The Best Cities For Food In The World
Travel Experts Tell Us the Best Foodie Cities in the World
Without even asking the question, I know that the places highest on your list to revisit are the cities with the best food. Be honest, sometimes you plan your whole trip around where you want to eat? The best cities for foodies always rank as the best places to visit. So, where does one go to find the best food in the world? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We went to travel experts to find the answer, and they didn’t disappoint. Come along as we look at the best cities for food in the world.
Africa & the Middle East
Africa
Campbell
StingyNomads.com
Cape Town in South Africa is an international foodie haven with the highest quality produce and unique local dishes with a variety of international influences from Europe, Asia and Africa. Braai (barbeque) is a big part of South African culture and to braai meat (or vegetables) on the fire is a very popular pastime. The word braai originates with Afrikaners from Dutch background, but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds. Freshly caught fish, lamb chops or steak are all very popular to braai, paired with an appropriate wine from Durbanville or Constantia in the Cape Winelands.
Cape Malay food is another style of cuisine unique to the Western Cape in South Africa. Malay food has its roots in cooking from Malaysian, Indonesian and East African slaves, brought to Cape Town centuries ago. The colorful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap with multi bright painted houses and mainly Muslim population is the place to go to eat Malay food in Cape Town.
Malay food is known for spicy curries, sambals, pickled fish, and a variety of stews. Biryani (a mixed rice dish) is one of the favorites. Stews, such as tomato bredie and bobotie, are very popular in local restaurants. The French Huguenot refugees fleeing from persecution, had a big influence on food and wine culture and modern fine dining in the Cape Winelands.
Indigenous cooking also influenced modern South African meals, pap, a fluffy porridge of maize meal has indigenous origins and is widely eaten as a meal any time of day. Another interesting dish of indigenous African origin is Mopanie worms, a brightly coloured caterpillar that feeds mainly on the leaves of the mopane tree. This delicacy has been a popular protein source in Southern Africa for generations.
Middle East
Tel Aviv, Israel
click here for Tel Aviv travel reviews
Dani
DiapersInParadise.com
Tel Aviv, Israel is renowned as a haven for foodies. The bustling cosmopolitan city on the coast of the Mediterranean boasts over 4500 restaurants, several of which are world-famous and award-winning.
What makes Tel Aviv’s food scene so incredible? It’s largely thanks to the country’s history. Israeli cuisine takes a lot of staples from the region and is a perfect blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern. Think lots of olives, figs, and fish… along with hummus, tahini, and falafel.
But Israeli food extends far beyond the borders of the region, as dishes from around the world have come back to Israel as a result of the Diaspora. Israeli food was a fusion of worldwide cuisines as far back as 1948 when the state of Israel was formed, long before that concept caught on in other countries. The history of Israel has led to a perfection of the art of fusion cuisine.
Tel Aviv is uniquely positioned because it has that history of Israeli food, has traditional shuks (markets) and kosher practices. Yet is also very modern and Western. Tel Aviv is a city that never sleeps, with more clubs that you could possibly visit and a rich street food scene. All of this lends itself to food that is worthy of a ticket to Tel Aviv in and of itself.
If you visit, don’t miss the Sarona Market, an Instagram-worthy eatery that rivals Barcelona’s La Boqueria. It’s perfect if you’re looking for the coolest hipster market vibe, or even if you’re visiting Tel Aviv with kids. And don’t skip walking along the 14km of beachfront, almost all of which is dotted with amazing restaurants. Stop into as many as you can. You won’t regret it.
Luda
AdventuresWithLuda.com
Istanbul is one of the best cities in the world for food, whether you’re looking for budget bites or Michelin-worthy dishes. Thanks to its location between the European and Asian continents, Turkey’s food scene combines the best of both worlds and will charm even the pickiest eaters.
For those on a budget, Istanbul has an excellent street food scene: just take a walk along Eminönü’s harborside, where you’re bound to find plenty of vendors selling the iconic Balık ekmek (fish sandwich), Döner (a type of wrap with cooked meat), and freshly-baked Simit (a circular bread with sesame seeds). Istanbul is so budget-friendly (and delicious!) that you can budget around 80 TLR ($10 USD) a day per person and still have plenty leftover. In fact, the best kebab I’ve ever tried in my life was only around 15 Liras (about $2 USD) in a little alleyway in Istanbul’s Beyoglu neighborhood.
For something a little fancier, look no further: After a long day exploring the Blue Mosque or Grand Bazaar, make a reservation at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, where you might be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Salt Bae putting on a show. For those who want a piece of history served up alongside their meal, Deraliye is an excellent option — all of the dishes on the menu are replicas of the same food served in the Ottoman court hundreds of years ago.
Other delicious dishes to try include İskender kebap (thin slices of meat on top of bread, drizzled with yogurt sauce), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), and Dondurma (thick ice cream). And, of course, don’t forget to try the famous Turkish breakfast (Kahvaltı) — just be sure to budget an hour or two to get through all of the dishes!
Dubai, UAE
click here for Dubai travel reviews
Lieze Neven
GlitterRebel.com
If you are a foodie with a love for luxury and fine dining, the restaurants in and around Dubai should be on your bucket list. With many of the best restaurants opening up Dubai locations, great chefs running Dubai restaurants, and multiple couponing and discount sites and apps offering up to 50% off your meal, Dubai is a luxury foodie Walhalla.
From Indego by Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia to Social by the famous 3-Michelin star chef Heinz Beck, or even the highest restaurant in the world located in the Burj Khalifa At.Mosphere, you will have plenty of great restaurants to choose from!
Buy and download The Entertainer Fine Dining and look through Groupon before your trip to map out your fine dining itinerary. Also, don’t forget to go to a brunch on Thursday-evening or Friday at noon. These buffets include unlimited food and alcohol in some of the world’s most famous and best restaurants! I would personally recommend the brunches at Al Grissino, Al Dawaar Revolving restaurant, Mr. Miyagi, and Thiptara which offers amazing Thai food with a view over the Burj Khalifa and the musical fountains.
Not necessarily looking for fine dining options? Or maybe you are on a budget. Dubai offers amazing and cheap Indian food in restaurants such as Saravana Bhavan and Kamat. No matter your taste, your dietary requirements, or your budget – Dubai offers something for everyone!
Americas & the Caribbean
Caribbean
Ayngelina Brogan
BaconIsMagic.ca
Although Cuba is often described as a country that is frozen in time, Havana restaurants will show you that it is quite the opposite. An international city, Havana has an incredible nightlife scene and there are so many great places to eat.
Cuban food is an expression of its history, once colonized by the Spanish, built on the backs of African slaves, and influenced by immigrants from Russia, China, France, and Italy.
Budget travelers love the small cafeterias that serve some of the best rice and beans, along with yuca and malanga. And those who want the perfect Instagram photo love the trendy restaurants popping up serving incredible rum cocktails, fresh seafood, and live music.
