Ben Groundwater
Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist and author with more than 20 years' experience. He specialises in food and wine – writing about it, as well as consuming it. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwater
Opinion
Tips & advice
Airbnb is not what it was. Here’s why I haven’t used it in years
I was an early adopter not just because of its convenience, but also for its connection to local life. But then it began to change.
- by Ben Groundwater
Latest
Surprisingly hard to find, this Italian dish is daggy but glorious
To understand the glory of fettuccine alfredo, you only need to hear about the ingredients: pasta, butter, parmigiano-reggiano cheese.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
USA
Ten things Australia should adopt from the US
Despite the negative aspects of American culture, we can absolutely still learn from the Land of the Free.
- by Ben Groundwater
The English created one of the world’s greatest culinary experiences
A full English breakfast is a glory to behold – a fry-up that will make you want to put off lunch until tomorrow.
- by Ben Groundwater
Short on time? This Australian ship can do Antarctica at express speed
I’m doing what is surely the shortest journey you can have while cruising this remote corner of the world. But there’s still time to be overwhelmed.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
France
It’s just bread and butter, but it might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted
On my list of most memorable mouthfuls, this knob of butter from a market in France is simply mind-blowing.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Air travel
The big myth about drinking alcohol on planes
There’s a classic school of thought that your tastebuds change significantly in flight because of the altitude.
- by Ben Groundwater
This is, arguably, the most popular dish in the world
When you’re talking about the favourite food of 1.4 billion people, you have a case for global dominance.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Tips & advice
Young travellers can’t go wild overseas any more
You partied hard. You drank too much. You tried things you wouldn’t normally attempt back home. But the world has changed.
- by Ben Groundwater
I stayed in a youth hostel with my kids and disturbed the backpackers
I used to stay in this very hostel back in my early 20s, but I’ve never stayed in one with my kids. I’m here to see if it’s a good idea.
- by Ben Groundwater
There are two strict – and surprising – rules when it comes to this stew
South Africa’s hearty potjiekos, which translates as “pot food”, is a casual dish but it takes hours to cook.
- by Ben Groundwater