The world's best food destinations in 2019

Whether it’s an italian temple of gastronomy or an indian veggie paradise, some places seem to have good food woven into their dna. from mendoza to mysore and bologna to beirut, we pick out some of the best destinations for food lovers.

Lebanese salad Fattoush and a prawn and avocado salad

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: MCLAREN VALE

Some of Australia’s finest wines are made in the McLaren Vale, just south of Adelaide, and you won’t go hungry there either. The fertile Fleurieu Peninsula is home to a wealth of fruit and veg, from strawberries to chillies. Plus there are cheeses, lamb, fish from the Gulf St Vincent and freshwater crustaceans such as yabbies. Essential stops:  Willunga Farmers Market is the place to be on Saturdays. As for restaurants, The General Wine Bar & Restaurant in McLaren Flat is a casual spot with links to two wineries. At Oliver’s Taranga Vineyar d, the ‘Porchetta Parties’ — four courses, including porchetta on a spit, plus wine — are unmissable. Then there’s the d’Arenberg Cube : a crazy structure amid the vines of d’Arenberg winery. The views from here are spectacular, but the estate’s more traditional restaurant, d’Arry’s Verandah, gets my vote for its artfully assembled dishes.  Alternative: The Barossa Valley is another fantastic wine region within an hour’s drive north of Adelaide. Nina Caplan

ITALY: BOLOGNA

It was the eponymous meat sauce and pasta dish that put Bologna on the culinary map. And while you’re still likely to spot plenty of local women stretching fresh pasta over wooden boards into sfoglia (thin sheets) ready for cutting, there’s much more to this city than that. Bologna is Europe’s oldest university town — a lively, left-leaning, unpretentious place with food focused on provenance. It serves up the best stuzzichini (finger food) in Italy, from topped focaccia and feather-light fried veg to olives, hunks of salty parmesan and so much more. You’ll be tempted to sample so many of these offerings, piled buffet-like on bars and free with your evening aperitivo, that dinner will become an almost arduous undertaking. After all, there’s a reason this city claims ‘La grassa’ (fat) among its nicknames. Essential stops: Forget foodie theme park Fico Eataly World; the centuries-old venues lining Bologna’s narrow streets are far more atmospheric. Le Stanze is great for aperitivi, while Trattoria Gianni , on the site of an old bodega in the medieval Quadrilatero, is a simple spot for pasta. Stray into the surrounding Emilia-Romagna region for stellar Italian ingredients including Parma ham, balsamic vinegar from Modena, parmesan, lambrusco wine… the list goes on. How to do it:    Lastminute.com has a three-night Bologna break from £185 per person including flights and B&B. Alternative: Go on a road trip along the Ligurian coast, the home of pesto and some of Italy’s best fish dishes. Sarah Barrell

Pasta bolognese

SWEDEN: GOTHENBURG AND WEST COAST

The gateway to Sweden’s island-strewn west coast, Gothenburg is a buzzing, student-filled city. You’ll find laid-back coffee bars for fika (the caffeine- and pastry-fuelled afternoon pitstop that’s a Scandi obsession), plus plenty of places to indulge in prawn-topped smörgås (open sandwiches) or ambitious creations based on foraged, fished and fermented local produce. In graffitied bars that walk the line between hipster chic and dockside industrial, there are inventive local brews and cocktails, too. Above all, this area is Big Five country. Langoustines, lobsters, oysters, prawns and mussels thrive in the waters around the craggy coast and the thousands of islands to which city residents retreat at weekends. Essential stops:    Salt & Sill on the island of Klädesholmen is the place to try a floating sauna, then dine on a ‘flight’ of herring. Half an hour further north, the wild Bohuslän coast hosts ‘shellfish safaris’ and seasonal lobster festivals. Dine on your own haul of mussels, fresh from a fishing expedition — they’re cooked and served in an old waterfront clapboard clock tower in the fishing hamlet of Lyckorna. Alternative: For a similarly seafood-centric escape, explore northern Spain’s coastal region of Asturias, travelling from the foodie destination of Santander to smaller fishing villages such as Lastres and Rodiles. SB

LEBANON: BEIRUT

Beirut is one of the Middle East’s most exciting food-focused cities, with Ottoman, Armenian, Palestinian, Syrian, French and Israeli culinary influences, to name a few. Dishes sing of the summer — fattoush salad, rich with ripe tomatoes; zesty tabbouleh; smoky, delicately spiced kafta (minced-meat skewers). Mackerel, just off the boat, lightly floured and fried, is the order of the day along the city’s palm-flanked Corniche, while the national dish of kibbeh comprises tasty teardrops of sautéed pine nuts deep-fried with minced, spiced lamb and bulgur wheat. Meanwhile, in flash Saifi Village, hip Gemmayzeh and the Souks shopping district, you’ll find food with an unmistakable cheffy flourish. Essential stops: Mezze dishes from Lebanon and surrounding regions are the focus at Enab, set on the first floor of a kitsch French colonial house in Mar Mikhaël. For a comprehensive overview, take a tour with Taste Lebanon , founded by modern Lebanese food champion Bethany Kehdy, and experience the flavours of the city, sea and lesser-explored inland. Alternative: The tiny Turkish town of Alacati is famed as a windsurf capital. But the food here, influenced by chefs from Istanbul and beyond, is a unique offering for coastal Turkey. SB

IRELAND: BOYNE VALLEY

Less than an hour north of Dublin lies a cluster of castles, cairns, high crosses and 5,000-year-old passage tombs. While its heritage hits are well-known, the Boyne Valley’s sprouting food scene is a more recent development. From craft beer and cider to fresh seafood and unexpected treats such as Irish smoked garlic and blue cheese, there’s a growing sense of place on the plate. Essential stops: After a bracing walk around Clogherhead, drop into Fishermans Catch , just a stone’s throw from the fishing boats, for a bowl of chowder. A little further south, Eastern Seaboard in Drogheda offers sizzling takes on local produce, or go north for fresh oysters, crab claws and hake with purple heritage potatoes at the Glyde Inn . Inland, swing by Slane Castle for a tour of its whiskey distillery. Alternative: Dotted around the karst landscape of coastal Burren National Park in County Clare, you’ll find a surprising food scene that spans everything from hand-smoked Atlantic salmon to stoneground chocolate. Pol Ó Conghaile

PERU: CUSCO

Lima’s Novo-Andean cuisine, street food and fusion dining have placed it on the food-lover’s map, but Cusco is challenging the capital’s crown. In the Andean city, upscale restaurants are tucked away on cobbled streets and inside Spanish colonial buildings. Everywhere, even at the fanciest places, there’s a sense of connection to the land, with many of the ingredients used originating here, whether it’s one of the 3,000-plus varieties of potato to kaniwa, a native grai. Menu mainstays include arroz con pato — rice with a duck stew flavoured with spices and dark beer — and chiriuchu, a mishmash of specialities from corn cakes to cuy (guinea pig), served during the May/June celebration of Corpus Christi. Essential stops: Showing a vote of confidence in the area, chef Virgilio Martinez — owner-chef of Lima’s Central — opened Mil Centro in Moray, just outside Cusco, last year. His menu focuses on ingredients grown by Andean communities, including endemic roots, tubers, herbs and fruits. Cusco’s chaotic market, Mercado Central de San Pedro, provides a head-spinning introduction to local ingredients, while Nuna Raymi is reviving ‘forgotten’ Andean foods such as dehydrated fish skins. Alternative: Mérida, Mexico, shares Cusco’s colonial-era elegance and food rooted in tradition. Ella Buchan

CALIFORNIA: SONOMA COUNTY

About an hour’s drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the vivid green vineyards and blue skies of Sonoma County come into view. A countercultural belt, planted by hippies who flocked here in the 1960s, remains dug-in, and now a new generation is laying down roots, tending artisan vegetables and rare-breed pigs. Happily, there’s substance to the style. Sonoma’s biodiversity — its Pacific coast, redwood forest, lush valleys and myriad microclimates — draws serious grafters who are passionate about eking the best out of land and sea. Essential stops: Sonoma’s purveyors aren’t afraid to do one thing and do it well. So, while Journeyman Meat Co in Healdsburg serves only sausages and charcuterie at its tasting bar, owner Pete Seghesio apprenticed under master butchers in Italy to perfect his craft, so you can trust that the salami with homegrown chardonnay, rosemary and sage is the best it can be. (The same goes for nearby Noble Folk ’s seasonal fruit pies.) Next door, triple-Michelin-starred SingleThread combines the exactness of Japanese kaiseki with local produce, much of it from the owner-chef’s farm. How to do it:    American Sky has a week’s California fly-drive, taking in Sonoma, from £1,559 per person with flights, car hire and room-only accommodation. Alternative: Thanks largely to a perilously winding coastal drive, neighbouring Mendocino County receives fewer visitors (and, presumably, Michelin Guide judges). But the fruits of the region’s orchards, farms and sea coves are every bit as good. Laura Chubb

SPAIN: SAN SEBASTIAN

Never mind tapas. The Basque Country is all about pintxos: skewered nibbles, amuse-bouches and bruschetta-style bites, washed down with a caña (small beer), local cider or wine. The best bars offer specialties such as Gildas (big, buttery olives skewered with local guindilla peppers and anchovies), croquettes and spider-crab tartlets. Grab a seat or scoff at the counter, or head out on a txikiteo (pintxo crawl), during which you can pick your way from one bar to the next. San Sebastián isn’t all casual bites, however; the city has no fewer than 18 Michelin stars. Essential stops: Don’t miss the Gildas or tartlets at Ganbara , fresh anchovies at Bar Txepetxa or a fix of artichokes with jamón and salsa at Casa Urola . If you wish to splash out, book well in advance for Mugaritz or Arzak, both fixtures on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The latter’s tasting menu features dishes such as seafood served on a tablet playing images (and audio) of the sea; afterwards, ask to see the research lab upstairs. Alternative: Medieval Girona is the perfect backdrop for a Catalan culinary adventure. From the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca to casual, but incredibly moreish, dishes such as paella or cream-filled xuixo pastries, it’s a gastronome’s delight. POC

SOUTH AFRICA: WESTERN CAPE

The ‘tablecloth’ that hovers above Table Mountain on clear days is a dramatic meteorological phenomenon. It’s also apt: from high-end restaurants to rustic seafood shacks, South Africa’s Western Cape always seems ready to serve up something tasty. Visitors flock here to explore vast nature parks, spy whales and sip pinotage along the Stellenbosch wine route, a short drive from Cape Town. But the food is reason enough to come. You’re rarely far from meat sizzling on the braai (barbecue), thickening the air with aromas of paprika, coriander and cumin. Just-caught fish and seafood is equally ubiquitous, from hake and chips (a remnant of British rule) to smoked snoek (snake mackerel) pâté. And while the Western Cape has its share of fancy restaurants, many favourite dishes were invented as vehicles for leftovers. One such is the carb-loaded Gatsby, an enormous bread roll stuffed with cooked meats and chips. Essential stops: Stellenbosch winery Middelvlei has a farm-to-table restaurant, Boerebraai, that specialises in South African barbecue (try the boerewors — a coiled, spicy sausage). In Hermanus, meanwhile, feast on oysters, hake and snoek at Bientang ’s, a restaurant carved into a cave. How to do it: Tropical Sky offers a week’s Western Cape self-drive trip from £1,079 per person including flights, B&B and car hire. Alternative: In Kerala, on India’s tropical Malabar Coast, the curries are fragrant with cardamom and coconut, while fresh seafood is served grilled and super-spicy. EB

Traditional cooking Techniques at Casa del Visitante, in the Mendoza region

ARGENTINA: MENDOZA

Mendoza may be a wine region first and foremost ­­— it is, after all, the home of malbec — but it’s also got serious culinary chops. Or should that be steaks? You’ll find pretty bodegas beneath snow-capped mountains, and steakhouses where parrilladas (tabletop grills) are laden with hulking piles of beef. Diners drizzle tangy chimichurri sauce on to slabs of bife de chorizo (sirloin), leaner cuts of bife de lomo (tenderloin), flavourful vacio (flanks) or morcillas (blood sausages), hoping to still have room for fluffy chips and bread dripping with molten provolone cheese. Essential stops: To understand the region’s extreme high-altitude wines, escape Mendoza city for a scenic drive to the vineyards. Some do excellent food, too. Familia Zuccardi winery’s restaurant, Casa del Visitante, is a welcoming stop for lunch with paired tipples, and it also runs cookery courses. Back in the city, visit Zampa , a tapas and cocktail bar emblazoned with street art, or Fuente y Fonda for home-style cooking and serious wines. Alternative: The gastronomic delights of Burgundy, France, are just as hearty, with beef from Charolais cows (boeuf bourguignon was born here), delectable cheeses, and some wonderful pinot noir and chardonnay. Natalie Paris

MEXICO: BAJA CALIFORNIA

The twin influences of neighbouring USA and the Spanish conquistadors mean this Mexican peninsula has a unique food culture: cactus-topped nachos sit alongside paella, and the wine is as good as the tequila. In Baja California Sur, desert country, expect huevos rancheros, huge bowls of frijoles (beans) and ice-cold lager served in sandstorm-swept shacks. Along the Sea of Cortez, seafood is the star, with roadside trucks selling what are arguably the world’s best fish tacos. Baja is undergoing a gastronomic renaissance, too, thanks to a bumper few years for the wine-growing region, the Guadalupe Valley, which is home to top-notch vineyards and fine-dining restaurants. Essential stops: Classy Baja cuisine can be found at Caesar’s in Tijuana, supposed home of the eponymous salad. And for laid-back home cooking with fresh fish, visit La Casa de Pancho Villa restaurant in coastal Mulege. Alternative: The high-altitude desert around Durango, Colorado, is famed for its cheese made by Mennonite communities. LD

FRANCE: LYON

Lyon has a gastronomic tradition so intrinsic that the city’s inhabitants talk about food among themselves all the time, but often forget to tell everyone else. The range of places to eat is incredible, from bouchons (casual eateries) to Restaurant Paul Bocuse, triple Michelin-starred even after Bocuse ’s death last year (he died aged 91). There are fantastic food markets, including Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse , and Saint-Antoine, where the produce on offer might include chickens from nearby Bresse and mushrooms from Saint-Bonnet-Le-Froid. Local specialities include sausages, praline tarts, stinking cheeses such as Saint-Marcellin and quenelles de brochet (creamy pike cakes). And of course, there’s wine, with Beaujolais just north and the Rhône Valley to the south. Essential stops: Stay at Cour des Loges , an atmospheric former Jesuit college down a tiny street in the old town. You can choose between its Michelin-starred restaurant or its cool bistro and terrace. For a standout bouchon, try Daniel & Denise , where chef Joseph Viola does amazing things with the less glamorous parts of a pig. Restaurant Pierre Orsi , meanwhile, has arguably the city’s best wine cellar. Alternative: Troyes is another French city famous for sausages, and it has a fabulous market. If you love offal, try andouillette, a pork sausage made of intestine. It has the aroma to prove it. NC

TANZANIA: ZANZIBAR

On the ‘Island of Spices’, traditional dishes are fragrant with cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, turmeric and cloves. And with a mixed bag of global influences, curries and stews — full of coconut milk, fresh fish and veg — reign supreme alongside condiments such as kachumbari (similar to a Mexican salsa) and delicacies such as kachori (spiced deep-fried potato balls). Essential stops: The market in Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s historic centre, is the best place for fresh ingredients; for culinary souvenirs it’s the spice farms. Alternative: Mauritius is another cultural melting pot with a spice-filled cuisine. Jasmine Helmsley

Khao soi, one of north Thailand’s few coconut-based dishes

THAILAND: CHIANG MAI

There are few cities so suffused with food as Chiang Mai, whether it’s smoked meats on roadside grills or incredible noodles from hole-in-the-wall cafes. Northern Thai cuisine is not for the fainthearted, though; dishes lean on the sour, the bitter and the smoky. Try larb muang (spicy minced meat salad with offal and blood), sai ua (coils of fiery pork sausage) and khao soi (one of the few coconutty dishes, a noodle soup). Essential stops: Spend a day exploring Chang Mai’s markets, including Muang Mai, Warorot and the stalls by the city wall gates. Alternative: Further north, Chiang Rai is quieter but still full of the region’s specialities. Deepti Kapoor

INDIA: MYSORE

This southern temple city is a vegetarian’s paradise. Its legendary namesake is the Mysore masala dosa, a pancake that’s crispy on the outside, distinctly spongy within and filled with curried potato. But there are other treasures, too, such as bisi bele bath, an elaborate lentil and rice dish containing at least a dozen spices, and Mysore pak, a fudgy gram flour and ghee dessert. Essential stops: Go to Vinayaka Mylari for dosa and Guru Sweet Mart for Mysore pak. For yogic food (Mysore is the home of Ashtanga yoga), try Depth N Green. Alternative: Coastal Mangalore has a spicier, meatier and fishier take on the region’s cuisine. DK

CHINA: CHENGDU

A city of skyscrapers and temples amid the bamboo forests of China’s rice bowl, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province, best known for tongue-numbing peppercorns and pungent ‘facing heaven’ chillies. Must-eats include spicy, porky dan dan noodles, mapo tofu (in chilli sauce) and hotpot (with an emphasis on ‘hot’). Essential stops: Jinli is the best spot for Sichuan street food such as sweet rice balls, while in Funan New District there’s a whole street dedicated to hotpot. Alternative: The Muslim Quarter of Xi’an, central China, is home to Islamic-influenced dishes featuring lamb and spices. LD

SRI LANKA: GALLE

Portuguese in the 16th century, Dutch in the 17th and English for a time after that, the UNESCO-listed city of Galle in southern Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, historic buildings and a hip artistic community. Plus, there are the culinary advantages that come with fish just offshore, spices in the markets and a plentiful supply of hungry incomers. Meat, fish and vegetarian curries are aromatic with local turmeric, cardamom, peppercorn berries, cinnamon and cloves. Essential stops: The Dutch Market on Main Street is a cornucopia of fresh fruit, vegetables and spices, housed within a 300-year-old columned building, with snacks and juices too. For lunch or dinner, meanwhile, Hoppa is a tiny, unbeautiful cafe with great hoppers (bowl-shaped coconut pancakes served with various toppings), and A Minute by Tuk Tuk dishes up curries and tuna burgers from an ocean-view spot in the Dutch Hospital. How to do it:    Kuoni offers a week’s B&B at Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle, from £1,190 per person, including flights and transfers. Alternative: Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, is less known to tourists and offers a fantastic choice of food including mud crab and slow-cooked goat curry. NC

As featured in Issue 4 of National Geographic Traveller Food

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21 Top Foodie Destinations Around the World

If you love food and want to explore some really fantastic foodie destinations, we’ve got the list for you! Adding culinary activities to your vacation itinerary is one of the best ways to experience the culture of the destination you’re in. 