The city is electric and its energy is infectious. If you love pork, it’s home to some of the best pork dishes in the world. But vegetarians are also pleasantly surprised that restaurants here also understand that not everyone eats meat and have inclusive menus for them. There’s something for everyone in Havana.
Leticia
ChicTravelAroundTheWorld.com
Port of Spain in Trinidad in the West Indies is known for its cuisine throughout the world. It is the capital of the island country and has some of the best food on the island. What makes the food so unique is the blend of so many different cultures that have influenced the island as so many different cultures have settled there. The food is influenced by the cuisine of the following cultures: Indian, Chinese, African, Syrian just to name a few. In the city of Port of Spain, you can try all of my favorite dishes such as roti, doubles, aloo pie, pelau, bul jol, and phlourie. In the city, you can find street food such as doubles. Doubles are two pieces of flatbread with chickpeas. The topping on the cake is the various sauces that can be added cucumber or tamarind chutney along with hot pepper sauce. There are also many sit down establishments where you can also taste so many delicious Trinidadian dishes. Additionally, there are lots of specialty take-out shops that specialize in well-known Trinidadian food, rotis. There are so many options to choose from and all of these tantalizing Trinidadian foods you can find in this diverse bustling city.
North America
Lindsay
UncoveringBC.com
Tofino is a small town on the West Coast of Canada and a popular road trip destination for British Columbians. It is well known for storm watching and summer getaways offering rustic beachfront cabins and 5-star hotels. But over the last decade, Tofino has defined itself as a foodie getaway in British Columbia.
Start your morning at Rhino coffee with a “Bronut” (A breakfast sandwich on a donut) or one of their cream-filled donuts. The popular take-out, Tacofino serves delicious street food tacos and always has a lineup. Choose one of their popular tacos (grab 2 or 3) and a gringa. While their popularity has soared, they continue to serve from an old orange food truck in the Live to Surf parking lot. Since their opening in 2009, they have added locations in Vancouver, due to its great eats and its iconic feeling of being on the island.
There are plenty of choices for dinner in Tofino, all of them small businesses with unique menus. Choose the Wolf in the Fog for a pub vibe, or 1909 for high end dining with waterfront views, or Kuma for ramen. Before you leave town, grab some locally made chocolate and ice cream at Chocolate Tofino. Try their lavender Ice cream, it is delicious.
Daphna Bar
ATinyTrip.com
Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco in Mexico is one of the best places for food in Mexico, and in the world! There is an amazing array of everything from street food to high-end dining. Nothing is more famous in Jalisco than Tequila! Have yours straight, in a paloma, or a margarita.
After a night of partying, find your way to a torta ahogada, a sandwich stuffed with pork and soaked in a tomato sauce. Birria, a braised goat stew is the ultimate comfort food.
Even though it is located three hours inland from the coast, Guadalajara has an excellent fish market and thus amazing fish tacos! You can also order any typical Mexican food, such as an arrachera (skirt steak) with all the fixings to fill your corn tortilla!
Guadalajara is full of cafés and restaurants and the local Tapatios know how to have a good time! The city’s perfect weather makes outdoor dining possible year-round. Don’t miss it!
Ruth
TanamaTales.com
Food lovers looking to extend their gastronomic palate should definitely consider visiting Los Angeles. Diversity is the main ingredient that allows residents and visitors to experience dishes from all over the world, as well as local creations.
Trying to decide where to eat in a place with such an amalgam of flavors can be daunting. My best piece of advice is to head to an ethnic neighborhood. In these areas, you will find authentic food from a particular corner of the world. The best thing is that you can combine these areas with the city’s major attractions.
Downtown, you will find Little Tokyo. This is a great place to try a big bowl of ramen at eateries such as Daikokuya, or Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata. Go to Sushi Enya, or Hama Sushi for sashimi, sushi, and rice bowls. Do not forget to visit Fugetsu-Do and Mikawaya for mochi.
Boyle Heights is one of Los Angeles’ Mexican food paradises. Put together your own taco crawl by visiting Guisados, Carnitas El Momo, Ave 26 Taco Stand, and Pepe’s Red Tacos.
Thai Town is located in East Hollywood. You can indulge in boat noodles, tom yum, and khao soi in restaurants like Sapp Coffee Shop, Ocha, and Jitlada. Stock on authentic goods at Bhan Kanom Thain (bakery) and Silom Supermarket.
Little Armenia is located south of Thai Town. If you are looking for more Armenian variety, head to Glendale. Close to Santa Monica and Venice Beach, you will find Sawtelle Boulevard, another Japanese enclave. Tsujita serves some of the best ramen bowls in the city. If you are looking for more, consider visiting Little Ethiopia, Persian Square, El Salvador Community Corridor, or the Chinese restaurants located in the San Gabriel Valley.
Moshe
TheTopTenTraveler.com
New Orleans is one of the most interesting and fascinating cities in the US. It has a rich history with French and Spanish roots and a modern legacy of the Mardi Gras and awesome parties and nightlife. The food in New Orleans is similar – it is rich, interesting, and fun.
The New Orleans cuisine has many influences. The strongest ones are from the Creole cuisine, Cajun cuisine, and soul food. It is based heavily on different kinds of seafood (lots of crawfish), but surprisingly you can also find here many vegan options for the traditional dishes.
The city has several signature dishes, like Gumbo – a thick stew, usually with seafood or sausage, served over rice; Jambalaya – a mix of seafood, chicken and sausage, vegetables and rice; and Po boys – a huge sandwich, usually with fried shrimp or oysters, lettuce, tomato and pickles.
On the dessert side, New Orleans’ most famous delicatessen is the beignet. The best beignets are served at the classic Cafe Du Monde in Jackson Square, and visiting this place is a must-do when you visit New Orleans. Vegan versions of beignets are available at Seed (1330 Prytania St).
New Orleans’ culinary scene is one of the best in the world. It is an inseparable part of the city and one thing is guaranteed – you can never get enough of it.
New York City, New York
James
TravelCollecting.com
There are plenty of reasons to visit New York City, but the incredible food has to be top of your list. There are so many iconic New York foods. Start with pizza – you can pick up a slice of classic New York pizza (thin and eaten folded in half on the go if you want to be a real New Yorker) anywhere in the city at one of the many pizza joints. New York hotdogs are also legendary – covered in relish, ketchup, and mustard, you can get one at a hot dog stand throughout Manhattan or head to Nathan’s on Coney Island for a true original. And, of course, your visit wouldn’t be the same without some New York cheesecake. Try Juniors (several locations including Times Square) for an authentic slice. For another truly authentic experience, visit Katz’s Deli for mile-high pastrami on rye.
However, New York is not only about the traditional. There are also lots of new fun food crazes that originated in NYC. Try a cronut (a decadent creme-filled cross between a croissant and a donut) at Ansel’s Bakery, where they were invented. In summer, Ansel’s is also home to the amazing What-A-Melon, a watermelon flavored soft serve ice cream served in a boat of real watermelon and topped with chocolate seeds. And don’t miss getting some Crack Pie from one of the several Momofuku’s Milk Bar locations. The sugary, buttery delight is as addictive as, well, crack …
New York City is also famously extremely culturally diverse, and you can easily eat your way around the world by visiting genuine restaurants in local neighborhoods. Head to Flushing, Queens for Mongolian hotpot; Brighton Beach, Brooklyn for Russian blinis and caviar; and Korea Town, Manhattan for Korean barbecue to die for.
