Ben Groundwater
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
- Travel tips
I was told to avoid a ‘dodgy’ city. Thankfully, I didn’t listen
I’m sure it was meant well, but that tip from a backpacker in the early 2000s remains one of the worst bits of travel advice I have ever been given.
- Ben Groundwater
Latest
- Opinion
- Travel tips
The world seems scary right now. Here’s why I won’t be staying home
My desire to share the world with my children, to show them that not everywhere looks and feels like Australia, is strong. Perhaps too strong to resist.
- Ben Groundwater
China’s culinary gift to the world is the No.1 truly global dish
What can you reliably find in pretty much any city or country town on the planet? China’s recipe for leftovers.
- Ben Groundwater
When it comes to great food, New Zealand is cutting Australia’s lunch
New Zealand’s set to show up its trans-Tasman culinary cousins with its soon-to-be-published first-ever Michelin Guide.
- Ben Groundwater
The 24 incredible new highlights of South America
There is no such thing as a boring day in South America, or even a boring moment.
- Ben Groundwater
- Opinion
- Travel tips
First impressions: 11 destinations I fell in love with instantly
There are destinations I have felt instantly comfortable, where I have known in my bones straight away that this is a place for me. It’s a magical thing.
- Ben Groundwater
There are just two ingredients in this dish, but there’s nothing better
It’s a key building block upon which an entire cuisine is based – a simple, incredibly tasty dish that you will find everywhere across north-eastern Spain.
- Ben Groundwater
- Opinion
- Air travel
$11k for an economy flight to London? Why airlines are not your friends
Airlines always like to pretend to be your friend. Until they sniff a little desperation and then they absolutely fleece you for all you’re worth.
- Ben Groundwater
This harmonious dish is one of Asia’s greatest gifts to the world
The phrase “meat salad” isn’t all that appetising. And yet, laab is a spectacular cornucopia of flavours, all in perfect harmony.
- Ben Groundwater
The places that will surprise, confuse or scare you (and five that do all three)
Everything is outsized when you’re away from home in an unfamiliar environment, seeing new things, meeting new people, challenging yourself to survive and thrive.
- Ben Groundwater