Top Food Destinations Around the World

A golden rule of travel should be: “Leave space in your suitcase—and your stomach.”

Exploring new places is always more rewarding when accompanied by local culinary delights. To help plan your next gastronomic journey, a newly released survey has ranked the best cities worldwide for food lovers.

Leading the list is New Orleans, known for its rich fusion of French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African influences, showcased in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

Bangkok, Thailand, takes the second spot, offering a diverse food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining to vibrant street markets serving $3 delicacies.

At No. 3, Medellín, Colombia, stands out for its affordability and excellent coffee. Cape Town, South Africa, in fourth place, is celebrated for its coastal location and fresh seafood.

Madrid ranks fifth, with locals praising its diverse and experimental food culture. Meanwhile, Mexico City (No. 6) has risen to prominence as a must-visit for global food lovers.

In Lagos, Nigeria (No. 7), jollof rice and smoky suya are local favorites, while Shanghai (No. 8) boasts a culinary heritage refined over thousands of years.

Paris, the birthplace of haute cuisine, secures the ninth spot, and Jakarta rounds out the top 10, with Indonesia’s famous rendang and other flavorful dishes attracting food enthusiasts.

Here are the remaining cities in the top 20:

11. Marrakech, Morocco
12. Lima, Peru
13. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
14. Mumbai, India
15. Abu Dhabi, UAE
16. Cairo, Egypt
17. Porto, Portugal
18. Montreal, Canada
19. Naples, Italy
20. San José, Costa Rica

From street food to fine dining, these cities offer a feast for the senses, making them prime destinations for culinary exploration.