No matter what you like to eat, you will love New York City!
Derek and Mike
Robe-Trotting.com
Often overlooked as a culinary destination, the Philadelphia food scene is absolutely one to check out. Philadelphia offers an amazing array of cuisines for any budget, ranging from street food to fine dining. Classic Philadelphia foods include Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and water ice. Cheesesteaks can be found in delis and shops all over the city, but we recommend avoiding the famous tourist traps of Pat’s and Geno’s. Great soft pretzels can be found in chains like the Philadelphia Pretzel Company, but don’t be afraid to try one from a street vendor – it’s the perfect snack while walking around the city. And for a great little dessert, try some water ice from Rita’s all over the region – it is the best shaved ice you will ever have! If you only have a little time, head to Reading Terminal Market in Center City, where you can sample from over a hundred food stalls. But Philly is more than just cheap eats – today it offers some of the best dining in America. In Center City, the two best restaurant hot-spots are along 13th Street in Midtown Village and near Rittenhouse Square. 13th street offers Asian fusion restaurants like Sampan and is surrounded by the great nightlife of the Gayborhood. Rittenhouse is on the posh side of town but has amazing burgers and cocktails at Village Whiskey or tapas at Tinto. But our favorite food neighborhood is East Passyunk in South Philly. Here you find a lot of BYOB restaurants (due to Quaker-founded Philadelphia’s restrictive liquor laws) and can enjoy some of the most innovative restaurants in town (like fine Dutch dining!). Favorites include Fond for Scandinavian cuisine and Bing Bing Dim Sum for dim sum with a Jewish twist!
South America
Erin
SolSalute.com
When you think of Argentina, one thing probably jumps to the forefront of your mind: beef. Argentina steak is legendary, along with the red wine you pair it with. The food scene in Buenos Aires revolves around red meat. Street food consists of empanadas (the best ones are made out of diced steak or cortada a cuchillo) and sausage and steak sandwiches grilled right on the street in food carts. At night, the parillas (the local name for steakhouses) serve up the best steak in Buenos Aires.
One of the most popular dishes is a parillada which consists of a little bit of everything. Literally every cut of steak from ribs to tenderloin brought out sizzling on a tiny grill that will keep it warm throughout the meal. And you’ll need it because meals in Argentina are long, drawn-out affairs. The focus is not only on the food but on the company that you enjoy it with. Dinners last for hours and at-home family barbecues can last all day.
Start the long meal with an empanada or two, move on to some sweetbreads and sausage before the main course – the steak – and end with dessert and coffee.
Sobremesa comes last, which isn’t a dish at all but the concept of the dinner conversation that takes place as you linger around the table together after the dessert.
Sobremesa: summing up the Argentinian food culture in one simple word.
Daniel and Ilona
TopTravelSights.com
One of the best cities in the world for food lovers is Lima. In the Peruvian capital, you can find many restaurants serving a wide variety of dishes, from Ceviche to Lomo Saltado or Anticuchos.
Ceviche is perhaps the most famous Peruvian dish you can try. The technique of marinating fish in citrus, vinegar, and spices to keep it fresh came likely from Spain, although ceviche itself originated in Peru. If you order the dish in Lima, you will not just receive fish but also side dishes like corn or plantain chips.
Lima is also a great place for trying Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine called Chifa. The first wave of Asian immigrants reached Peru in the 17th century, and their dishes, further developed to suit Peruvian taste, are famous all over the country.
A great example of such a dish is Lomo Saltado, a stir fry with beef, onions, peppers and aji, a Peruvian chilli.
Lima is not just famous for its restaurants but also for its street food. Don’t leave the city without trying Anticuchos, grilled beef hearts on a skewer. Even if you don’t like organs, you are going to love this marinated meat.
For dessert, grab a bowl of Arroz con Leche with Mazamorra Morada. Arroz con Leche is a rice pudding and Mazamorra Morada a fruit topping made with purple corn. The combination of the sweet pudding with the slightly sour and well-spiced fruit will leave you wanting for more.
Asia & the South Pacific
Rachita Saxena
MeanderWander.com
As someone who has lived in Delhi since childhood and is a big foodie, I have to say Delhi offers the best food scenes for all food lovers out there. Why do I say this?
Well, because of a simple reason that Delhi offers a range of cuisines and has several street food lanes here that will leave your mouth watering every time. From the huge parathas in Chandni Chowk to the mutton biryani in Hazrat Nizamuddin, there is so much to taste around here. And the best part is that you are able to enjoy delicious food here at extremely affordable prices.
Whenever I am in Delhi, I head to the famous Parathe Wali Galli in Chandni Chowk to gorge on big parathas, spicy Chole Bhature, a tall glass of Chaas, and jalebis. And if I head to Jama Masjid or Hazrat Nizamuddin side, then kebabs and biryani are just too hard to pass up on followed by the Mughlai dessert – Shahi Tukda.
Apart from these two major food hubs, there are so many other places to try out as well such as the Garden of Five Senses, Delhi Haat, Hauz Khas, and so on. Here, you will find momos, noodles, pizza, desserts, and so much more to try out. Honestly, I don’t think I will ever get bored of the food scene in Delhi, the city has just so much to offer you.
Mayuri Patel
Fernwehrahee.com
Your trip to India is incomplete without visiting the spiritual capital- Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in India where death is also celebrated and it attracts millions of tourists from around the world! Varanasi offers so many activities and tours, be it Ghats Walk, visiting temples, shopping, or taking a food tour, there is something to offer for every kind of traveler.
Being the oldest city of India, the cuisines of Varanasi are blended with different dishes that emerged with time but still, its authentic taste is preserved by locals. So when you are in Varanasi, don’t forget to take the Varanasi Food Tour. If you are traveling to India for the first time, you should devour all the delicious street food in India, Varanasi is heaven for it!! Take a Food tour with Varanasi Walk or Roobaroo walk early in the morning to get a glimpse into the actions at the Ghats and savoring the best food. You can combine a food tour with an Old city and Ghats walk which may take 4-5 hours. You can start your day early morning and end by seeing sunset by the Ghats. During the whole day taste the different delicacies and many varieties of street food including the famous Bhang Lassi (kind of weed which is only Legal in Varanasi).
