The Best Destinations for Foodies

Even if you’ve never been, you’ll know that when it comes to food, Italy is a real big hitter – with popular dishes like pasta and pizza having become ubiquitous around the world. But trust us, pizza just doesn’t taste the same here as the authentic stuff made by the Italians. Using the freshest ingredients, Italian-sourced products and a focus on traditional techniques, they’re all about flavour – and the same can be said for pasta dishes. From freshly made tagliatelle to pappardelle to linguine, each type plays their part in forming several delicious dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro, carbonara and ragu to name just a few. The food in Italy in general is fantastic, with even the simplest of dishes like the Caprese salad sure to impress, but standout foodie destinations include Rome, Florence, Bologna and Tuscany. 

From mouth-watering cheese dishes to rich stews, delicious baked goods and the somewhat more acquired tastes (escargot, we’re looking at you), French cuisine is delightfully varied and offers something for everyone. Different regions of France have their different specialties, for example Provence is known for its flavoursome herbs underpinning famous dishes like ratatouille, while Burgandy is known for beef bourguignon and coq au vin. In the coastal areas of Normandy and southern France, delicious fresh seafood tends to be the dish of choice. And if you’re into wine and bubbles, you have Bordeaux, Champagne and the Loire Valley where you can enjoy tasting sessions accompanied by cheese. What’s not to love?!

If you’re a fan of sushi, ramen and tempura, Japan is the place to go. Here you can enjoy a diverse range of culinary experiences, from sampling the flavoursome street foods of Osaka and Sapporo, to treating yourself to Kaiseki Ryoi in Tokyo – a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. Sushi and ramen is served in all sorts of different ways but don’t miss some of the country’s lesser-known dishes like okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake) or fresh seafood donburi. For meat lovers, Kobe’s melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef is not to be missed. Every region has its specialty, and half the fun is travelling around to discover them. Come with an appetite and be ready to eat your way around the country.

Serious foodies should strongly consider adding Singapore to their bucket list, known for its abundance of dining experiences, from the very best Michelin-star meals to incredible street food bites in famous hawker markets like the Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat. From Hainanese chicken rice to spicy coconut noodle soup and chilli crab, Singapore is truly a melting pot of top Asian cuisine and all its fabulous flavours. The best part? You can feast all you like, and it won’t break the bank as there are so many affordable options. 

Paella, tapas, pintxos and sangria, Spanish food is truly a feast for the senses, with every region home to a whole host of culinary treasures. While tourists may flock in their droves to Barcelona, Seville is where it’s at for tapas – think patatas bravas, giant sizzling garlic prawns and tasty jamón ibérico, nicely washed down with a glass of local wine. Meanwhile, Valencia is the birthplace of paella, where you can tuck into a big bowl of it while taking in views of the sea and sipping Vermouth. And don’t miss San Sebastián in the north – it’s a foodie heaven with more Michelin stars per square metre than almost anywhere else. Good food, good drink, good company and sunshine, what more could you want?

For mouthwatering fusions of flavour and bold, eclectic cuisine, Thailand is the foodie’s paradise. Take your tastebuds on a Thai adventure, exploring the incredible street food of Bangkok or tucking in to a rich and spicy tom yum soup or pad Thai from an affordable local restaurant. You don’t have to spend much to have an excellent meal in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also an excellent region for food, like fragrant khao soi coconut curry soup, of head to one of Thailand’s many beautiful islands to try delicious fresh seafood and sweet mango sticky rice. Meanwhile, if you’re keen for a more upmarket dining experience, there are numerous five-star restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui where you can eat to your heart’s content. 

