Plant-based Food & Culture Tours

A shared table, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences in beautiful corners of the world.

 

The journey

If you’re a true foodie who wants to experience a destination through its people, its culture, and its hidden culinary stories, this is for you.

All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and an open heart. Everything else is taken care of, so you can simply relax into the journey, enjoy incredible plant-based food, and share unforgettable moments around the table in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

What makes it special:
• Small, intimate groups
• Warm, welcoming hosts
• Real local connections and knowledge
• Away from tourist traps, into authentic experiences
• Eat where the locals eat
• Personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully paced
• Shared tables filled with love, laughter, and great food

“A journey of food, culture, and connection—where every table tells a story.”


Our experience in creating gourmet food travel adventures, is extensive - join our authentic, warm, friendly adventures

Tours Coming Up

Choose your next adventure – is it foodie heaven in Peninsula Malaysia, cultural and in Italy, or adventure and wildlife in Borneo

Meet Your Hosts

Our tours are personally hosted and curated by Fiona from Wholesome Bellies and Lisa from Saucy Wench Gourmet Foods. As passionate food lovers, experienced business owners, and seasoned travellers, Fiona and Lisa bring together a shared love of culture, connection, authentic food, and unforgettable experiences. Their extensive local knowledge, trusted connections, and attention to detail ensure every journey is thoughtfully crafted from beginning to end.

Why Malaysia and Italy?
Quite simply, these are destinations that hold a special place in our hearts.

Malaysia
Our Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo tours are deeply personal to Lisa. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is her home, her heritage, and a culture she loves sharing with others. Through Lisa's local knowledge and lifelong connections, you'll experience the Malaysia most visitors never get to see. We'll wander beyond the tourist hotspots and immerse ourselves in authentic local life, discovering hidden food gems, vibrant markets, family-run eateries, rich traditions, and the warm hospitality that makes Malaysia so special.

Italy Italy has long been close to Fiona's heart. With family roots in Rome and countless visits over the years, she has developed a deep connection to the country's food, culture, and way of life.

For our Northern Italy tours, Fiona has partnered with Barbara, a Florence local who has spent her life living, working, and travelling throughout Italy. Barbara's local insight, personal relationships, and intimate knowledge of the region open doors to experiences that simply can't be found in a guidebook.

Together, we'll introduce you to the real Italy — sharing meals with locals, uncovering hidden treasures, embracing regional traditions, and experiencing the authentic heart and soul of Italian culture.

“"These aren't tours built around ticking off famous sights. They're carefully curated journeys designed for curious travellers who want to experience a destination through its people, food, traditions, and stories."”

Could one of our tours be your next adventure?

This is one of the most common questions we hear — and it’s such a good one.

Joining a small group tour can feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time travelling this way. So here’s the honest answer: these journeys are designed for open-minded, curious travellers who love great food, meaningful experiences, and the joy of sharing it all with others.

You don’t need to arrive as a “plant-based eater” or have everything figured out. In fact, many of our guests are simply plant-curious — excited to explore more nourishing, plant-rich ways of eating while still enjoying every moment of discovery along the way.

These trips are about:

  • Expanding your world
  • Stepping slightly outside your comfort zone.
  • Trying new flavours, meeting new people, and seeing a destination through a more authentic, local lens.
  • Time to rest, wander, journal, swim, or simply do your own thing before coming back together again as a group.

We welcome all kinds of travellers — couples, friends, mother–daughter , father-son duos, and many solo travellers who simply want to share the experience with like-minded people. You don’t need to come with a partner to feel connected here.

With small groups of around 15 people, the experience stays personal, relaxed, and deeply connected. And because your hosts are also the founders of the business, there’s a genuine sense of care, attention, and warmth woven into every part of the journey.

What often surprises people most is how quickly strangers become friends. Shared meals, laughter, and new experiences naturally bring everyone closer, and by the end of the trip it often feels like you’re travelling with an extended circle of friends and family.

You might be a perfect fit if you…

  • ✔️ Love food, culture, and authentic travel experiences
  • ✔️ Are open to trying plant-rich meals (no pressure, just delicious discovery)
  • ✔️ Enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences
  • ✔️ Also value your own time and space to explore or relax
  • ✔️ Are curious about stepping outside your usual routine
  • ✔️ Might be travelling solo, as a couple, or with a friend/family member
  • ✔️ Prefer small, personal groups over large, busy tours

What people are saying

I had the most incredible experience on this plant-based food and cultural tour of Malaysia—it completely exceeded my expectations in every way. From start to finish, the tour was thoughtfully curated, blending vibrant local traditions with an inspiring showcase of Malaysia’s diverse vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

What truly elevated this tour, however, were the two incredible women who ran it. Their passion, expertise, and genuine warmth shone through in every moment. They struck the perfect balance between professionalism and personal connection, making everyone feel welcome and cared for. Their deep knowledge of Malaysia’s culinary traditions and cultural history added so much richness to the experience—and their enthusiasm was contagious! You can tell they’ve poured their hearts into creating something meaningful and special.
Lucy Gronow
Traveller
Went as a couple, we both found this Malaysia adventure absolutely fabulous. From Day 1 to the final, everything was organized to perfection.

Days were filled with engaging activities, cultural highlights & delicious magnificent food. We were so impressed with the quality, presentation & variety of plant based options. (We are also meat eaters) Transformative for me!

The markets were colourful & fun to explore. There was also opportunities for free time to do own thing. Our guides were exceptional, their breadth of knowledge & care to ensure a great & safe trip was excellent! And just beautiful humans! 🙏 Our tour group, just wonderful. My heart is full & memories will last a lifetime.
Donna
Traveller
There wasn’t anything you wouldn’t do for everyone to make us feel comfortable and great activities to enjoy. I thought it was great value for money as well. You both fit together like a glove and I appreciated the effort you put in for all of us.

I took home a lot of knowledge from this experience and will enjoy trying the recipes we learnt. We are all on different journeys in our lives and I feel a better person for having met you all.
Estelle
Traveller
I had never done an organised overseas tour before so was not sure what to expect. Normally we just make up our own itinerary. I can assure you that I did not need to worry, thanks to the amazing hard work of both Fiona and Lisa every detail and more was taken care of.

I could not ask for more. The tour to magical Malaysia was outstanding, including a diverse amount of activities from bustling cities to mountain rainforest to sunshine and beach. All of which was highlighted by an abundant amount of amazing, fresh, tasty and nourishing local food. Our tour was blessed with amazing like minded people, we sang, we danced, we drank, we ate, we shared stories and above all we laughed and then laughed some more. I can highly recommend this tour, you will not be disappointed. With immense gratitude for all you do Fiona and Lisa
Kim and Phil
Traveller