Isn’t traveling one of the best things in the world? Right after food, of course! There’s nothing like exploring the best countries for food, seeing all kinds of notable landmarks, and witnessing new cultures. Still, some people (like ourselves) love traveling for one specific thing – tasting all kinds of new food. Nothing makes the experience better than having some delicious local meals after a whole day of sightseeing. Every bite is memorable, for better or worse, making the trip one for the books. If you love enjoying local delicacies during your travels, it’s high time you discover the top foodie cities in the world.
Coming up with travel plans can be quite a pain sometimes. So we like to narrow it down to the best countries for food then explore possibilities from there. And, of course, there’s always the question of where to eat now as soon as you arrive.
As proud foodie travellers, we fully understand your troubles – we’re also no strangers to them! So, we’ve decided to make things easier for you. Today, we’ll walk you through the top foodie cities in the world and their one-of-a-kind food scenes. You’ll get to know the local dining culture and the dishes your taste buds have to experience! This is where to eat now around the world!
Top 10 Foodie Cities in The World
Copenhagen, Denmark
Did you know that Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the most livable cities in the world? It is where you should be eating now so start looking for flights. Apart from seeing cool architecture and relaxing nature, you’ll definitely notice that the locals are incredibly laid-back. This is because the Danish have invented ‘hygge’, briefly explained as a moment that you have all for yourself, away from your daily tasks and worries. No wonder why the city is so livable.
Typically, the Danish have their ‘hygge’ in a cozy nook paired with some food and drinks. We strongly advise you to try out as many pastries as possible since they take ‘delicious’ to the next level, but at no point should you miss out on smorrebrod. Essentially, these are open-faced sandwiches made on Danish rye soggy bread called rugbrod and can be topped with all kinds of things. From boiled eggs and pickled herrings to Michelin-rated caviar, you can go above and beyond with your smorrebrod creations.
Mumbai, India
As soon as you land in Mumbai, the smell of spices and various dishes will take your nose on a joyride. If there’s one thing that locals love to do in this city is eat, making it one of the top foodie cities in the world. Mumbai has activities to keep you going from day to night, and sampling the dining scene is no exception. The charcoal-cooked meat skewers are the perfect thing to satisfy those late-night munchies, and in the morning, you should keep an eye out on the unique Iranian bakeries. Their number is significantly decreasing as the years go by, which is quite a bummer since the atmosphere here is amazing. And don’t even get us started on the bun maska chai, a traditional buttered bun served with tea.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is either on your list or it isn’t. It is an urban commercial jungle in the desert which some find intriguing and others find inauthentic. What can you expect from one of the most expensive countries in the world? But there are authentic dining experiences, you might just have to dig a little bit more. Dubai has a dining scene that features dishes from across the globe with something for the pickiest eaters, as the metropolis has over 13,000 restaurants. For authentic Dubai we recommend the Arabian Tea House and Cafe for chicken saloona, machboos lamb and tea. If you want a full food tour of authentic Dubai we recommend Frying Pan Adventures (Phil Rosenthal approved).
Porto, Portugal
Portugal, one of the best countries for food, has been gaining a lot of attention in the last decade as a where to eat now city. Unlike the ever-bustling Lisbon, Porto’s vibe is more chill, and so is its food scene. The first thing that will surely grab your attention is the street food, particularly the Petiscos, which are not to be confused with tapas! These are usually enjoyed with a beer pint and good company, so it’s the perfect solution for lunch. Still, if you’re feeling adventurous with your food, we suggest trying out Tripas a Modo do Porto. Note that Tripas is made from a cow’s stomach, but that shouldn’t stop you from sampling it, as the meat has no flavour. Basically, the flavour comes from whatever you cook or stew it with!
Okanagan Wine Valley, Canada
You won’t usually find Canada among the best countries for food. So, we’re here to change that! If you find yourself in our province of British Columbia and you’re a wine lover, a trip to the Okanagan wine region must be on your itinerary. The wines practically speak for themselves, and what makes them so great is the food that comes along with them. This scenic Canadian region is special for its fruit, particularly the cherries, apples, and peaches. You can already picture it – a perfect glass of wine paired with the most delicious and creative charcuterie board. This is what we call a recipe for foodie perfection! Explore its top foodie cities like Penticton, Kelowna or head further south along the US/Canada border in communities like Oliver (Canada’s wine capital). You can also plan your trip around one of the premiere events in the Okanagan Valley, the Grand Sommelier Express. This is Canada’s wine train experience where you can sample wines from the area while riding on a historic steam engine train in Summerland, BC.
Sydney, Australia
If you love beer but don’t want to travel to a typical European country, you should look into the Land Down Under, as there’s probably a pint with your name on it. It’s true Aussies love their beer and seafood, given how the country has the second-biggest fish market in the world right after Tokyo. Interestingly enough, whenever people come to Sydney, experiencing the food scene isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Once they dig in, it magically rockets to their top foodie cities list! While you’re here try their national dessert, pavlova, as well as Tim Tams, Barramundi fish and so much more local favourites. And if you want to get to know the Aussie food scene more, read our in-depth Sydney foodie guide!
Reykjavik, Iceland
Considering Iceland is one of the coldest yet most naturally stunning countries in the world, its history with food is quite interesting. In ancient times, the country’s original settlers had to learn how to preserve their food to survive. This practice is still very popular to this day. Only today, the meat is preserved for enjoyment and fine dining rather than survival. While in Iceland you may find preserved shark, puffin, horse and sheep on the menu so keep an open mind or read the menu closely. That said, check out Cafe Loki to taste some traditional Icelandic delicacies, Braud & Co for the island’s most popular baked goods or if you’re up for a more sophisticated vibe, Apotek is a foolproof choice. If you decide on the trendier option, ordering a cocktail is a must!
Kyoto, Japan
Japan is commonly found among the best countries for food. To make the experience even more special, you will discover that each city boasts its own food scene, so you’re in for quite a foodie adventure. For now, we’ll focus on Kyoto, a place where nature reigns supreme. We figure you’ll do a lot of natural exploration while you’re in the city, and you’ll eventually find yourself on The Nakasendo, meaning ‘the Way to the Mountains’. As you go, you will definitely encounter a gohei mochi, a skewered rice dumpling. If you’ve been to other parts of Japan, you may already be familiar with mochi. What distinguishes gohei mochi in Kyoto is that it is made from glutinous rice and special grill sauces, resulting in a mouthwatering dish!
Los Angeles, California
As we go through the top foodie cities, we simply cannot omit the ever-popular City of Angels. Despite a slightly disappointing last visit due to our own limited time – The food options in Los Angeles are endless. Walking along Sunset Boulevard surrounded by palm trees and aspiring actors with the sun in your face had me convinced I wanted to move here at one point. So it is always a joy to return to seek out the top food stops while also wondering what might have been. The Grand Central Market is a great spot to hit as many of Los Angeles’ best food vendors if you’re limited for time. Otherwise, I suggest you rent a car and use my downloadable Google map to explore downtown Los Angeles for foodies.
Seoul, South Korea
All Asian food lovers should book a ticket to Seoul with its incredible food scene. Street food vendors are practically around every corner, and you’ll be spoiled for choice. But if you’re in the mood for something special, sit down at a traditional Korean BBQ grill (or try it at home!) for a Gamjatang. This variety of marinated meats are cooked right before you for the ultimate enjoyment.
We hope our list of top foodie cities has left you with more than a rumbling stomach. Whatever city you choose will provide quite the sensation and will take your tastebuds on a journey of a lifetime. Before making your travel itineraries, check out the rest of our blogs. You might even get more inspired!
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