The Best Foodie Destinations in the World

Jacada’s expert travel advisors can organise private custom food and wine tours. Experienced chefs and sommeliers will help you taste your way through the Argentine gourmet delights of outstanding cuts of steak and superior wines.

2. India

Curry fans will be spoilt for choice in India. Every region specialises in different flavours and styles, so tuck in and enjoy your curry with plain rice or flatbread, raitha to cut through the spice, chutney or poppadoms. Nothing beats the real, authentic flavours of India, and you can prepare yourself for a flavour explosion that goes far and above anything you’ve ever tasted back home.

Jaipur‘s cuisine is particularly interesting, being one of the few places that represents the cooking of the Rajputs, the princes who ruled most of Rajasthan up until the Sixties. Chargrilling and barbecuing feature heavily, as cooking here was traditionally centred around hunting expeditions.

3. Thailand

With influences originating from India, China and Oceania, Thai cuisine brings together a diverse array of flavours and globally beloved dishes. Its capital, Bangkok, is regarded as one of the best dining destinations on the planet, famed for its authentic street food scene – which you can discover on a private tuk-tuk tour. Favourites such as Thai Green Curry and Pad Thai are elevated by fresh and authentic spices, while the more adventurous may be tempted by more delicacies such as fried scorpions and other insects.

Each mouthful of Thai food may balance sweet and spicy, salty and sour flavours, as well as the unmistakable tang of Thai cuisine. Signature ingredients include garlic, chillies, lime juice and coriander. These fragrant spices come together to create powerful aromas and flavourful sensations in everything from spicy curries to hearty soups. Learn local culinary secrets with exclusive cooking classes in Chiang Mai and market tours with chefs. The dry season from November to February is the best time to visit northern Thailand’s foodie hubs.

4. Spain

The pretty Basque seaside town of San Sebastian is nothing short of heaven for gourmands, specialising in pintxos. This truly delectable form of tapas is traditionally served resting on a slice of baguette and ranges in variety from Spanish omelette to scampi, ham, chillies and risotto squares. People will typically visit three or four bars, and pair their pinxtos with a glass of txacolí – the lightly sparkling wine typical of the Basque country.

For oenophiles, don’t miss Spain‘s beautiful and diverse wine region of La Rioja, with more than 500 wineries nestled amongst its verdant hills. It’s not just the world-famous wine that makes this region worth the trip – it’s also home to some world-class produce and cuisine, including the Michelin starred restaurant at Hotel Marques de Riscal.

5. Japan

One of the best foodie cities, Tokyo is a constellation of Michelin stars. It may have more starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but you don’t have to blow the bank to satisfy your tastebuds here. The atmospheric local izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) can serve up tastes as exciting as those in the city’s top restaurants, and you’ll find some of Japan’s most authentic sushi at the Tsukiji Market. Beyond the capital, you can learn about Kyoto’s kaiseki heritage, sample street food in Osaka and participate in traditional tea ceremonies across the country.

From classic sushi to okonomiyaki pancakes, sake to unagi, Japan is awash with delicious dishes, placing an emphasis on high quality seasonal ingredients. On colder days, grab a pair of chopsticks and get stuck in a comforting bowl of Miso ramen. And when you truly don’t know what to eat, you can just leave it to the chef to decide. Sign up for an Omakase experience and embark on a culinary experience for all the senses.

6. Mexico

As the birthplace of chocolate, and boasting some of the world’s most popular dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas, Mexico certainly is a top-notch culinary destination. For some of the country’s finest restaurants – not to mention mezcal tastings – foodies should head to the historic region of Oaxaca. However, laid-back food markets and street stands also offer delicious, dynamic cuisine.

If you’re in Mexico City, make sure you try the local speciality of Huarache – a fried masa dough filled with smashed pinto beans and finished off with a variety of toppings. Meanwhile, a visit to Guadalajara wouldn’t be complete without a sip of its world famous Tequila. There’s also an abundance of farm-to-table delicacies on the menu in Cuixmala and food tours, market visits and cooking classes to enjoy in the capital.

