Are you a food lover eager to try new flavors from all around the world? Then, pack your bags for a tasty adventure. Many cities are waiting for you to explore their food scenes. From Michelin-starred restaurants to lively street food, these top 17 cities will delight your taste buds.
Naples, Italy
Naples is a paradise for pizza lovers. It is known as the birthplace of pizza and offers the best thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas. But Naples has more than just pizza. Enjoy fresh seafood, pasta, and local dishes like ragù and sfogliatella. Try the local wines, which go well with Neapolitan food. Explore the street markets and seaside restaurants, which are full of treats.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is becoming a significant gastronomical spot. This city reflects its rich history through its food. Try braai (barbecue) and bobotie (spiced meat casserole). Enjoy Indian-South African delicacies like bunny chow, Portuguese peri-peri chicken, and many street foods. The city’s food scene is a mix of flavors. The markets and trendy eateries offer flavors for every taste.
Lima, Peru
Lima is the culinary capital of South America. Home to the famous Central Restaurante, Lima offers fine dining. Chefs in the city are known for their creativity and use of local ingredients. Explore the street food scene with anticuchos (grilled heart skewers) and churros filled with caramel. Enjoy fresh ceviche and hearty stews like ají de gallina. Lima’s food markets are a feast for the senses.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is a sensory delight. Its street food scene offers many flavorful dishes at great prices. Try bowls of pho, crispy banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. The city’s food culture is full of life, with food stalls lining the streets. Vietnamese cuisine boasts a mix of fresh herbs, spices, and textures in every dish.
Beijing, China
Beijing is a great place to explore Chinese cuisine. From the flavors of Peking duck to spicy Sichuan dishes, Beijing has it all. Make sure to devour the dumplings, Xinjiang lamb skewers, and hot pot, where you cook your food at the table. The city’s food markets offer many flavors, from street snacks to gourmet treats.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a paradise for street food lovers. Everywhere you turn, there’s something new to try. Enjoy fragrant curries, pad thai noodles, sticky rice with mango, and satay skewers. Visit night markets for fresh, affordable, and delicious food. The bustling atmosphere, with vendors cooking and serving, adds charm to your food experience.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur blends Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other influences to create unique dishes. Try nasi lemak, coconut rice with spicy sambal, and satay, as well as grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce. Don’t miss the tarik, a frothy milk tea. The city’s food markets and hawker centers offer many dishes that show Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.
Mumbai, India
Indian cuisine is well-known for its complex spices. Mumbai offers an intense culinary experience. It has diverse street foods and rich, tasty dishes to relish. Try creamy curries, fluffy naan, poha, and sabudana vada when you’re in Mumbai. Mumbai’s food scene is a celebration of flavor and tradition. The city’s street food staples, like vada pav and pav bhaji, are legendary. The old markets and street food stalls offer a vast, delectable experience.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a global city with a matching food scene. You can find traditional Emirati dishes like lamb machboos and mandi rice here. And, you can also get Michelin-starred dining experiences. Dubai offers many cuisines and a touch of luxury. Try international dishes from around the world. The city’s food festivals and high-end restaurants offer a mix of traditional and modern flavors.
Portland, USA
Portland is perfect for those who love fresh, local ingredients and innovative dishes. The city has a thriving craft beer scene, and many restaurants focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. From gourmet food trucks to farm-to-table restaurants, Portland offers a unique food experience. The city’s farmers’ markets and food festivals celebrate local produce and creativity.
Liverpool, UK
Liverpool offers a surprising variety of delicious food. Try classic fish and chips, fresh seafood at the docklands, and hearty stews, particularly scouse and pies in pubs. Explore Liverpool’s growing international cuisine scene. The city’s food markets and trendy eateries offer a mix of traditional and modern flavors.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín has transformed its food scene. Once known for street food, it boasts innovative restaurants with creative takes on Colombian classics. Savour the famous dishes like cheesy arepa, and sancocho, fresh bandeja paisa—a hearty platter of meats, beans, rice. Medellín’s restaurants offer many dining options, and the food scene is creative and dynamic.
Seville, Spain
You can explore Seville best on foot; tapas will keep you going. Tapas are small, savory dishes meant to be shared. Enjoy cured meats, cheeses, seafood, and vegetable tapas in Seville. Seville’s tapas culture offers rich flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. The city’s food markets and tapas bars offer a variety of dishes.
Porto, Portugal
Porto introduces you to Portuguese cuisine. Try Francesinha, a hearty sandwich with meat and fresh seafood dishes like bacalhau. Indulge in pastel de nata custard tarts with a flaky crust. Explore the Douro Valley wine region, which is famous for its Port wines. The city’s food markets and riverside restaurants offer a variety of traditional dishes.
Marrakech, Morocco
In Marrakech, your taste buds will be excited to a whole new level. Visit Djemaa el-Fnaa square for street food stalls selling tagines, slow-cooked stews with meat and vegetables, and sweet pastries. Smell the fragrant spices. Try couscous dishes with lamb and vegetables. You will surely enjoy Moroccan hospitality.
Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut offers a rich and diverse culinary experience. The city’s food scene is a blend of traditional and modern influences. Enjoy dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh, and manakish bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. The bustling markets and seaside eateries offer a taste of Lebanese hospitality. Take the chance to try local sweets like baklava and sip on aromatic Lebanese coffee. Beirut’s lively food culture is a true delight for food enthusiasts.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a city where East meets West, offering a unique culinary adventure. The bustling bazaars and lavish food scenes feast on the senses. Istanbul’s cuisine includes unique dishes like döner kebab, pide (Turkish pizza), a variety of seafood dishes, and the famous Turkish delight. Don’t miss trying traditional meze plates and sipping Turkish tea or coffee. Istanbul’s mix of flavors and rich culinary heritage make it a must-visit for food lovers.