12 of the world’s best foodie destinations

There is a whole world of flavors out there to discover, and every country has something exciting and delicious to sample. Some destinations really stand out for their foodie credentials and make excellent choices for gastro-tours, either with food as the main focus or just a happy extra pleasure alongside your other activities. Here we have put together a dozen of our top destinations for foodies, many of which offer dedicated food-themed itineraries to whet your appetite.

12 of the world’s best foodie destinations

1. Mexico
2. India
3. Japan
4. Georgia
5. Jordan
6. China
7. Argentina
8. Malaysia
9. Morocco
10. South Africa
11. Sri Lanka
12. Vietnam

1. Mexico

Mexico’s food scene is zesty, fresh and exciting. Foodies will salivate as they watch tostadas being fried in front of their eyes before they’re laden with all sorts of delicious toppings, from seafood to refried beans depending on where you are.

Another dish you ought to try whilst in Mexico is Pozole – a pre-Hispanic soup that was perhaps once used as part of ritual sacrifices but now is just a delicious slow cooked dish, scattered at the last minute with crispy lettuce, radish, onion lime and chili. Of course, you can’t go to Mexico without trying tacos – the most popular being tacos al pastor which involves slices of spit-roast pork being placed on a soft corn tortilla with onions, coriander and pineapple. Delicious. Of course, we can’t list every delicious Mexican delicacy here. All we can do is advise that you give everything a try. You won’t be disappointed.

2. India

The food of India would require a lifetime’s careful study to master. Such a large country with such extremes of topography and climate inevitably produces vastly different crops from region to region and therefore also cuisine. Wheat only grows in the cool north, making an appearance in northern cookery often in the form of flatbreads.

Influences on regional cuisine are not always based on climate, however. The delicate yet rich Muglai gastronomic tradition of the north has its roots in the former royal cities, while central India’s dominant Hindu population has ensured this area has a strong vegetarian legacy. Southern India’s cuisine reflects it tropical location, and you will find fish, rice and coconut are the regional staples here.

3. Japan

The cuisine of Japan should need no introduction, such is the popularity of some of its best known dishes on the international table. Some of its most famous exports are sushi and ramen, both of which are hugely popular domestically, too. Tokyo is known for its fabulous sushi, particularly at the fish market, while the most sought after ramen in Japan is arguably tonkotsu ramen from Kyushu.

For more unusual delicacies look out for meibutsu which means local specialties – often some of the more memorable dishes of your trip. Kyoto has a particularly strong culinary heritage and the local cuisine is known as obanzai ryori – definitely worth seeking out.

4. Georgia

The secret is already out in foodie circles: Georgia is the hottest destination for anyone serious about discovering a truly great gastronomic tradition. The food is fantastic and the Georgians take eating very seriously, choosing to call a festive, convivial meal a supra or feast, these occasions are a cornerstone of Georgian culture.

Regional specialties are celebrated for their provenance, and some of the best-known and loved are khinkali or little dumplings stuffed with meat; and khachapuri, which are buttery open pies often shaped like a boat, stuffed with cheese and eggs before baking. The wine is as famous and delicious as the food, and as Georgia has one if the world’s oldest winemaking traditions, sampling is as much a history lesson as an indulgence.

5. Jordan

In common with other Middle Eastern destinations  , Jordan has a widely available selection of staples which you can reliably find countrywide: tabbouleh, labneh, kebabs, hummus, shawarma, falafel, baba ganoush and flatbread. Traditional breakfast dishes include fuul, a warm mashed fava bean, chili and lemon mixture, which is delicious with warm bread and perhaps some eggs.

For main meals, as well as the mezze type dishes as listed above, there are usually grilled meats or tasty stews available, often served with rice and salad alongside such as mansaf – lamb marinated in yoghurt with spices. Maqluba is another Jordanian specialty, a slow cooked rice dish rich with spices and layered with meat and vegetables. Once cooked it is upended onto a dish, layers complete, and sprinkled with nuts.

6. China

Fresh, colorful and deeply flavored, Chinese cuisine is as varied as the county is large. There are three principles of Chinese cookery which underpin and encapsulate the nation’s food philosophy: se – appealing appearance, san – pleasant aroma, and we – memorable flavor. Rice is the ubiquitous staple, and noodles are equally popular. Whether you prefer the spice and umami of Szechuan dishes or the sumptuous and delicate banquets of Beijing, there is a style of Chinese cooking to suit.

A quartet of ingredients often create the base flavor of Chinese savory recipes – ginger, garlic, spring onion and chili. Soy sauce is another key ingredient which provides a deeply savory yet rounded undertone beloved of Chinese cooks. Those five ingredients are super versatile and, when used in different quantities, can create a broad spectrum of dishes. The beauty of Chinese cuisine is its endless variety, and you will note distinct regional flavors and dishes as you travel around.