Start your day with the Chowk area near Vishwanath temple- taste the delicious Chaat at Deena Chat Bhandar/Kashi Chaat Bhandar. Their Tomato Chaat is not to miss!! After having spicy Chaat, head to Raju Thandai for its Milk-based Thandai and Bhaang. From here cross the temple and go to Kachori Gali- the most famous Place in Varanasi. The Ram Bhandar in Kachori Gali is famous for Popular snack Kachori Sabji and Jalebi. Devour all the spiciness and head to have some sweet Lassi at Blue Lassi Shop. Varanasi is famous for its milk-based items especially Lassi. You will get 30+ flavored Lassi at Blue Lassi, but my favorite is Pomegranate Lassi, don’t miss it! If you are visiting Varanasi in Winter, you will get sweet frothy milk-based ‘Malaiyo’ that melts in your mouth! Apart from this, the city has the best cafes and bakery scene that serves continental and Italian dishes.
If you are taking a tour in the Morning, must attain aarti at Assi Ghat, take a boat tour and then start a food tour. If you are taking a food tour in the evening, start the walk from Assi ghat and then devour all the food, end your tour at Dashshwamedh Ghat. Typically, a 4-5 hours tour will cost you 4500-5000 INR per head. Also, you can customize it as per your choice.
Bali, Indonesia
click here for Bali travel reviews
Krisztina
SheWandersAbroad.com
Located on the southern part of Bali, the small coastal town of Canggu is the place to be for digital nomads and surfers. The town has an amazing laid-back vibe and what makes it even more special is the food scenery!
Often referred to as the boho culinary capital of Bali, Canggu boasts many amazing cafes, bars, and restaurants. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, following a paleo diet, or just simply eating healthy, you will definitely find your favorite meals and more in Canggu.
The best cafes in Canggu are literally lined up next to each other and you can never go wrong with any of them. You can find cute bakeries selling French pastries, traditional warungs with local Indonesian food, and hipster cafes with smoothie bowls and avocado toasts.
There are many unique cafes in Canggu as well, such as Matcha Cafe where you can try some matcha pancakes or matcha smoothie bowls, or the Avocado Factory where you can find countless amazing meals with avocado on the menu. If you’re vegan, you need to try the food at I Am Vegan Babe – their meals are heavenly!
Cassie
CassieTheHag.com
Fukuoka, Japan, is best-known for ramen! The regional version is often referred to as Hakata ramen or Tonkotsu ramen and has become one of the most well-known styles of the dish, made with thin, firm wheat noodles and a pork bone broth. Ichiran Ramen, the world-famous ramen house in which you can tailor your experience, is a must-do for enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine. However, if one of the prestigious ramen restaurants is out of your budget, you can have a great foodie experience in Fukuoka.
For locals, eating out in Fukuoka is all about Yatai food! From the busy Tenjin area, and all the way to Canal City Shopping Centre (which is also worth a stop to see its free anime/light shows), you can find the Yatai street food stalls. This way, you can eat like a local while also enjoying a variety of regional cuisines.
Pam
DirectionallyChallengedTraveler.com
Japan is one of the best countries in the world to travel to for food. From fresh seafood to incredible desserts, there’s something around every corner that will delight your taste buds. One of the best places to satisfy your taste buds is the smaller city of Kobe.
Located an hour’s drive (or 15 minute bullet train) from Osaka, Kobe is worth at least a day trip from the city. The local delicacy you should try? Kobe beef. One of the rarest (and most expensive) types of beef in the world. Kobe is a specific type of Wagyu beef. Wagyu can be found throughout Japan and even around the world. Wa” means Japanese style and “-gyu” means cow or cattle. Wagyu refers to any cattle that is bred in Japan or Japanese-style. Kobe beef is a specific strain of Wagyu in the prefecture of Hyogo (with the capital city of Kobe).
Kobe beef is subject to grading and measuring before it receives its official seal and identification number (you can track the piece of meat to the animal!) It’s this dedication to quality that makes Kobe one of the best cities in the world for food.
Osaka, Japan
Paul
TheTwoThatDo.com
Japan’s second city of Osaka may not be top of the list of possible destinations when considering a tour of this incredible country. However, it would be a huge mistake to overlook its central entertainment area of Dotonbori. Famed for its brilliant neon signage Dotonbori is a must-visit for any serious foodie. A gastronomic delight boasting countless restaurants and street stalls offering a range of local dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Many organized tours are available but for us, you can’t beat throwing yourself in and discovering their unique offerings on your own timetable.
As you’d expect seafood dishes are a popular Dotonbori option. The giant mechanical crab above the Kani Douraku restaurant is unmissable but it is not just this that draws the crowd. The crab is superb and so unlike the stalls along this stretch, a booking is recommended. For a quicker taste of the sea head to a takoyaki octopus dumpling stall. These small round morsels topped with bonito flakes may look simple but they are an absolute joy. Look out though as they are steaming hot!
Dotonbori is not all seafood. As well as prime beef restaurants such as Hariju there are many simpler stalls serving delicious meat and vegetable skewers with a variety of accompanying sauces. These skewers are perfect with a frozen foam topped Japanese beer as find a street-side seat and watch the world go by. You’ll soon spot a dish you’ve yet to encounter and will endeavor to sample next. Dotonbori in Osaka is truly one of the world’s must-visit foodie destinations. An unforgettable experience that will enthrall all your senses.
David
PaidSurveysFanatic.com.au
If you are looking for the best places to eat in the world, you won’t want to miss Penang – the self-proclaimed food capital of Asia.
The great thing about Penang is that it’s not just about one restaurant or one dish. There are just so many good things to try and so many restaurants and food stalls worth visiting. The food, in general, is of a very high standard particularly when eating the main cuisines of the people that eat there.
Penang, like Malaysia, is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian people and this is very much reflected in the food with superb options in all of these cuisines. In fact, if you visit Penang, your mission is to eat as much as possible of each of these cuisines.
A great place to start is at a hawker centre. These are generally outdoor, food court style places with tons of little food stores, many of which only serve a few dishes. These are perfect places for foodies as the food is cheap and serves are usually on the smaller side meaning there’s no reason not to try a variety of dishes.
For some of the best food on the island, head to Sri Ananda Bahwan for Indian (pictured here), Tofu Village for Chinese, and for Malay, head to Laksalicious. For hawker centres, go to the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.
Jackie
LifeOfDoing.com
Singapore is a small country and also one large city, yet has a mighty food culture. Singaporean food is a blend of flavors from Chinese, Indian to Malaysian cuisine. Try mouthwatering dishes such as fish head curry (a half or whole fish head simmering in curry sauce), chili crab (crab cooked in a sweet and salty chili sauce), laksa (noodles in coconut curry soup), bak kut teh (pork ribs simmered in pork broth with spices), Hainan chicken rice, and more.
The affordable way to enjoy a variety of Singaporean food is to visit hawker centers. These are a collection of food stalls that come together to serve a variety of food. Each food stall focuses on one particular cuisine or food type. Expect to pay cheap prices between 5-10 SGD ($3.70-$7.50 USD) for a filling meal and drink.
At first, it can be overwhelming on what to eat, so take the time to browse through the various vendors. Or, find the stall with the longest line and try whatever they’re serving.
Two recommended hawker centers to add to the Singapore itinerary are Maxwell Food Center and Chinatown Complex as they’re larger and have many food options. Enjoy all the good eats!