This list contains 21 of the best places to go for foodie vacations. If there’s one thing we truly believe here at Savored Journeys, it’s that eating well and traveling well go together like… well, you can’t have one with the other, as they say.

» Looking for awesome dining experiences to travel for? Try these 10 Most Remote Dining Locations . You might like How to Recreate International Dishes at Home.

Pizzeria Da Attilio

For us, it’s part of the experience to taste the  tapas in Barcelona , the sushi in Tokyo , chocolate in Switzerland, and that incredibly delicious sauerkraut soup in Prague . That’s why we make it a priority to visit top foodie destinations around the world. If you agree, then you’re probably a foodie traveler, just like we are.

We make food a priority during our travels, in order to experience the culture, learn about the people, and immerse ourselves in what makes this place unique. Yes, we believe you can do all of that through food.

Read more about our favorite foodie cities: Paris | London | Bologna

Table of Contents

Why We Travel For Food And So Should You

Culinary vacations are becoming more popular now than ever before. We’ve all started to realize that many of our favorite things to do on vacation and the strongest memories we take back home with us have to do with food.

Maybe you took a really great food tour , or you learned to make pasta in Italy, or you ate at a particularly amazing fine dining restaurant. Those are all cherished memories now.

Have you ever noticed how even the faint aroma of something you ate on vacation instantly takes you back to when you experienced it? Tasting an Argentinian Malbec transports me to a tasting room in Mendoza . The smell of galangal and lime instantly brings to mind the Thai cooking class we took in Chiang Mai.

Ho Chi Minh Cooking class

Even the sight of choclo (really large corn) gets me excited for the intense flavors of Peruvian food . Just ask Nick – “big corn”, makes me unreasonably excited. Food is powerful. It’s what makes us who we are as a people. It is an essential part of life and community.

In fact, I seriously question whether you can experience the real, authentic side of a culture without experiencing the food.

After all, what is Thailand without a plate of Pad Thai, China without Dim Sum, Canada without poutine, Mexico without street tacos?

Indulging in Michelin starred restaurants , veering off the beaten path to where they make the best fried noodles, immersing yourself in pasta making in Chianti, or even accepting a dare to eat balut in the Philippines – these are the things vibrant memories are made of. Check out these vegetarian food experiences too!

Gnocchi-making workshop led by Oli

Top Foodie Vacations Around the World

We are always searching for culinary vacations that promise incredible dining options, fun food-inspired experiences and some really good wine to wash it all down with.

And while there are so many great locations around the world that satisfy that craving, some stand out more than others in the culinary department. I have to admit, even picking only 21 destinations that we think are foodie heaven is hard – there are so many!

When it comes to foodie destinations, the best ones have irresistible food that’s you can’t find anywhere else. Some will immediately come to mind, like Italy and Spain. Others you have to search a little for.

1. Mendoza, Argentina

Restaurant at Bodega Ruca Malen

Some of the best wines come out of Mendoza, but did you know about its culinary scene? Mendoza is a perfect spot for foodies who want to enjoy all three of pillars of good travel in one destination: good food, wine and adventures.

Many of the top wineries in the region serve impressive multi-course wine lunches from their winery restaurants that have often have breathtaking views of the Andes from every seat and include as much wine as you want to drink.

Visit these wineries and restaurants for a complete foodie experience in Mendoza:

  • Bodega Ruca Malen (lunch and wine tasting)
  • Andeluna Cellars (lunch and wine tasting)
  • The Vines of Mendoza (for a comprehensive tasting)
  • Siete Fuegos (Fine dining on an open fire — and stay at The Vines Resort & Spa – check prices and read reviews )

Tours you may enjoy:

  • All day, small group, luxury wine tour with gourmet lunch
  • Maipú Wine-Tasting Tour from Mendoza Including Trapiche Winery

2. Paris, France

Escargot in France

When people plan their trips to Paris, they tend to forget that the city is a foodie paradise, even though it’s in France. There are so many fun food things to do in Paris that will enhance your sightseeing, help you build lasting memories, and create a diverse and interesting itinerary. 

With so many delicious French foods to try, croissants and Croque Monsieurs belong right there alongside the Eiffel Tower and Sacre-Coeur. No vacation to the French capital is complete without trying the foods that make the country so unique – yes, escargot and frog’s legs included!

Whether that’s a stop off one of Paris’ many street food markets to check out the products, at a local crepe stand, or on a full-day food tour , there are many ways to taste and enjoy Paris.

If you have extra time, you can also get outside of the city to either the Bordeaux wine regio n or Champagne wine region . Reims and Epernay are two of the main Champagne cities to visit to learn more about French wines .

Tours you might enjoy:

  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour
  • Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

3. Tuscany, Italy

Pici pasta

One of the top things on most foodie’s bucket lists is to take cooking classes in Italy . We dream of making tender, homemade pasta and rich meaty tomato sauces, drinking wine in Tuscany and eating briny olives and antipasto on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.

This experience can be found all over Italy — there’s no shortage of cooking schools and wine tasting tours.

One of our favorite areas in Tuscany is Chianti. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous and easy to get around (see our self-guided Chianti tour ideas), there are dozens of amazing Chianti Classico wines to try. Here are some of our favorite places to stay in Tuscany for wine tasting.

I’ve always been enchanted with Montepulciano, as well.

Montepulciano is a charming hilltop town in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, known for its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and world-class wineries. The town is surrounded by rolling hills covered in vineyards, and the local wine industry is a major part of the economy and culture.

There are several wineries in and around Montepulciano that offer tours and tastings, like Avignonesi, Poliziano, and Boscarelli.

  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
  • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence

4. San Sebastian, Spain

Gambas

It might not be a major cosmopolitan city like Paris or London , but San Sebastian is perhaps the greatest food destination in the world, with more Michelin stars per capita than any other city and a thriving pintxos scene that you won’t believe until you see it.

It makes the list not only because of the overabundance of haute cuisine, but because it is literally paradise, with its incredible view over the crescent bay and the beautiful La Concha Beach. There are three 3-star restaurants, among a handful of 1- and 2-starred places, plus a plethora of pintxos bars serving gourmet-style bites that are just as good as any fancy meal you’ve ever had.

Gandarias Bar

  • Here’s a great evening pintxos tour in San Sebastian that you’ll love.
  • Arzak – 3-stars — one of the top restaurants in the world — not to be missed.

Just an hour or so from San Sebastian is the Rioja wine region of Spain, where you’ll also find some really incredible food from Michelin star chefs and formidable home-style restaurants. One of the funnest foodie things we’ve ever done was a pinchos crawl down the tiny streets of Logrono, Spain. It’s a foodie’s dream!

  • Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with a Local Expert
  • PINTXOS in San Sebastian – Private Gastronomic and Cultural Adventure

5. Bordeaux, France

Duck Confit

Combine the delicious wines of Bordeaux with the gorgeous scenery and you have the vacation every foodie has been dreaming about in France. You should plan for at least a week in Bordeaux to give it justice. You can spend two days in the Left Bank and two days in the Right Bank , and still only scratch the surface of the wine and food possibilities.

Also, be sure to spend time in the center of Bordeaux, where we found some really incredible food options, from wine bars to street food markets. The newly opened wine museum is also very much worth a visit.

A bike tour through Bordeaux is perfect for wine enthusiasts, foodies and really anyone who wants to enjoy the countryside while biking through some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards.

bordeaux

You can enjoy a winery biking tour through the Left Bank or the Right Bank. The area around Saint Emillion is my favorite, and it’s flat and easy to ride.

Imagine foie gras, duck confit, and black truffles paired with bold and complex Bordeaux wines. You’ll be having gourmet lunches and dinners paired with world-class wine every day. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Check out these guided foodie activities in Bordeaux:

  • Small-Group Saint-Emilion Day Trip from Bordeaux
  • Bordeaux Gourmet Food Walking Tour with Lunch

6. New York City, New York, USA

Katz Delicatessen

New York City is also a culinary capital of the world. Here you’ll find incredible food everywhere, from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants and even a few completely outrageous foods that you won’t find anywhere else.

Culinary trends seem to start and end in NYC. But one of the things that makes this city so great is the high number of really talented chefs that call it home. Most of them have restaurants there that aren’t insanely hard to get into, so you can eat dinner made by a master. Some to check out are Le Bernardin, Eleven Madison Park, and Cosme (by the legendary Mexico City chef of Pujol ).

Be sure to also make it to favorites like Katz Delicatessen, Momofuku Noodle Bar, and the Peter Luger steakhouse. You’ll also find huge, thin slices of New York Pizza, street hot dogs, Jewish delis, extravagant brunches. It’s all there waiting for you to discover.

  • Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour
  • Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour

7. Tokyo, Japan

Sushi Matsue in Tokyo

I’m a huge sushi fan. Who isn’t, right? In Tokyo, you will find the freshest, best, most amazing sushi in the world. If that’s not reason enough to head to Japan for your next foodie vacation, I don’t know what else I can say – WAIT, yes I do.

How about the really fun, totally cool izakayas you can find in all the back alleys and small crevices around the city. It sounds like dive bar quality, but it’s so not. In fact, it’s an adventurous foodie’s dream. Or the old Tsukiji outer market , which is an absolute must visit in Tokyo.

You’ll see foods you’ve never heard of before , even lots of unique Japanese drinks , and get to sample tons of things along the way. In Japan, you can eat the best of every type of food they make, from gyoza to okonomiyaki to ramen and takoyaki. Nearly every chef is a master at his cuisine.

Another great activity in Tokyo for food lovers is participating in a traditional tea ceremony. You can see what it’s all about and learn the proper manners in an informal ceremony in Hamarikyu Gardens . These things and more are part of our complete 3-day foodie guide to Tokyo.

  • Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
  • Walking Food Tour of Shibuya at Night

8. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand food

I think Thai food is very much a universally loved cuisine. Getting to try authentic Thai dishes the way they were meant to be eaten (at a night market or from a street vendor in Thailand ) is one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had.

In Bangkok, there are opportunities for cooking classes , food tours, street food for every meal, even Michelin star restaurants. For an even more unique experience, head out of town to the nearby floating markets to witness something you won’t see anywhere else. Make sure you try the mangosteens. Oh so good.

The best thing about Bangkok food is that there is a lot of it everywhere. There used to be street food vendors dispersed throughout the city, but now there are conglomerations of food stalls that you can find in the city. Some of our favorites are Bangkok’s Chinatown Market, Wang Lang Market, and the Chatuchak weekend market.

No matter where you’re staying, there is likely a street food market nearby. Be sure to keep your eyes open as you walk around. Street food is definitely the way to go in Bangkok. It’s so cheap and it’s delicious.

  • Bangkok Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
  • Chef designed Bangkok Food Tour for 8 Exclusive Guests

9. London, England

Afternoon tea at London Bridge Hotel

Another big city that is often overlooked as a food destination is London . But don’t make this mistake! London is the food capital of the world. No where will you find the array of international food choices , dining experiences , and foodie activities  that you will find in London.

People often think London doesn’t have good food – or that it consists merely of fish and chips and pub food. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, London is one of the biggest food cities in the world. You can find every type of cuisine imaginable in the city. Plus, where else in the world can you find nearly dozens of afternoon tea choices ?

You can browse around London’s many markets , including Camden Market and  Borough Market – which are two of our favorites, or you can stop for a street food break at the really cool and fun Boxpark in Shoreditch.

We absolutely love Soho for the dizzying array of food choices. You can’t walk three steps without coming up a different restaurant, wine bar, pub, waffle bar, gelateria – you name it.

  • London East End Food Tour
  • Secret Food Tour: London Bridge & Borough Market w/ Private Tour Option

10. Melbourne, Australia

Kingfish sashimi at Chin Chin in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia, is a great food city, with many great restaurants to check out around the city. Some of our favorite restaurants in Melbourne are located on Flinders Lane. Two that I highly recommend are Chin Chin and Lucy Liu.

While staying in Melbourne, don’t miss the opportunity to get out to the wonderful Yarra Valley wine region. There are more than a dozen of wineries to visit. It’s a cool climate, so they produce a lot of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and some sparkling.

We love food and wine events, and Melbourne, Australia is home to one of the best, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival . The festival extends for 17 days in March and features global culinary superstars who host events, create unforgettable dishes for participants to sample and draw crowds of over 250,000 each year.

  • Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
  • Yarra Valley Wine & Food Day Tour from Melbourne with lunch at Yering Station

11. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Wine tasting at Spier

Only an hour outside of Cape Town is the Stellenbosch Wine Region of South Africa. Of all the places we’ve been to for wine tasting, Stellenbosch is my favorite. The winery experience is so much more inviting and relaxed here.

You can take a tour with a group, so you don’t have to drive yourself, or you can plan your own winery tour with a designated driver. When you arrive at a winery, you’ll be able to  relax at a table or on a comfy couch and have the wine samples brought to you.

The region also has a large number of top restaurants with chef’s who know the wine well and create masterpieces that live up to the wine.  Some of the best foodie things in Stellenbosch:

  • Rust en Vrede Restaurant
  • Overture at Hidden Valley Restaurant
  • Spier Winery and Eight at Spier Restaurant
  • Visit Stellenbrau Brewery

When you’re done eating your way through Stellenbosch, there’s another nearby wine region to explore: Franschhoek. Both areas are well known for their gourmet cuisine and fine wines.

  • Full Day Afrivista Wine Tours from Stellenbosch
  • Wine Tasting and cultural tour with a wine maker

12. Bologna, Italy

Food tour in Italy, parmigiano factory

While there are many touristy things to do in Bologna and the surrounding area, it truly is one of the best culinary vacation spots in the world.

There are so many food experiences to have in this area, from a full blown DOP food tour that takes you to a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory, a Parma ham production facility, and a home where traditional Balsamic vinegar is made, to a more intimate cooking class in the city, you simply will not run out of food-related things to do.

The Emilia-Romagna area (of which Bologna is the capital), is known for its wine, but you may think it’s only home to the sparkling semi-sweet Lambrusco wine. Lambrusco is found mostly in the northern part of the region, but Romagna makes mostly Sangiovese red wines, in a style not too different from neighboring Tuscany.

A wine-tasting trip to Romagna will reveal a whole new world of wine you didn’t know was out there.

  • Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective
  • Secret Food Tours Bologna w/ Private Tour Option

13. Mexico City, Mexico

torta

When we were preparing to go to Mexico City , thoughts of indulging in real, authentic Mexican food were all I could think about. I could eat burritos, carnitas, enchiladas, tacos and guacamole all day, every day and be perfectly content.

