Kids learn through their taste buds.

I’m a firm believer that one of the best ways for kids to embrace a new culture is to eat what’s local – whether that’s yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers), tacos de lengua (Mexican tongue tacos), or Maultasche (a German dumpling filled with meat).

But finding out about local specialties and where to eat – well that can be a little tricky, especially if you don’t speak the language of the country that you’re in. Thanks goodness for smartphones. Different apps can help make traveling – and eating – easier.

Now there’s no one app that does everything (yet, anyway). I’ve found you need a variety of apps, along with plenty of battery life and free wifi for your smartphone, to use technology successfully. In other words, some apps only have information for certain countries, like Germany, Spain, and Russia, while others are better if you’re in South America or Africa. To help you understand the possibilities – and to encourage you to download a few before you head out on your next trip abroad - here are 3 free apps that may help you find food (and order it) when you don’t speak the language.

Yelp

The basics: User submitted restaurant reviews, sassy responses encouraged

The restaurant reviews may be spotty depending on what country you’re traveling in but this is my go-to app for finding everything from dives to fine dining. Just reading through the reviews can be a fun way to pass the time and to get a sense of the local crowd. For example: Dusseldorf, Germany - I found lists of Italian and Asian restaurants (and, of course, German ones) but I could determine there was probably a good chance I could find decent gnocchi and pho around town, along with the expected schnitzel.
 

Word Lens

(available on itunes & google play)

The basics: Hold your phone over a menu to translate it into your language

While this app isn’t necessarily designed for menus, it’s perfect for translating them! The app is free for several languages including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, and Portuguese. The app accesses your camera so that you can hold your phone over a German menu and the words will appear in English or vice versa. Seriously, it seems like magic.

iTranslate

The basics of itranslate: Speak in one language, select another and hear the translation with the touch of a button

It’s not foolproof but so much better then fumbling through a translation book. Touch a button to select your own language and then touch another to select the language you need. Speak into the device in English, for instance, choose the Mexican flag, and hear your words in Spanish. (Yes, it feels a bit like you’ve borrowed a communication device from Star Trek.) Use the app translator to make friends with your restaurant server or to ask questions about area dining from your hotel concierge.

What’s great about these apps is that your kids can use them, too. For kids, technology is their second language. Letting them use technology to communicate and embrace another language and culture is a natural fit. Add in their taste buds and you’ll have a memorable trip aboard.

Added bonus – with your smartphone handy you’re set to take pictures!

German Christmas Market in Japan

Kristen J. Gough is the Global Cuisines & Kids Editor for Wandering Educators. She shares her family's adventurous food experiences--and recipes--at MyKidsEatSquid.com.

All photos courtesy and copyright Kristen J. Gough