Allan Wilson
Live-Less-Ordinary.com
Bangkok is a fantastic food city when it comes to the variety and affordability of all food, where any and every cuisine can seemingly be found in the city, and it’s hard to walk 10 metres without happening upon a new eating experience. But Bangkok has to be best known for its Thai Street Food and cheap local eats at food courts and night markets.
Street food that has won Michelin Stars yet costs little more than $2US. The city as well showcases regional favourites such as Isaan barbecues, with all the delights of Northeastern Thailand, and it’s not uncommon to stumble upon Khaosoi Curry from the north or maybe a banana roti more famous from the south.
A good/cheap start would have to be the ‘Khao Rad Kaeng’ curry buffets where you can order a range of pre-made curries and stir-fries with rice at around 30-40 Baht. Around a dollar.
Despite the theoretical risk, Bangkok street food is no riskier than eating at restaurants, however, for those preferring more pristine surroundings, there are food courts at every mall that will serve similar cheap eats, as street food is technically just Thai food, served in an outside locale. A stop at Chinatown, and Yaowarat Road, is also highly recommended.
Sylvie
TravelsWithEden.blog
The unique street food is some of the best in Thailand. The Chiang Mai night bazaar has a huge range of food options. It’s a great place to go and try a bit of everything. You’ll also get to try some worldwide favourites made with a Thai twist. A unique dish to Chiang Mai is ‘Khao Soy’ a Thai noodle soup often named in other parts of Thailand as ‘Chiang Mai noodles’. The dish consists of egg noodles in a coconut sauce topped with meat and more noodles (deep-fried) and seasoned with chili and lime.
Other dishes to try in Chiang Mai are ‘Tam Khanun’ which is a jackfruit salad stirfried with garlic. Jackfruit isn’t to everyone’s taste though! Another favourite is the Mango sticky rice. Although you can get mango rice all over Thailand, the dishes in Chiang Mai are by far the best. You can buy this n pretty much every street, and it’s on most dessert menus.
I highly recommend taking part in a cooking class when you visit Chiang Mai. I chose half-day class with Mai Kaidee cooking school in the heart of Chiang Mai. You really get an insight into the local food culture and how each dish is made in different ways compared to other places in Thailand. You’ll be using traditional equipment, and all food is eaten at the end!
Trisha
TryWanderingMore.com
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a paradise for food lovers that teases the senses as you walk its chaotic streets – the smell of herbs, clatter of utensils, and the wide variety of delicious food. There are hawkers in every corner and an uncountable number of small eateries where locals, and tourists alike, eat while sitting on low plastic chairs laid out on the pavement.
These small eateries have the tastiest food. Pho, known as Vietnam’s national dish, originated in Hanoi. So, it is definitely the most widely found item here. While a few eateries like Pho Thin and Pho Gia Truyen are particularly famous, Pho is delectable everywhere. Other popular foods to eat here include Bahn Mi (Vietnamese filling in a French baguette), Bun Cha (Barbecued pork with rice noodles and broth), Cha Ca (Grilled Fish with dill and turmeric), Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Rolls), Lau (Hot Pot), Bun Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls), Che (Sweet Soup) and many more. You’ll also find hawkers selling fruits, Baos, meat (hot dog) on a stick, shrimp cakes, etc. as you walk around.
Hanoi is also famous for coffee. You have to try Vietnamese Cold Brew, a dark coffee with condensed milk, and Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee), an intense coffee topped with an airy froth of whipped egg yolk and condensed milk. Egg in coffee may sound weird, but you’ll be smacking your lips and craving for more. One of the top things to do in Hanoi is to skip the fancy restaurants, wander the lanes on foot, put aside all hesitation, and eat tasty street food. It’ll be cheap, flavourful, and the most incredible culinary experience you’ve had. We think about it often and dream about going back – just for the delightful food.
South Pacific
Nadine
LeLongWeekend.com
Of all the cities I’ve lived in, it’s the taste of Auckland’s food scene that lingers in my memories. A true testament to the city’s multicultural roots, in Auckland you’ll find cuisines from all around the world, recreated in keeping with their true flavours.
There are many great foodie scenes within the city, but Ponsonby is a particular favourite. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most famous restaurants, including the Italian-influenced SPQR, and Saan, which serves up authentic Thai with a twist. Breakfast and brunch are a big event in too, with Aucklander’s taking pride in their perfect flat white. At this time of the day, you’ll find cafes brimming as the locals chow down on eggs benedict and Instagram-worthy granola bowls.
If you’re travelling to New Zealand on a budget, never fear as there are plenty of places to find cheap eats too. From independently owned takeaways serving up the kiwi classic “fish and chips” to delicious market fare. And if you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan food.. you guessed it, Auckland excels there too with plenty of dedicated animal-free eating establishments peppered around the city!
Europe
Brussels, Belgium
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Maartje & Sebastiaan
TheOrangeBackpack.nl/en
Any visit to Europe should have Brussels in Belgium on its itinerary. It’s the food capital of Belgium or perhaps entire northern Europe, enchanting visitors with all its unhealthy dishes.
Brussels is a great place to visit for its architecture, Magritte modern art museum and shopping in the covered galleries. It’s especially worth a visit in wintertime when the old town is filled with Christmas market and covered in lights. But if you’d be honest with yourself, you’d admit you’re visiting Brussels for the great food.
Belgium is known for its chocolate and Brussels is filled with stores selling nothing but chocolate. Make sure to buy at least two boxes of chocolates to bring home with you, as you’ll know the first one won’t make it to the border.
Other must-tries in Brussels are the famous waffles. You can buy them with street vendors or small shops and eat them as a snack. You can add toppings as well. Chocolate should be your choice.
Then head for Belgian fries – or ‘frites’ – with one or two typical Belgian sauces. You can have it for lunch or dinner. Or both. End your day in a beer pub to try out as many famous or lesser-known Belgian beers as you can.
Bilyana
OwlOverTheWorld.com
I’m not saying this just because I am Bulgarian, but Bulgaria honestly has one of the best cuisines. Bulgarian food is fresh and tasty and famous for its dairy products quality vegetables, and a variety of spices. Pork and chicken are the most common forms of meat, but veal, lamb, as well as fish, and seafood also find their places in traditional dishes.
You can taste authentic Bulgarian meals all around the country, but Sofia is a great place to feast on the food as it’s where most people will start or end their Bulgarian trip, or the capital city will be the only place they’ll visit.
One of the best free things to do in Sofia is tasting the local cuisine. How come? Sofia is the only city that I know of that offers a free food tour! Joining that tour, you will learn a lot about Bulgarian cuisine and taste 5 traditional dishes.
You shouldn’t miss trying shopska salad, banitsa, shkembe chorba, musaka, grill meat, lyutenitsa, tarator, sarmi, and stuffed peppers. Those are some of the most traditional meals, but there’s a lot more to try.
Some of the restaurants in Sofia that serve Bulgarian cuisine and I would recommend as a local include Hadjidraganov’s houses, Shtatlivetsa, Raketa Rakia, and Do Re Mi.