If that sounds like something you might say, then a culinary trip to Mexico City should definitely be at the top of your list! There are a lot of great eating experiences to have around Mexico City. We found some really great restaurants , like Pujol and Maximo Bistrot. We tried many different mezcals and tequilas, and spent an entire day wandering around Mercado Roma, tasting awesome foods.

We also highly recommend taking a food tour – we like this historic center food tour . You may even want to try your hand at making some of these foods – if you’ve never handmade a tortilla, I think it might be time you tried!

Here’s a cooking class that includes a food market tour.

  • Colonia Roma Food Tour
  • A Night of Tacos and Mezcal in Mexico City

14. Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan

Okonomiyaki - an Osaka specialty

When it comes to food, Japan has more dishes to love than nearly anywhere. But for me, the star of the show is one single street in Osaka, called Dotonbori . And one of my favorite things to eat there is the famous Osaka dish, Okonomiyaki, pictured above. Dōtonbori is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka.

It runs along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city. It’s not a huge area. It covers only about 8 blocks. But it is absolutely jam packed with restaurants, food stalls and street vendors selling every type of food specialty Japan is known for. I would make a special foodie trip to Japan, just to visit Dotonbori and eat my heart out.

Around 5pm, Dotonbori Osaka turns from a fairly quiet, mostly deserted street, into a bustling and utterly jam-packed food metropolis with lines of hungry people queued up to buy trays of hot-off-the-grill gyoza , yakisoba, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, sukiyaki! If you can eat it, they are selling it. On Dotonbori food is king!

  • Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour
  • Sushi Cooking Class in Osaka
  • Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

15. Lima, Peru

Peruvian Chicharones

You wouldn’t think it, would you? But Peru was named the top South America Food & Drink Destination by Frommer’s and for very good reason. Peru has a multicultural population that includes immigrants from Spain , China, Japan and more, and that helps to create a thriving food scene with regional variations that are unique and unexplored. 

Lima’s signature dishes, like ceviche and chicharones, are becoming favorites around the world and opening people’s eyes to the flavors of Peru. (Read our guide on foods you must try in Peru.) Restaurants like Astrid & Gaston have been delighting foodies for many years in Lima.

Superchef Gaston Acurio of La Mar and many others are priming the city with a modern take on traditional favorites. Now is the time to experience Peru’s food scene, before it is fully discovered.

⇒ Where to stay in Lima, Peru: Hilton Lima Miraflores ( see prices and read reviews )

  • Lima Gourmet Food Tour: Evening Experience
  • Peruvian Cooking Class Including Local Market Tour and Exotic Fruit Tasting

16. New Orleans, Louisiana

Lobster PoBoy

New Orleans food expands way past typical American food. It has a style and culture all its own, with Creole and French influences. It’s an amazing place to explore if you’re a foodie who likes to try new things.

Not only does New Orleans have an abundance of great chefs and dining experiences , it also boasts a rather sophisticated cocktail scene. Many of the cocktails served in New Orleans are routed in the city’s eclectic past, and come not only with a swizzle stick, but a long history that you’ll want to hear all about.

  • Unique foods you’ll want to try in New Orleans
  • Shortcut Guide to the best restaurants, cocktail bars and things to do in New Orleans
  • Click to see the best hotels on and near Bourbon Street .
  • New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option
  • New Orleans Cooking Class

17. Copenhagen, Denmark

Ceviche of trout with cucumbers

A must-do on many foodie’s list is Copenhagen , Denmark, to eat at  Noma , a highly acclaimed restaurant that’s spent many years at the top of the  The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Chef/owner Rene Redzepi knows how to delight diners with his ultra-modern menu, now in a new location on the edge of Christiania. However, Noma remains very difficult to get into, not to mention expensive.

Even if you can’t make it to Noma, Copenhagen is blessed with chefs who came out of the Noma kitchen to build their own restaurants like 108, Amass, and Sanchez.

A few of our favorite options in Copenhagen are 1 Michelin star Relae, the first all-organic restaurant to make the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Baest (from the same owners), and 2 Michelin starred AOC.

For a more laid back food experience, head to the trendy food-filled Reffen on Copenhagen’s industrial Refshaleøen, where food trucks and stalls sell high quality International dishes.

Where to stay in Copenhagen: 71 Nyhavn Hotel ( see prices and read reviews .)

  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour
  • The Art of Baking Danish Pastry

18. Hong Kong

Roast Goose

Hong Kong a wonderful food city, with all kinds of great food stalls, restaurants, and dishes with many cultural influences to try. One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the food and to discover some of the best places to eat and drink in Hong Kong is by taking a food tour.

There are a dizzying number of restaurants in the city, not to mention foods that many Western travelers haven’t even heard of before. Let an expert guide you through the experience. Probably the most iconic food in Hong Kong is dim sum. There are even a few super affordable dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong with Michelin stars.

You must go to one of these top-rated restaurants to order a full meal of dim sum. For a Michelin-star meal, head to Tim Ho Wan. Another one to try is One Dim Sum . Roast goose is the dish I will never forget. It’s an iconic Hong Kong dish that you absolutely must try. The crunchy skin and layer of rendered fat over tender meat. It’s a thing of true joy.

We ordered roast goose in a tiny restaurant called Yat Lok Roast Goose in the Central neighborhood on Hong Kong Island.

  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts
  • Hong Kong Markets Private Walking Tour with Local Guide

19. Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish meze

One of the best places you can travel to for an amazing foodie trip is Turkey . As one of the most visited countries in the world, Turkey has a lot to offer visitors. From seaside resorts on the Mediterranean Sea, historical sites, welcoming people, rich culture, amazing museums and delicious Turkish dishes, a trip to this county will be quite memorable.

Whether you’re spending time in Istanbul, Capadoccia, or one of the other popular cities in Turkey, you’ll be able to try great food everywhere you turn. Each area has a spin on the dishes they serve, but look out for things like Doner Kebab, Meze, Pide, and Baklava.

  • Taste of Two Continents Food Tour
  • The 10 Tastings of Istanbul With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

20. Naples, Italy

Each region of Italy has its own unique list of specialty foods you must try, and Naples is no different. From the iconic Neopolitan pizza, to deep fried macaroni, to rum-soaked sponge cakes, you really must spend some time eating your way through Naples to fully discover the city and all its charms.

Be prepared. There are a LOT of great things to eat in this city.  If you’re looking for a way to experience the best Italian food in Naples, there’s really no better way to do it than to go on a food tour with Eating Europe . We spent a week venturing around the city to find the best pizza.

Our favorite pizza in the city was at Pizzeria Da Attilio, but there are memorable pizzas at 50 Kalo and Antico Borgo Ai Vergini . These are just a few of the top of their game. Other foods to try include Pizza Fritta, Cuoppo and Pasta Frittatine.

  • Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert
  • Street Food Tour of Naples with City Sightseeing and Top-Rated Local Guide

21. Catalunya, Spain

Nick & Laura in Girona, Spain

If you’ve been to  Spain , you already know that the entire country is vastly rich in culture, heritage, and especially  products and foods  that are specific to each micro region. Catalunya is one of those regions, and the amount of unique products, recipes and foods you can find there is astounding.

Catalunya has a very complex food culture. Not only does it have specific products that you don’t find in other parts of Spain, each of the smaller areas of Catalunya also have their own unique dishes that other areas of Catalunya don’t have. As a foodie in that area, you really will become immersed in a rich food culture. Even if you wanted to avoid it, you couldn’t. Food is so much a part of who they are.

While there, we discovered a plethora of products and foods you must try. You can visit wineries (there are many different wine regions – including Priorat and Emporda , plus they make Cava in Catalunya.)

With all of these great culinary destinations, you’ll never run out of food-centric vacations to take. We’ve been to each one of these and have loved them all. The variety of food around the world is just astounding.

Why not visit some of your favorites and find new dishes to love!

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Top Foodie Destinations

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

47 thoughts on “ 21 Top Foodie Destinations Around the World ”

Nice list! I have been to a Lima, New Orleans, Tuscany, Switzerland, & Bordeaux and definitely agree! I turn every trip into a foodie destination, and while some places are better than others I have yet to be disappointed by the overall food anywhere. Right now I’m parked in South Korea and finding this food to be some of my favorite in the world!

Thanks for posting your thoughts, Katie. With so many awesome food destinations around the world, it’s hard to narrow it down, but I think most foodies would agree that these are some of the very best. I loved South Korea too. So much good food. I look forward to reading more about your adventures there.

Have you never been to Turkey?

oh my goodness! I have a lot of traveling and eating to do! I have been to Spain twice but not San Sebastián but love the food there! And Tuscany-so good! I went to a South African wine tasting recently so can’t wait to get there in person to drink the wine! And hardly a Better place in the US like NOLA!

Right? It’s hard to beat any of these places for good food. That’s what I love so much about traveling for food – there’s always more to discover!

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Well I thought reading the article would help me choose a foodie destination for our 10th anniversary but now I’m famished and I can’t pick one location!!!so im going to ask as a foodie who’s travelled on a foodie vacation, where would you go?!? Ok let me rephrase that if you had to choose 1 place that’s amazing and you could visit again where would it be? Suggestions greatly appreciated!

I know, food overload! Where you go depends greatly on the type of food you like and whether you want to do mostly food things, or historical things too. If I had to pick one, is go with Bologna Italy. You can do so many different food activities there, plus extend down into Florence and Tuscany. My second choice would be Tokyo. If you like Japanese food, you will be in foodie heaven there.

Have you been to Bilbao, Spain?

Yes and we love the food in that region!

always malaysia is a food paradise

Hi, Great list. Thank you for your post. I have a passion for travel and food as well and I gained a lot of information from your post. It creates motivation for me a lot. I hope that in the near future, you will have other posts like this. Best regards

Glad you enjoyed it!

nice post thanks

Left out Istanbul, Turkey. Best food ever!

You’re right, Carolyn. I love Turkish food too.

Wonderful blog! Thanks for sharing!

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Great blog. Thanks for sharing..

www.luxxpress.com

You left out Vietnamese street foods in Ho Chi Minh city . Also street foods in Hong Kong.

Absolutely! We’ll be sure to add those to the list in the future.

You are missing Ho Chi Minh City.

Thank you! This list is really helpful. Our website is also about foods to eat in different cities. https://foodieadvice.com/

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i’m gonna cry..where is malaysia….it’s country with the food paradise???uwahhhh

So sorry! I agree that Malaysia is a fantastic foodie paradise.

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I’m a merchant mariner and I’ve traveled my whole adult life going all over the world trying good eats. I just came back from SE Asia and I’m pretty astounded that you would include Manila on this list. If there is a great Philippino dish to try it’s certainly the Sinigang not street squid (which I do love). However, the food game in PI isn’t on par with the rest of Asia. Have you been to Borneo? I’m in San Diego right now and I can honestly say that the food game here is better than half of these cities listed.

Part of the fun of traveling for food is to try these different cuisines and decide which ones you like the most. 🙂

Hi..I think you forgot India here ….I assume you never been to India.

We have, in fact, been to India and are headed back in January. This list can’t possibly be all inclusive. It’s just a taster of options for people looking to do culinary vacations. Thanks for adding India.

Missed Chengdu, China in the heart of Sichuan cuisine!

Worth a visit if you get a chance! The food, people and city are lovely!

Thanks Patrick!

Southern Italy (especially Naples and Sicily) is never mentioned in these rankings but it’s probably the best foodie region in Europe, easily topping Central and Northern Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Bologna, Venice and so on).

Thanks Christian. We visited Naples and Puglia this year and loved the food. It’s definitely a good addition to the list.

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Hey Laura, just finished reading the article, and god I’m so craving for that Neopolitan Pizza and a glass of wine imported from Italy only!!!!

Sounds amazing, right?!

Awesome write-up! Food tours are an amazing experience not only for foodies but for travelers who are interested in the culture of the destination as we all know that cuisine and food culture of any destination is based on historical influences and the uniqueness of the environment. For my tour, Delicious Kyiv: Ukrainian Wine & Appetizers Tasting Tour all wines and specialties of Ukrainian cuisine are prepared with ingredients from local wineries and farms.

I’m disappointed with the list. You missed Charleston, SC big time. It is a foodie destination and the best vacation destination.

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Your Guide to the Top 10 Food Destinations in the World 

Embark on a culinary sojourn that will most certainly tantalize your tastebuds! Our curated list of destinations will provide a truly mouthwatering vacation.

Traditional Vietnamese food

There are some cities that have food steeped in their DNA and that is what makes them part of our top 10 food destinations in the world. Foodie cities that are so fantastic that they warrant making a trip just to sample what is available! Whether it is Morocco’s flavorful stew or  tagine , the comforting  phð  (noodle soup) in Hanoi, the crisp wines of Cape Town or the fresh  ceviche ( fresh seafood dish )  in Lima, a trip to any of these destinations will ensure that the foodie in you is completely sated.

Japan's vibrant food culture makes it to our Top 10 food destinations

1 Tokyo, Japan | ASIA

There’s a reason why  Japan  consistently makes it to the list of the 10 best global food destinations – the uniqueness of its food culture. In 2013, traditional Japanese cuisine, or “ washoku ” was added by  UNESCO  into its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the second cuisine to be conferred this honor. For the Japanese, food is a means to establish bonds between friends and family and is viewed as one of the pillars of society. And the sheer variety in the cuisine – from sushi, ramen and  Yakitori  (grilled chicken skewers) to the highly coveted Japanese  Wagyu  beef and the ubiquitous sticky rice – is truly mind boggling. In fact, Tokyo has more places to eat per square mile than New York and more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. And this is why Japan should definitely be on your list of top food destinations to visit!

Expert Tip:  “Discover the best sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market, which is also the world’s largest wholesale market for fresh, frozen, and processed seafood.”  – Brenda O’Connor, Travel Consultant, Japan

Thai Street Food culture makes it to our Top 10 food destinations

2 Bangkok, Thailand | ASIA

Such is the fame of the city’s street food establishments that they are a tourist attraction in themselves. At street corners to rows and rows of stalls (some have been awarded Michelin stars as well!) spread across neighborhoods, vendors with their large sizzling woks and pans are a ubiquitous sight. Dishes such as the instantly recognisable  Pad Thai  noodles and fragrant Thai curries to fried insects and more unusual offerings like  Baak Bpet  (Fried Duck Beaks) are churned out with conveyor belt regularity. At the other end of the culinary spectrum, you have fine dining establishments such as the globally renowned Gaggan, Suhring with its German food and Bunker serving contemporary American dishes. So whatever your choice of food, be rest assured that  Bangkok  will not disappoint!

Expert tip: “Head to a local market like the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market, where you can buy the freshest local produce.” – Kalani Stephens, Travel Consultant, Thailand

Hong Kong Food culture makes it to our Top 10 food destinations

3 Hong Kong  | ASIA

With over 11,000 restaurants,  Hong Kong  could well stake its claim to be declared the culinary capital of Asia! What gives the city’s food its unique character and makes it part of our top 10 food destinations is the confluence of several influences – from Cantonese and other Chinese cuisines such as Peking, Shanghainese and Szechuan, to colonial (largely British), Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian food traditions. The city’s most popular dish is its dimsums, or steamed and savory dumplings, which have been elevated into an art form with variations like black truffle  har gau  (shrimp dumplings). Equally popular are the egg tarts and Hong Kong style milk tea, with their roots in British cuisine. So if you want to spend a few days eating dishes that perfectly exemplify the East-meets-West tradition, Hong Kong is the food destination you must visit!

Expert Tip: “Visit a traditional Hong Kong Tea House for “yum cha” in which Chinese tea is served with dim sum: dumplings, steamed buns, pastries among other traditional items usually served from morning to afternoon.” – Devika Ray, Travel Consultant, Asia

Things to do in Vietnam - Sample Vietnamese Pho in Hanoi - Top 10 food destinations

4 Hanoi | ASIA

‘Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer’ – this tweet from former US President Barack Obama fondly looks back at his meal with the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain at an unassuming restaurant in Hanoi. It also encapsulates why this city features in our list of top 10 food destinations – simple, spectacular flavors served in a no-frills ambiance. Dishes such as  Pho  (Noodle Soup),  Bun Cha  (Grilled Pork & Noodles) and  Pho Cuon  (Rice Noodle Rolls) typify how the cuisine is all about creating a balance between the five flavor elements – sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy – thanks to its Chinese roots. Meanwhile, the cuisine further south in the capital Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, shows strong French influences, thanks to its erstwhile colonial past. This seen in staples such as the  Banh M i – a baguette with a stuffing such as pate, fried egg, barbecued pork, herbs and vegetables. Much like France, Saigon enjoys a vibrant coffee culture, with cafes dotting its streets. 