7. Vietnam

If food is important to any country, it’s Vietnam. Rice is the nation’s staple product, providing the backbone for Vietnam’s economy and forming an inextricable part of its culture. Eating authentic street food alongside locals in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

Vietnamese street food is internationally renowned and a real highlight of any trip. Popular dishes include the light and subtle Pho, rice paper and Ho Chi Minh’s Banh Xeo – tasty rice pancakes with pork and prawns. Join guided tours to find each city’s most delicious pho, bánh mì and spring rolls, and get to know the local coffee culture. We can also arrange visits to countryside farms and Mekong River cruises to round out your itinerary.

8. Italy

Arguably some of the most universally loved culinary traditions in the world hail from Italian cuisine. As the land that gave birth to pasta, pizza, gelato, mozzarella, chianti and prosecco, it’s no surprise that Italy is one of the food capitals of the world. Practically every region has its own specialities, so get ready to do the rounds and feast your way through Italy.

Naples is the place to get the world’s best pizza, while Puglia specialises in orecchiette pasta and Bologna in tortellini. We recommend farm-to-fork tours in Tuscany, fresh seafood and citrus on the Amalfi Coast, pasta-making workshops in Emilia-Romagna and artisanal olive oil and wine tastings throughout the country. Speaking of wine, Tuscany is known for its mouthwatering Chianti wines and Piedmont for the Barolo wine region. It’s also wonderfully easy to combine Italian culinary adventures with cultural exploration. And whatever you do, don’t forget Italy’s golden rule when it comes to food: eat seasonally!

9. Malaysia

Malaysia’s colourful cuisine draws on Chinese, Portuguese and Indian influences, alongside a wealth of rice due to its fertile terraced land. The cooking style is simple, but dishes are still packed with a depth of flavour. Fiery chillies and spices are both well represented in Malay cuisine, and dance across the tastebuds with each mouthful.

A must-try is the country’s national dish, Nasi Lemak, made of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, accompanied by sambal, eggs and anchovies. True foodies must make sure to visit Penang for the best street food experience.

10. Mauritius

The island of Mauritius fuses Creole, Chinese, European and Indian flavours for a rich range of cuisine. Curries and chutney are taken from India, rice and noodles from China, and the French influence means dishes such as Coq au Vin are also on the menu.

This tropical island nation has an abundance of fresh seafood – visit quaint fishing villages to savour soups and curries made with freshly caught crab, or sample delicious produce at the open air markets.

11. South Africa

One of the best vacations for foodies, South Africa’s Winelands serve up superb cuisine, top-class wines and scenic vineyard tours. This gourmet hotspot, with its lush boutique vineyards of delectable Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, is a must for any wine buff. Meanwhile the restaurants here, such as La Residence, are deemed some of the best in all of Africa, promising an abundance of delicious dishes and expert wine pairings. A self-declared ‘Rainbow Nation’ South Africa also enjoys a rainbow food industry that is constantly expanding, with farm-to-fork cuisine in Franschhoek and a booming eating scene in Cape Town.

Whether you’re craving trendy market grub or award-winning cuisine, a tasty coffee or scrumptious soul food from the back of a truck, Cape Town will deliver. Jacada can arrange an array of foodie experiences from the eminent Test Kitchen to Mount Nelson’s lavish afternoon tea. When you’re not out on a foodie walking tour or lunching with culinary creatives, discover the city’s year-round food and wine festivals – or head farther afield for a classic safari or coastal escape.

12. Peru

Known for its superfoods, Peruvian cuisine is made up of high quality ingredients, exceptional flavours and exciting fusion dishes. The Peruvians are fiercely proud of their national dishes, and rightly so. Ceviche, made from fresh seafood and zesty lime juice, is popular throughout the country and beyond, while amaranth, quinoa, maca and lucuma are all native to Peruvian soil.

There are few things more magical than sampling some of the nation’s best dishes in Cusco’s beautiful dining spots, while the city’s central market is well worth a visit for foodies looking to experience a thriving gourmet scene. For sit-down affairs, there are also plenty of fine dining restaurants to enjoy – our particular favourite is the sophisticated Limo. Or head to Lima for world-renowned restaurants, hands-on ceviche workshops, pisco tastings and market-to-table cooking experiences with local chefs. Overall, Peru is a year-round foodie destination with plenty of regional culinary variety.

