The Best Countries for Foodies – A Gastronomic Journey around the World
Are you a foodie that loves to indulge in amazing food while traveling? If so, these are the best destinations for you! From spicy curries to delightful sweets, this list of the best countries for foodies has a place for every taste.
Whether you’re seeking out exotic dishes, flavorful street food, or traditional local delicacies, these countries have extraordinary cuisine. I do not know what you think about eating local food while traveling, but for me, it is one of the biggest parts of traveling.
After all, a country’s or even region’s cuisine can tell you a lot about the culture and therefore create a deeper connection. Without eating local dishes within the limits of my dietary restrictions a trip would not feel complete.
Be it tacos in Mexico, gelato and pasta in Italy, or pad thai in Thailand – there are a lot of amazing dishes to be found around the world, and you should not miss out on them. Get ready to embark on an amazing gastronomic journey around the world and discover the ultimate destinations for foodies.
What makes a country a foodie destination?
Every country has some amazing food, but there are a few key factors that make some countries stand out from the rest and that elevate it to the status of one of the best countries for foodies.
Hereby, the leading factors are usually a strong culinary tradition and an emphasis on food as an important part of the culture. In addition to that, the local ingredients are another key factor. After all, it is often the flavorful spices, that give every dish its unique flavor and character.
Some other factors that make a country a great destination for foodies include the diversity of cuisine and the availability of the food. After all, it should not be hard to get your foodie on while you are traveling. Therefore, great foodie destinations usually have local markets where you can sample delicious foods on the go and great restaurants that are easily accessible.
Ready to start your culinary adventure around the world? Here are some of the best countries for foodies!
1. Mexico
No one that has been to Mexico can deny that it is one of the best countries for foodies. From authentic street food to flavorful local dishes, there are endless options for every taste and palate. Whether you are craving spicy tacos or salsas, Mexico has it all!
While living in Mexico, I ate at a lot of restaurants in Valladolid, in Playa del Carmen, and even checked out a bunch of Cozumel restaurants. And let me tell you that I absolutely loved trying all kinds of Mexican dishes.
From the tacos I ate on my first day in Mexico to the mouthwatering fajita I ate at a local restaurant in Playa del Carmen, every dish I ate was delicious and unique. Therefore, there is no denying that Mexico is one of the best foodie destinations.
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Dishes to try while in Mexico
Chilaquiles — a popular breakfast dish made from tortilla chips, spicy salsa, and eggs.
Empanadas — a fried taco stuffed with meat, vegetables, cheese, and other seasonings.
Sopa de lima — a delicious lime-flavored soup with chicken, cilantro, and avocado that originated on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Tacos al pastor — a flavorful taco that is made from marinated pork and topped with onions, cilantro, and pineapple.
2. Italy
With its rich culinary tradition, it is no surprise that Italy is one of the top destinations for food lovers. Italy has a vast cuisine and it is a pleasure for one’s tastebuds to explore the country plate by plate. From fresh pasta and pizza to gelato and more, you cannot go wrong.
When I first visited the country, eating a pizza was on my list of things to do while in Italy. And I have to admit that the food is still one of my main reasons for visiting Italy.
There is something unique about eating handmade pasta while sitting on a restaurant’s terrace on a sunny day, before strolling through ancient streets in order to get gelato.
Dishes to try while in Italy
Pizza — there is no need to describe pizza, but just know that pizza in Italy has its own unique taste. You cannot go wrong – that is, unless you want pineapples on it.
Gelato — While similar to ice cream, gelato is not the same as it contains less fat due to being made with more milk than cream. With many flavors to choose from, you will never get tired of this tasty dessert.
Pasta — there are countless kinds of pasta that you can try, from traditional marinara to cream-based sauces. I love spaghetti alla carbonara (without the meat) and spaghetti all’arrabbiata.