Expert Tip:  “Zipping through the streets, on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter, as you are ferried from one famous eatery or street art to another, is one of the best ways to enjoy the vibrant street food scene.”  – Walter Kealey, Travel Consultant, Vietnam

Mumbai_Gateway_to_India_3376398_l

5 Mumbai | ASIA

Much like the city brings together people from across the country, Mumbai’s cuisine too is a delightful amalgamation of several influences. This includes the food of the Koli fisher folks, the original inhabitants of the city, the Christian East Indian community whose food is replete with Portuguese influences, the Parsis who migrated from Persia and the large Gujarati Bohra Muslim community. One of its most iconic dishes is the Bombay duck fry, ironically a fish with a pungent smell, much loved by the British during their time in the city. Another popular dish, a favorite with office goers, is the  vada pav , a deep-fried potato dumpling, slathered in spicy sauce and crammed in a bun. You will be hard-pressed to find a street that doesn’t feature a makeshift stall selling  vada pavs,  or other tangy and savory snacks, collectively known as  chaat,  part of Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture.

Expert tip:  “Sign up for a cooking class with a local chef in to truly understand the rich, diverse flavors of its cuisine.”  – Gunjan Bhatnagar, Travel Consultant, India

Enchanting-Travels-Argentina-Tours-The beautiful snow capped Andes mountains and vineyard growing malbec grapes in the Mendoza wine country of Argentina

6 Cape Winelands | AFRICA

The vast vineyards of the Western Cape’s Stellenbosch region draw thousands of visitors every year, keen to sip its world-famous pinotage and be part of wine-centric adventures. What makes this region part of our top 10 food destinations is not just its spectacular wine produce, but the several ways you can enjoy them, in its rolling valleys, modern tasting rooms, and charming manor houses. Whether it is through tram rides in the sprawling estates, wine experiences hosted by a professional winemaker or wine tastings paired with some of the best local produce and insights into viticulture, a vacation in the Cape Winelands will truly be a feast for your senses. You can also dine in the slew of high-end fine dining restaurants in Stellenbosch, such as Foliage, Overture in the Hidden Valley Wine Estate and Jordan among others, making your culinary sojourn truly special!

Expert tip: “Walk through the streets of Stellenbosch and immerse yourself in the art and culture of the region, as you sample its exquisite wines.” – Danielle Cicci, Travel Consultant, South Africa

Traditional tajine pot in Morocco - makes it to our Top 10 food destinations

7 Marrakech | AFRICA

Arabic, Mediterranean, and Andalusian with a bit of European flair thrown in – the subtle, uniquely flavorful cuisine of Morocco finds true representation in its western city of Marrakech. The city boasts an abundance of local produce, which are combined with seasonings such as saffron or the  ras el hanout  (made up of 27 spices) to create dishes with unique flavor combinations, which make it part of our top 10 food destinations! This is best captured in the  tagine , a slow cooked stew of meats, vegetables and spices, arguably the country’s most popular dish. The best food in Marrakech is found at makeshift stalls in the vibrant  souks  or marketplaces. As you sample crusty breads baked in communal wood fires, crumbed liver, stuffed aubergines and wash it down with sweet Moroccon tea, you will be surrounded by dancers, snake charmers and storytellers, making for a singular eating experience.

Expert tip: “Enjoying a camel ride in the desert and as the sun sets, sit around a campfire and savor a sumptuous spread of traditional Berber dishes under the stars.” – Anita Sahi, Travel Consultant, Moroc

Tortas - A bun stuffed with meat and vegetables and topped with shredded cabbage, cheese, and sour cream. - makes it to our Top 10 food destinations

8 Mexico City | MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA

An ancient cuisine, Mexican food today is a blend of Spanish colonial influences and age-old traditions stretching back to the Aztech Empire and earlier. In 2010, UNESCO named traditional Mexican cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. So what makes the city’s food unmissable and part of our top 10 food destinations? The focus on farm-to-table dishes, unique combinations such as crickets and tacos, and fresh flavors. Locals say that regional food eaten in Mexico is very different in terms of depth of flavor as compared to what is available at restaurants the world over, which veer more towards Tex-Mex cuisine. The explosion of flavors and textures when you bite into a  taco , a folded or rolled tortilla stuffed with seasoned mince, chicken, or beans, perhaps the best known of the city’s street foods, is a gastronomic delight!

Expert tip: “Head to the picturesque borough of Xochimilco and  sample on various local delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas (a tortilla primarily filled with cheese) and tamales (a corn-based dish steamed in a corn husk).” – Bo Crew, Travel Consultant, Mexico

Street view of Cartagena, Colombia after sunset with cathedral visible in the background

9 Cartagena | SOUTH AMERICA

What is putting Cartagena firmly on the map of the top 10 food destinations in the world is the manner in which the city’s chefs and street carts are effortlessly combining local flavors in delicious ways. Cartagena’s cuisine is a true melting pot – it features an abundance of fresh seafood and tropical fruits, melded with Spanish, African, Caribbean and local food influences, resulting in a unique culinary tradition. This incredible array of textures and flavors is perhaps best exemplified in the beloved breakfast of the city, the Arepas or cornmeal cakes. They are grilled and stuffed with cheese, or deep-fried – owing to the African influence – and bursting with beef. While colonial influences abound in the Old Walled City, the beachside neighborhood of Bocagrande boasts a vibrant nightlife with its bars and trendy restaurants. There is also a bevy of coffee shops, from quaint local shops to chic cafes, celebrating the best of Colombian coffee. 

Expert tip:  “A seven-course meal at one of the city’s fine dining restaurants will give you a great idea about the culinary wealth of Cartagena!”  – Nick Gardner, Travel Consultant, Colombia

Peruvian cuisine makes it to our Top 10 food destinations

10 Lima | SOUTH AMERICA

Fringed by the waters of the Pacific, the coastal city of Lima does justice to the abundance of marine life at its disposal – most famously in its iconic  ceviche  – raw fish, cured in lime juice, with a smattering of chillies, served with raw onions and fresh coriander, bursting with flavors of the sea. If that isn’t reason enough to visit the city, consider this: Lima has had among the highest number of restaurant entries in the prestigious  Best Restaurants list  consistently over the last few years. While Lima’s seafood continues to be its mainstay, the produce of the Andes and Amazon, such as  paiche  (an Amazonian catfish) and  tumbo  (a rainforest fruit) are being incorporated in the cuisine as well. Another popular culinary tradition is Chifa, the fusion of Chinese Cantonese food with Peruvian ingredients, originating in Lima’s Chinatown. The result? Dishes like Tallarin Saltado (Cantonese-Peruvian Chow Mein) and Lomo Saltado (Beef and vegetable stir-fry), diverse strands of a truly eclectic cuisine.  

Expert tip: “A meal at Astrid y Gaston, whose Peruvian food, helped put the country on the global culinary map in the 1990s is a must! ” – Lisa Fox, Travel Consultant, Peru

With a mix of flavors, textures, resulting in truly eclectic tastes, get ready to take your tastebuds of a truly delectable ride with our top 10 food destinations!

We look forward to creating a delectable vacation tailored to your interests and preferences.

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Rome claimed the No.1 spot for its culinary supremacy.

Rome claimed the No.1 spot for its culinary supremacy.

World’s Best Food Destinations in 2022

Tripadvisor has announced the best destinations for food lovers in 2022. Rome claims the No.1 spot for its culinary supremacy.

Every year, the world's largest travel platform reveals the best destinations based on user ratings and reviews. In addition to its usual popular and trending lists, this year, Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards has ranked the best foodie destinations for 2022, highlighting the most loved spots around the globe.

With more than 13,000 restaurants  and an outstanding culinary history, Rome topped the list as the best destination for food lovers. "The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites", Tripadvisor stated.  Rounding the top five are London, Paris, Dubai and Barcelona. Meanwhile, for US travellers, New York's incredible food scene and culinary diversity saw it ranked No. 1.  

Here are the top ten food destinations in 2022, according to Tripadvisor:

  • Rome, Italy
  • Paris, France
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • New York, US
  • Bangkok, Thailand

If the list above doesn't surprise you, there are plenty more cities to spice up your next trip. The Top 25 includes many hidden gems around the world. How about taking a food tour in Istanbul or discovering Cairo, Egypt's ancient city? Cartagena, a beautiful fishing village in Colombia or the “Red City” of Marrakesh can capture your mind and your stomach. 

Check the full rankings here . 

Norway is among the top destinations for 2022.

Wander Magazine

What’s New in the World of Food Tourism & Culinary Travel?

“Food tourism is the act of traveling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.” ™ World Food Travel Association

Travelling the world to experience different cultures through food is not new, but the opportunities for immersion keep expanding. If you’re a foodie, or a food-focused traveller, here are some exciting things to watch out for in the world of food tourism.

Culinary Destinations

The concept of food tourism and culinary vacations have gained significant momentum, with more travellers seeking destinations renowned for their culinary experiences. Cities and regions are increasingly marketing themselves as food destinations, showcasing their local specialties and culinary traditions to attract tourists.

street food

Experiential Dining

Food tourists are seeking more immersive and hands-on experiences, going beyond just tasting the local cuisine. This includes participating in cooking classes, visiting local markets, and engaging in farm-to-table experiences where they can learn about the sourcing and preparation of ingredients.

Fusion Cuisine

Fusion food has become popular among travellers, especially among millennials and Gen Z. They are interested in trying innovative combinations of flavours from different cuisines, resulting in unique and exciting dining experiences.

Sustainable & Ethical Food Practices

With an increased focus on sustainability and ethical food production, food tourists are seeking establishments that prioritize locally sourced, organic, and ethically produced food. There’s a growing interest in supporting businesses that follow environmentally friendly practices .

Technology Integration

Technology is playing an essential role in food tourism. Food-related apps, online reviews, and social media platforms influence travellers’ choices regarding where and what to eat during their trips. Additionally, some tours and experiences are incorporating virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance the dining experience.

cooking class

Food Tourism Festivals & Events

Food-themed events and festivals have become significant draws for tourists. These gatherings celebrate local food culture and can range from small-scale street food festivals to large international food events, such as:

1. Oktoberfest – Germany : Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest and most famous beer festivals, held annually in Munich, Germany. The festival usually takes place from late September to the first weekend in October. It celebrates Bavarian culture with an abundance of traditional German beer, food, music, and various attractions.

2. Taste of Chicago – USA: This annual food festival usually takes place in the summer, spanning multiple days. The festival showcases a diverse array of Chicago’s food scene, including famous deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, ethnic cuisine, and desserts.

3. La Tomatina – Spain : La Tomatina is a unique and lively food festival held in the town of Buñol, Spain. It takes place on the last Wednesday of August, during which participants engage in a massive tomato fight. Thousands of people come together to throw ripe tomatoes at each other, creating a vibrant red spectacle.

4. Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan : While not exclusively a food festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, also known as Hanami, is a significant event in Japan, celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms in spring. During this time, people gather under cherry blossom trees to have picnics and enjoy various traditional Japanese foods and snacks.

5. Pizzafest – Italy : Also known as Naples Pizza Village (Napoli Pizza Village), Pizzafest is a popular pizza festival in Naples, Italy. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and this festival celebrates the city’s culinary heritage. The event showcases various types of pizzas from local pizzerias and includes pizza-making competitions, workshops, and entertainment.

These food festivals not only offer a chance to indulge in delicious cuisine but also provide a unique cultural experience and a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the respective regions. 

Food and Beverage Pairings

The pairing of food and beverages, such as wine, craft beer, or artisanal spirits, is gaining popularity in food tourism. Travellers are interested in exploring how different beverages complement and enhance the flavours of various dishes.

Street Food

Street food continues to be a major attraction for food tourists, offering affordable and authentic local flavours. Food tours specifically centred around street food are becoming more prevalent in many cities.

market

Cultural Exchange Through Food Tourism

Food tourism is viewed as a means of cultural exchange, providing tourists with insight into the traditions and heritage of a destination through its cuisine. This also includes learning about traditional cooking techniques and recipes passed down through generations.

Dietary Preferences and Food Allergies

Food tourism has adapted to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan , gluten-free, and other special diets. Restaurants and food tour operators are offering more inclusive options to meet diverse needs.

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Tourism Teacher

Culinary tourism: The growth of food tourism around the world

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Culinary tourism is a popular type of tourism throughout the world, but what exactly is culinary tourism? Is it different from food tourism? Why is culinary tourism important? And where are the best places to travel for culinary tourism? Read on to find out…

What is culinary tourism?

Importance of food tourism, culinary tourism activities, culinary tourism in bangkok, culinary tourism in tokyo, culinary tourism in honolulu, culinary tourism in durban, culinary tourism in new orleans, culinary tourism in istanbul, culinary tourism in paris, culinary tourism marrakesh, culinary tourism in mumbai, culinary tourism in miami, culinary tourism rio de janeiro, culinary tourism in beijing, food tourism- further reading.

Culinary tourism, also often referred to as food tourism, is all about exploring food as a form of tourism. Whether that be eating, cooking, baking, attending a drinks festival or visiting a farmers market – all of these come under the concept of culinary tourism. It’s something you don’t even really need to travel to do. Heading to your nearest big city or even the next town over, specifically to eat at a certain restaurant, classes as food tourism! And food tourism has taken a new twist since the COVID pandemic too, when many people would cook or eat a variety of different foods from around the world in attempt to bring an element of travel to their own home! Who said you need to travel far to be a culinary tourist, huh?

Food tourism is a vitally important component of the travel and tourism industry as a whole. When booking a trip, people tend to consider a variety of factors – and food is high on the list of priorities. The World Food Travel Association says that money spent on food and drink while travelling accounts for 15-35% of all tourism spending. Culinary tourism is important in that it generates so much money for local economies.

culinary tourism food tourism

Culinary tourism is also an important branch of tourism in that it can promote local businesses, as well as help to shine a light on different cuisines. For so many cultures, their cuisine is a huge part of who they are. Culinary tourism helps to celebrate this, by attracting interested tourists who are keen to try something new and share it with the world. In this way, it definitely helps to boost community pride and is a great example of cultural tourism .

This type of tourism is also important to tourists. It provides a chance to try new foods and flavours, and discover new cultures through their taste buds. Visitors who engage in food tourism come away with new recipes to try, new foods to introduce their friends to, and memories that they will always associate with their sense of taste.

There are many activities which come under the remit of culinary tourism, or food tourism. I mentioned some above, but let’s take a closer look.

  • Eating and drinking out: going to restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, tea shops and so on. These are all examples of culinary tourism. 
  • Food/beverage tours: you can book onto organised food and drink tours when visiting a new city. These are run by guides who will take you to various foodie spots throughout the city – usually small businesses – to try local delicacies.
  • Farmers markets: visiting a farmers market at the weekend to buy fresh produce is seen as a form of food tourism.
  • Cooking classes: another activity you can get involved with on your travels is a cooking or baking class. You’ll often make, again, a local delicacy whether that be pierogi in Poland or pasta in Italy . Tasting sessions: brewery tours and vineyard visits (and other similar excursions) where you get to take a look at how something is made and then try it for yourself are another form of culinary tourism.

Best cities for food tourism

Most cities, major or otherwise, have excellent examples of food tourism. In fact – this goes right down to tiny towns and villages, some of which have incredible restaurants or bars that are real hidden gems. Below you’ll find some of the world’s best cities for culinary tourism, however, with examples of the sort of thing you can do there!

culinary tourism food tourism

Thai food is some of the best food around, and Bangkok has a lot of restaurants suited to all budgets. Eating out in Bangkok is a brilliant example of culinary tourism. One of the best things you can do here is try the local street food! Wang Lang Market is one of the most popular places for street food, with fresh food filling the lanes from snacks to full-on meals. Silom Soi 20 is another great spot in central Bangkok, perfect for the morning.