London, England
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Clotilde
APrincessTravellingWithTwins.com
Many people who visit London come with strong prejudices about food. For many, English food means fish and chips and nothing more. This could not be more wrong as, although English traditional food is perhaps not world-renowned, the food that is available in the UK is the amazing food of the British Empire and beyond! London itself offers perhaps the largest culinary variety in the world and is a perfect destination for a gastronomic journey into new and unknown flavors.
Would you like to have an American breakfast of pancakes and bacon, a Moroccan vegetable tagine for lunch, and a dinner of Korean chicken? Or some traditional pastel de nata from Portugal? Or the perfect Japanese Okonomiaki? Just do a quick search and discover that the dishes of the world are all available within a few kilometers.
However, do not forget some of the typical local dishes such as the excellent Sunday roast or sticky toffee pudding, which when cooked properly delight the soul and warm your heart. The traditional food of Britain was born from the need to refuel hard-working people in a cold climate, but the produce, meat, and fish are excellent so make sure you try some pies and don’t miss the Fish & Chips!
From street food to 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, in London there is something for all tastes and budgets, but be careful, choosing at random will rarely work out. Among the large number of restaurants that open in London every year, there are many excellent places, but also many mediocre places. Do some research, especially if you are looking for a particular cuisine, and don’t trust a Q in London!
Christina
Travel2Next.com
Sitting on a hill at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, Lyon is France’s third-largest city and where you will find some of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage landmarks in France. It’s also known for its silk and as the country’s capital of gastronomy. One of the reasons why Lyon is one of the best cities in the world for food is because there are over 1500 eateries, including 18 Michelin-star restaurants. The most famous is chef Paul Bocuse’s Collonges-au-mont-d’Or. Other prominent chefs from Lyon are Georges Blanc, Christian Têtedoie, and Mathieu Viannay. Lyon is also home to two of France’s famous culinary schools and chefs from all over France are attracted to learn how to cook at L’École Vatel or L’Institut Paul Bocuse.
So it’s not surprising one of the things to do in Lyon you simply cannot miss is to taste the food. Lyon’s cuisine is rustic French food, and the city’s specialties are hearty meals like pork sausages with pistachios served with creamy mashed potatoes, foie gras, macarons, and creamed fish. If you love French food, Lyon is the perfect city to go on a culinary exploration. The city’s tradition where women ran traditional restaurants called bouchons continues to exist, so make sure you eat in a bouchon when visiting Lyon. The first to open a small, family-owned bistro was Mère Fillioux.
Another tradition in Lyon is mâchon, a heavy three-course morning meal of pate, a meat main course, and a cheese platter. An excellent place to go for this is Les Halles de Lyon, which is a great place to go shopping for local produce. Visiting Lyon’s markets are a highlight, and other markets to visit are Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, which has lovely views from its hilltop position, and Saint Antoine Farmers Market.
Paris, France
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Elisa
WorldInParis.com
Paris is one of the best European cities for food lovers. The Paris food, enjoyed in Michelin starred restaurants or more modest Parisian bistros, is always great, and it is even better if you pair it with some of the world’s best wines. In Paris, there are also many food festivals all year round, and they are an excellent opportunity to know more about local food while doing some tastes.
The base of the Paris food is its quality and seasonal produce. Then, you can decide to stick to the traditional French dishes or look for something more creative. Most of today’s best restaurants in Paris are a combination of both.
Amongst the most popular food in Paris, duck confit, steak frites, onion soup, or coq au vin deserve a special mention, but there’s much more.
Cheese is an essential food on the Parisian tables, and you will find it after the main dish. However, cheese is not a dessert (this comes later); cheese is cheese! There are more than 360 cheeses in France, and you will find most of them available in Paris.
Last but not least, the desserts – from crêpes to more elaborated cakes – are as good as beautiful, so be sure to keep some space in your stomach for a last sweet bite.
If you can visit Paris, try different kinds of restaurants, street food and perhaps consider a food tour.
Emily
Wander-Lush.org
Georgia boasts one of the world’s most underrated cuisines – and there’s nowhere better to sample traditional and contemporary Georgian cooking than in Tbilisi, the country’s capital.
Tbilisi is an emerging foodie’s paradise. There’s no street food, but there’s literally an incredible restaurant on every corner, some specializing in regional dishes (Megrelian and Abkhazian cuisine are my personal favourites), others putting a modern spin on treasured family recipes.
Georgia is often associated with rich, carb-heavy dishes such as khachapuri ‘cheese bread’ and khinkali ‘soup dumplings’. It’s worth travelling to Tbilisi for either of these dishes alone – especially mountain-style khinkali dumplings that are incredibly moreish.
In reality, Georgian cooking is much more nuanced and makes good use of fresh ingredients (including the best tomatoes on Earth), spices, and aromatics. One of the best things about Tbilisi’s food scene is how inclusive it is – many Georgian dishes are vegetarian or vegan by nature, and there are restaurants here that cater to almost every dietary requirement.
Chrysoula
AthensAndBeyond.com
Greek culture is known to center around gastronomy so it’s no wonder Athens is an excellent choice for foodie travelers. Whether you’re into street food snacks or Michelin-starred fine dining, the Greek capital has you covered.
Of course, one of the first things to mention when it comes to Greek gastronomy is souvlaki pita or gyros, succulent pieces of grilled meat wrapped in fluffy fresh pita bread and topped with tzatziki, tomatoes, French fries, and onions. This cheap eat is a firm favorite among tourists and locals alike and can be found for just a few euros all over the city.
Once you’ve had your fix of tasty pitas you can move on to traditional tavernas, choosing an array of mezze plates in order to try a number of different dishes. Some of the best local tavernas in the heart of Athens include Diporto, Klimataria, and Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani as well as Ouzeri Lesvos in the edgy neighborhood of Exarchia.
If you’re seeking fine-dining, fear not as Athens has some exceptional Michelin-starred restaurants too. Funky Gourmet serves up boundary-pushing plates with interesting experimentation and two-Michelin-starred Spondi delights with French fare with flair!
Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning some of Athens’ best bakeries and brunch spots including Loukoumades, Nancy’s Sweet Home, Harvest Coffee & Wine
Lori
Travlinmad.com
If you’re a foodie looking to explore some of the best food cities, Bologna is undoubtedly the culinary capital of Italy. When your nickname is La Dotta, la Grassa e la Rossa” (“The Educated, the Fat, and the Red), you know the food is going to be good.
Located in northern Italy’s Po Valley, the region widely known as the agricultural hub of Italy, and the foods are often fatty and filling. Meats like delectable mortadella, cotechino, and stuffed pastas like tortellino are foodie favorites. Surprisingly, the region produces wines such as Lambrusco and Pignoletto, which are light, often frizzante, and meant to be drunk young and not aged.
But three of its most famous foods produced here are some of the most beloved foods in all of Italy: Traditional balsamic vinegar, prosciutto ham, and the King of Cheese, Parmigiano reggiano. Take a food tour and visit the local factories to experience how these traditional local foods are made — if you’re looking for fun foodie things to do, Bologna is one of the best cities for food!
