For food-loving travelers, the cuisine is ALWAYS an important factor when choosing a holiday destination. If not the most important. Whether it is a spicy Indian curry, a sweet Danish dessert, or a traditional Turkish kebab, each country around the world has so many delicious native dishes ready and waiting for you. But some are simply better for foodies than others. #sorrynotsorry.
If you agree that food is basically everything, check out these TOP nine cities for foodies which offer gastronomical experiences like no other… and are super exciting for sightseeing as well.
And because we love to share the best moments with our friends and family, it’s never a bad idea to send a couple of tummy-rumble inspiring pictures of the best dishes. But how oh how to take the perfect travel food picture? Phew, we’ve found out already – check it out!
#1 Delhi, India
From the finest of dining to cheap and delicious street food, Indian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and often uses an equally diverse range of ingredients. Often referred to as the food capital of India, Delhi has a lively street food scene, with an eclectic mix of delicious meals and snacks to choose from. Whether you would prefer chole bhature, golgappa, aloo chaat, or one of the thousands of curries out there, there is truly something for everyone. Butter Chicken is a particular fave, as well as pakodas.
#2 New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
There are many states in the US which have their own regional and delicious dishes, but Louisiana, and particularly New Orleans, is absolutely one of the most distinct and arguably some of the best food around – ever.
Influenced by the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the city, the cuisine in New Orleans is a melting pot of delicious flavors. From traditional jambalaya to freshly caught crawfish, delicious vats of gumbo and sweet beignets (kind of like donuts – but more square – consisting of deep-fried dough covered in sugar. Why is sugar so gooood?).
#3 Lyon, France
French cuisine is often revered, and a great destination for food-loving holiday-makers is, without a doubt, the city of Lyon. This is Frances’s third-largest city, located in the mid-eastern part of the country. Lyonnaise cuisine is said to have been influenced by Catherine De Medici, who brought Italian flavors with her when she moved from Florence in the 16th Century. The city is also the birthplace of the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, whose restaurant has held three Michelin Stars since 1965.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxed, bouchons are situated throughout the city and these family-run bistros provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as rustic French fare.
#4 Bangkok, Thailand
With a vibrant and lively culinary scene, as well as nightlife to rival basically anywhere else in the world, a holiday in Bangkok is at the top of many a bucket list. Thailand’s capital is a great destination for anyone who appreciates the glory of food, with such a diverse range of options to choose form. From Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to authentic and delicious street food, you can discover delicious and exciting new flavors around every corner.
Pad krapow is certainly worth a try and this rice dish with meat or seafood is a classic. If you have more of a sweet tooth though, Roti Gluay is a fried banana pancake which is bound to hit the spot.
In our post on the TOP 9 vegan-friendly cities worldwide we already mentioned the delicious food in Thailand. Chiang Mai is a hotspot for all foodies, vegan and non-vegan alike!
Thailand – what an amazing destination in so many ways!
#5 Mexico City, Mexico
With an endless array of restaurants and street food stalls providing regional foods from around the country, Mexico City is a top destination and one of the best cities for foodies from around the world. So many of us eat Mexican food on a regular basis, but, of course, it’s not just guac, burritos and tacos (even if those are super yummy!!!).
In Mexico City, there is a fabulous diversity of flavors, often using fresh ingredients and a wide array of herbs and spices. One of the best street foods in the city has to be hot tamales made from corn-based dough, cooked with herbs and stuffed to the brim, they are then wrapped in corn or banana leaves for cooking. But, fair warning.. Mexicans are renowned for a hot and flavorsome cuisine and some of native dishes are not for the fainthearted.
Curious about breakfast foods in Mexico? Find out about traditional breakfast meals across the world!
#6 Naples, Italy
Choosing just one foodie-fantastic city in Italy was always going to be a challenge, and lots of foodies decide to take a gastronomical tour of the country; with so many places being famous for their cuisines. But, given that Naples is the birthplace of pizza, we think this decision is justified. Whether you opt for the classic Margherita or fancy something different, this is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates this Italian classic.
However Naples isn’t all about pizza – the city is also world renewed for its gelato and has a fabulous range of pastries and baked treats. (The best gelato places in Italy, you ask? Find them all here.
#7 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
How do you single out one Spanish city for their amazing food when the whole nation is associated with some of the best on the planet? It’s a problem we ate our way through, arriving at Santiago de Compostela…
With octopus, garlic prawns, and the mouth-wateringly sweet tarta de Santiago, you are not going to be disappointed with Galician food. If you are heading out for lunch, we suggest you opt for the menu option. This usually contains three courses and a cerveza (meaning of course, beer).
#8 Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is one of the best places for foodies that is world-renowned for its delicious food, and it has many similarities to other countries on the Mediterranean. One of the highlights of the food scene in Istanbul has to be street stalls selling Midye Dolma, tender mussels stuffed with rice, herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
A typical dish is simit, a freshly baked sesame rolls, acma, and so on. The number one place to enjoy raki, Turkey’s national drink, and freshly caught balik, or fish, is fittingly the Galata bridge, with fabulous views of the sun going down on the Bosporus in the evening.
#9 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The pure diversity of flavor in Ho Chi Minh City makes this one of the must-visit destinations for foodies in 2020. Also known by its former name of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a population of 8.2 million.
Whilst it is a cosmopolitan metropolis, you can find elements of the traditional located throughout, and this is especially reflected within the cuisine. Both nutritious and delicious, dishes include rice noodles, seafood, pork, and beef.
A must-try is the banh mi, a quintessential Vietnamese dish which is perfect for a mid-day snack. Imagine a baguette in the french style but mixed with typical Vietnamese ingredients: coriander, fish sauce, and other vegetables. Super yummy!
Cities for foodies: #10 is your call!
Surprise! Our list of the best cities for foodies has a space left.. can you fill it? We’re guessing everybody has had a mouth-watering experience of their own while traveling. Tell us about it!
Fight for your favorite and help everyone find little bit of (yummy) motivation for 2020 at the same time!
Closing note – there’s no such thing as a bikini body anyway! 🙂
And now, here’s how to plan your city trip! Or discover the 7 most foodie destinations in South America!
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