Amine akesbi

From: Marrakech Morocco

Tour: Best of Tokyo, Nov 2023

Tours with THT: 1

Trying to encapsulate my week in Tokyo with the Hungry Tourist in mere words is a challenge… To begin, it fulfilled a dream I’d harbored—spending a week in Japan, delving into the finest cuisine on Earth—was the ultimate checkbox on my pre-40 bucket list. And let me tell you, it not only met but exceeded every expectation.

The hungry tourist delivers precisely what you anticipate: access to the world’s top restaurants, many of which are typically impossible to book. It was a symphony of flavors, history, culture, and adventure in Tokyo.

But what set this experience apart was the personal touch—the respect for Japanese culture and the profound knowledge of tradition displayed by Dudi and Sinan toward the chefs. It granted us an intimate glimpse, allowing us to interact, have fun, and share drinks with the culinary maestros. It wasn’t merely a meal; it was a captivating performance filled with interaction and enjoyment, poetry at its finest.

As they expressed during our initial gathering, we started as strangers, evolved into friends, and now, we’re a family. One thing is certain: you’ve never truly tasted authentic Japanese cuisine until you’ve indulged in it in Japan.

After this incredible week, I foresee some serious challenges when it comes to relishing Japanese food anywhere else.

Amanda Beaudry & Don Hui

From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Tour: Best of Tokyo, Oct 2023

Tours with THT: 3

We have taken 3 excellent Hungry Tourist Tours (2 San Sebastian and 1 Tokyo). The latest tour we took was The Best of Tokyo Tour and all I can say is wow! David’s itineraries are thoughtfully planned to ensure you taste all the different cuisines Japan has to offer.

David has built exceptional relationships with both the chefs and the staff of the restaurants. He and his team will take you to amazing restaurants where you will be treated like family and dine amongst friends.

On our tours in San Sebastian, Gabriella was an excellent guide whose wealth of knowledge on Basque cuisine and culture shines through and is second to none. The tour was so great we took the tour 2 times! David has a passion for food, and more importantly for sharing excellent food with great company.

On all our tours we have met like-minded, friendly foodies from all over the world. It is refreshing to share a table with people who enjoy food as much as you do. As David famously says in his tours you start as strangers and you end as family, and this is very true!

In life it’s not only about the food on the table, but also the company in which you share the food with. The Hungry Tourist is a community we are so thankful to be a part of. We can’t wait for our next tour!

dwip & kim pandya

From: Los Angeles, USA

Tour: Best of Tokyo, Sep 2023

Tours with THT: 1

We cannot possibly put into words the amazing experience we had with THT Best of Tokyo Tour.

Living in LA we thought we were exposed to the world’s best cuisines, and have had the best of the best. That was until we landed in Japan and had our first sushi dinner with THT. We knew that after that dinner, each meal was only going to get better. Each day we experienced a different meal and each time it just blew us away. We got to enjoy a range of restaurants.

We were getting worried about how we would be able to continue eating through the week, but Dudi carefully picked what types of meals we would have each day at which times so there was never a feeling of being overstuffed that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the next meal. We thoroughly enjoyed every meal of the week. We also made foodie friends from around the world who share our interest of delicious foods from all over.

We also enjoyed the rich culture of Japan and during our many metro rides and walks to the restaurants, Dudi gave us little mini lessons of the areas we were in or fun facts about the restaurant we were going to.

We can’t wait to book our next THT tour soon!

marisa & trevor scott

From: San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

Tour: Best of Tokyo, June 2023

Tours with THT: 1

My husband and I joined the Best of Tokyo June 2023. We were both nervous about a group tour and handing over the majority of our vacation to unknown (to us) tour guides and the unpredictability of other guests. All doubts disappeared during our welcome happy hour.

Sinan and David quickly proved themselves to be friendly, sociable, knowledgeable, and fun-loving hosts. Our fellow guests, as David predicted, started off as fast friends and soon became family (the kind you enjoy).

Sinan’s zeal for food and fun was infectious and permeated our itinerary; quick to laugh and share stories, each meal was a highlight. We were surprised by the warmth the chefs had for our group – creating special menus, connection, and a depth of experience that is usually only delivered when you’re a “friend of the chef”.

We also appreciate the time Sinan took with us for some “field trips” between meals. His knife knowledge and Tokyo shopping expertise proved especially golden during a trip to Kappabashi Street.

Our THT trip gave us access to a Tokyo we could not have had on our own, and the connections we made continued to enrich the remainder of our trip to Japan. It was a leap of faith to put our adventure in Sinan’s hands, and it is a leap we will happily make again as we have already signed up for another trip.

