15 Cities Perfect For Foodies

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of savoring the most incredible bite of food. You know the feeling I am talking about: when a dish or meal is so memorable that you can’t stop thinking about it and dreaming of returning for another taste. Whether it’s spicy pasta, perfectly cooked steak, or a delicate crepe filled with your favorite fruit, we all have that standout dish. 

These meals become even more special when enjoyed in the place where they’re made to perfection, with locals crafting them effortlessly. If you’re ready to take a virtual journey and explore cities around the world famous for their cuisine, get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we dive into the very best.

Paris, France

The list is endless: crepes, souffles, baguettes, macarons, steak frites. Paris is where culinary dreams come true. You’ll find it all in the City of Love, whether you’re craving street food or Michelin-starred dining.

While French cuisine is undoubtedly the highlight, Paris’s location in Europe makes it an excellent place to sample various European dishes. I’ve enjoyed some of the best Italian food in Paris, and the city also boasts incredible Spanish, German, and countless other cuisines.

Rome, Italy

Rome is my favorite city in the world. It’s filled with historical sites, beautiful architecture, gorgeous scenery, friendly locals, and some of the most divine food in the world. Practically on every corner, you can find a spot selling spaghetti, pizza, gnocchi, tiramisu, cannolis, or gelato. It’s heaven on Earth. 

I recommend following the 5-minute rule while in Rome: if you’re near a major tourist attraction like the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, or the Pantheon, walk five minutes away before choosing a place to eat. The restaurants right by these attractions tend to be very touristy and much more expensive. By walking just a bit further, you’re likely to find a less crowded, more local, and more reasonably priced spot.

New York City, United States 

New York City is a true melting pot of cultures and cuisines. While you can certainly enjoy delicious Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, German, and many other types of cuisine, you must first try the foods NYC is famous for. 

The city is renowned for many things, but pizza and bagels always stand out to me. Don’t miss the chance to grab a pie at John’s of Bleecker St. for pizza, and head to Russ & Daughters for bagels.

Tokyo, Japan

We can’t discuss cities around the world known for their food without mentioning the famous capital city of Japan, Tokyo. Known for its beautiful and delicious food, one of the spotlights of Tokyo cuisine is the unbelievable sushi, nigiri, and sashimi. But it doesn’t stop with just the rolls; Tokyo also has out-of-this-world ramen, tempura, soba, and tonkatsu.

Last but certainly not least, we can’t discuss Japan’s cuisine without mentioning the expensive yet unbelievably tasty wagyu beef. It’s a city full of culinary masterpieces and well worth visiting for the food alone.

The cherry on top is that Tokyo offers various dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors scattered throughout the city. If you’re seeking one of the most famous street food areas, head to Tsukiji Fish Market.

Bangkok, Thailand

One of the most epic adventures I’ve ever experienced was in Thailand, where our first stop was the capital city, Bangkok. Known for many things, Bangkok stands out for its incredibly delicious food. Here, you can savor dishes like pad thai, khao soi, various curries, Thai fried rice, and many others. Like other destinations on this list, you can enjoy street food, restaurants, and Michelin-starred experiences.

One tip I can confirm from personal experience is that Thai spicy and American spicy are vastly different. No matter how high you think your spice tolerance is, it’s likely lower than Thai standards. One member of our group asked for spicy food and couldn’t taste anything for about 24 hours because her tongue was burning from the heat.

Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru, is another fantastic city for delicious and quirky cuisine. The city is famous for classics like ceviche, roasted chicken, and various potato dishes, but it also offers more adventurous options like guinea pig, alpaca, and beef hearts.

If you’re adventurous, Lima is the place for you. However, if you’re a picky eater like me, I’d recommend sticking to the roasted chicken, known locally as pollo a la brasa.

Mexico City, Mexico

I don’t know about you, but there’s something I absolutely love about Mexican cuisine. From perfect tacos to incredible enchiladas and delicious fajitas, the list goes on. I especially enjoy Mexican food paired with a beer or margarita—there’s nothing like it. 

There’s something extra special about savoring these dishes where the locals can practically make them in their sleep. Mexico City is one of the world’s foodie capitals and the ultimate destination for authentic Mexican flavors.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Another excellent food city in Europe is Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen has a unique vibe with its colorful seaside buildings, cheerful atmosphere, and fantastic food. You can enjoy tasty local dishes like open-faced Danish sandwiches, Danish meatballs, and Danish hot dogs. 

Plus, the city has a fantastic selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, so you can enjoy cozy comfort food and upscale dining.

Singapore, Singapore

When I think of Singapore, I picture skyscrapers, rooftop pools, and luxury shopping, but the city is also famous for its incredible food. You can savor dishes with unique and vibrant flavors like Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, fish head curry, and laksa.

Many people dine at hawker centers, open-air food markets offering affordable meals from various stalls. These centers were designed to be a cleaner alternative to traditional street food carts. One of the top hawker centers to visit in Singapore is Tiong Bahru Market, where chicken rice is particularly popular.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is another fantastic city to explore for its delicious food. Expect to find dishes like kebabs, baklava, menemen (a breakfast dish with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and peppers), pide (a type of bread similar to pizza filled with meat, cheese, or spinach), and much more. The flavors here are so unique and incredibly delicious.

Beijing, China

China’s capital rightfully deserves a spot on this list thanks to its bold and tasty flavors. Beijing is known for serving up countless specialities. You can savor dumplings, shiitake mushrooms, Peking duck, and much more. 

A delightful bonus is the city’s variety of vegetarian options, available at most restaurants, making it a great destination for those who don’t eat meat.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa, is another fantastic city to explore for its food scene. You can find dishes like boerewors (a barbecued sausage served coiled up), bobotie (minced meat spiced and topped with eggs and milk, then baked), melktert (a pastry crust filled with a sweet mixture of sugar, flour, eggs, and milk), and many others. 

As an American, it might be a bit intimidating not knowing how to pronounce the names or what each dish contains. To make things easier, write down the dishes you want to try along with what is in each dish before your trip to prepare you for dining at local restaurants. This way, when you see a familiar name on the menu, you can feel more confident about ordering it since you have some background knowledge of what it is and might taste like. This helps me so much since I am a picky eater. 

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco, is another incredible destination for its local flavors. You can savor dishes like couscous (pasta with stewed meat and vegetables), tajine (a stew with meat and vegetables or fruit cooked in a clay pot with a dome lid), and harissa (a comforting soup made with lentils, tomatoes, chickpeas, and lamb), among many others. The dishes here are unique and rich in spices, with many of them resembling warm, hearty comfort foods.

Seoul, Korea

I first fell in love with Korean food while living in Denver, thanks to an authentic Seoul dumpling restaurant that served out-of-this-world dumplings. I still dream about this dish. While exploring a Korean restaurant in any city is a great way to experience the diverse flavors, there’s something truly magical about trying them in their homeland.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the place to be for delicious food. Standout dishes include kimchi, fried rice, Korean fried chicken, various soups, dumplings, and much more. Savor these local flavors by visiting the famous Gwangjang Market, filled with food stalls and tasty treats.

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian is often hailed as the culinary capital of Spain. The city boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and offers unique dishes that are characteristic of this region. One of the most popular local specialties is pintxos, small bites similar to tapas but specific to the Basque region. Typically enjoyed at bars as appetizers, pintxos are usually small pieces of bread topped with various ingredients.

In addition to these delectable bites, San Sebastian is renowned for its seafood, thanks to its prime location near the water. Popular dishes include spider crab, clams, squid, and various fish.

Which Of These Places Have You Visited For Its Cuisine?

Let us know in the comments!