Looking for somewhere really unique to eat in Bangkok? Head to Cabbages and Condoms , a themed cafe decorated with (you guessed it) condoms. The restaurant say they were ‘conceptualized in part to promote better understanding and acceptance of family planning and to generate income to support various development activities of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA)’.

culinary tourism food tourism

Tokyo is a very popular city, and one of the best ways to experience food tourism here is to book onto a food tour. Tokyo Retro Bites is a fantastic one, giving you a feel of old-style Tokyo at the quaint Yanaka Market. This is a walking tour which includes drinks and 5 snacks, lasting 2 hours. It starts at 11.30am meaning it’s a great chance to have lunch somewhere a bit different!

food tourism places

This beautiful Hawaiian city has so many fun places to eat (and drink!) while visiting. One of the best things to do in terms of culinary tourism is to eat somewhere you wouldn’t be able to eat at home – and try new flavours or dishes. Honolulu is the perfect place to do this. Some interesting eateries include:

  • Lava Tube – based in Waikiki, this 60s-kitsch style bar offers pina coladas served in giant pineapples, $5 Mai Tais, delicious food and plenty of fun decor.
  • Suzy Wong’s Hideaway – this is described as a ‘dive bar with class’ and is a great bar to visit to watch sports games.
  • MW Restaurant – this is a really famous and creative place to eat in Honolulu – the mochi-crusted Kona Kanpachi comes highly recommended and helped shoot the chef, Wade Ueoka, to fame.

culinary tourism food tourism

Hailed as the world’s best food city, a list of places for food tourists to visit has to include Durban in South Africa . Bunny Chow is a local delicacy that you cannot miss while visiting Durban. It is now available elsewhere, but the original is usually the best so be sure to try some while in the city. The dish is half a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with curry – delicious. This article shares 5 fantastic spots to get Bunny Chow in Durban !

food tourism places

As one of the culinary capitals of the US, New Orleans is incredibly popular with foodies. The city is a hotspot for food tourism, thanks to the various cultural roots here: Cajun, Creole and French. There is a whole range of tastes to try. You could spend your time here *just* eating and still not scratch the surface when it comes to the amazing restaurants, cafes and eateries in NOLA. Some foods you have to try include:

  • Po’boys: fried shrimp, generally, but sometimes beef or other seafood – served on a fresh crusty roll.
  • Gumbo : this is a stew, again usually containing seafood, alongside bell peppers, onion and celery.
  • Crawfish etouffee: a French crawfish stew served over rice.
  • Muffuletta: a Silician-American sandwich served on a specific type of bread.
  • Side note, you can do a haunted pub crawl in NOLA . Would you?!

culinary tourism food tourism

Being split across two continents, it is no surprise that Istanbul as a city has a huge range of delicious food-related activities. From kebabs sold on the street to 5 star restaurants serving the finest hummus, Istanbul is a fantastic destination for food tourism. Book onto the ‘Two Markets, Two Continents’ tour – you’ll visit two markets, as the name suggests, on the two continents. The tour includes a Bosphorus ferry crossing between the two districts of Karaköy (Europe) and Kadiköy (Asia). You’ll enjoy breakfast, tea and coffee, meze, dessert and so much more during this 6.5 hour tour .

food tourism places

The city of love – and the city of bakeries! Fresh baguettes, simple croissants, delicious eclairs… the list goes on. There are so many of them dotted around, whether you want something to grab and snack on while you head to the Eiffel Tower or if you want a sit down brunch, you’ll find one that suits you perfectly.

And that’s not all. Paris, also famous for its snails, soups and frogs legs, has so many fine dining opportunities. You’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of Michelin star restaurants: Boutary, ASPIC, 114 Fauborg and so many more. There are also some fantastic food tours in Paris . If you have the cash to splash out, fine dining in Paris is a brilliant culinary tourism activity…

culinary tourism food tourism

Moroccan food is delicious. And you can try making it yourself during a cooking class in Marrakech ! Visit a traditional souk and try your hand at some tasty recipes – you never know, you might have a hidden talent. Some tours even include shopping for ingredients, so you can visit a traditional market too; these are a sensory dream with so many smells, colours, sounds and sights.

food tourism places

India is another country where street food is king. Mumbai has plenty to offer, and one culinary tourism activity you can do is to spend an afternoon trying as many dishes as possible while simply wandering through the city. If you’ve never tried a vada pav before, this is the place to do so: it’s essentially deep fried mashed potato in a bun with various chutneys, and it is exquisite. Many people are surprised to learn that one of the most popular British foods – chicken tikka masala is not commonly found in India, but fear not, there are many other dishes that are just as goods or if not better!

culinary tourism food tourism

Miami is known for its food – and Cuban food is a big deal here. Take a traditional Cuban cooking class , or head to one of the many, many Cuban restaurants here . There is something for every budget, and your tastebuds will certainly thank you. It is also close to Key West, a wonderful place to visit for a day or two. They’re big on sea food here, and walking tours which incorporate seafood are high on the list of recommended things to do in beautiful Key West.

culinary tourism food tourism

You cannot go to Rio and not try cahaça. This is Brazilian brandy made from sugar canes, and it is a big deal over here. Culinary tourism isn’t limited to food – it includes drink too, so head to one of Rio’s many bars and try a caipirinha. You can even book an organised pub crawl , which includes free shots and drinks, around the city. This is perfect if you want to explore at night knowing you’ll be safe and always have transport on hand.

culinary tourism food tourism

Peking duck is the highlight of Beijing food. Quanjuede is world-famous for its Peking duck, and it’s not too expensive. There are branches worldwide now, though, and much of culinary tourism is about experiencing something you won’t be able to elsewhere. Speak to the locals when you’re there and ask where their favourite place is for Peking duck. That way you’ll know you are supporting a great local business; as mentioned, food tourism is great for boosting the economy this way!

If you have enjoyed this article about culinary tourism, or food tourism, then I am sure that you will love these too!

  • What is pilgrimage tourism and why is it important?
  • What is red tourism and why is it growing so fast?
  • Overtourism explained: What is it and why is it so bad?
  • Enclave tourism: A simple explanation

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How To Get The Most Out Of Your Food Tourism Experience

Woman eating noodles in restaurant

Food tourism, also known as culinary tourism, is all about traveling far and wide to taste and learn about unique cuisines and culinary cultures. From mouth-watering thin-crust pizza in Napoli, and exquisite omakase dining in Kyoto, to street-side pho in Hanoi, buttery croissants in Paris , and sugary  beignets in New Orleans — this is where the excitement of travel meets the universal language of food, an undeniably delicious combination.

But before you hurriedly and hungrily hop on your flight in impatient hopes of having the best spanakopita of your life in Greece or the soupiest xiaolongbao in Hong Kong, take a moment and unleash your inner foodie detective. This is the first and crucial step — do your research and thoroughly investigate the destination's food scene before your culinary adventure even begins. Familiarize yourself with local dishes, street food, regional specialties, markets, farms, cooking classes, and unique dining experiences.

Planning your gastronomic journey will help you know exactly where the best spots are and which ones are best avoided. To streamline your food tourism experience with some tech-savviness, look into starting a favorites list on Tripadvisor or Google Maps, so you can keep note of the restaurants, cafes, beerhalls, gelaterias, or izakayas you want to visit. If you are vegan or vegetarian, the HappyCow app can be your global foodie guide, providing details, reviews, and directions to thousands of plant-based establishments worldwide.

Live the culinary story of your destination

To get the most out of your food tourism experience, immerse yourself in the local culture. Venture beyond the typical tourist traps and seek out places where locals dine. If the area is bustling, the food smells good, and you don't see many tourists around — you may have won yourself a gourmet jackpot. Street food stalls, farmer markets, and neighborhood eateries often serve the most authentic and tasty food. Stray from the beaten path and walk the food trails of the locals. Zapiekanka? Pampoenkoekies? Shakshuka? Yes, please!

Speak to chefs, vendors, and locals to better understand the cuisine. Don't just eat; engage. You'll often discover hidden gems and learn the stories behind the food you're eating. Instead of coming somewhere to munch quickly and taking lots of pictures before moving to the next item on your itinerary, practice conscious culinary tourism — take it slow, have a chat, and sink your teeth into the experience.

A food tourism 2021 study  published in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research suggests that foodie trips become memorable through social interactions, senses, and feelings, trying new things, paying attention, and mindfully reflecting on the experiences. Those who love food and drink and travel for it felt these experiences stuck in their memory the most. Try something new; sign up for cooking classes, wine or beer tastings, food tours, or a farm stay . These hands-on experiences are not only educational but can also be some of your most memorable activities. 

Respect, learn, and revel in your food journey

Your food journey is not just an exploration but a recipe with two ingredients: respect and learning. Each place has its food etiquette and traditions. As a visitor, you should respect these practices; they show appreciation for the culture; also, educate yourself before your arrival to avoid any unintentional offense. For example, in most Asian countries, it is highly taboo to stick two chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — a symbol of death, bad luck, and an invitation for spirits to dine with you. That's an RSVP you don't want to receive. 

In the age of Instagram and food blogging, documentation has become an integral part of our dining experiences. However, chronicling your gastronomic expedition goes beyond just photos — it involves capturing the stories, customs, and unique personal moments that come with each dish you enjoy. Consider keeping a travel journal, blog, or vlog, where you can note down recipes, local anecdotes, and reflections to keep lasting memories of your adventure. 

The heart and soul of food tourism is the thrill of discovery. Sample dishes you can't pronounce, indulge in local delicacies, and experiment with unfamiliar ingredients. Do not be passive — embrace this lively, interactive experience that engages your senses and transports you to a different world. Food tourism is more than just food; it's about the people, stories, and cultural insights that come with it. Let the world be your dining table. 

Washington, D.C.

A Smithsonian magazine special report

The 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America

Every city has that one place that tourists and locals alike go to for local flavor. Which one is the best?

Marina Koren

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue Ribs

The residents of major American cities have a lot to brag about: sports teams, notable citizens, famous architecture. But few things instill as much civic pride like food does. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall deli, a decades-old steakhouse or a hot dog drive-in, every city seems to have that iconic eatery locals swear by and tourists regularly swarm. Here are the must-eat spots from 20 big cities.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

None

The Varsity

The Varsity

Union Oyster House

None

Superdawg Drive-in

None

Camp Washington Chili

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St. Elmo’s Steak House

None

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue

None

Canter’s Deli

None

Corky’s BBQ

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Joe’s Stone Crab

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Café Du Monde

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Katz's Delicatessen

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Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks

None

Primanti Brothers

None

Voodoo Doughnut

None

Boudin Bakery

None

Piroshky Piroshky

None

Cherry Cricket

None

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The 15 best foodie tours in the usa.

Savor fresh seafood, authentic Tex-Mex and more during one of these highly regarded outings.

Shot of someone taking pictures of their food in a restaurant.

(Getty Images) |

Consider these gourmand-approved excursions when visiting America's top culinary spots.

Foodie tours Savannah, Georgia, shrimp and grits

Savannah Taste Experience: Savannah, Georgia

White wine, Brie, Camembert and grape on the wood surface.

Sonoma Food Tour: Sonoma, California

Foodie tours Austin barbecue BBQ plate

Austin Eats Food Tours: Austin, Texas

Foodie tours shrimp tacos San Diego

Bite San Diego: San Diego

Foodie tours Nashville hot chicken

Walk Eat Nashville: Nashville, Tennessee

Foodie tours Houston Vietnamese dishes

Taste of Houston Food Tours: Houston

Foodie tours craft beer Ecliptic Brewing Portland Oregon

(Jamie Francis | Courtesy of TravelPortland.com)

Forktown Food Tours: Portland, Oregon

Foodie tours Seattle fish at Pike Place Market

Savor Seattle Food Tours: Seattle

Foodie tours Charleston seafood roasted oysters

Charleston Culinary Tours: Charleston, South Carolina

Napa Valley grape cluster in Sonoma, California.

Gourmet Food and Wine Tours: Napa Valley

Foodie tour Los Angeles Thai food

Melting Pot Food Tours: Los Angeles

Foodie tour pizza in New York City

Foods of New York Tours: New York City

Foodie tour classic Chicago hot dog with french fries

Chicago Food Planet: Chicago

Gumbo in New Orleans

Doctor Gumbo Tours: New Orleans

Foodie tour dim sum San Francisco, California

Local Tastes of the City Tours: San Francisco

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Food Tourism: What It Means And Why It Matters

Kristen Fleming, RD

Kristen Fleming holds a Master of Science in Nutrition. Over her 8 years of experience in dietetics, she has made significant contributions in clinical, community, and editorial settings. With 2 years as a clinical dietitian in an inpatient setting, 2 years in community health education, and 4 years of editorial experience focusing on nutrition and health-related content, Kristen's expertise is multifaceted.

food tourism places

Food. Many love to eat it, some love to cook it, and others simply love to talk about it. It is no secret that food plays a significant role in our lives. And while we all have our own unique relationship with food, there is one thing that we can all agree on – food is an experience .

Food tourism is the act of traveling for the purpose of experiencing food. This can be anything from going on a wine tour to visiting a local farmer’s market. Food tourism has become a popular way to travel in recent years as it provides people with an opportunity to connect with the local culture through food.

Would you be interested in learning more about food tourism? Keep reading to find out what it is, why it matters, and some tips on how to get the most out of your food tourism experience.

What Is The Meaning Of Food Tourism?

Travelers often seek out destinations that offer them a chance to sample the local cuisine. This type of tourism is known as food tourism. It’s also called culinary tourism or gastronomy tourism.

Food tourism can take many different forms. It can be as simple as trying a new dish while on vacation, or it can involve planning an entire trip around visiting different restaurants and food festivals ( 8 ).

Some people even choose to study culinary tourism, which is a field that combines the elements of anthropology, sociology, and economics to understand how food can be used as a tool for cultural exchange ( 2 ).

No matter how you define it, food tourism is a growing trend all over the world. And it’s not just about trying new foods – it’s about understanding the culture and history behind them.

food tourism

What Are The Characteristics Of Food Tourism?

Food tourism includes any type of travel that revolves around experiencing food ( 6 ) ( 7 ). This can range from eating street food in Thailand to taking a cooking class in Italy.

Some of the most common activities associated with food tourism are:

Visiting Local Markets

Local markets are a great way to get a feel for the local cuisine. They also offer an opportunity to buy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Trying Street Food

Street food is a staple in many cultures and a great way to sample the local cuisine. It is often less expensive than sit-down restaurants and offers a more authentic experience.

Attending Food Festivals

Food festivals are a great way to try a variety of local dishes in one place. They also offer the opportunity to learn about the culture and history behind the food ( 10 ).

Taking Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local cuisine and how to cook traditional dishes. One may learn new cooking techniques, as well as about the culture and history behind the food.

Touring Wineries And Breweries

A common misconception is that food tourism only includes food and not beverages. However, touring wineries and breweries is a great way to learn about the local culture and taste the local products.

At a winery, one can learn about the wine-making process and taste the different types of wine produced in the region.

At a brewery, one can learn about the brewing process and taste the different types of beer produced in the region.

Some regions may be known for a certain type of spirit, and you can visit distilleries for those as well.

Read More: No Carb No Sugar Diet Meal Plan: Is It Healthy For Weight Loss?

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Eating At Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Fine dining is another aspect of food tourism. Michelin-starred restaurants are known for their excellent food and service.

While at it, one can also learn about the chef, the history of the restaurant, and the thought that goes into each dish.

Touring Food Factories

Food factories offer a behind-the-scenes look at how food is produced. This can be anything from a chocolate factory to a pasta factory.

Touring food factories is a great way to learn about the production process and see how the food is made.

food tourism

What Are The Benefits Of Food Tourism?

Food tourism can have a positive impact on both the traveler and the destination.

Benefits For The Traveler

Food tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. 

For travelers, it ( 5 ):

  • Offers the opportunity to try new foods and experience new cultures.
  • Is a great way to learn about the history and culture behind the food.
  • Can be a more authentic and immersive experience than other types of tourism.
  • Is a great way to support local businesses and the local economy.
  • Can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

Benefits For The Destination

Food tourism can also have a positive impact on the destination. 

For destinations, food tourism:

  • Can help to promote the local cuisine and culture.
  • Is a great way to attract visitors and boost the local economy.
  • Can help to create jobs and support local businesses ( 1 ).
  • Can help to improve the image of the destination.
  • Can help to preserve traditional foods and recipes.

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food tourism

What Are The Challenges Of Food Tourism?

While food tourism can have many positive benefits, there are also some challenges that need to be considered. These include:

1. Ensuring Food Safety And Hygiene Standards Are Met

Food safety is a major concern when traveling, and food-borne illnesses can ruin a trip ( 11 ). It is important to research the restaurants and markets before eating anything .

Using your common sense and following basic hygiene rules (such as washing your hands) can also help to reduce the risk of getting sick.

2. Ensuring Food Is Ethically And Sustainably Sourced

With the rise of food tourism, there is a danger that destinations will start to mass-produce food for tourists, rather than focus on quality. This can lead to unethical and unsustainable practices , such as using forced labor or over-fishing ( 3 ) ( 4 ).

3. Managing The Impact On The Environment

Food tourism can have a negative impact on the environment if it is not managed properly. For example, if too many people visit a destination, it can lead to pollution and damage to the local ecosystem ( 9 ).

4. Ensuring Fair Working Conditions For Those Involved In The Food Industry

The food industry is often characterized by low pay and long hours. This can be a problem for those working in the industry, as they may not be able to earn a decent wage or have enough time to rest.

5. Addressing The Issues Of Food Waste And Overconsumption

Food tourism often involves trying new and different foods . However, this can lead to food waste if people do not finish their meals or if they order more than they can eat.

It is important to be aware of the issue of food waste and to try to minimize it where possible.

food tourism

Where Is Food Tourism Most Popular?

