Top 15 Cities Every Foodie Should Visit

A Culinary Journey Around the World

For some people, traveling is about more than just sightseeing. And who are these people?

Food lovers, of course, are always in search of new flavors, unique ingredients, and time-honored traditions. Whether it’s the bustling street markets of Bangkok or the refined kitchens of Paris, some cities around the world proudly stand out for their mouthwatering culinary experiences.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is known as the culinary titan. It boasts a range of Michelin-starred restaurants globally.

Tokyo’s food scene is a lovely blend of tradition and modernity. From authentic sushi by master chefs to hearty bowls of ramen, the city offers a diverse range of dishes catering to every palate and taste.

Paris, France

Paris has cracked the code of blending timeless traditions with contemporary flavors. Classic bistros like Le Comptoir du Relais and Chez L’Ami Jean offer hearty French staples like steak-frites.

The Parisian life runs on patisseries. Esteemed establishments like Angelina, which is known for its Mont Blanc dessert and rich hot chocolate, provide a taste of sophistication.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a haven for street food enthusiasts. The city’s bustling streets are filled with vendors serving a variety of flavorful dishes.

The iconic Pad Thai and mango sticky rice are staples and are loved by tourists. You’ll also find spicy papaya salad, grilled satay, and flavorful curries, each reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the cuisine.

New York City, USA

New York City is a culinary melting pot. It’s known for iconic foods, each with a unique history and significance.

Bagels are the mouthwatering staple and are often enjoyed with cream cheese and lox. New York-style pizza is characterized by large, thin, and foldable slices that are topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a place where tradition meets innovation. The city has served classics such as fried anchovies and morcilla sausage since 1945.

Seafood lovers can indulge in dishes like suquet de peix, which combines seafood with meat. Restaurants like Can Culleretes do the perfect job of giving traditional dishes a modern outlook.

Istanbul, Turkey

If you love kebabs, Istanbul is the perfect city for you to visit. The kebabs come in different varieties like Adana, Shish, and Iskender.

Mezes, which is a selection of small dishes, is also integral to Turkish dining culture. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there’s the option of baklava, a rich pastry that is layered with nuts and sweetened with syrup.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is a culinary capital. It’s the place where ancient traditions and modern creativity converge.

The streets are alive with the mouthwatering aroma of tacos al pastor, which is topped with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Mexico City has done a great job of creating a fusion of time-honored recipes and modern tastes.

Rome, Italy

Did you know that Carbonara, which is a rich blend of eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and guanciale, is a staple in Roman cuisine? Another famous dish is cacio e pepe, a minimalist dish made with just pasta and freshly ground black pepper.

Restaurants like Checchino dal 1887 have served classic Roman dishes for years. Another notable spot is Trattoria Sora Lella, which is situated on Tiber Island.

Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru, is known to be a culinary powerhouse. A prime example is Nikkei cuisine, which is a blend of Japanese culinary techniques with Peruvian ingredients.

Central Restaurante, which is run by chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, is another hot spot. It has the distinction of being named the world’s best restaurant.

Mumbai, India

Mumbai’s street food is nothing but top-class. Filled with aromatic foods like vada pav and pav bhaji, these snacks are beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

Often said to be Mumbai’s burger, vada pav comes with a spicy potato fritter (vada) covered in a soft pav (bread roll). Each bite of Mumbai’s street food offerings tells a story of tradition and communal spirit.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Two of the most iconic dishes of Hanoi, Vietnam, are pho and bun cha. Pho is a fragrant noodle soup that is served with simmered beef bones.

Bun Cha, on the other hand, rose to fame when ex-President Barack Obama tried it in Vietnam with Anthony Bourdain. Popular spots like Bun Cha Cha Huong Lien and Bun Cha Dac Kim are well-known for their authentic and flavorful dishes.

New Orleans, USA

New Orleans is known for its rich Creole and Cajun culinary traditions. Creole food in New Orleans is known for its complex and refined flavors.

It is a mixture of various cultures, including French, Spanish, African, Portuguese, Italian, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Cajun Cuisine is defined by its rustic and hearty flavors.

Seoul, South Korea

Dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and a variety of other street foods define the city’s dynamic food scene. Kimchi is known for its spicy and tangy flavor.

Bulgogi, which means “fire meat,” is a beloved Korean dish made out of thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar. Markets like Gwangjang and Myeongdong are known for their vibrant atmosphere and diverse food.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech provides a sensory feast. Filled with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of street food, the city has a rich culinary tapestry.

On top of the list, we’ve got tagine, and then comes the couscous. The street food scene is accompanied by harira, sfenj, and a variety of other snacks.

Malaysia is another foodie favorite, especially known for its mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. In cities like Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find everything from nasi lemak at street stalls to lavish breakfast spreads at spots like Marriott‘s popular buffet.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is deeply embedded in the coffee culture with numerous coffee bars and cafes situated in every nook and corner. When talking about food, Melbourne comes with a multicultural cuisine scene.

Areas like Lygon Street are known for their Italian eateries, while areas like Richmond and Springvale offer authentic Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes.

Talking about food, do check out Doubletree Perth Buffet Breakfast (with Video).