Why did the tourist bring a map to the restaurant?

The humor in this joke is all about classic wordplay, specifically a pun. It takes the word "route," which sounds just like "root," and twists its meaning. When a tourist brings a map, we naturally associate it with finding a geographical path or "route." The punchline cleverly subverts this expectation by applying the same-sounding word to a restaurant menu, implying a culinary "route" or journey of dishes, much like a tasting menu might guide you through different flavors or courses.

Tourists are constantly navigating new places, often relying on maps to discover everything from historical sites to the best local eateries. While a "route menu" isn't a standard culinary term, the joke playfully evokes the idea of a restaurant offering a structured set of dishes, perhaps a "root" menu in the sense of a foundational or signature offering, or a "route" that takes your taste buds on an adventure. It's a lighthearted jab at the sometimes-overly-earnest pursuit of the perfect dining experience while exploring a new city.