15 Best Food Destinations for Travellers

For many of us, the meals are the memory. A bowl of noodles slurped in a backstreet, a mezze spread shared late into the warm night, a humble market stall that quietly ruins all future versions of a dish you thought you knew. Food is one of the most direct and joyful ways to understand a place and its people. These 15 destinations reward travellers who are happy to plan their entire itineraries around the table.

We have mixed world-famous food capitals with regional gems closer to home, so there is something here whether you crave fiery street food eaten standing up, refined multi-course tasting menus, or a long, generous feast shared among friends.

Asia

Tokyo, Japan

From conveyor-belt sushi to ramen counters and the world densest concentration of celebrated restaurants, Tokyo is a paradise for eaters at every budget. Tip: Eat where the queue of locals is longest, and try a humble standing noodle bar for breakfast.

Bangkok, Thailand

The street food capital of the world, where pad thai, mango sticky rice, and fiery curries are cooked on every corner. Tip: Follow the smoke and the crowds to the busiest carts for the freshest food.

Penang, Malaysia

A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, famed for laksa, char kway teow, and hawker centres. Tip: Spend an evening grazing across a single hawker centre to sample widely.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Home of pho and bun cha, with tiny plastic stools spilling onto pavements where the best bowls are served. Tip: Pho is a breakfast dish here, so go early for the most authentic experience.

The Middle East and Mediterranean

Beirut, Lebanon

Arguably the heart of Levantine cuisine, where long mezze lunches of hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, and grilled meats turn into all-afternoon affairs. Tip: Go hungry and order mezze to share, the variety is the whole point.

Istanbul, Turkey

Where Europe and Asia meet on the plate, from sizzling kebabs and fresh fish sandwiches by the Bosphorus to baklava and Turkish breakfast spreads. Tip: A leisurely Turkish breakfast is an experience in itself, set aside a whole morning.

Marrakech, Morocco

Tagines, fragrant couscous, and the legendary food stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa square that come alive after dark. Tip: Eat at a rooftop overlooking the square, then descend into the stalls for snacks.

Dubai, UAE

A genuine global crossroads where you can eat superb Emirati, Iranian, Indian, and Levantine food in a single day. Tip: Skip the malls one evening and seek out the old-school eateries of Deira and Karama.

Europe

Bologna, Italy

The capital of Italy richest food region, home to fresh tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini, and mortadella. Tip: Visit a traditional trattoria and order the handmade pasta of the day.

San Sebastian, Spain

This Basque city packs an astonishing number of celebrated restaurants alongside its famous pintxos bars. Tip: Do a pintxos crawl, taking one bite and one drink at each bar before moving on.

Lyon, France

The gastronomic heart of France, with cosy bouchons serving rich, traditional regional cooking. Tip: Eat at a certified bouchon for the authentic Lyonnais experience.

The Americas

Mexico City, Mexico

Tacos al pastor, tamales, mole, and a thriving fine-dining scene make this one of the world great food cities. Tip: Trust the busy taqueria over the empty one, turnover means freshness.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Widely considered the soul of Mexican cuisine, this southern city is famed for its deeply complex moles, crisp tlayudas, fresh tortillas, and smoky artisanal mezcal. Tip: Visit a local market to taste the seven traditional moles side by side and understand what makes each so distinct.

Lima, Peru

The undisputed ceviche capital and a genuine fine-dining powerhouse, blending indigenous Andean ingredients with Japanese and Spanish influences into something entirely its own. Tip: Eat ceviche at lunchtime, when the fish is at its freshest straight from the morning catch.

New Orleans, USA

Gumbo, jambalaya, overstuffed po-boys, and sugar-dusted beignets define this soulful, endlessly flavourful Creole and Cajun food city. Tip: Pair a leisurely morning of coffee and beignets with an evening of live jazz and a steaming bowl of gumbo.

Frequently asked questions

Which food destinations are most halal-friendly?

Istanbul, Marrakech, Beirut, Dubai, and the cities of Malaysia are exceptionally easy for halal travellers, with widespread halal options at every level.

How do I find the best local food when travelling?

Eat where locals queue, favour busy stalls with high turnover, visit markets, and ask residents for their genuine everyday favourites rather than tourist spots.

Is street food safe to eat abroad?

Generally yes when it is freshly cooked in front of you and the stall is busy. Choose hot, cooked-to-order dishes and stay hydrated with bottled water.

The world greatest meals rarely come with a white tablecloth. Plan a trip or two around these destinations, arrive curious and hungry, and let the food tell you the story of the place.