Three women enjoying pizza in Italy (CarlosBarquero/Shutterstock)
Half the fun of traveling is indulging in the flavors of new and exciting cultures. For foodies, cuisine isn’t just part of the experience, it’s the main event. While Italy and France often top the list of must-visit culinary destinations, there’s a world of incredible food waiting to be discovered beyond these favorites. So, pack your appetite, because there’s so much more to savor than just pasta and pastries! We have done the research and compiled this list of the best countries for food lovers to visit, thanks to experts across nine websites. Did we miss one you love but don’t see? Drop it in the comments.
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place.
Top 7 Countries for Foodies to Visit
1. Italy
It’s no surprise that Italy tops our list – every visit is a gastronomic delight. According to Insider Monkey, Italian food is so beloved thanks to the high-quality ingredients and simple, yet flavorful dishes. Plus, it’s a win on the health front, with meals typically cooked in olive oil, a healthier alternative to other fats. No wonder Italian cuisine has captured hearts and palates around the globe!
What are the three best things to eat in Italy? A Nomad’s Passport ranks them in this order: pizza, gelato, and pasta. You can’t go wrong with any pizza, whether it’s a classic Margherita or topped with local ingredients. Then, there’s gelato – creamy, rich, and available in endless flavors. Finally, fresh, handmade pasta rounds out the trifecta, offering everything from simple spaghetti to indulgent carbonara.
According to Bucket List Travels, a stop in Bologna is a must for food lovers. Free from tourist traps and waistline worries, this city is all about indulgence. Dive into authentic bolognese, savor delicate tortellini, and don’t miss the creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste.
StudyFinds Associate Editor Sophia Naughton recommends trying a duck ragù, or ragù d’anatra. “I’ve never encountered this dish in Italian restaurants in the states, but this was my favorite thing to order in Italy while living there for a summer,” says Naughton. “It is uually made with pappardelle or bigoli pasta enrobed in a velvety tomato sauce with tender pieces of duck meat. You need to try it.”
2. Mexico
Move over France, Mexico comes in at number two on our list. From street tacos to flavorful local dishes, there’s something for every palate. According to A Nomad’s Passport, must-try dishes include chilaquiles (tortilla chips with spicy salsa and eggs), empanadas (fried tacos stuffed with meat and veggies), sopa de lima (lime soup with chicken and avocado), and the iconic tacos al pastor (marinated pork topped with onions, cilantro, and pineapple).
Mexican cuisine is taking the world by storm, with its food market expected to hit a massive $113.85 billion by 2026. According to Insider Monkey, it’s no wonder Mexico is one of the top foodie destinations. In 2010, UNESCO even added Mexican cuisine to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, praising it as “elaborate and symbol-laden,” and highlighting how it “reinforces social bonds.”
Travlinmad urges travelers not to let American Tex-Mex cloud their perception of authentic Mexican cuisine, which they call one of the world’s most misunderstood. Every region in Mexico has its unique dishes. From the rich molés of Oaxaca to the fresh ceviche of Tulum and the legendary fish tacos of Baja. Embrace the local and seasonal flavors and you won’t be disappointed.
3. Thailand
A cooking class is the perfect way to start your trip to Thailand. In the North, the cuisine is influenced by Cambodia and Laos and is less spicy than Southern dishes. Northern Thai food is a foodie’s dream at every price point. Travel Curator says don’t miss Chiang Mai’s signature khao soi, a rich coconut milk noodle dish, or indulge in the sweet delight of coconut milk sticky rice with mango.
If you want authentic Thai food in Bangkok, head to the hidden spots where the locals go. There are many places tucked away off the main roadways. A Nomad’s Passport recommends you don’t skip the street food because it’s a huge part of why Thailand is known as a foodie paradise. Must try dishes?
- Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, topped with peanuts and lime.
- Tom Kha Gai – Spicy coconut chicken soup from Northern Thailand.
- Green Curry – Green chili paste, coconut milk, and tender chicken or shrimp.
