For many food lovers around the world, traveling is about more than just sightseeing; it’s an opportunity to explore an entirely new world of food. From street markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, many countries around the world are known for their amazing culinary experiences that are worth the trip alone.
Asia’s Culinary Giants
When it comes to cuisine, Thailand is one of the most popular countries in the world. It earned the #1 spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards with a near-perfect score. Thai food is known to balance coconut milk, chillies, lime, and lemongrass in dishes like pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup. In Bangkok alone, you can find 169 Michelin Guide restaurants, proving that Thai food excels at every level, from street stalls to world-class fine dining.
Japan is another top choice for many food-obsessed travellers. Tokyo and Osaka compete for the title of the country’s culinary capital, with both offering their own specialties. Whether you’re enjoying a huge bowl of hot ramen at a small counter, a small plate of omakase sushi, or a traditional kaiseki meal in Kyoto, Japanese food is a top choice for anyone who appreciates precision, seasonality, and presentation.
Lastly, Vietnam is another Asian favorite thanks to its fresh and vibrant flavours. Hanoi’s steaming bowls of pho, Ho Chi Minh City’s bánh mì sandwiches, and Hội An’s regional specialties make it a must-visit spot for street food enthusiasts. The cuisine is light, but super flavorful, relying on fresh herbs, rice noodles, and subtle broths.
Europe and the Americas
Have you ever met a person who doesn’t like Italian food? Italy’s Naples, Milan, Bologna, and Florence are some of the world’s best food cities, and for good reason. Each region has its own treasured dishes—Neapolitan pizza, Bolognese ragù, Florentine steak, and Roman cacio e pepe. With the world’s best wine, espresso culture, and gelato on every corner, Italy is every food lover’s dream.
While Spanish food is quite different, it offers an equally compelling experience. The tapas tradition encourages sharing and trying new things, letting you sample small servings of jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and dozens of other small plates in a single evening. High-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, Manchego cheese, and smoky pimentón elevate even the simplest dishes.
Crossing the Atlantic, Mexico is known for its bold, complex flavors that are rooted in ancient traditions. Mexico City is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, like Pujol, but the real magic happens at street-side taco stands and local markets.
Peru has emerged as South America’s gastronomic star. Lima’s restaurants consistently rank among the world’s best, combining indigenous ingredients like quinoa and aji peppers with influences from Japan, Spain, and Africa.
No matter where you end up in the world, these countries are known for meals that you will remember long after you’ve returned home.
Sources:
“Thailand crowned world’s best country for food in 2025.” Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister (Thailand), 19 Oct 2025.
“Lima, Peru: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Itinerary.” The World’s 50 Best Restaurants / The Whet Palette, 1 Jun 2024.
“Pujol | Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.” The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, 2024.
“The Best Restaurants in Lima, Peru – City Guide & Map.” Anders Husa & Kaitlin Orr, 23 Feb 2023.