India, Dec. 23 -- Some travellers plan trips around monuments, others chase Michelin stars or Instagram-famous cafes. A growing number, however, are quietly building their itineraries around grocery stores. From spotless Japanese convenience chains to chaotic Middle Eastern hypermarkets, in the era of grocery tourism, supermarket aisles are fast becoming an unlikely window into local life.

Grocery tourism is all about wandering into local supermarkets, convenience stores and neighbourhood food shops to see what people actually eat, cook and snack on. For many travellers, this ritual has become as essential as sightseeing.

Chef and baker Shivesh Bhatia admits grocery runs are non-negotiable when he travels. "Something about exploring gro...