7. Argentina

Carnivores will think they have stumbled upon paradise in Argentina, a country with a strong tradition of rearing cattle on the wild grasslands of the pampas for the best quality organic meat. Beef is the headline act, whereas poultry and pork products are relegated to a supporting role.

To understand Argentine devotion to cooking and enjoying  meat, you need to participate in an asado – a barbecue, but raised to another level, with several courses cooked on the parrilla, each making the most of different cuts of meat. Gourmet Argentina is best experienced at the wineries around Mendoza, where fine dining is accompanied by some excellent wines.

8. Malaysia

Absorbing a plethora of gastronomic influences from nearby India and China, Malaysian food is delectably flavorsome. There are few foodie destinations to rival Penang. Georgetown, for example, is widely regarded as one of the great places to eat on the planet. So many delicious dishes to try, including some of the finest examples of Indian, Chinese and Malay cooking.

One dish that is famously great in Penang is laksa, a spicy coconut soup with fish sauce, noodles and various additions of your choice. You  can find it all over Malaysia but those in Penang are regarded as the best. Nasi kandar is an array of exciting Penang dishes which combine flavors of India and Malaysia on a tasty selection platter.

9. Morocco

Classic Moroccan cuisine makes good use of the legacy of herbs and spices brought by Berber and Arabic peoples, resulting in some wonderful multifaceted flavors that you don’t find elsewhere. The tagine is the signature dish of Morocco, named for the earthenware vessel with the conical lid which it is cooked in. A tagine can be a multitude of flavors such as lamb with apricot and chicken and olives, and many of them are flavored with chermoula, a marinade of herbs, preserved lemons, spices, garlic and ginger, which adds a great burst of flavor.

Couscous is another celebrated Moroccan staple, when combined with a variety of vegetables it is a favorite family feast. If you enjoy Moroccan flavors, cookery classes are easy to organize, plus you can easily find spice mixes and pastes in any souk to take home and cook with. Finally, you can’t interact with many Moroccans before you will be plied with mint tea, served sweet and hot in delicate glasses. It’s a national institution and it’s nicknamed ‘the whisky of Morocco.’

10. South Africa

From delicious street food staples to impeccable fine dining establishments, South Africa’s food scene will not disappoint. Food courts and gourmet markets have taken off in a big way in the last decade, along with a trend for fine international and local cuisine. Fresh produce is top quality and one of the best ways to sample South Africa’s favorite dining experience is to join in a traditional braai.

Think of a normal barbecue and supersize it, add boerewors sausages, and you’ll be somewhere near. South African braai culture is legendary, and sampling the revered grilled meat, fish, seafood and vegetables is a true foodie bucket list experience. For a different perspective, try Cape Malay cuisine, a taste of Asia brought by the Malaysian slave trade and best sampled in the Bo Kaap neighborhood where the style of cookery originated.

11. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s food scene has been shaped over time by many different cultural influences and the result is fiery, flavorful and truly mouthwatering. Try Sri Lanka’s answer to a stir-fry, kottu roti, which is a delicious mix of shredded roti with meats, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and a concoction of spices. For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, why not try watalappan? This custardy dessert is particularly popular with Sri Lankan Muslims and is often eaten during religious festivals. Made with set steamed egg custard, sweet kitul jaggery, coconut milk and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamon, it’s sure to satisfy any pudding craving you experience whilst traveling.

If you want to sample something with more of a European influence, then give lamprais a go – little slow-baked banana leaf parcels of eggplant, frikkadels (Dutch-style meatballs), boiled eggs, sambol and lots of mixed spices.

12. Vietnam

Vietnamese cooks pride themselves on creating dishes with balanced flavors, and the finest dishes are those where salty, sweet, hot and sour are all in obvious yet in harmony. As well as the many thousands of fantastic dine-in eateries which have given Vietnamese food such a renowned reputation, the street food here is off-the-scale delicious, too.

Countless neighborhood stalls and portable outdoor kitchens turn out the same dish day after day, year after year, meaning that the cooks are consummate professionals in their selection of dishes. Many specialize in just one recipe, and you will be able to spot the best by looking for the longest queues.

There are a whole host of must-try dishes in Vietnam, but among the most iconic are pho, a masterclass in deeply flavorful broth laced with noodles and most commonly sliced beef; banh xeo, a delicious egg wrap stuffed with prawns, fresh herbs, pork and vegetables, which is served with a spicy dip which complements it perfectly; and nems, the Vietnamese spring rolls which are fresh and crunchy and often served raw.

Make it happen

Pack your finest stretchy waistbands and settle in for some serious foodie indulgence. Whether you are on a pho pilgrimage or an asado odyssey, there are so many amazing cuisines to get to know. Which one gets your mouth watering? Even if they don’t already have a trip idea to inspire you, our local experts can easily plan you a bespoke trip taking in all the best foodie features of their country. Click on the links above to find out more about your chosen destination, or contact one of our handpicked local experts.