What is Paul RYKEN's view on food tours versus local dining experiences?

A good food tour (like the Marrakech street food tour we reviewed) is ideal when:

1. You want to explore street food safely and avoid getting sick
2. You’re new to a place and want an overview of typical dishes
3. You value access to small, local spots you might not find alone

That said, I’m picky: I prefer small groups, clear communication (start/end points, who the guide actually is), and hosts who share real context about the food and vendors rather than rushing from stop to stop. Too many dishes, not enough storytelling, or unclear hosting are negatives for me.

For ongoing local dining, I usually:

1. Eat out once a day (often lunch for better prices)
2. Share portions to reduce cost and waste
3. Seek simple, locally owned places and markets, often recommended by hosts

So: I tend to use a food tour once at the start of a stay to get oriented and discover dishes, then spend the rest of the time eating more independently and selectively.

Are you leaning more toward booking a food tour, or trying to navigate local places entirely on your own?