Vicky Fingeroot

From: Beaver Island, MI, USA

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

I returned last week from a tour with The Hungry Tourist, David Califa to Tokyo.  This trip was delayed for three years because of COVID, and it was well worth the wait!  This was a family trip with my daughter, son, and his fiancé!

The memories created will last a lifetime, and I am so grateful for this.

Now for the trip. We ate our way through Tokyo. The tour started with a brief tutorial on the culture of the Japanese.  This was an informative introduction. We then experienced many of the foods of the country.  Ramen, Soba, Sushi, Izakaya, Tempura, Dim Sum, and the BEST Steak Sandwich I have ever had!

David has developed friendships and relationships with some of the most influential Chefs, and Food Experts in Tokyo, which he graciously shared with us.

The group of 8 of us became fast and lifelong friends.

I highly recommend traveling with David and his team.  You will not be disappointed and have an incredible experience.

Brad Fingeroot

From: Washington DC, USA

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

I recently returned from the Best of Tokyo tour and highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for food and travel. It is a week-long whirlwind of the best Tokyo has to offer: sushi, wagyu, tempura, ramen, and much more. You will leave with a new appreciation of the cuisine— and if like me— a love for the city and people of Tokyo.

David is a wonderful guide to Japanese culture through the lens of food. He brings genuine and unbridled enthusiasm for the food we eat and the masters that make it. His relationships both with chefs at many of the best restaurants in the city and local experts (Tomoko and Hiroshi!) deliver an experience that is unattainable otherwise.

I look forward to the opportunity to travel with The Hungry Tourist again.

Jayabhanu Rao

From: Hyderabad, India

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

I have always dreamed of going to Japan to experience Japanese food and culture. For many years I would stalk Dudi’s Instagram account to get restaurant recommendations. And finally, we decided to join him on his tours and it was the best decision we took.

Thanks to Dudi we were able to experience Japanese food culture in a way we couldn’t have if we went by ourselves. It was a combination of the best restaurants, personable chefs (who treated us with warmth – like we were their personal guests), an amazing group of fellow foodies from all over the world, and Dudi himself. Dudi’s love and reverence for food and the people who prepare it were inspiring to witness.

My husband and I loved it so much that we are already planning our next trips with Dudi! Cannot wait to experience other parts of the world through Dudi’s eyes!

We highly recommend this trip for all those who want to experience true Japanese food and hospitality!

Cristina Ussía

From: Madrid, Spain

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

If you like the idea of treating your senses to the best the world has to offer follow your instincts and allow David and the team to take you there. They will skillfully lead you to unforgettable experiences you just hope to have the time to fully appreciate, there is so much to take in.

From the get-go David introduced us to local chefs that excel at what they do like only the Japanese know-how. The intimacy and attention to detail is second to none. The aesthetic experience is guaranteed. You will come across true masters in their field who will do nothing short of reshaping your world into a more beautiful place forever.

Just as enjoyable is getting to know the rest of the Hungry Tourist, all of which you would gladly meet again.

If you care for memories you don’t wish to forget, welcome David into your life, you will be very happy you made the time for it.

Beau Hagege

From: Los Angeles, USA

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

Six nights in Tokyo. Six nights in a city of over 40 million homogeneous polite people. Japan is a country steeped in tradition, dating back to 660 BC. As of 2020, 140,000+ restaurants existed in Tokyo, a colorful yet seeming silent metropolis – 203 of which hold at least one Michelin star (the most of any city in the world). And it is your dream to try the best this city has to offer? David Califa aka The Hungry Tourist boasts daily that this dream can become a reality – for a price.

So…is this a deep dive into Tokyo’s hard to navigate underbelly? An immersion into rich Japanese culture? An informational overload of things unknown? Quite frankly, the answer is no. This is a straight up regimented week of intense eating that comes with a strict schedule; eating and waiting to eat again – and do not be late! You are paying for Califa’s connections to a handful of very difficult to book restaurants – many of which are Michelin star recipients. Impossible to do on your own? No. But it could take months or longer and a lot of effort to snag a coveted spot (especially with the Japanese language barrier) at some of these restaurants. And some do not accept reservations, so your ramen hunt can turn into more of a ramen wait. Note that not all the restaurants are Japanese either, you will eat whatever is able to be booked that week, and it may surprise you – be that good or bad. French food in Japan? That’s a ‘no’ for me, dawg. Though, you will eat it nonetheless. The Gyoza and Sukiyaki were forgettable, but the Yakiniku, from a chef so dedicated to his craft that he only sees his family twice a month, was umami on crack. On the other hand, I have consumed enough shirako this week to last a lifetime (if you’re googling what that is, don’t do it in front of children). The omakase tempura made with liquid nitrogen batter was so delegate you will instinctively eat it with your pinky out. The sushi chef’s seemingly intuitive yet rehearsed movements are akin to the best ballet dancer you can imagine. Let’s be honest, the performances and attention to detail from these modern day shoguns can make even a piece of cardboard appear to taste good. The human element in these six seater counter top only restaurants raises the experience to a special platform not achieved in many other cultures. Mix that with numbing jet lag and it almost all feels like a dream.