This list wouldn’t be complete without Mexico, one of our all-time favourite cuisines and probably yours too! The beaches aren’t half bad either. But there’s so much more to Mexico’s foodie scene than just fajitas and tacos; every mouthful is rich with spice and soul and incredible flavour combinations that’ll set your tastebuds tingling. Head to Mexico City for delectable tlacoyos and tamales, or Oaxaca for mole – delicious smoky sauces with plenty of character. Yucatán on the coast offers exquisite citrusy cochinita pibil and refreshing ceviche – washed down nicely with a Margarita – and for dessert, few can resist freshly made churros dipped in chocolate or dulce de leche. Whether you’re at a family-ran taqueria or a lively street food market, you won’t be disappointed by Mexico’s vibrant and authentic cuisine. 

For a taste of… well, a little bit of everything, and usually in pretty epic portion sizes, head to the USA, where you can experience it all, from fresh lobster in Maine to Louisiana’s sticky ribs and iconic New York pizza. As with other countries on the list, every region has its specialty – you’ll no doubt be familiar with deep-dish pizza from Chicago, for example, and while certain states are known for serving more hearty dishes (like Texas), others are known for fresh and light dishes and trendy restaurants (like LA). With such a vast array of cultures, climates, and ingredients, there’s something for every foodie in the US, you could even make a road trip out of it!

You may be surprised to find South Africa on the list, but one of the country’s best-kept secrets is its buzzy foodie scene, offering a flavour-packed adventure just waiting to be tasted. In beautiful Cape Town you can enjoy a range of dishes spanning fresh seafood, rich curries, and delicious bobotie (a unique minced meat dish with a custard-like topping), all while taking in the stunning coastal setting, or, head to the Winelands for a one-of-a-kind experience sampling world-class wine with cheeses, cold meats, or even locally made chocolate. 

Another authentic South African meal is the much-celebrated braai (known as a BBQ in other destinations), where different meats and a firm favourite, boerewors, take centre stage on a hot fire. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll likely savour a meal you won’t forget in a hurry.

There’s a lot to love about Vietnam – from its fascinating history and culture to its outstanding scenery, beautiful beaches and friendly people – but the local cuisine is undoubtedly one of its biggest selling points. And like other destinations, many of its best flavour sensations start on the street, where every corner unlocks a new taste. Pho noodle soup is an iconic dish of Vietnam, much loved by locals, and if you like that, try bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup that packs a real punch. Dumplings, rice rolls and banh mi (a French/Vietnamese baguette sandwich) also feature heavily on the menu in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The beauty of Vietnamese cuisine lies in its combination of traditional cooking techniques, fresh herbs, and bold and zesty flavours, making every meal a real treat.

If Peru was already on your bucket list, you’ll be pleased to know it’s also a fantastic destination for food-loving travellers, blending ancient cooking traditions with a fresh modern twist. Lima is without question its culinary capital, where you can sample zesty ceviche made with lime juice, chilli and fresh fish, as well as world-class fusion foods like Japanese-Peruvian. In the Amazon region, expect exotic fruits, succulent grilled meats and intriguing dishes like paiche fish, while up in the Andes and Cusco, you’ll find hearty fare like stir-fried beef and the Peruvian classic, aji de gallina, served with potatoes and vegetables or quinoa. Peru’s food is as diverse and unique as its landscapes making it not one to miss.

Last but not least, the buzzing city of Marrakesh, Morocco – a colourful, hectic, aromatic feast for the senses with a mind-boggling array of culinary dishes. Pay a visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa square and take in the smell of sizzling meats and spices before ordering a delicious lamb tagine, or, try a plate of cous cous and seasonal vegetables, harira soup or grilled kebab with soft and fluffy khobz bread. In the afternoon, head to one of the many rooftop cafés and bars to sip on a fresh mint tea while nibbling sweet treats like chebakia (honey-soaked cookies), coconut macaroons or almond briouats (pastries). You can even take a little taste of Marrakesh home with you by picking up your favourite spices and other local produce from Souk Semmarine or Rue Bab Doukkala market. 

Now that we’ve got your appetite going, are you ready to embark on your next foodie adventure? Chat with one of our friendly Travel Experts here to start planning your culinary adventure today!