For any food-loving world traveler who’s found themselves stuck in a lackluster or downright useless rental kitchen, the struggles of maneuvering in an unfamiliar Airbnb cooking space are all too real.
While most home cooks will want to take advantage of local produce, spices, and specialty ingredients while traveling, cramped and ill-equipped Airbnb kitchens can often be a deterrent to your culinary ambitions. Though some more luxurious rentals will come decked out with state-of-the-art appliances, many others will severely cramp your cooking style, offering a humble hot plate as a heating surface, and meager tools and supplies worn out from a constant influx of visitors. On one trip to Paris, the tiny futon-equipped studio I rented on the top floor of a six-story building offered no more than a cutting board, a single working burner, and a small sink by way of a “kitchen,” forcing me to get creative with how I prepared my farmers’ market finds. For those navigating a temporary kitchen that is less than desirable, these simple tips and recipes will help to make a bumpy foreign cooking process run a little smoother.
Know That Dips and Spreads are Your Friends
When armed with the simplest of kitchen devices: bowls, utensils, and (if you’re lucky) a blender or food processor, the sky becomes the limit for creating delicious dips, spreads, and sauces to be served with freshly baked bread, crackers, or crudité.
A Tangy Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce, or simple Traditional Hummus will require little effort while satisfying your snack cravings, and you can incorporate local spices and ingredients to give these simple dishes your own travel-inspired twist.
Watch: How to Make Traditional Hummus
Ask for an Intro to Your New Space
With each kitchen comes a unique set of challenges, so it’s best to get a lay of the land while you still can. Before your host disappears, make sure to ask for a run-down of how to work the stove, grill, and any other confusing or foreign appliances. If you’re renting a room in a shared space be sure to ask about using any fundamental ingredients—like salt, spices, and olive oil— before assuming they’re fair game. Hosts can also be an amazing resource when it comes to tracking down the best farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and specialty shops, so be sure to take make note of their recommendations before hitting the streets in search of ingredients. If you’re super concerned about the kitchen situation and plan to prepare many of your own meals, reach out to the renter prior to booking and inquire about the availability of tools, appliances, and basic ingredients before you commit, so you know what you’ll be facing when you arrive at your rental.
AirBNB cooking – Whip up some meals quickly under 15 minutes
FAQ
Are you allowed to cook in Airbnb?
Do airbnbs have cooking utensils?
What is Airbnb cooking?
Does an Airbnb have a kitchen?
Do Airbnb hosts have a full kitchen?
Ask 10 different hosts and you’ll likely get 10 different answers, as defining a “full kitchen” means different things to different Airbnb hosts. Some Airbnb hosts will say they have a full kitchen if they happen to own a microwave, while others only require that the Airbnb guest must provide their own cooking appliance.
Can you cook in an Airbnb without losing your mind?
While having your own kitchen lets you live like a local and cook healthy meals, Airbnb essentials and standards vary widely. Be prepared for the unexpected with these tips from Gigi Griffis of Gigi Griffis on how to cook in an Airbnb without losing your mind – or a finger. I’ve just arrived in Minneapolis and checked into my Airbnb.
What do you need for an Airbnb kitchen?
If your Airbnb kitchen has an oven, you might also want to include a baking sheet, a casserole dish, and a cake pan for guests who like to bake. If your guests decide to make pasta, they will need a strainer or colander to drain the water out. Strainers also double as a great way to rinse vegetables and fruit.
What if my Airbnb host doesn’t bring me a kitchen item?
If your Airbnb host knows you are planning to cook in the kitchen they might be willing to purchase any gaps in the list of kitchen essentials or move them from another Airbnb unit they operate to yours. Upon arrival, I might ask my hosts to bring me something that’s missing, but sometimes that’s just too much of a hassle.