainty they bring. While studies continue, the long-term effects on human health remain unclear. Consumers deserve transparency about what’s on their plates, and non-GMO farming provides reassurance without fine print or hidden risks. Choosing non-GMO food is not about fear, but about trust – knowing that what you eat comes directly from the earth, not from a laboratory.”

“Let’s not forget the joy of food itself. Ask any chef, and they’ll tell you that flavour begins with the quality of ingredients. Heirloom tomatoes, ancient grains, and heritage livestock offer a depth of taste and texture that simply cannot be matched by mass-produced, genetically altered varieties. Non-GMO foods keep our culinary traditions alive and ensure that future generations will know the difference between real flavour and manufactured uniformity.”

You can find out more about unforgettable food and wine tours with Karl and PJ at The Chef’s Tours here and read their blog here.

Geoffrey Williams is the Founder and Publishing Curator of The Solo Traveller.