Adam Richman Dishes on His New Show, Favorite Cities and the Most Surprising Meal He’s Ever Had

No one knows their way around a culinary vacation quite like television personality Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel’s “Secret Eats.”

With 22 countries under his belt, Richman has made it his mission to seek out the hidden gems that make any destination unique.

As the former host of Travel Channel's “Man V. Food,” Richman visited locations around the country in search of the most outrageous dishes. Now, he's in search of the most obscure. On “Secret Eats,” Richman takes viewers to little-known spots across the globe, introducing them to local favorites that aren't usually on a travelers itinerary.

Richman kept it local on the first season, exploring the indistinct restaurants across the United States. For the second season he's taking his show international with spots in Moscow, Bangkok, Mexico City, to name a few.

As an avid traveler, both for work and fun, Richman has plenty of suggestions for those looking to hit the road. He filled us in on his favorite cities, his cure for jet lag and how he manages to keep his energy while eating his way through a city.

What’s your favorite city to travel to and why?

I have my favorite cities to travel to in the states and abroad. Generally speaking I love traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s a place that I often get wistful about.

As for International, I deeply love London and Barcelona, but for a more ‘fish out of water’ experience there’s not place that’ll make your head spin like Tokyo does. The foodie side of me loves San Sebastián. There are more Michelin star restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the world. San Sebastián literally has everything you want from a European vacation, beaches, a beautiful old city, and great restaurants.

What’s your go-to cure for jet lag?

Keep hydrated on flights, never drink alcohol because it does you no favors.

What recommendations do you have for travelers who overeat on a trip but don’t want it to slow them down?

It sounds glib coming from a guy who used to have a show like “Man v. Food,” but I’d rather eat a little bit of a great thing, than a lot of something okay. Traveling with someone is great because you can split something to eat. You can still try a lot of different things without filling your face. I’d also say, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. You can develop a whole new appetite just by being on your feet.

What was the most surprising dish you’ve ever had?

There’s this place in Malaysia called Satay Zainah Ismail. It’s barely a lean to of corrugated metal, the whole place is held together with spit and a promise. This woman makes super simple adjustments that make it one of the most balanced bites around. The caramelized chicken is sweet but with the savory peanut sauce it’s one of the most balanced bites I’ve ever had.

What has been one stand out moment for you on all of your travels?

Seeing the aurora borealis for the first time was really cool for me. I was in Alaska and seeing it illuminate the sky behind a mountain was really amazing. I called my mom at home, choked up, because it was something that we wanted to experience together.

What’s one thing you want viewers to take away from your new show?

There’s more to every city than meets the eye and you shouldn’t be afraid to explore and go outside your comfort zone. While travel can be expensive and complicated at points, it’s important to never loose your sense of adventure. You should forever find your inner Dr. Livingstone or Darwin. It’s an indulgence whether you’re going to Pittsburgh or Beijing, it should always be a joyful event.

Sean Flynn is the Senior Editorial Producer at Travel + Leisure. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.