I’ve always been a foodie. I’m from the kind of family where we talk about what we’re going to eat next right after we’ve finished our meal. I worked in different restaurants and since I started my marketing business, I’ve managed several destination marketing projects within gastronomy all over the world.
When I travel, exploring the food scene is one of my favorite things. So where are the best food destinations? 😋
After having traveled to over 50+ countries (and still going), here are a few of my favorites. I could visit these places again and again just to eat. 😁 And you should too. You can thank me later. 😉
I’ll continue to update this list over time, so feel free to save it and check in once in a while.
Italy – Everywhere
Photo credit: Food and wine in Italy are amazing, I can’t just pick one place! Each region has its own specialities, you can even plan your trip based on what you’d like to eat. Wherever you go, you’ll be in heaven.
A few of my favorite places in Italy are:
- Sicily: Make sure to try Arancini, Involtini di pesce spada, and the seafood pistacchio pasta – yes, it’s a thing, and it might become your new favorite
- Rome: The home of Carbonara, Amatricana and Pasta alla Gricia. All amazing!
- Florence: A wine paradise. Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Tagliatelle al tartufo are two out of many dishes worth trying while you’re sipping on your favorites. Rumor has it that the first gelato originated in Florence too!
- Naples: I came here for the pizza and ended up extending my stay for the ambience. Such a unique place, very different from the rest of Italy. Amazing pizza and very friendly locals.
- Apulia: Great seafood, the home of burrata and delicious red wine. You’ll also be spoiled with lots of typical sweets and bread!
Peru – Lima
Photo credit: With 200+ plus official plates, Peru has one of the most diverse cuisines. Everything isn’t always fried as in many parts of Latin America. It’s fresh and so delicious! 😍
“I don’t know, cause everything is sooo good” is the typical answer to “what’s your favorite dish” here. Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Papas a la Huancaina and Arroz Chaufa are a few dishes to start with that will send you straight to food paradise. Take it all down with a few Pisco Sours – just be careful, they are so good that it’s easy to have one too many.
In september Lima hosts South America’s biggest food festival, Mistura. It’s been cancelled lately due to pandemic and will hopefully be back soon. While I’ve spent several months in Peru, I haven’t been to Mistura yet, it’s high on my bucket list!
Many restaurants in Lima were also awarded among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America 2022.
Brazil – São Paulo
Photo credit: 20 million habitants from all over the world, including the biggest Japanese community outside of Japan. So many creative chefs. From street food to fancy fusions, you’ll always find something delicious at any hour. Even if you stay for years, you’ll never run out of options!
Churracerias (BBQ houses) are worth coming here for alone. So are acai, fresh coconut, and passionfruit caipirinhas.
Lately, the microbrewery scene has taken off too (even if the production is regulated in the city itself). 🍻
Just like Lima, several restaurants in São Paulo were mentioned as the top 50 in Latin America 2022.
Singapore
Photo credit: I used to live here for 2,5 years and the food is one of the things I miss the most! Authentic options from everywhere: from simple food courts to fancy rooftops with beds (yes) and views. 🤩
Singapore’s multicultural neighborhoods, like Chinatown, Arab street, and Little India have food that taste just as if you were in those places for real (I’ve been to all of them).
Laksa and chicken rice (sounds so simple, but oh so good), and Chili Crab are a few of the dishes you shouldn’t miss.
Spain – Madrid and San Sebastián
Photo credit: Spain will spoil you with amazing food and lots of regional differences (more than tapas and paella 😎). Wineries, sangria, fresh fruit, seafood, charcuterie, cheese, and the list goes on
I’ve done several gastronomy projects here, in areas like San Sebastián, Bilbao and La Rioja. Spend the night tapas bar jumping or find a new favorite restaurant. Love the street vibe! 😊
India – Delhi
Photo credit: The best street food, and the menus in the restaurants are never-ending! Even if you just eat you’ll be thinking about what to eat next…
I spent 6 weeks here for a work project and the food was one of the highlights. My dad is from Bangladesh so I’m used to Bengali food, which is similar to the kitchen in the Northern part of India.
India is very diverse. Different regions can almost feel like different countries. The food, the people and the culture change. I would love to go back one day and explore more!
Colombia – Bogotá
Photo credit: Colombia is one of my favorite places and the gastronomy is one of the many reasons. Diverse and full of flavor! The Colombian cuisine is a blend of indigenous tradition, Spanish and African influences from the colonialism.
Bogota hosts several food markets and has a restaurant for every occasion. Fresh ingredients all year-around, innovative chefs, and a mixed community all come together in an exciting food scene with delicious options for all budgets.
The US – New York
Photo credit: Brunch. Rooftops. Burgers. Healthy cafés. Fine Dining. Small holes in the wall. Tasty street food. From simple to luxury – creative and international sums up the food scene in New York.
Time Out’s overview of the top 50 resturants in New York 2022 will get you off to a good start!
A few food destinations I’d love to visit but haven’t been to yet
Photo credit: - Tokyo, Japan
- New Orleans, the US
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Kerala, India
- Hong Kong
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Jeonju and Seoul, South Korea
Where could you go just to eat? 🏆
0 Comments