Food lovers eager to experience new flavors and cuisines will enjoy traveling to these tasty destinations.
Sampling traditional food delicacies is an excellent way to enhance your global travels. International foods vary significantly and often reflect the culture of their originating country. There are many mouthwatering places where tourists can taste authentic dishes incorporating distinct ingredients and cooking techniques.
Travelers who want to engage with the local culture through taste and smell should consider these 15 delicious cities.
Bologna, Italy
Many iconic Italian dishes hail from the northern Italian town of Bologna. Bologna is picturesque, with medieval plazas, churches, and towers. The city is the birthplace of famous foods like tortellini, bolognese, and prosciutto.
Nestled in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, which is known for its food, Bologna is considered Italy’s culinary capital for its mouthwatering local delicacies. Visitors can sample the region’s specialties at many authentic restaurants for pasta in Bologna.
Chicago, Illinois, US
Chicago, Illinois, is a top United States destination for food connoisseurs. The renowned local culinary scene reflects its unique blend of multicultural influences.
Visitors can dine at everything from casual food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Must-try Chicago food favorites include deep-dish pizza and beef hot dogs. Chicago offers an impressive variety of dining options for every taste preference.
Mexico City, Mexico
Food tourists will enjoy the fresh flavors of Mexico’s capital, Mexico City. This cultural hub is an excellent place to taste authentic Mexican cuisine.
Mexico City is famous for its delicious and affordable street food, like pork tacos, handmade tamales, and crispy tostadas. The city also has many upscale and innovative eateries. These restaurants serve elevated dishes incorporating traditional Mexican techniques and ingredients.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a decadent international getaway for food lovers. As the capital of Japan, the city is constantly bustling with local professionals and worldwide tourists.
One of Tokyo’s main draws is its delicious culinary experiences. Sushi, tempura, and ramen are must-try dishes while visiting. Travelers will enjoy eating at Tokyo’s night markets and sushi bars, where experienced chefs prepare fresh food on demand.
Barcelona, Spain
Flavorful Spanish cuisine awaits tourists in the sprawling city of Barcelona. The city’s location near the Mediterranean Sea has shaped its distinct food offerings.
Paella is the most famous Spanish food served in Barcelona. The Mediterranean dish combines ingredients like shrimp, mussels, chorizo, and saffron into a filling meal of rice and seafood. Tapas restaurants serving small portions of cold and hot foods are also common in Barcelona.
Paris, France
Paris is the ideal destination for sampling classic French dishes. French cuisine is highly regarded for its fresh yet decadent flavor profiles. While hearty baguettes and buttery croissants are closely associated with Paris, the city has a diverse food selection.
Savory escargots and steak tartare meals are staples in most Parisian bistros and cafes. Don’t miss the city’s many specialty food shops, offering an astounding variety of French cheeses.
Bangkok, Thailand
Food-loving travelers will find authentic Thai flavors in Bangkok, the country’s capital. Bangkok is an iconic vacation spot for its rich cultural heritage and cost-effectiveness.
Amidst the city’s golden shrines and canals, visitors can sample tasty specialties that engage every sense. At Bangkok food markets, local vendors serve hearty portions of pad thai, mango sticky rice, and tom yum.
These Thai dishes expertly combine sweet, salty, and sour ingredients for a one-of-a-kind flavor phenomenon.
Lima, Peru
The coastal city of Lima is a leading culinary paradise in South America. Peruvian cuisine is nourishing and fresh, centered around lean meats and fresh produce.
Indigenous foods, including quinoa, avocado, and purple corn, are the cornerstones of many traditional Peruvian meals. Lima’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean also contributes to the popularity of seafood-based dishes like ceviche.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark’s centuries-old capital, is a mecca for globally inspired food. This charming European city has a surprisingly eclectic selection of restaurants catering to many diets.
Delicious eateries throughout Copenhagen serve Japanese, Italian, British, American, and other cuisines. Order an open-faced sandwich at one of the city’s food markets to sample an authentic Danish delicacy.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Tourists visiting Marrakesh will be delighted by the city’s tasty local food. This culturally vibrant area is ideal for dining on classic Moroccan recipes.
Food-focused visitors can enjoy mint tea and freshly baked bread throughout Marrakesh. Unique regional dishes include tagine lamb and snail soup.
Moroccan food is bursting with flavor and spices, a treat for adventurous eaters. Find some of your own local spices and culinary delicacies to bring home in the Marrakech souks. In this maze of vendors, street food stalls also whip up inexpensive bites.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has thousands of multicultural restaurants, making it Australia’s culinary hub. The diverse local food reflects Melbourne’s trendy, energetic atmosphere.
Melbourne restaurants represent many cuisines, including Chinese, Ethiopian, and Italian. Classic Australian foods visitors can try in Melbourne range from savory barbecued meat pies to sweet Anzac biscuits. Melbourne is a classic food destination that will excite your tastebuds.
London, England
The bustling metropolis of London, England, has a world-class assortment of dining options. Traditional classics such as fish and chips and a full English breakfast are commonplace throughout London.
However, the city boasts a notable blend of culinary influences. Indian chicken tikka masala is a beloved dish served in many restaurants in London. The city also allows visitors to sample French, Korean, and African foods.
Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, making it a tasty vacation spot. Most people travel to the destination for its exceptional mountain views and numerous wineries.
The Mendoza region produces the majority of Argentina’s wine. The town has numerous restaurants serving locally-made wines alongside mouthwatering Argentinian meals. Barbecued meats and empanadas are a staple of the country’s cuisine and are delicious with a glass of Argentinian Malbec.
Istanbul, Turkey
Food lovers craving unique culinary offerings should consider Turkey’s capital, Istanbul. Enjoying Turkish food in the city’s markets and restaurants is a sensory experience that’s challenging to replicate.
For centuries, Istanbul has been a melting pot of European and Asian cultures. The city’s food scene has evolved to include dishes like kebabs and baklava. You’ll encounter many unforgettable flavors and textures while dining on Turkish specialties.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi’s blend of Persian and Russian influences has resulted in a vibrant community of chefs. The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is a culturally significant city with imposing medieval fortresses and churches.
Georgia’s location in southwest Asia has shaped its national cuisine, which consists of hearty meat and vegetable dishes. Dumplings called khinkali and lobio, a bean soup, are must-tries in Tbilisi.
Awaken your senses and indulge in a trip to these delicious global destinations.
Portugal is quickly becoming a foodie destination
Head to Porto, Portugal for stunning views and even better restaurants. Get your fork ready for everything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to innovative fine dining.
Pair your meal with a delicious glass of local wine.
You don’t need to leave the country to embark on a culinary journey
Thousands of visitors flock to the Napa Valley in California each year to go on a gastronomic adventure.
There are tons of incredible wineries and restaurants in Napa just waiting to be explored. Expand your trip by heading to Sonoma County or Mendocino County after your foray into Napa for even more wine tasting.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