Naples, Italy
Jennifer Parkes
BackYardTravelFamily.com
Naples, Italy is home to an absolute Italian classic, the Neapolitan pizza. Naples itself may not seem like the hottest tourist destination. It is a hard-working, often grungy city, and besides its port, has not given in to the tourist gag. The city is real, lived in direct contrast to the more frequented cities of Venice or Florence.
The Neapolitan (ie. from Naples) Pizza, by which the margherita is one of the favourites has a few rules which make it unique to the region. The buffalo mozzarella cheese must come from Campania or Lazio or the cow’s milk mozzarella must come from Agerola. The tomatoes must also come from the region, a little like how Champagne in France must actually come from the Champagne region.
The pizza crusts are wood-fired, a little chewy, and made from dough that has proved over 8 hours. It is nothing like a deep base pizza of American descent. It is thin with a chewy crust and the pizzas are perfectly imperfect circles, charred by the wood.
In their simplicity, they are also very cheap and totally worth the effort to visit the city, even if you just visit for the pizza. Don’t choose a pizza from a tourist outfit in Rome, head south and enjoy the real authentic thing, just like it was made to be.
Rome, Italy
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Linn Haglund
EasyWayToVegan.com
One of the best cities for food in the world is Italy’s amazing capital city, Rome. There is so much pasta and pizza everywhere you go and it’s delicious. The best places to go are a bit out of the way from the major tourist attractions, like everywhere.
Food in Rome is often very simple, yet so good. Take the example of Pizza Rossa or Pizza Margarita. They have two or three ingredients and are some of the most commonly eaten pizzas by Romans. This goes for a lot of other pizzas as well, but also for pasta. One of the tastiest and simple pastas you can get in Rome is the Penne All’ Arrabbiata. Simply made with tomato sauce, garlic, chili, and basil. It’s all about blending the right flavors, not the number of flavors.
Rome is also well-known for its Pizza All’ Taglio, which are slices of pizza you buy, usually to take away and pay by weight. This is one of the absolute best things to eat in Rome and perfect to have on the go-between attractions or to eat at a busy square or a park.
Cosette
KarsTravels.com
Maastricht is a beautiful, old city in the South of The Netherlands. It’s a foodie heaven and one of the best cities for food for several reasons. First of all, there’s the delicious vlaai, which comes in many forms. Traditionally the best ones in Maastricht are kruisbessen schuim (gooseberry cake) and aardbeienschuim (strawberry cake). The crust is a different kind of dough compared to regular pie/cake dough, more a sweet yeast dough. Then a layer of fruit and schuim (sort of meringue). Seriously delicious. Kruisbessen schuim isn’t the only reason to travel to Maastricht, although it’s the reason I go there each year with a friend. We always get our schuim at Buvette ’t Piepenhoes.
Maastricht has a Burgundian atmosphere; the city and its people abundantly enjoy life, food, and drinks. There are plenty of restaurants, with lots of choices, from Greek to Maastrichts, and from Indonesian to French. There’s ample choice and you don’t have to wonder where to eat in Maastricht, there’s a restaurant for everyone.
Vrijthof and Markt are 2 squares that are hotspots in the city. On the squares are plenty of restaurants with terraces, which gives a lively ambiance. You can hop from terrace to terrace or sit down at one and just enjoy the Summer.
When in Maastricht next to enjoying kruisbessen schuim and aardbeien schuim, also make sure you sample Maastrichts zuurvlees, arretjescake and kroketten.
Diana
TravelsInPoland.com
Krakow has the biggest central square in all of Europe and it is surrounded by hundreds of restaurants and bars, which make Krakow a fantastic location for trying a variety of international cuisine. The sheer variety of cuisine makes going to Krakow completely worthwhile.
Trying traditional Polish foods should be at the top of anyone’s list, as homemade traditional cooked meals such as potatoes, pierogi, and golaki are tried and tested among the many restaurants in the area. One such restaurant to try for traditional Polish food is Chlopskie Jadlo. Chlopskie Jadlo has a great array of foods and a laid back atmosphere with traditional wooden benches and tables you might find in the Tatra mountains.
Walking around the city, visitors will find dozens of restaurants with similar vibes but also foods such as Italian, Greek, Turkish, German, American, and Japanese. The city does a great job of tending to a wide palate and making restaurants accessible from the city center. There are also a few restaurants right at the very center atSukiennice that can be enjoyed while watching the bustling of the city around.
Bec
WyldFamilyTravel.com
Poland is not a place many people think of for a foodies delight vacation but the food served there will rival any other city in Europe especially Warsaw. Poland is an emerging travel destination and when you are there you must sample all of the food.
From big hearty meals served in a restaurant to street food that fills you as you walk Warsaw has something for everyone. You can sit in a restaurant and enjoy some amazing Pierogi (Polish dumplings), you can get a bowl of Rosol (chicken noodle soup) to warm up or you can have a Kielbasa (Polish sausage) and a thick piece of bread to go with it.
If you are wandering the Old Town of Warsaw you can grab a slice of Zapikanka (like a toasted sub), some Gofry (loaded waffles) and enjoy a Lody (ice cream) on a hot day.
Oscypek is a traditional smoked cheese from the Tatra mountains that many people love but some find it very strong and during Christmas Poland is famous for its Grzane Piwo (hot spiced beer)
Visiting one of the Traditional ‘Milk Bars’ in Warsaw is a real way to get a taste of the traditional Polish foods. These kitchens were run by some of the best home cooks in the area. They are leftover from the old Soviet days and it was where anyone could go to get a good meal. Nowadays they are still popular with the locals and tourists are starting to visit to sample their cooking. Dishes change daily and with availability but you are sure to get a good meal.
Vodka is a traditional drink in Poland and sampling some is a great idea. Soplica has an amazing selection of flavoured Vodka and Krupnik make a delicious Salted Caramel vodka as well. All of these are available at the supermarket and sometimes at a local convenience store.
Although many Polish dishes are meat-based you will also find plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans throughout the city.
Mayuri
ToSomePlaceNew.com
Lisbon is one of the prettiest cities in Europe, and what makes it extra special is the amazing (and affordable) culinary scene! Portuguese food has quite a variety of sweet baked items to delicious 3-course meals.
Pastel de nata is the iconic and famous Portuguese egg tart. You can easily find them in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. These tarts are very addictive, and it just melts in your mouth when served warm.
While dining in the city, try Portuguese chicken piri. As the name suggests, it is chicken covered in piri-piri or spices. This is the national food in Portugal and is served with chips or french fries and salad. We highly recommend dining in the Chiado neighborhood as part of your Lisbon itinerary.
Other delicacies include Bifanas, which are sandwiches made of marinated pork served in crunchy white bread. You can also try Ham sandwiches, which are perfect for bite-size snacks. Pair that with Porto wine in the evenings.