Food tourism is particularly popular in countries with strong culinary traditions. Below are several examples of such destinations, along with a description of what they offer food tourists .

Porto (Portugal)

Porto is known for its port wine, which is produced in the surrounding Douro Valley. The city also has a number of traditional restaurants serving Portuguese cuisines such as bacalhau (codfish) dishes and francesinha (a sandwich with meat, cheese, and ham).

Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon is another Portuguese city with a strong culinary tradition . The city is known for its seafood, as well as for pastries such as the Pasteis de Belem (a type of custard tart).

Palermo (Italy)

Palermo is the capital of Sicily, an island with a rich culinary tradition. The city is known for its street food, which includes dishes such as arancini (fried rice balls) and panelle (fried chickpea fritters).

Vientiane (Laos)

Vientiane is the capital of Laos, and its cuisine reflects the influence of both Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. The city is known for dishes such as laab (a type of meat salad) and khao soi (a noodle soup).

San Sebastian (Spain)

San Sebastian is a Basque city located in northern Spain. The city is known for its pintxos (small plates) and for Basque dishes such as txakoli (a type of white wine) and cod with pil-pil sauce.

Paris (France)

Paris is one of the most popular food tourism destinations in the world. The city is known for its fine dining, as well as for its more casual bistros and cafes. 

Paris is also home to a number of markets, such as the famous Les Halles market, where food tourists can sample a variety of French specialties.

Read More: What Is The Ideal Ketosis Level For Weight Loss? How To Monitor Ketones

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New York City (USA)

New York City is another popular food tourism destination. The city offers a wide range of cuisines, from traditional American dishes to the cuisine of its many immigrant communities.

New York is also home to a number of famous restaurants, such as the Russian Tea Room and the Rainbow Room.

Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo is a city with a rich culinary tradition. The city is known for its sushi and ramen, as well as for its more traditional dishes such as tempura and yakitori. Tokyo is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a popular destination for food tourists.

Tips For Food Tourism

If you’re interested in trying out different cuisines while traveling, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your food tourism experience.

Do Some Research Before You Go

Read up on the cuisine of the place you’re visiting, and try to find out what dishes are particularly popular. This will help you narrow down your options and make sure you don’t miss out on any must-try dishes.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Recommendations

When you’re in a new city, ask the locals where they like to eat. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of some great places to try.

food tourism

Be Open To New Experiences

When you’re trying out new cuisine, don’t be afraid to experiment. You might find that you like something that you never would have thought to try before.

Respect Local Customs And Traditions

When you’re traveling, it’s important to remember that not everyone does things the same way as you do. Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and try not to offend anyone.

Enjoy Yourself!

Food tourism should be about enjoying new experiences and trying new things. So relax, and enjoy the ride.

The Bottom Line

Food tourism is a growing trend, and there are many destinations around the world that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or street food, it’s sure there’s a place that will suit your taste.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

  • A study on the importance of Food Tourism and its impact on Creating Career 2017 (2017, researchgate.net)
  • Culinary Tourism (2014, link.springer.com)
  • Darker still: Present-day slavery in hospitality and tourism services (2013, researchgate.net)
  • Disentangling tourism impacts on small-scale fishing pressure (2022, sciencedirect.com)
  • Food and tourism synergies: perspectives on consumption, production, and destination development (2017, tandfonline.com)
  • Foodies and Food Events (2014, tandfonline.com)
  • Food tourism value: Investigating the factors that influence tourists to revisit (2019, sagepub.com)
  • Global report on food tourism (2012, amazonaws.com)
  • Re-evaluating the environmental impacts of tourism: does EKC exist? (2019, link.springer.com)
  • Reviving Traditional Food Knowledge Through Food Festivals. The Case of the Pink Asparagus Festival in Mezzago, Italy (2020, frontiersin.org)
  • The Importance of Food Safety in Travel Planning and Destination Selection (2008, tandfonline.com)

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Taste Trekkers

What is Food Tourism?

Cape Cod Chef's Table

Food tourism (or "culinary tourism") is simply a matter of traveling beyond your immediate neighborhood to find great food. Of course, the further you are willing to travel, the broader the your range of culinary experiences will be. Whether you're heading to Italy for the pasta, Napa for the wine, or Texas for the barbecue, you are a food tourist. Of course, we prefer the term "Taste Trekker."

Sobe food tour

1. Am I a Taste Trekker ?

A food tourist might follow their favorite food truck from neighborhood to neighborhood, make a “bucket list” of restaurants across the globe to visit in their lifetime, or plan an entire vacation hands-on cooking workshops. But Taste Trekkers can also be more casual. You may be going to Paris to see the Louve, but if you're going to make darn sure that you eat well while you're there, you're still a Taste Trekker.

Beach Restaurant

2. Are Taste Trekkers food snobs?

Food tourism doesn't mean that you only eat gourmet meals. Often, food tourists are simply in search of authentic or new culinary experiences. Some Taste Trekkers like white table cloth restaurants, while others prefer street food. Food tourism isn't about the type of food that you eat; it's about the fact that when you go to a new place, you seek out new food experiences.

Dim Sum

3. What is Taste Trekkers ?

Taste Trekkers is a website designed for foodies who love travel and travelers who love food. We are a community that includes chefs, brewers, winemakers, artisanal food producers, food tour operators, food and travel writers, tourism professionals, and other local food experts to give you the inside scoop on all things delicious and interesting in the world of food. Our mission is to turn you on to new cuisines and new destinations, from the farm-fresh produce of California and the deep-fried alligator of the Louisiana bayou the the street food of Bangkok and the spice markets of Macedonia.

But you don't need to be "in the industry" to be a Taste Trekker. You just need to be a food lover who travels. (Yes, we're okay with the term "foodie.") Together, we'll help you create your next culinary adventure.

4. Get Our Best Food & Travel Articles

Sign up for email newsletter, and once a month we'll send you our best food and travel articles.

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Discover the main types of activities in Food Tourism

With the recovery of tourism, more experiences and activities of food tourism have gained prominence. But what activities are these?

In general, they are experiences that use food as a form of expression and connection with the local culture and biodiversity of a destination.

We have selected the main examples of food tourism activities to help you plan and understand how to make a culinary trip.

Examples of Food Tourism Activities

Food tours (food or beverage tours).

buying ingredients in the local market

Food tours are guided tours to gastronomic establishments, such as typical restaurants, local markets, street fairs, and specialty stores. Usually, the itineraries are themed and seek to bring an immersion, for example, tours in traditional neighborhoods, tours centered on street food, tours to explore exotic foods, typical drinks, etc.

Taking a food tour is the most delicious way to know a destination. You stroll and learn more about the place, in addition to tasting delicacies and typical dishes in an educational, safe, and relaxed way.

Cooking Classes

example of cooking class that became very trendy among food tourism activities

A type of activity that has increasingly filled the travel itineraries. If you like to cook, you’ll love taking a cooking class on your next trip. Imagine learning different recipes and techniques from a local chef?

There are several models of cooking classes in tourism: group, private, cooking schools with individual counters, at the residents’ house, with a visit to the market to buy the ingredients, for amateurs, for professionals, and so on. That is, there is no lack of options. The coolest of the cooking classes is that they are quite entertaining in addition to offering practical learning.

Now, for those who cannot travel, but want to learn how to make typical dishes from around the world, know that it is possible to find online cooking classes, an excellent way to travel without leaving your home!

Tasting Sessions

wine cups during a tasting session is a very popular activity of food tourism

This activity is already very famous in beverages, for example, wine, beer, and spirits tastings. These are sessions where different samples of drinks or foods are presented and savored.

The interesting thing about including Tasting Sessions in your travel itinerary is that you will have the opportunity to be guided by an expert to understand more about the product’s characteristics, the nuances of different production processes, or learn harmonization tips.

We’ve even done black pepper tasting in southern Cambodia – and it was an amazing experience. Today, we value and understand much more about black pepper, which helped develop our taste and knowledge.

Visits to Local Producers

pigs native to San Sebastian during a visit to a artisanal jamon rural producer at the OMT food tourism event

From planting to producing food and drinks, knowing how food reaches your table is essential in anyone’s life. In general, food production is more related to rural areas. Therefore, a good idea is to take advantage of leisure moments to do agritourism . It is possible to visit local producers and enjoy the countryside.

Usually, the producers organize and guide the visit, or it is done through specialized guides and agencies. Examples are visiting productions of honey, cheese, wine, cold meats, fruit plantations, etc.

Travel on Regional Product Routes

visit to coffee producer at the south of Vietnam as part of travelling through regional product routes in gastronomy tourism

Now, if you really want to explore in-depth some authentic food or drink from the region – the best option is to follow product routes at the destination. For example, the route of coffee, wine, cheese, rice fields, etc.

These routes are usually promoted by the tourist offices in conjunction with local establishments – and have great historical and cultural value. You can explore these routes independently or through specialized tours.

Eating at Regional Cuisine Restaurants

eating at a traditional restaurant in Indonesian during a food trip

Eating in restaurants that express the culture of a destination through their dishes is also food tourism.

What counts here is the proposal of the restaurant. The list can include traditional and classic restaurants to authentic establishments and popular with the residents. The experience may also include modern restaurants with innovative concepts focused on cultural and biodiversity appreciation.

Food and Cultural Festivals

food square at an international culinary event a perfect tourism activity

Many cities have a gastronomic event or cultural festival with themed food stalls. Here, cultural festivals that are not necessarily dedicated to gastronomy, but offer a good supply of food and drinks related to the region’s food traditions, are also worthwhile.

The tip to include food festivals in your trip is easy: Pay attention to the festive calendars of the city you intend to visit because where there is a party, there is food (and vice versa!).

Visit Fairs and Local Markets

visita aos mercados locais como parte de passeios e tours gastronômicos

A classic example of a food tourism activity. Visiting markets and fairs are an excellent way to try ingredients and learn about the region’s biodiversity while interacting with producers and the local community.

Visits can be made independently or guided. As we have already mentioned, many cooking classes start with visits to the local markets. Food tours may also include it in their program.

Workshops that teach Artisan Production

home made jam in Brazil

This activity is a little more immersive, with educational programs – short or long – that teach how to prepare traditional products in an artisanal way. Perfect for those who like to reproduce their learnings at home after their trip.

Food tourism for all tastes

These were just a few examples of food tourism activities and experiences you can do while traveling. In general, to do this type of tourism, you just need to be interested in the place’s gastronomy. From there, it is up to you how you want to experience it, whether tasting a typical sweet at the cafe or through a guided tour to the country’s wineries. The best thing is to include several of these activities in your itinerary; after all, food tourism is for everyone.

Want to know more? Check out our tips on how to plan a culinary trip .
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6 of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod and its islands

Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are renowned for their excellent seafood. Whether you’re after a buttery lobster roll or a steaming bowl of clam chowder, here's the best restaurants serving up these much-loved classics.

food tourism places

Salt air, a summer breeze and the sound of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto a rocky shore. Summer on the coast of New England is an entire world unto itself, and the scene is incomplete without tucking into a creamy soft-shell crab sandwich. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are all renowned for their seafood restaurants, and the choices are varied and abundant — from high-end dining in historic New England cottages to dockside picnic tables overlooking the sea. Whether visitors choose to dine at traditional lobster shacks or modern oyster bars — it’s a guarantee that they will eat exceptionally well.

1.   The Homeport Martha’s Vineyard

This Chilmark-area oyster bar first opened its doors in 1930 and has been serving the freshest and most delectable steamers (softshell clams), steamed mussels and stuffed quahog clams (a New England speciality) in the decades since. From the ‘raw bar’ menu guests can order The Jaws platter to share; the film was famously shot on the island. Set in the 300-year-old fishing village of Menemsha, The Homeport is known for its stunning sunsets, smoked bluefish pate and ‘lobster in the semi-rough’ — served on the waterside patio or beside a roaring fire in the indoor dining room. Guests are encouraged to ‘leave the shells but take the memories’.

food tourism places

2.   The Sweet Life Martha’s Vineyard  

Experience a taste of the sweet life in the scenic town of Oak Bluffs, famous for its colourful Victorian architecture, historic lighthouses and 19th-century gingerbread cottages. The Sweet Life is a favourite among visitors and residents alike. The restaurant works closely with island fishermen, and the food and drink menus frequently change to reflect what’s seasonal and available. The seafood pasta remains an evergreen classic, however, and every Wednesday is pasta night — the squid ink tagliatelle with local littleneck clams is a must-try, as is the octopus gnocchi.

food tourism places

3.   Lobster Pot Cape Cod

In Cape Cod, the ocean plays an essential part in daily proceedings — both from a culinary and a leisure perspective. A day of clamming and sailing is best capped off with a Dark ’n’ Stormy cocktail and a dinner of freshly caught lobster. Lobster Pot is a beloved institution in the vibrant city of Provincetown, its neon sign having beckoned generations of visitors to its waterfront dining room since 1979. Peppered shrimp and sautéed squid are local favourites, but the main event is, of course, the lobster, which is served pan-roasted, baked, stuffed or boiled.

4.   Fishermen’s View Cape Cod

There are few days as perfect as a New England summer, and there are even fewer meals as delectable as piping hot New England clam chowder. Even on a hot August afternoon, there’s always a chill in the air along the Massachusetts coast, and ‘chowda’ (as the locals call it) hits just the spot. The house clam chowder at Fishermen’s View , in the bayside town of Sandwich, is among the best on the Cape. The restaurant’s sea-to-table ethos extends beyond just the servings on your plate, as you will catch glimpses of boaters and sailors as they navigate the busy canal and surrounding marina — a fisherman’s view, indeed.

food tourism places

5.   Brotherhood of Thieves Nantucket

Nantucket is an intoxicating blend of quaint New England charm set against a lively social backdrop — visitors arrive on the island as much for the scene as for the sea. Set on Broad Street in historic downtown Nantucket, Brotherhood of Thieves resembles an 1800s whaling tavern with a bustling bar and cosy, brick-lined interior. Enjoy the salty delights of the Atlantic with an inventive, modern twist — from lobster mac and cheese to tuna tostada and Nantucket sushi rolls (spicy scallops with tempura crunch). In the evening, the outdoor bar becomes a hub for island nightlife and post-dinner cocktails.

6.   The Nantucket Lobster Trap Nantucket  

To toast or not to toast? On Nantucket, that is the question   — regarding your lobster roll, of course. The Nantucket Lobster Trap has sidestepped this eternal debate by offering both options. Luckily, whichever way you order it, in the parlance of locals, it’s sure to be ‘wicked good’. The laid-back seafood shack also serves additional New England summer classics, including haddock, Nantucket Bay scallops and steamed mussels. The best part? There’s a takeout window for visitors to pick up their seafood to enjoy back at home or on a nearby beach. In this instance, the world truly is your oyster.

Related Topics

  • FOOD TOURISM

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'Food tourism' is full of tasty possibilities

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A journey enriched with cuisine and culture

As reported by China Tourism News, the merging of culture and tourism has prompted several cities in China to explore their culinary heritage while transforming food tours into cultural experiences.

The recent surge in popularity of Zibo barbecue is testament to this effort. Zibo, located in East China's Shandong province, was not widely known as a tourist destination. However, over the past three months the industrial city's succulent barbecue has gained immense popularity and attracted a massive influx of visitors who have turned it into a tourist hot spot.

"I never expected Zibo barbecue to become so popular all of a sudden!" said Zhang Linlin, deputy director of the business management department at Shandong College of Tourism and Hospitality. "With the recent intensive publicity, many of my young colleagues have rushed to try it out. They all praised its great taste and reasonable price."

Zhang is researching the Zibo barbecue craze to identify sustainable strategies that promote youth tourism and support the recovery of the tourism industry.

China boasts a diverse range of cuisine, and regions throughout the country have been actively exploring the potential of food as a catalyst for tourism growth.

In March, a monthlong festival featuring Dongpo food culture was held in Haikou, capital of Hainan province. The festival saw 10 cities that were once home to Su Dongpo, a renowned poet and gourmet during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), come together to showcase their unique Dongpo-related delicacies. The cities included Meishan in Sichuan province, Huanggang in Hubei province and Huizhou in Guangdong province.

In August 2022, at a festival featuring tourism and food in Fujian province, 126 booths showcased specialties such as smoked duck from Jian'ou, beef balls from Yongding and meat slices from Fuding, attracting throngs of locals and tourists to sample the fare.

Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, has been organizing high-profile food-themed events such as the Chengdu International Food Festival for years. Additionally, it has implemented a three-year action plan (2018-20) and a five-year action plan (2021-25) to establish itself as an international food capital.

