Ben Groundwater
Travel writer
Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist, broadcaster, author and occasional tour guide with more than 25 years’ experience in media, and a lifetime of experience traversing the globe. He specialises in food and wine – writing about it, as well as consuming it – and at any given moment in time Ben is probably thinking about either ramen in Tokyo, pintxos in San Sebastian, or carbonara in Rome. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwater
Opinion
Cairo
I spent just 24 hours in a country. Does that mean I’ve ‘been’ there?
The first thing I’m going to do on this beautiful morning, my first in a new country? Check out. And then head to the airport.
- by Ben Groundwater
The surprising Scandinavian Christmas dish said to bring good luck
Ah, Christmas. A time for roast turkey, stuffing, vegetables, maybe a bucket of prawns, a few glasses of champagne, and … a large jar of pickled herrings?
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Travel tips
Step back from the carousel: My (unrealistic) travel wishes for 2025
On my 2025 fantasy wish list hotels will have easy-to-find light switches, Qantas will serve proper meals again and the Aussie dollar will strengthen.
- by Ben Groundwater
Brazil’s answer to the Thai seafood curry is an icon and an obsession
This classic seafood dish is similar to a Thai green curry, minus the heat.
- by Ben Groundwater
Want to actually eat the exotic foods at Asian markets? On this cruise you can
Live frogs, sea snails, bunches of just-harvested herbs – this is not your average trip to the supermarket.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Family holidays
I took my young kids to an eight-course dinner. What was I thinking?
We’re looking at a two-hour dinner here, a meal my children are probably not going to like, in a place where they’re expected to behave themselves and be quiet.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Food and wine
I’m no longer a coffee snob – Starbucks is fine
A strange thing has been happening. I’m like the Benjamin Button of coffee snobbery, watching as my discerning tastes become increasingly basic.
- by Ben Groundwater
The secret you need to know about the classic Wiener schnitzel
Your arteries may recoil in horror at the thought of how a traditional flattened veal cutlet is prepared.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Savvy traveller
The two words solo travellers hate and how to avoid them
The mere mention of this concept of single travellers paying more causes everything from sighs of exasperation to outpourings of rage.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Travel tips
Fourteen great Christmas gift ideas for someone who loves travel
Successful travel is all about making things easy for yourself, and there is a whole swag of items out there that are designed to do that.
- by Ben Groundwater
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/traveller/by/ben-groundwater-hveu0