What you really gain from this trip is access to Califa’s network of foodies around the world and most importantly the chance to meet and connect with a group of really great, like minded, successful people. And if an issue arises, The very hungry tourist will go out of his way to try and make things right.

If you are looking for a weeklong getaway to sit back and put your feet up, be chauffeured to each restaurant and catered to your every need, well then, this is not for you. This is not a relaxing vacation, this is a food marathon. Come ready.

Kevin Kratiuk

From: Toronto, Canada

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

Where do I start…

Our amazing group, the food, the city, the one and only Dudi..and his partner in crime, Tomoko, our special local Tokyo guest – this is the ONLY way to explore Tokyo… with food-driven friends and a personable, energetic, and organized tour guide. Dudi has Tokyo locked down with the best restaurants and hidden gems (not known to the public) the city has to offer! I was ready to see what Japan had to offer and I trust Dudi to lead the way. You start the trip with individuals from around the world and by the end, you are a close group of friends not wanting to leave Japan.

I’m fortunate to make friends living in every corner of the globe whom we were able to share our experiences with and an opportunity to enhance our palates in a humbling way. Dudi and Tomoko – Thank you for your dedication to what you do and for organizing everything flawlessly. We cannot wait to see you again on our next food endeavor!

Mohammad Mutabagani

From: Jeddah, Saudi

Tour: Best of Tokyo, February 2023

Tours with THT: 1

Tokyo, Feb 2023

There are 3 main elements that made this tour special,

#1: The people.

I have had the pleasure of getting to know a wonderful group of like-minded people with one purpose for this trip, which is exploring the finest of Tokyo and raising the bar for their pallets.

#2: the learning curve.

Before coming to this trip I thought of myself as a pretty knowledgeable person when it came to food, turns out I was wrong. This humbling experience gave me access to well-seasoned chefs that broaden your palettes with exquisite knowledge, there is always more to learn!

#3: I saved the best for last, David, AKA “Dudi”

The man, the myth, the legend. This man has dedicated himself to exploring, experiencing, and last but not least TASTE. He will go above and beyond to make sure your trip is unforgettable and other than his mastery and connections at getting you seats at places you wouldn’t dream of going to, he’s a pretty cool guy to hang around with.

If you haven’t done this yet with him, you are missing out

Bryan Baum

From: Miami, USA

Tour: Private Tour – Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo

Tours with THT: 4

Dubai, Jan 2021

Barcelona, Spain 2021

Grand Spain Tour, May 2022

Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo Private Tour – Dec 2022

I recently did a Hungry Tourist’s private tour of Osaka, Tokyo, and Kyoto, and I can confidently say it was the best travel experience I’ve ever had. From start to finish, they were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to our needs.

We were able to see all the major sights and top restaurants in both cities without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The food was absolutely next level. They got us into all the best places, and were good friends with all the chefs at the restaurants we ate it.

What I appreciated most about this tour was the effort that they put into teaching us about Japanese culture and customs. They didn’t just show us the sights and have us eat at the restaurants; they helped us understand the significance of what we were seeing and eating and gave us a deeper appreciation for the history and traditions of Japan.

Anyone who wants to experience the best that Tokyo and Kyoto has to offer should do this. It was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish for years to come.

ben yong

From: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tour: Best of Tokyo, September 2019

Tours with THT: 7

Bangkok, Jan 2018

Tokyo, May 2018

Scandinavia, Sep 2018

Istanbul, Dec 2018

Bangkok, Jan 2019

Sri Lanka, Feb 2019

Tokyo, Sep 2019

The adventure of eating could only be bettered by the curation of a well-balanced meal. That is what it’s like traveling with David.

Anyone can walk into any restaurant. but to know which are the best, curated over a short period of time, without wasting any calories or poor experiences over a bad meal? That’s an art!

Thank you for introducing me to a world of dining adventures. From street food to home-styled mama’s kitchen, to Michelin restaurants.

It’s truly an honor and pleasure to be able to travel the world and share meals with like-minded souls!

beth lang

From: Chicago, USA

Tour: The Best of Tokyo, September 2017

Tours with THT: 4