Relocating to a new country can be an exhilarating adventure, but it can also bring a host of challenges for new residents. From navigating language barriers to adapting to unfamiliar cultural situations, the transition period might be overwhelming for some.

Easing the transition to any new culture is best done over time and what better way to learn about a new culture than through its food.

Sure, eating out all the time may sound great at first, until you realize how expensive it ends up being. Thankfully, in our fast-paced and interconnected world, meal delivery services have emerged as a lifesaver for individuals settling in foreign lands.

In this article, we will explore why meal delivery services have become an essential resource for those relocating abroad, and how they can transform the experience of settling into a new culture by alleviating stress, facilitating exploration of local cuisine, and more.

Whether you're an expatriate, a student, or a global nomad, discovering the wonders of meal delivery services can make your journey in a foreign land much more delightful.

Be sure to read to the end because I'll be outlining some of the best meal delivery services in popular countries!

Benefit #1: More Convenience & Less To Stress Over

Cooking Abroad

Moving anywhere, whether it's within the same city or to a new country, can be a highly stressful experience. Packing up your entire life and relocating to unfamiliar surroundings is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and organization. However, when it comes to moving to a new country, the complexities and challenges can amplify the stress levels even further.

Thankfully, meal delivery services can help alleviate some of the initial pressures of moving.

The convenience of meal delivery services extends beyond the actual act of cooking. These services also save you valuable time and effort. As a new resident in a foreign country, you likely have a multitude of tasks and responsibilities on your plate, from setting up utilities to exploring your new surroundings.

By relying on meal delivery services, you can reclaim precious time that would have otherwise been spent on meal planning, grocery shopping, prepping, and cooking. This gives you the freedom to focus on other important aspects of your relocation, whether it's attending to your new job, making new friends, or simply taking some much-needed time to relax and settle into your new home.

In addition to the convenience and time-saving benefits, meal delivery services also alleviate stress. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and adjusting to a new culture and environment can bring about feelings of uncertainty and isolation.

By entrusting your meals to a reliable delivery service, you can remove a significant source of stress from your daily routine. You no longer have to worry about planning meals, hunting for ingredients in unfamiliar stores, or mastering local cooking techniques. Instead, you can enjoy delicious meals tailored to your preferences and dietary needs, without the added pressure of cooking and meal preparation.

Benefit #2: Dietary Customization

Adjusting to a different cultural environment can present numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to adapting to new dietary norms, navigating the availability of specific food items, and embracing diverse culinary traditions encountered when moving abroad. These hurdles can be especially daunting for individuals who have dietary restrictions, specific food preferences, or specific nutritional goals.

This is where meal delivery services come into play as a convenient and flexible solution. One of the key advantages of using these services is the ability to personalize your meals according to your specific dietary requirements. Whether you follow a vegetarian, vegan, paleo, or any other specialized diet, these platforms empower you to customize your meals to align with your unique dietary needs.

Furthermore, for individuals with food allergies or intolerances, choosing a meal delivery service when relocating abroad is not just a consideration—it's a must have. This is particularly true in regions where language barriers may make it challenging to communicate and ensure that meals prepared by others align with your specific dietary restrictions.

By opting for meal delivery services, you can clearly communicate your needs when signing up and review the nutritional information on their menu before ordering. This guarantees that your meals are both safe and satisfying, saving you from the stress and potential complications associated with dietary issues.

Benefit #3: Overcoming Language Barriers

When relocating to a new country, language barriers can be a significant obstacle, especially when it comes to communicating your dietary preferences. However, with meal delivery services, you can overcome these language barriers and ensure that your specific requirements are understood and met accurately.

Sure, if you’re from North America and you relocate to Australia, it may not make sense to order any of their meal delivery services to ease the language barrier (since there is really only a slight change in dialect). However, moving from North America to Europe or Asia is another story entirely.

When you don't speak the local language fluently, describing your dietary preferences or restrictions can be incredibly difficult. For example, explaining that you have a nut allergy or that you follow a vegetarian diet or that you simply don’t like a specific ingredient requires knowledge of key food vocabulary and grammar. Even if you manage to get the point across, there's always the risk that something could get lost in translation.

Meal delivery services eliminate the language barrier by allowing you to select your meals and input your dietary preferences online. Whether you need gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb options, you can indicate your needs with the click of a mouse. Meal kits also come with detailed recipes and ingredient lists in your native language, so you know exactly what you're eating.

Having meals delivered means you don't have to decipher menus at restaurants or label packages at the grocery store. You also avoid uncomfortable situations where you end up with the wrong item or a dish you can't eat due to language miscommunications. Meal delivery gives you peace of mind that your dietary restrictions will be accommodated.

Benefit #4: Learn New Cultural Norms & Traditional Foods

Relocating to a new region means diving into a different culture and cuisine. While eating at restaurants is one way to experience new flavors, meal delivery services offer a unique opportunity to learn about traditional foods and eating customs in your own home, before ordering out in public.

When you cook dish kits from a local meal service, you gain exposure to traditional ingredients and cooking methods. For example, a meal delivery service in France may feature classic French fare like beef bourguignon, cassoulet, and ratatouille. As you prepare these dishes in your own kitchen, you familiarize yourself with French cooking techniques and specialty ingredients.

Meal kits also introduce you to dishes you may not find in mainstream restaurants. They allow you to try obscure regional favorites and family recipes unique to the local culture. Through accompanying recipe cards and online content, you can learn about the historical and cultural significance behind each dish.

Beyond cuisine, meal delivery services provide insight into local food rituals and dining etiquette. For instance, some services suggest wine pairings that align with local traditions. Others explain customary serving sizes or typical meal schedules. As an immersive culinary experience, meal kits help you gain practical knowledge to apply when dining at others' homes or restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Relocating abroad is filled with unknowns, but meal delivery provides comfort through food. The familiar routine of cooking a homemade meal helps you settle into your new normal. When you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or feeling homesick, meal kits mean you still eat healthy home-cooked dinners. They provide stability when you need it most.

So if you're looking to simplify your move abroad, considering allowing a meal delivery service to shoulder some workload. Let it be your personal chef, dietitian, translator, and cultural guide as you embark on this exciting new chapter of your life!

International meal delivery services to consider when moving abroad:

Have a question about a meal delivery service? Let me know in the comments below!