13. Australia

Melbourne should be on anyone’s list of cities to dine in, and the foodie scene in Australia is rapidly gaining momentum. The cultural vibrancy and restaurant diversity make for some delicious dining experiences, and rules go out the window when it comes to what you can and can’t do with food. Melbourne’s standout though is its coffee, with the delicious scent of roasting coffee beans filling the air wherever you go. With hipster cafes on every corner and delicious delis filling the streets, you won’t ever eat the same thing twice (unless, of course, you want to).

To really get a sense of Melbourne’s culinary identity, we can send you on a day’s tour with a local foodie expert, taking you through the city’s fascinating food scene from Italian to Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese, and even diving into an underground city cheese room.

14. Chile

Long and vast, Chile is home to a wide array of food and drink, ranging from the Pacific coastline’s scrumptious seafood to Santiago’s haute cuisine restaurants to the globally renowned central wine valleys. Pisco Sours, Pastel de Choclo and Curanto are some popular culinary treasures.

Meanwhile, the ultra stylish vineyards found throughout Chile’s wine region provide the perfect place to savour authentic Chilean wines and regional food.

15. New Zealand

Some of the world’s best food and wine hails from New Zealand, with its rich soil and favourable climate. From stunning vineyards to artisan food producers, there’s a lot to get stuck into here. For a particularly sumptuous experience, dive into the wineries of Hawke’s Bay.

Here you can taste some world-class wines and meet some of the innovative food producers drawn there by the rich soils and warm growing conditions. Sampling the delicious produce here is a truly delectable experience.

16. France

The word “cuisine” quite literally comes from France, so intertwined is the nation with the very concept of gastronomy and fine food. For the most delicious experiences that France has to offer, take yourself to Lyon, possibly the most gourmet city in all of France and loved by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux Jr.

Buttery croissants and tangy cheeses, flavourful stews and sauces, and delicately crafted pastries are all synonymous with French cuisine. Wash them down with world-class wines from one of the country’s many wine regions, including Burgundy and Bordeaux, or a crisp glass of bubbles from Champagne. You can also explore the bistros of Paris, visit the markets of Provence, go truffle hunting and stay at vineyard hotels for private cellar tastings. If you want to catch local culinary festivals, the best time to visit France is spring or autumn.

17. Turkey

Set at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia, it’s no surprise that Turkish cuisine blends a flavoursome mixture of culinary influences from across the globe. Not to be missed during your stay, a traditional Turkish breakfast is a feast of eggs, often cooked with tomato, green peppers and spices, an assortment of breads, cured meats and cheeses, and complemented by fresh tomatoes, cucumber and olives.

To experience the variety of Turkish cuisine, try meze. Choose from an array of savoury appetisers including hummus, meatballs, eggplant dishes, feta cheese and stuffed vine leaves. Tea and coffee are both integral parts of Turkish gastronomy, and coffee is famously brewed in a traditional copper pot called a cezve.

18. Morocco

Moroccan food is defined by flavourful staples like spices and herbs, plus world-famous dishes such as couscous and tagine. You can taste the latter on a trip to the High Atlas Mountains, or learn how to prepare iconic treats with cooking classes at opulent riads. We can also organise food-focused tours of Marrakesh’s souks, desert dining experiences and private rooftop feasts. Visit Morocco in spring or autumn for the best weather conditions for eating al fresco.

19. Portugal

Portugal is a paradise for lovers of seafood, pastries and wine. Lisbon and Porto boast the best restaurant scenes, but every region has its own delicacies. In the Douro Valley you can embark on private vineyard cruises and wine tastings, while larger cities offer experiences like pastel de nata (custard tart) tours and market visits with chefs. The best time to visit Portugal is just outside of the peak summer season in late spring or early autumn.

Planning a bespoke culinary journey

If you’re dreaming of exclusive culinary experiences and luxurious stays, we’re ready to plan the perfect culinary journey for you. Our itineraries are completely customised to your palate, pace and preferences, designed to connect the dots between each destination’s culture and cuisine.