Some travel for relaxation, some for an escape from the daily grind, some seek adventure, and some travel for food. If you fall into the last category, we have a list of the hottest destinations, from street foods in Delhi and Bangkok to eating in chic cafés in Paris and Rome, that will take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey like never before.
Read on to learn about the 12 best foodie paradises for the ultimate food adventure.
Thailand
Thailand is a universally loved cuisine. Sweet, sour, and spicy, you will find the perfect blend of all these flavors from street food vendors in Bangkok. From Som Tam to Tom Yum, Pad Thai, and Khao Niaow Ma Muang, you will find some of the most delicious and cheapest foods at the floating markets, Chinatown Market, Wang Lang Market, and the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok. Thailand is also a fresh fruit haven; pineapple, lychees, mangoes, and mangosteens must not be missed.
Japan
From luxurious dining to casual eateries in Tokyo to street food frenzy in Osaka, Japan offers a unique culinary experience to everyone.
Head to a traditional izakaya to sample the staple yakitori or gyoza over sake or beers, or to the old Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo for the freshest seafood, or taste wagyu beef in Kobe. Although you can find street vendors selling every type of Japanese food specialties like yakisoba, takoyaki, sukiyaki, and bowls of hot ramen, in Dotonbori in Osaka, you must not miss okonomiyaki, the most famous Osaka dish.
India
India tops the list of foodie destinations worldwide, and even a few trips to this country are not enough to sample its diverse culinary delights. In Delhi, you can sample chaats, paranthas, butter chicken, and nalli niharis from the street vendors, while Bengali cuisine is known for its fish delicacies and sweets made from milk. Rajasthan is famous for its kachoris, and desserts, while Kerala offers mouth-watering foods infused with coconut, tamarind, and spices.
France
There is no other country besides France that can be called the epitome of excellent cuisine and delightful food. From eating croissants, Croque Monsieurs, and macarons from street side cafés to relishing escargot and frog’s legs in chic Parisian restaurants, enjoying savory and sweet crêpes in Brittany, and indulging in foie gras, duck confit, and black truffles while sipping beautiful Bordeaux wines, France offers an unparalleled experience for any food lover.
Italy
Italy charms its tourists with beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and unparalleled food. Each region in Italy has its unique list of specialty foods. Eat artisanal pasta in Rome, feast on risotto in Milan, grab a pizza in Naples, savor rich meaty tomato soups like pappa al pomodoro and steaks with wines in Tuscany, and enjoy the ham and one of the most expensive Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in the provinces of Parma.
Argentina
Argentina has a rich food heritage influenced by the joint cultures of Spanish and Italian immigrants. Feast on asado, a traditional barbeque using world-class Argentinian beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. You can gorge on delicious empanadas everywhere in this country, and sip its exceptional Malbec wine. If you have a sweet tooth, you are in for a veritable treat as you will love alfajor, helado, and flan, most probably with the use of dulce de leche (milk caramel), as Argentinians have this delightful practice of using dulce de leche in any sweet food.
Spain
Spanish delicacies will take you on a delightful journey through its unique flavors, rich culture, and traditions. Barcelona, the cultural capital of Spain is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. You can find vibrant food scenes in its food markets, tapas bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Valencia is known for its paella, while Madrid and Barcelona are famous for churros. Indulge in a tapas tour in Madrid, and sip the famous Rioja and Cava wines.
Mexico
Not many know that in 2010, UNESCO declared traditional Mexican cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Gorge on tacos, burritos, carnitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, tamales and guacamole on the beaches of Tulum and Cabo. For a more authentic food experience, head south to Oaxaca and sample mole, a rich sauce made with spices and chillies, feast on tlayudas (oversized tortillas), and take a mezcal tour.
South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful fusion of African, Indian, Dutch, British, and Malaysian cultures whose influence you can find in its food as well. Enjoy grilled meats and fresh seafood from the Atlantic, traditional braai dishes, biltong, and spicy Cape Malay curries. Visit to the Old Biscuit Mill, which is known for its artisanal food scene, is a must. South Africa is also known for its new world wines; take a winery experience in the picturesque Cape Winelands that produces some of the world’s finest wines like Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinotage.
Turkey
Known for its Mediterranean influence, deep-rooted history, and rich culture, Turkey also offers great food, and thus, it should be on the list of every foodie. From Istanbul to Capadoccia, you will find delightful food scenes everywhere you turn. Look out for Doner Kebab, Meze, Pilav, Saksuka, Kisir, Pide, and Baklava.
South Korea
Korean cuisine is making its presence known in the food scenes around the world. South Korea’s street food has a cult of its own. Tteokbokki, eumok, dakkochi, hotteok, and mandu are some popular foods you will find in the markets of Namdaemun, Gwangjang, Tongin and Dongdaemun in Seoul. Beef dishes like bulgogi and galbi are quite popular. Apart from Seoul, Jeju is known for its seafood, while Busan is famous for its pork-based dishes like jokbal (pig’s feet), dwaeji-gukbap (pork and rice soup), and dwaeji-duruchigi (stir-fried pork).
Vietnam
French, Thai, and Chinese food cultures heavily influence Vietnamese cuisine. For an authentic street food experience, head to the bustling markets of Hanoi and indulge in Vietnamese specialties like pho (a steaming bowl of noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), banh xeo (crêpe), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), and wash it down with bubble tea, coffee, and fresh ice cold coconuts.