Rooftop drinking is a big scene on top of the city’s skyscrapers. Bucket List Travels says be sure to dress up and be ready to shell out plenty of cash. They do note that there are some more affordable spots hidden throughout the city.
4. Greece
Every bite of Greek cuisine is as stunning as the landscape. Enjoy seasonal ingredients like fava beans, white eggplant, and sun-ripened tomatoes. One must-try? Saganaki – crispy fried cheese wrapped in phyllo and drizzled with honey. Our associate editor seconds that, as she tried this on a trip to Greece this summer. Travel Curator encourages foodies to try a Greek salad by the beach or grab a gyro from a street stall. Naughton loves how a true Greek salad gets rid of lettuce as a filler, and gets straight to the good stuff.
From classic dishes like moussaka to modern favorites like gyros, Greek cuisine pairs perfectly with a glass of ouzo or wine. And don’t miss the iconic tzatziki—just one of the many flavorful spreads you’ll find. A Nomad’s Passport is sure you’ll be planning your next meal before you finish your first.
Since Greece is surrounded by oceans, enjoying fish is a must during a visit. On top of that, fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme form a significant part of the cuisine. Insider Monkey loves how the fusion of grilled meat, oils, and herbs gives the food its signature taste.
5. Spain
Travel Curator calls the seaside Spanish city of San Sebastian the best culinary destination in Europe, boasting more Michelin stars per square mile than anywhere else. Its seaside location offers an abundance of fresh seafood like shrimp, salt cod, and squid. The real magic? Pintxos—bite-sized delights served on skewers, perfect for an evening of restaurant hopping. Don’t forget to try the local ciders!
No trip to Spain is complete without indulging in paella – a fragrant, saffron-infused rice dish traditionally made with chicken, seafood, or a delicious mix of both. And while paella steals the spotlight, the editor of A Nomad’s Passport dreams of the tapas (small plates of food) in Seville, and the iconic papas arrugadas con mojo in Gran Canaria—salt-crusted potatoes served with a spicy mojo sauce. These dishes are a true taste of Spain’s rich culinary heritage.
Food in Spain is more than just nourishment, it’s an experience. Whether it’s rustic fare in the countryside or innovative dishes in cosmopolitan cities, Spanish cuisine embodies the heart and soul of the people, so says Insider Monkey. Be prepared to eat dinner late, as locals often don’t sit down for their evening meal until 9 or 10 p.m.
6. France
This list wouldn’t be complete without France, a culinary giant boasting over 2,000 five-star restaurants and 199 Michelin-starred establishments—second only to Japan. Known for its impeccable techniques and world-renowned chefs, France continues to set the standard in fine dining. According to Insider Monkey, the country’s dedication to quality and tradition cements its place among the top foodie destinations in the world, making it an essential stop for any gourmet traveler.
There are foodie vacations dedicated to savoring France’s perfect pairings of wine and cheese. While it may be the birthplace of the Michelin Guide, French cuisine is down-to-earth with dishes like cassoulet, pot au feu, and steak frites stealing the show. As CNN adds, iconic treats like escargot, macarons, and baguettes are must-tries.
According to Mr. Hudson Explores, Paris might feel overwhelming, but casual bistros and bakeries make it easy to enjoy a croissant or baguette on any corner. And when it comes to wine, Bordeaux is the place to be, offering everything from vineyard tours to biking through Saint Emilion.
7. India
Delhi’s vibrant streets are a paradise for food lovers thanks to its street food and charming cafes. Start with a spicy masala chai before diving into popular street foods like aloo chaat, jalebis, and chole kulche. For the best experience, Travel Curators suggests you stick to busy spots or join a Delhi Food Tour.
A Nomad’s Passport agrees that India is a must-visit for anyone who loves vibrant, authentic flavors. From tandoori chicken and creamy butter chicken to hearty dal and spicy chutneys, there are endless options.
India deserves a culinary award for making vegetarian dishes as delicious as they are diverse. From Goa’s seafood to Kerala’s coconut-rich curries, the regional flavors are vast and vibrant, writes CNN. Must-tries include crispy dosa and the irresistible spiced chai.
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