Lisbon also has vegetarian options in their restaurants, including fresh salads and egg-free baked items.
Pauline
BeeLovedCity.com
It’s no secret that Italy is an excellent destination for all foodies out there but what people don’t always realize is that each region has its own cuisine. Located on the beautiful island of Sicily, Catania is the perfect place for visitors who want to discover what the traditional Sicilian food is really like!
Street food, pasta, pizza, deserts… when it comes to food in Catania, you will be spoilt for choice! The most famous local delicacy is the arancino. It’s a deep-fried ball of rice with sauce. You can easily recognize it as it has a very distinctive conic shape. Although you can find it everywhere in Sicily, the province of Catania is the only place where you will find it with pistachio sauce.
There are loads of pistachio dishes in the area. Pizza, pasta… you name it! This is due to the fact that Bronte (a small village near Catania) is home to the best pistachio farms in the world! In terms of street food, make sure to also try the cipollina and cartocciata. At the restaurant, you should opt for pasta alla norma or an aubergine parmigiana.
Finally, make sure to get a granita. All catanese love it! It’s way lighter than gelato and you could eat it all day long! If you want to do what the locals do, order a brioche as well. You will find all these snacks in every cafe in Catania. For the full experience, book a cooking class with a local. It usually includes a tour of the fish market in the historic centre and a workshop where you learn how to make some of the local specialties.
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Annabel
SmudgedPostcard.com
Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is a great destination for traditional Italian street food. However, it’s not for the fainthearted – while you can find simple dishes in Palermo it’s offal which the city is famed for.
Most well known on the streets of Palermo is pani ca’meusa which is spleen sandwich. Also popular among locals is stigghiola – lamb or chicken intestines on a skewer. If you are visiting Sicily with kids, fear not, there are a few more run of the mill dishes to try if intestines aren’t your child’s favourite finger food. There’s arancini – balls of rice stuffed with cheese and deep-fried.
Palermo also has its own take on pizza – sfincione – a slice of thick oily bread with tomato sauce topped with cheese. You’ll also find savoury pancakes made from chickpeas served in a bun – a great carb hit if you need plenty of fuel to explore Palermo’s fascinating streets.
Sally Pederson
LovingLifeInSpain.com
Like many large cities globally, Barcelona has countless restaurants and cafés to enjoy a delicious meal. There is everything from numerous small tapas bars to 22 Michelin Star restaurants in the city. This Catalan region of Spain has several traditional dishes that would be hard to find anywhere else in the world.
One popular item in Catalonia is salted Cod. This salted Cod takes three days to desalt before you start cooking it. Many traditional dishes are made with salted Cod including Bacallà amb samfaina and Esqueixada de bacallà.
If you like green onion, you will want to come to Barcelona between December and March for Calçots. The Catalonia grown long-stemmed green onion is cooked on an open fire barbecue. The outer leaves are charred, and the inside is soft. Always dipped in a rich nutty romesco sauce, they are delicious and can get messy. It is not unusual to see people wearing a bib when enjoying Calçots, especially during outdoor Calçots festivals.
Food festival lovers can find some food festivals in and around Barcelona at almost any time of the year. The Festival of Cargols is celebrated every May. The celebration includes barbecued or oven-baked snails served with a vinaigrette or spicy sauce.
What are you waiting for? Come to Barcelona and enjoy some of the best food in the world!
De Wet & Jin
MuseumOfWander.com
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is one of the great cities in the world. Yes, Madrid has fantastic sights to see, world-famous art museums, shopping, and sexy vibes going for it, but if you REALLY want to enjoy the city you should bite into its extraordinary food scene.
A good starting point is to visit one of Madrid’s several food markets. Eating at these food markets is a cheap, fun, and informal way to experience the sheer amount and variety of tapas in one place.
The Mercado de San Miguel, just off the Plaza Mayor, is a culinary highlight of the city and an essential stop on any self-guided walking tour of Madrid. There are over 30 vendors, each specializing in one or two dynamite dishes. The gourmet tapas are displayed beautifully and you’ll probably want to try all of them. Wine, beer, sherry, vermouth, and other alcoholic drinks are also available anytime between 10 am to midnight. Coffee is also available if you don’t like a beer with your breakfast.
You must not leave Madrid before having the legendary chocolate con churros from Chocolatería San Ginés. Locals and tourists alike have been lining up for the good stuff for more than a hundred years. Your chocolate and churros cravings can be handled 24 hours a day, so there is never an excuse not to pop into this epic chocolatería.
Whether you are looking for gambas al ajillo, chorizo ibérico, pincho de tortilla, bocadillo de calamares or whatever tapa fantasy you might foster, Madrid will not disappoint.
Food is such a central part of the culture of Madrid that will possibly be the highlight of your trip to the city. Eating anywhere in Madrid is what good eating should always be about. It’s vibrant, social, affordable, unpretentious, but most important: It’s damn delicious!
Joanna
AndaluciaInMyPocket.com
When you think about the best cities in the world for food, Malaga won’t be the first one to come into your mind. Malaga is a hidden gem when it comes to food, able to please every sophisticated palate but also offer flavoursome dishes made with simple, fresh ingredients. In Malaga, you will find both rustic, traditional restaurants that serve delicious homemade food, but one Michelin star restaurant belonging to chef Jose Carlos Garcia. Of course, you will find everything else in between.
The South of Spain is a great area for olives, black tomatoes, and almonds, which all make essential ingredients for the local cuisine. Some of the best tapas in Malaga are made using the local sardine called boqueron, which only grows in the warm waters of the Alboran Sea. The Southern Spain boqueron has become a symbol of the city, and not only of its cuisine. Quite often the locals in Malaga refer to themselves as boquerones.
There is nothing better in summer than to enjoy a plate of espetos at one of the chiringuitos on the beach in Malaga. The espetos are boquerones grilled over an open fire, on skewers. They are drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, and served whole, with lemon. The boquerones are used to make other fantastic tapas as well, when they are marinated in lemon and deep-fried, or cured in vinegar and served raw.
Or
MyPathInTheWorld.com
There are many reasons to visit Valencia, and one of them is the local food scene. This beautiful coastal city is the capital of the region that brought the most famous Spanish dish to the world – the paella.
Although only non-Spaniards consider it the national dish of Spain, it is so delicious that it’s definitely worth hopping on a plane to try authentic paella. This rice dish is served in many restaurants in Valencia, but a few must-visit places that are masters of paella and many other Valencian rice dishes are La Pepica (one of the oldest restaurants in the city and an Ernest Hemingway favorite), Casa Carmela, and Alquería del Pou.
If you like trying unique breakfasts around the world, you’ll also love horchata and fartons. Horchata is a cold sweet drink made from tiger nuts and fartons are elongated sweet fluffy pastries, which are meant to be dipped in the horchata.
Apart from its most famous dish, pastry, and drink, Valencia is also home to cute cafes for breakfast and brunch lovers, incredible tapas bars that serve exquisite food (especially seafood), and Michelin Star Restaurants.
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Shivonya
These look amazing!