The Best 10 Countries in the World for Foodies

Tasting a new cuisine is among the best reasons for travelling to different parts of the world. Whether you wander into a market, chat with a street vendor, or dine at a Michelin-star restaurant, food is instrumental to a country’s culture. Eating abroad can be a magical experience, and many wanderlusters circle the globe to enrich their taste buds with new flavours.

When going to a new country, nothing is more satisfying than salivating over a new dish. Every traveller has different taste preferences, so your top food destinations may look totally different. But for inspiration, here are 10 of the best countries in the world for your next foodie vacation.

1. Italy

Italian cuisine may be the world’s most famous cuisine, but nothing beats pizza, pasta, and spaghetti with freshly-picked ingredients. But those staples only scratch the surface, and each region will engorge your taste buds with specialty dishes. Ossobuco is a Lombard dish of cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, while Bucatini all’ Amatriciana bursts with flavours of black pepper, dried chiles, and guanciale.

Stop in Sardinia for Malloreddus or Zuppa Gallurese paired with delicious wines. Drive along the Amalfi coast for succulent seafood, snack on Pizza Margherita in Naples, or embark on a Tuscany wine tasting tour.

2. Japan

Japan will have you craving seafood 24/7 and fascinated by its culinary traditions. No other country boasts more Michelin stars, and watching master chefs hone their craft is a spectacle. Sushi is the main highlight and comes in varieties that include nigiri, temaki, and chirashi. And those fresh slices of sashimi are a delectable treat at many restaurants.

Don’t think about leaving Tokyo without slurping several bowls of Ramen and feed your love of deep-fried foods with tempura. Unagi (eel) grilled and slathered with kabayaki boldly meshes flavours, and Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake topped with meats, vegetables, and sauces.

3. India

India is a vegetarian’s heaven, and the country has loads of veggie-friendly plates with mouthwatering sauces and spices. Masala Dosa packs potato and onion curry into a flaky pancake. Malai Kofta is a meatball alternative stuffed with beans, peas, corn, potatoes, and other tasty vegetables. And Chole (chickpea curry) has many of the tempting spices that make Indian cuisine special.

Meat lovers can also get their fix with a delicious pot of Chicken Makhani (butter chicken) or a spicy bowl of Rogan Josh (red lamb). Samosas are bite-sized pastries with tasty fillings, and Naan (Indian flatbread) can complement any meal.

4. Mexico

Foodies from around the world come to Mexico to taste flavourful dishes made with fresh ingredients. Tacos al pastor are a classic made with spit-grilled pork, and Birria is a hardy stew with luscious meats and sauces. Pick up Elotes (corn on the cob) from vibrant street vendors or tamales filled with delicious meats and vegetables.

Mole is an addicting sauce with all sorts of varieties, and guacamole makes the perfect dip. Enchiladas come stuffed with fresh vegetables, beans, cheese, meats and are slathered with a delectable sauce. And to start each day, Chilaquiles fries corn tortillas and add chicken, eggs, and salsa for a delicious breakfast.

5. China

Eating in China doesn’t resemble your local Chinese restaurant in any shape or form. Choose your preferred broth for a spicy bowl of Hotpot or have a juicy bowl of Sichuan Pork. Peking Duck is a Beijing classic, and Chow Mein are stir-fried noodles topped with vegetables and savoury sauces.

Dumplings are a mainstay during Chinese New Year’s Eve that come stuffed with meat or vegetables. Authentic Kung Pao Chicken is for real spicy food lovers, while Sweet and Sour Pork meshes addicting flavours. For a tempting breakfast, Dim Sum and a soothing tea make a fantastic pairing.

6. Spain

Timeless cooking methods with fresh ingredients have gifted Spain with one of the world’s most desired cuisines. Paella has earned international acclaim, and the rice dish comes with mouthwatering chicken or seafood. With or without onions is the question for Tortilla de patatas, an omelette with eggs and potatoes.

Croquetas de Jamón (ham croquettes), Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp), and Albondigas (meatballs) are tempting tapas to start your meal. Gazpacho is a soothing soup during those scorching summers, and Crema Catalana satisfies your sweet tooth with a hint of lemon and cinnamon.

7. Thailand

Parade around the chaotic Bangkok streets and your senses become engorged with the smells of enticing street food. Quintessential bites like Khao Pad (fried rice), Pad Thai Kung (noodles with shrimp), and Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) top any Thai food list. Som Tam (green papaya salad) meshes fresh fruits, vegetables, and shrimp, while Kai Med Ma Muang (chicken with cashew nuts) adds pepper and chilies for extra spiciness.

Gaeng Keow Wan (green curry) balances flavours with green chilies and coconut milk, and Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) adds mouthwatering shrimp or prawns. Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup) is a must-try in Northern Thailand, and Pad Phak (fried vegetables) delights vegetarians wherever they go.

8. Greece

Greek cuisine has inspired culinary masters with its Mediterranean diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, olive oil, and tasty sweets. Moussaka is a filling eggplant casserole prepared with care, and Tzatziki, a cucumber and garlic-flavoured dip, pairs with grilled meats. Spanakopita (spinach pie) is available everywhere you turn, and Bougatsa is a sweet delight for any meal you desire.

If you’re craving desserts, Baklava packs nuts, honey, and dough into a savoury treat. You can pair other desserts, like Loukomadies (doughnuts) or Kourabiethes (almond shortbread), with Greek coffee or a frappe to delight your cravings.

9. Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine doesn’t win any points for flair, but its rich flavours make some of the tastiest dishes in Asia. Slurp a bowl of Pho noodles or snack on Goi Cuon (spring rolls) for a sampler of distinct spices, sauces, and herbs. Bánh mì has its roots in French colonialism, but the scrumptious baguette has become a staple across Vietnam.

Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes) is irresistible with fish sauce, and Cha ca (turmeric fish) is a Vietnamese seafood classic. Banh Chung is a sticky rice & mung bean cake treat eaten during the holidays, and Chè makes a sweet pudding for dessert.

10. Pakistan

Pakistani cuisine is rich with intoxicating spices and sauces that reward your taste buds with intoxicating flavours. Chicken Tikka is grilled with mouthwatering spices, and Nihari packs a punch during sleepy mornings. Haleem fills your belly with wheat and chickpeas, and Aloo Keema combines potatoes, minced mutton, and chicken curry.

Seekh kabab pairs with fresh salads or fries and Kheer makes a tasty dessert that mixes rice pudding with a variety of nuts. If you need a nourishing snack, pick up a plate of Channa Chaat or Samosas for tantalising bites.