Food plays a vital role in driving tourism spending and capturing a traveler's heart. Wu Liyun, an associate professor at the China Academy of Culture and Tourism of Beijing International Studies University, illustrated this point by reflecting on her own experiences: "The tantalizing skewers of Dujiangyan, the crispy and spicy Yimeng stir-fried chicken of Linyi and the delectable grilled oysters of Guangzhou were not only among the most memorable and important components of my itineraries, they were the greatest motivators for me to return," Wu said.

"When it comes to the most memorable city I have visited, the first one that comes to mind is Langkawi in Malaysia. It was the first overseas city I visited, where we ate creamy lobster on a beautiful afternoon at the beach. To some extent, the creamy lobster represents my most memorable experience in Langkawi and serves as a symbol of my trip there."

Tourism experts suggest that enhancing the role of culture can enrich the overall tourist experience.

According to Zhang Linlin with Shandong College of Tourism and Hospitality, Zibo has undertaken initiatives to recommend local attractions to young visitors, including the Zibo Ceramic and Glass Museum and the Qi Heritage Museum.

Li Qinglei, vice-dean of the school of tourism and geography of Yunnan Normal University's Faculty of Geography, suggested leveraging food industry associations and writers' and artists' associations to promote local food culture through initiatives such as soliciting food stories, organizing trips for literature and art personnel and new media creators, composing food guides, filming documentaries and applying for inclusion on intangible cultural heritage lists.

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

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1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

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2. Statue of Lenin

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3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

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5. Museum of Labor Glory

food tourism places

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

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10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

  • Statue of Lenin
  • Electrostal History and Art Museum
  • Park of Culture and Leisure
  • Museum and Exhibition Center
  • Museum of Labor Glory

Is Spain's late-night dining culture about to change?

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

food tourism places

The timing of dinner in Spain has recently been criticized by a government minister © Kevin Hellon / Shutterstock

If there’s one distinctive aspect of Spanish culture that stands out to tourists, it’s the tendency for activities, particularly dining, to occur later than in many countries.

Restaurants in Spain typically don’t open until around 8pm, and even then, they don’t fill up properly until around 9pm. In fact, it’s not unusual for dinners to extend to midnight and beyond. There’s no word for "evening" in Spanish, and the tarde  (afternoon) can last until 6 or 7pm when it’s unheard of to be out for dinner.

It has been that way for a long time but recently, Spain’s Second Vice President and Labor Minister, Yolanda Díaz, criticized the nation’s dining habits , arguing that it’s unreasonable for restaurants to remain open until 1am and for work meetings to continue until 8pm. She highlighted the significant difference in schedules between Spain and other European countries during a meeting with Spanish tourism leaders.

The minister said, “It is not reasonable for Spain to be a country where we convene meetings at 8 in the evening. It is not reasonable for a country that has its restaurants open at 1 a.m.” and suggested that this late-night lifestyle could negatively impact the mental well-being of hospitality industry workers.

Díaz received a lot of backlash for her comments, especially from the president of the local Madrid government, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who, during the pandemic, infamously kept many of the city’s bars and restaurants open. “Spain is different,” she responded on social media network X. “We have the best nightlife in the world with streets full of life and freedom. And that also promotes employment.”

Street cafes lively with people sitting and dining at restaurant terraces in the center of Madrid.

Why does Spain eat later than its European neighbors?

Spain's late dining is attributed to various factors, including a workday that extends longer and later than in most European countries, with businesses often closing for a few hours in the afternoon. Even though,  according to the European Commission , Spaniards work an average of 37.8 hours per week, which is near the EU average of 37 hours, the hours aren’t as rigid as in other European countries.

Many businesses, including shops, often close between 2pm and 4 or 5pm, giving Spaniards a two- or three-hour lunch break in which to eat their main meal of the day before returning to work to finish around 8pm. By the time they’ve gone home after work, cooked dinner or gotten ready to go out, it’s at least 9pm and the whole day has shifted.

Weather also plays a crucial role in Spain’s late-night dining habits. Often, in summer, it’s just far too hot to cook and eat when the sun is up, so it’s typical to wait until after sundown, which is around 9:30pm.

Diners sit at outside tables. A large clock overhead shows the time as 9:35pm

This is also evident from the fact that dining times change across the country depending on the climate. For example, in Andalusía in the south of Spain, which has some of the hottest summer temperatures, often reaching above 40°C (104°F), bars and restaurants typically stay open until 1am. While in the Basque Country , in the north of Spain, which has an average summer temperature of 25°C (77°F), bars and restaurants tend to close much earlier, around 11pm.

It doesn’t help that Spain is technically in the wrong time zone. According to its longitude, Spain should be in the same time zone as Portugal, Ireland and the UK, but during WWII, fascist dictator Francisco Franco changed the country’s time to align with Hitler and Germany.

Comparatively, dinner times in other European countries occur much earlier in the evening. In the UK, for example, dinner is eaten around 6:30–7:30pm; in France, it’s around 7:30–8:30pm, and in Sweden, it can be around 5–6pm.

People sit outside at restaurant tables tucked down a side street

Work-life balance

The Spanish schedule has drawn mixed reactions from both locals and expatriates, with some appreciating the vibrant late-night culture and others calling for a schedule more aligned with the rest of Europe to improve work-life balance and sleep quality.

Mireia Goula, a Catalan from Barcelona, says, “I think it’s fine for restaurants to stay open until 1am on the weekends; why not?” But she has a very different opinion when it comes to Spain’s late timetable during the week. “If we wake up and start work at the same as other Europeans, then we should finish at the same time too,” she explains. “Timetables here are too late, and I think we don’t get enough sleep. Sometimes, it’s very difficult to even get out to eat before 9pm.”

Dan Convey, a Briton who lives in Spain, believes that Spain’s late-night bar and restaurant culture is more civilized than back in the UK. “It’s a lot better going out to a tapas bar or restaurant until 1am rather than having to go to a nightclub because there are no other options open,” he explains. “It also means that alcohol is drunk in moderation and is always accompanied by food.”

A good work-life balance is very important in Spanish culture, and most socializing takes place around the dinner table or in restaurants. Therefore, when the workday is over, bars and restaurants play an essential role in bringing friends and families together for as long as possible. It’s not just about the eating; people linger afterward to relax, chat, and enjoy drinks and coffee in what’s known as sobremesa . 

Extra-long lunch breaks and afternoon siestas have mostly been phased out in big companies in major cities, but even so, it doesn’t seem like dining times are going to change any time soon. Despite what the politicians say, most Spaniards are proud of the late-night dining scene and could never even imagine eating dinner at 6pm. And as summers just keep getting hotter and hotter, could dinners get even later?

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A blue-lit aquarium tank is filled with orange jellyfish. In the foreground are dark, backlit forms of people, including a baby in the arms of a woman, observing the jellyfish.

Frugal Traveler

A Cheapskate in Monterey

We put the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the frugal test, combining a hefty dose of stunning nature with affordable restaurants, budget lodgings and a few splurges.

The jellyfish exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Caif. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium, the author writes, “is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.” Credit... Jason Henry for The New York Times

Supported by

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

  • Published March 20, 2024 Updated March 25, 2024

My first view of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast was thrilling — a raft of 40-something sea otters — and free. The next time I would get close to them, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium , it cost nearly $60. That split between free access to outdoor wonders and investment-grade attractions epitomized my experience in the area.

Like so much of coastal California, the Monterey Peninsula, home to famous Pebble Beach golf courses and exclusive towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea (known simply as Carmel), connotes wealth. It is encompassed by Monterey County, a roughly 3,300-square-mile area, which includes Big Sur, where accommodations at luxury resorts like the Post Ranch Inn start at around $1,500 a night.

With a budget of less than half of that for three days, I put Monterey — the town and the county — to the frugal test. In January, a quiet and thrifty time of year, I trusted parks and preserves, unsung hotels and small businesses to keep things economical, even if sampling the variety of Monterey — ranging from historic cities to redwood forests, tide pools and vineyards — required renting a car ($175).

Seeking Steinbeck

In the center of a waterside plaza on a sunny day, bronze statues of men and women are perched on a large, stony mound. The plaza is crowded. People sit on benches; some lean on the railing and look at the water. On one side is a tall palm tree.

My introduction to Monterey, John Steinbeck’s 1945 classic novel “Cannery Row,” describes its waterfront lined in sardine canneries as “a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” It’s hard to find that gritty romance along today’s Cannery Row , which boomed in the 1930s and ’40s, before overfishing killed supply.

Now chains such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Sunglass Hut replace “weedy lots and junk heaps,” though a central plaza with bronze sculptures of Steinbeck and some of his characters pays tribute to the past.

Still, the spirit of the book’s protagonist, Doc — a marine biologist based on the real-life scientist Ed Ricketts — lives on at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is housed in the former Hovden Cannery. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.

“We bring the ocean to people to inspire them with things they might not get to see otherwise,” said Madi Frazier, an aquarium naturalist, as she guided me to a kelp forest modeled on the one found just beyond the bayfront building’s glass walls.

A wing devoted to deepwater ecology held bright red bloody-belly comb jellyfish, stringy bioluminescent siphonophores and four-foot-high Japanese spider crabs that inched along in the gloom. A dune-style aviary offered opportunities to observe a normally skittish red knot at close range. Bat rays glided beneath tentative fingers in shallow touch tanks.

A few blocks away, Katie Blandin named her five-year-old cocktail bar Pearl Hour after “the hour of the pearl,” described in “Cannery Row” as “the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.”

We met during happy hour — 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday — when classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver No. 2 go for $10 (normally $13). Ms. Blandin plants the bar’s back patio in succulents, flowers and herbs, many of which make their way into her cocktails.

“I think even a cocktail should have a sense of terroir,” she said.

Old Monterey

The oldest part of Monterey — an outpost of Spain and then Mexico dating back to the 17th century — lies just over a mile south of Cannery Row in a pedestrian-friendly downtown where signs flag historic adobe buildings.

Among several modestly priced hotels there, I booked the Hotel Abrego , where my $130-a-night room included a Keurig coffee machine and spacious glassed-in shower. Its $20 nightly resort fee, included in the room total, covered parking, a hot breakfast buffet and a glass of wine.

It was easy walking distance to lively Alvarado Street, lined in restaurants and shops. A 19th-century complex, the Cooper Molera Adobe , includes an orchard, barn and house museum (free) behind its walls, and the Alta Bakery and Cafe , where I sipped coffee ($3) on the tranquil patio.

Down the block, Ad Astra Bread Co . sells aromatic loaves of sourdough ($10 each) from Ron Mendoza, the former pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Aubergine in nearby Carmel.

“For the last five years, some of our leading chefs have abandoned fine dining and opened artisanal food businesses,” said Deborah Luhrman, the editor and publisher of the food magazine Edible Monterey Bay , who recommended both bakeries.

The brewpub Alvarado Street Brewery was buzzing when I stopped in for a quinoa bowl ($16) and a Mai Tai tropical I.P.A. for $8. Nearby, my favorite cheap find, El Charrito Express , served substantial barbacoa wraps stuffed with marinated beef, beans and rice for $6.99.

Chancing it in Carmel

From the outset, it felt like a losing bet to take my penny-pinching budget to chic Carmel-by-the-Sea, the one-square-mile seaside town where the actor Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

Even getting there comes at a price: 17-Mile Drive , the coastal scenic route, costs $12 to drive. Fortunately, it’s free to cyclists, which helped take the edge off the cost of the bike I rented to explore some of Monterey’s celebrated cycling routes .

From the bike shop Mad Dogs & Englishmen in Monterey, I rented an electric bike ($40 for four hours) to assist in the long ride — about 28 miles round-trip — and its hills. The deal included free valet parking for my car at the adjacent Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.

On a cool January morning, frothy aquamarine waves broke on the granite rocks that barricaded the coast, tempting me to stop every half mile or so to admire their churn. A thick fog blew in as I reached the area’s renowned shorefront links, dramatizing their sand bunkers and wind-shorn cypress trees. I passed a landscape painter and jaw-dropping Pebble Beach mansions before coasting into Carmel.

Amid luxury retailers like Tiffany and Bottega Veneta I found the new Korean restaurant Jeju Kitchen in the outdoor Carmel Plaza . My salmon rice bowl was not cheap at $26, but it was delicious, substantial and only a few dollars more than food truck options at the Carmel Farmers Market across the street.

Monarchs, redwoods and waterfalls

It was far easier to stretch my budget seeking nature in Monterey, home to 99 miles of coastline.

I started at the 2.4-acre Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary , where mature Monterey pine trees attract overwintering butterflies that are known to cluster in groups of up to 1,000 from November through February (free).

Using binoculars, I spied bright orange monarchs catching early-morning rays from the tips of pine boughs like mini-solar panels. A pair of deer grazed in the shade below while a set of acorn woodpeckers chattered in the treetops. The abundant bird life drew the attention of two red-shouldered hawks, which glided in silently.

Continuing south along the coast, I spent a sunny afternoon at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (admission $10). The craggy headland has been the setting for classic Hollywood films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” and attracted the photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams .

The reserve, which has a special conservation status within the state park system, was created by a land donation to protect its cypress grove, according to Kathleen Lee, the executive director of the nonprofit Point Lobos Foundation , which supports the park with fund-raising and docent training. In a phone interview, she directed me to the forest, noting that it is “one of only two native Monterey cypress groves remaining in California.”

Atop vertiginous cliffs, a trail wound bravely through the wind-sculpted trees. Below them, harbor seals appeared in the backwash of coves. A short drive south, I scrambled over wet rocks at Weston Beach — named for the photographer — to find tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones and hermit crabs.

Waning light chased me from the park as I set out south, eager to make the drive down famously curvy Highway 1 in Big Sur before dark. The rugged coast of towering redwoods and mountains that plunge into the ocean was named El Sur Grande , or the Big South, by Mexican colonizers as an unmapped wilderness.

Twenty-two miles south of Point Lobos, Ripplewood Resort got its start when the highway was being built in the 1920s. I booked a rustic but comfortable cabin there for $135 a night and woke to find it ideally located just a few miles north of Big Sur Bakery , a beacon of artisanal baking that seemed impossible in such a remote location (a Cheddar-and-chive scone cost $5.50).

Ripplewood also lies close to a series of coastal parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , where the four-mile Buzzard’s Roost Trail ascended amid redwoods to ridge-top ocean views (admission, $10, good at all state parks for the day). Nine more wiggly miles south, McWay Falls cascades onto a pristine beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park . Between them, I stopped at frequent turnouts to scan for migrating gray whales exhaling telltale spouts.

A safari and a tasting

The survival of southern sea otters in California is a comeback story. Hunted nearly to extinction for their thick pelts, sea otters managed to hang on in the most remote coves and crags of Big Sur, where a few individuals were discovered in 1938. Now numbering about 3,000, the endangered marine mammals are some of the most charismatic residents in the Central Coast’s kelp beds.

They also thrive in Elkhorn Slough , a coastal wetland preserve in Moss Landing, about 27 miles north of Monterey. There, I boarded an electric catamaran from Monterey Bay Eco Tours to troll the calm waters on a 90-minute cruise ($45).

Within minutes, we spotted harbor seals hauled out on muddy banks shared by marbled godwits, black-necked stilts and whimbrel, some of the park’s more than 300 species of birds. Mother otters fed their babies sea cucumbers, gave them swimming lessons and carried sleeping pups as they floated on their backs.

“Elkhorn Slough is a low-stress environment for them,” said Cindy Rice, a naturalist guide leading the tour.

The drive to my last stop — Monterey’s vineyards — took me through the agricultural flats surrounding Salinas, which grows 70 percent of the nation’s salad greens, some 20 miles to the Salinas Valley , which nurtures pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in the foothills of the Santa Lucia range.

Attracted by vintage tractors, I turned into the family-owned Rustiqué Wines and found its convivial tasting room lodged in a former dairy barn filled not with hushed aficionados swirling and evaluating wine, but with a sociable crowd enjoying glasses of estate pinot noir and oaked chardonnay in the spirit of happy hours everywhere.

The winemaker Chad Silacci and two other family members worked the bar and the crowd. The winery, established in 2006, has built a following through concerts, events and warm hospitality (tastings cost $20, waived with a two-bottle purchase).

“We want it to be comfortable,” Mr. Silacci said, indicating the tasting room’s sofas and chairs arrayed around a wood-burning stove. “It’s kind of like walking into our family’s living room.”

I finished an earthy pinot, thinking the investment, like so many in Monterey, paid unanticipated returns.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the name of a hotel in Monterey, Calif. It is Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, not Monterey Place Hotel & Spa.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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From Canada to Mexico, AAA Announces New Four Diamond Hotels and Restaurants

Two aaa five diamond hotels retain their highly distinguished designation.

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WASHINGTON, DC (March 25, 2024) – Five hotels and one restaurant are the newest additions to AAA’s Four Diamonds list. Throughout the year, AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants across North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica to verify the 4 Cs of AAA Diamonds: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency. This month, hotels in Canada, Mexico, and Florida and a San Antonio restaurant became AAA Four Diamond properties, offering upscale amenities, remarkable service, and outstanding dining options. 

  • Paradox Hotel Vancouver , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  
  • AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada   
  • Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection , Fort Myers, Florida   
  • Aguascalientes Marriott Hotel , Aguascalientes, Mexico  
  • Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico , Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
  • Mixtli, San Antonio, Texas   

Two AAA Five Diamond hotels continue their tradition of excellence, retaining their distinguished designation another year.  

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain , Manara, Arizona (AAA Five Diamonds since 2015)  
  • Salamander Middleburg , Middleburg, Virginia (AAA Five Diamonds since 2022)   

Click below to view all AAA Five and Four Diamond properties:  

Five Diamond Hotels     

Five Diamond Restaurants     

Four Diamond Hotels     

Four Diamond Restaurants  

Diamond lists are updated monthly, as AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants throughout the year.  

Diamond designations reflect AAA Inspectors’ commitment to quality and consistency in the hospitality industry. Diamond Inspectors are trained professionals who travel across North America to conduct unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections.     

Currently, there are approximately 130 Five Diamond hotels and 60 Five Diamond restaurants, and 1,700 Four Diamond hotels and 500 Four Diamond restaurants.  

Five Diamond properties offer ultimate luxury and leading-edge cuisine.     

Four Diamond properties offer upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining .    

Plan a visit to Diamond properties on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel planning tool, or connect with a AAA travel agent for recommendations and hotel reservations.  

The 4Cs of AAA Diamonds      

Cleanliness: AAA hotel inspections include ATP surface testing, the same technology used to verify cleanliness in the healthcare and food service industries.    

Comfort: Inspectors evaluate a property’s quality of experience, range of amenities, and level of hospitality.    

Cuisine: Diamond restaurants are assessed on their food, service, and vibe. Inspectors dine at these properties anonymously.    

Consistency: AAA Diamond properties – no matter the designation – have one thing in common: consistency. Unlike subjective star reviews, Diamond inspections rely on published guidelines based on industry standards.    

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, and financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including more than 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com  

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Asian Grocery Behemoth Ranch 99 Market and Eight More Upcoming Restaurants

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Coming Attractions

Wondering what’s in the works in the Chicago area for restaurants, bars, and cafes? Look no further than Eater Chicago’s guide to spring 2024’s coming attractions for dining. Did we miss something? Send Eater Chicago a tip at [email protected] .

Jefferson Park: Family-friendly coffee shop and indoor play space Sunny Village Cafe will open in June at 5918 W. Lawrence Avenue, owner Georgena Hurst tells Block Club Chicago . The idea stemmed from a trip that Hurst, her husband Seokhee Burningham, and their two sons took in 2023 to South Korea, where they encountered numerous “kid cafes.” The genre has grown so popular that the Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to open 400 city-run “kid cafes” by the end of 2026. Sunny Village Cafe will include an area for stroller parking, as well as a counter serving coffee, tea, baked goods, and more.

Jefferson Park: Prohibition-era nostalgia is likely to reach new heights with the debut of Vito’s Vault, a speakeasy-style dinner theater spot that’s aiming for an April debut at 5901 W. Lawrence Avenue, according to Block Club . Owner Mark Forrest Virkler spent nearly two decades working at Tommy Gun’s Garage, a 1920s-themed spot in South Loop. After it closed in the early years of the pandemic, Virkler set out to spin off his iteration in the hope of reviving the popularity that dinner theater once enjoyed. Vito’s patrons can expect a three-course meal (options will include steak, chicken, fish, and pasta) and a 90-minute stage show featuring comedy, songs, and interactive “police raids” that bring the audience into the production.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beity (@beitychicago)

Fulton Market: Long-awaited French-Lebanese restaurant Beity, the debut project from chef Ryan Fakih, has applied for a liquor license at 813 W. Fulton Market. Fakih says he’s aiming to open in early summer. First announced in March 2023, Beity was originally slated to open in River North, but plans have changed and it will now replace shuttered wine bar Joe’s Imports.

Pilsen: Local craft beer maker Monochrome Brewing has applied for a liquor license at 2101 S. Carpenter Street, a space that was once home to shuttered brewery and taproom Lo Rez .

Streeterville: Chapel Street Cafe, a new Australian restaurant specializing in Aussie staples like Lamington cake, flat whites, and toast with Vegemite, is slated for a November debut at 198 E. Delaware Place on the ground floor of the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites, according to Crain’s . Owner Shawn Uldridge, an Australian who moved to Chicago in 2014, is also behind West Loop’s Publishing House Bed & Breakfast and opened wine bar The Press Room , though he’s no longer involved in the latter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Cosey (@david.cosey_chi)

Uptown: Chicago Pickle Eatery , an Avondale deli that’s garnered a following with enormous New York City bodega-style sandwiches, is aiming to expand in March into a sister location at 4515 N. Sheridan Road, owner Mohamad Atieh announced on Instagram . Atieh moved to Chicago from New York City three years ago and tells reporters that he observed a gap in his new city’s corner store offerings. He’s working to fill that chasm with a menu of hefty sandwiches like the eponymous Chicago Pickle (pastrami, corned beef, pickles, coleslaw, Swiss, Russian dressing) and the steak and cheese, a riff on famed regional delicacies like Philly cheesesteaks and New York chopped cheese.

Wicker Park: Trattoria RnB, a new Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, is working toward a debut at 2101 W. North Avenue, the former home of indie pizzeria Knead, according to its website . An opening date is not yet available.

Evanston: Nearly a year after its closure, Irish pub The Celtic Knot has announced plans to reopen in the former home of Lush restaurant at 2022 Central Street in suburban Evanston, according to Evanston Round Table . Owners Liz and Patrick Breslin say fans can expect a smaller, cozier space and a slimmed-down menu, but promise they hope to recreate the pub’s lively atmosphere with live music and a crew of regulars.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Celtic Knot Public House (@celticknotevanston)

Naperville: California-born brand Ranch 99 Market , said to be the largest Asian grocery chain in the country, is poised to take over a former Dominick’s grocery store at 1555 N. Aurora Road in suburban Naperville, according to the Tribune . It’s pegged to debut in 2025 and will include a food court called Eat Up. The chain, also called Tawa Supermarket, was founded in 1984 by Roger Chen, a Taiwanese immigrant, and currently operates 54 stores across 10 states . The Naperville location is part of the area’s Riverbrook Shopping Center, which is now owned by Texas-based developer NewQuest Asia-Pacific Retail. In early January, NewQuest reps told reporters that the company plans to transform the center into a hub for Asian restaurants and businesses.

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Milan Travel Guide, Streetwear, Restaurants, Hotels, Bottega Veneta, DMAG, Airbnb, Marriott, Westin, Antonia

How To Do Milan In Style

From dmag’s secondhand finds to le specialita’s homegrown menu, here’s the local hype..

Welcome to Local Hype , a travel diary where we compile a curated list of our “Hometown Heroes” for you to enjoy. Featuring the buzziest hotels, restaurants and local treasures that we’ve experienced for ourselves suggested by the city’s locals.

Next up? Milan , the city of luxury fashion, contemporary design and menus that make you want to cancel your return flight.

Milan Travel Guide, Streetwear, Restaurants, Hotels, Bottega Veneta, DMAG, Airbnb, Marriott, Westin, Antonia

Restaurants

Milan Travel Guide, Streetwear, Restaurants, Hotels, Bottega Veneta, DMAG, Airbnb, Marriott, Westin, Antonia

Hotels and Accommodation

Milan Travel Guide, Streetwear, Restaurants, Hotels, Bottega Veneta, DMAG, Airbnb, Marriott, Westin, Antonia

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IMAGES

  1. Food And Travel: 27 Food Experiences From Around The World

    food tourism places

  2. The BEST Food Tours in the World

    food tourism places

  3. World's Best Food Tours

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  4. What Is Food Tourism?

    food tourism places

  5. Cannes Food Tour

    food tourism places

  6. Japan's Kitchen: 12 Essential Osaka Food Tours

    food tourism places

VIDEO

  1. Do Chinese Fast Food Places Really Overfill the Plate?

  2. Food Tourism

  3. पलंगतोड़ & Banaras STREET FOOD Tour in Evening

  4. The Most Underrated Foodie Destinations in Europe #culturetrip

  5. Places to eat in Jayanagar food street 🥗ft.Meghana #vaisshnavi

  6. Food tourism in Tokyo #travel #beautiful #music #travelvlog #travelling #what

COMMENTS

  1. The world's best food destinations in 2019

    Whether it's an Italian temple of gastronomy or an Indian veggie paradise, some places seem to have good food woven into their DNA. From Mendoza to Mysore and Bologna to Beirut, we pick out some of the best destinations for food lovers. By National Geographic Traveller Food. Published 9 Apr 2019, 00:20 BST. Lebanese salad Fattoush and a prawn ...

  2. 10 of the best foodie destinations around the world

    7. Savor crayfish by the sea on New Zealand's South Island. New Zealand 's scenery is a big allure for travelers who want to experience its incredible array of mountains, fields and coastlines. But beyond its eye-candy appeal, this lush environment also produces a wealth of delicious ingredients.

  3. 21 Top Foodie Destinations Around the World

    One of the best places you can travel to for an amazing foodie trip is Turkey. As one of the most visited countries in the world, Turkey has a lot to offer visitors. ... and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks ...

  4. 21 best food cities around the world

    1 of 21. 1. LONDON Get a crash course in British food culture by exploring bustling Borough Market, at the south end of London Bridge. Vendors peddle everything from just-caught seafood and just ...

  5. Your Guide to the Top 10 Food Destinations in the World

    1 Tokyo, Japan | ASIA. There's a reason why Japan consistently makes it to the list of the 10 best global food destinations - the uniqueness of its food culture. In 2013, traditional Japanese cuisine, or " washoku " was added by UNESCO into its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the second cuisine to be conferred this honor.

  6. Best Food Destinations in the World

    The Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It's awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone. 2024. 01.

  7. World's Best Food Destinations in 2022

    Every year, the world's largest travel platform reveals the best destinations based on user ratings and reviews. In addition to its usual popular and trending lists, this year, Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards has ranked the best foodie destinations for 2022, highlighting the most loved spots around the globe.. With more than 13,000 restaurants and an outstanding culinary history, Rome ...

  8. What Is Food Tourism?

    Food Tourism began to catch on as a mainstream interest, with the help and exposure from social media and television shows. Food tourism now includes the full range of experiences like cooking classes, producer visits, street food, locals-only pubs, touring rustic wineries, or diving into one-of-a-kind restaurants.

  9. 15 Food Tours Worth the Travel

    Traveler contributor Daisann McLane designs private food tours (three people max) that reveal the culinary nuances of such culturally vibrant Hong Kong neighborhoods as Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and ...

  10. What's New in the World of Food Tourism & Culinary Travel?

    1. Oktoberfest - Germany: Oktoberfest is one of the world's largest and most famous beer festivals, held annually in Munich, Germany. The festival usually takes place from late September to the first weekend in October. It celebrates Bavarian culture with an abundance of traditional German beer, food, music, and various attractions.

  11. Food Travel Tips: Planning for a Memorable Culinary Journey

    These places may not adhere to food safety regulations and could pose a risk to your health. ... Food travel is an extraordinary journey, offering a unique lens through which to explore a destination's culture, history, and traditions. It invites you to indulge in culinary delights, discover a world brimming with flavors and aromas, and ...

  12. Culinary tourism: The growth of food tourism around the world

    Food tourism is a vitally important component of the travel and tourism industry as a whole. When booking a trip, people tend to consider a variety of factors - and food is high on the list of priorities. The World Food Travel Association says that money spent on food and drink while travelling accounts for 15-35% of all tourism spending.

  13. Reinventing The Future Of Food Tourism

    Before the coronavirus pandemic paused travel and battered the economy, the company was offering culinary tourists over 1000 different food experiences, spread over 180 cities in more than 60 ...

  14. How To Get The Most Out Of Your Food Tourism Experience

    To get the most out of your food tourism experience, immerse yourself in the local culture. Venture beyond the typical tourist traps and seek out places where locals dine. If the area is bustling, the food smells good, and you don't see many tourists around — you may have won yourself a gourmet jackpot. Street food stalls, farmer markets, and ...

  15. The 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America

    New Orleans. Café Du Monde's famous coffee and beignets date back to the Civil War, when the original coffee stand opened in 1862. The café serves its trademark java black or au lait with a ...

  16. The 15 Best Foodie Tours in the USA

    The Original Food, Wine & History Tour combines regional history, architecture and culture with food and wine tastings from popular locales like Vella Cheese Company and Wine Country Chocolates ...

  17. What Is Food Tourism?

    It is related to all activities that use food as a means of connection between people, places, and time. Food tourism is composed of activities that provide experiences of consumption and appreciation of food and beverages, presented in such a way that values the history, the culture, and the environment of a particular region. Food'n Road.

  18. Food Tourism: What It Means And Why It Matters

    Food tourism can also have a positive impact on the destination. For destinations, food tourism: Can help to promote the local cuisine and culture. Is a great way to attract visitors and boost the local economy. Can help to create jobs and support local businesses (1). Can help to improve the image of the destination.

  19. What is Food Tourism?

    A food tourist might follow their favorite food truck from neighborhood to neighborhood, make a "bucket list" of restaurants across the globe to visit in their lifetime, or plan an entire vacation hands-on cooking workshops. But Taste Trekkers can also be more casual. You may be going to Paris to see the Louve, but if you're going to make ...

  20. The Most Popular Activities Of Food Tourism For Your Trip

    Visit Fairs and Local Markets. A classic example of a food tourism activity. Visiting markets and fairs are an excellent way to try ingredients and learn about the region's biodiversity while interacting with producers and the local community. Visits can be made independently or guided.

  21. 6 of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod and its islands

    3. Lobster Pot Cape Cod In Cape Cod, the ocean plays an essential part in daily proceedings — both from a culinary and a leisure perspective. A day of clamming and sailing is best capped off ...

  22. THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Pavlovsky Posad

    Best Dining in Pavlovsky Posad, Moscow Oblast: See 193 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 16 Pavlovsky Posad restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more.

  23. 'Food tourism' is full of tasty possibilities

    China boasts a diverse range of cuisine, and regions throughout the country have been actively exploring the potential of food as a catalyst for tourism growth. In March, a monthlong festival featuring Dongpo food culture was held in Haikou, capital of Hainan province. The festival saw 10 cities that were once home to Su Dongpo, a renowned poet ...

  24. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Elektrostal

    Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia: See Tripadvisor's 801 traveler reviews and photos of Elektrostal tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. We have reviews of the best places to see in Elektrostal. ... Restaurants Flights Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. Add a Place Airlines Travelers' Choice Help Center ...

  25. Is Spain's late-night dining culture about to change?

    This is also evident from the fact that dining times change across the country depending on the climate. For example, in Andalusía in the south of Spain, which has some of the hottest summer temperatures, often reaching above 40°C (104°F), bars and restaurants typically stay open until 1am. While in the Basque Country, in the north of Spain, which has an average summer temperature of 25°C ...

  26. California's Monterey Peninsula on a Budget

    We put the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the frugal test, combining a hefty dose of stunning nature with affordable restaurants, budget lodgings and a ...

  27. Swedish Restaurants Indicate Larger Price Hikes as Riksbank Plans Rate

    A gauge of Swedish businesses' pricing plans rose slightly as hotels and other service providers indicated that they plan to increase prices just as interest rates in the biggest Nordic economy ...

  28. From Canada to Mexico, AAA Announces New Four Diamond Hotels and

    Diamond Inspectors are trained professionals who travel across North America to conduct unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections. Currently, there are approximately 130 Five Diamond hotels and 60 Five Diamond restaurants, and 1,700 Four Diamond hotels and 500 Four Diamond restaurants.

  29. Asian Grocery Behemoth Ranch 99 Market and Eight More Upcoming Restaurants

    It's pegged to debut in 2025 and will include a food court called Eat Up. The chain, also called Tawa Supermarket, was founded in 1984 by Roger Chen, a Taiwanese immigrant, and currently ...

  30. Milan Travel Guide: Streetwear, Restaurants, Hotels

    Restaurants. Bar Paradiso At the intersection of fashion and food, Bar Paradiso is as much a spot to enjoy small bites as it is to admire fits. From selling limited edition Gucci postcards to hosting intimate fashion week dinners, the bar is the perfect place to unwind for a glass of organic wine in style. As for food, the menu is packed with ...