3. Thailand
Food is an important part of Thai culture, and traveling to Thailand is a treat for every foodie. The cuisine of Thailand is incredibly diverse, with a multitude of flavors and spices that make it unique. From curries and noodles to soups and stir-fries, there is something for everyone.
Nowadays, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, and sadly, this has partially affected the food in some places.
Therefore, I highly recommend eating where the locals eat if you want flavorful, authentic Thai food with intense levels of sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness.
As a food lover, I could not wait to eat my way around Bangkok, and in my experience, the best places are the small restaurants off the main roads. But of course, you should not miss out on the street food, as it is a big part of what makes Thailand one of the best countries for food.
Dishes to try while exploring this country for food
Pad Thai — perhaps the most popular Thai dish, featuring rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and garnished with peanuts and lime.
Tom Kha Gai — a spicy chicken and coconut soup that originates from the mountainous region of northern Thailand.
Green curry — a flavorful dish made with green chili paste, coconut milk, and chicken or shrimp.
4. Greece
With its rich culinary tradition, Greece is another top destination for food lovers. From savory meats to goat cheeses, there is a dish to please every palate. Whether you are sampling traditional dishes in the local tavernas or trying some feta cheese or wine, you will never run out of food to enjoy in this beautiful country.
No one that has visited Greece can deny that it is one of the best destinations for foodies. Thanks to the fresh, local ingredients that matured in a Mediterranean climate, Greek cuisine is unparalleled.
From traditional dishes like moussaka to modern delicacies like gyro, Greek cuisine is best enjoyed with a glass of ouzo or wine. And don’t forget the flavorful spreads like tzatziki.
Dishes to try while in Greece
Gyros — a popular dish made from thinly-sliced meat that is grilled on a vertical rotisserie and served in pita bread
Souvlaki — skewered meat, often pork or chicken, that is marinated in herbs and spices before being grilled
Tzatziki — a savory sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic
5. Vietnam
With its rich food culture, Vietnam is another great destination for foodies. With cuisine that draws on influences from countries like China, Thailand, and France, you are sure to find a large variety of dishes that will delight your tastebuds.
Whether you are sampling the best street food, indulging in authentic pho and bánh mi, or trying egg coffee in Hanoi, you are sure to fall in love with the Vietnamese food scene.
When I visited the country, I more than enjoyed being a foodie. I loved the food and tried as many dishes as possible. The way I see it, no trip to this fantastic foodie destination is complete without doing so. Funnily enough, food made up more than 25% of my Vietnam travel budget.
Dishes to try while in Vietnam
Bánh mi — a Vietnamese-French dish that consists of a sandwich made with pork, chicken, or tofu that is stuffed into a baguette. I ate it a lot during my 2 weeks in Vietnam and Bánh Mi Phuong in Hoi An is the best restaurant.
Pho — a hearty noodle soup that is typically made with beef or chicken broth. It is one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes and a must-try for foodies visiting Vietnam.
6. Spain
If you are a foodie looking for an amazing culinary experience, Spain should definitely be on your list. After all, it is one of the best countries for foodies.
With a rich culinary heritage that combines flavors from around the Mediterranean, as well as influences from other countries like Portugal, France, and Mexico, you are sure to find a wide variety of delicious cuisine in Spain.
When it comes to paella, many Spanish cities have their own variation. And of course, there is also San Sebastián. The city is which is famous for pintxos and has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.
At this point, I’ve been to Spain many times, and let me tell you that I love eating my way around this foodie destination. To this day, I dream of the tapas I ate while in Sevilla, and of the papas arrugadas con mojo I ate during my Gran Canaria trip.
Dishes to try while in Spain
paella — a saffron-infused rice dish that is traditionally made with chicken, seafood, or a combination of the two. This dish originates in Valencia, but there are many variations
pintxos — a snack food typically found in bars and taverns in Northern Spain. It consists of small pieces of bread topped with various delicious ingredients, like seafood, meat, or vegetables.
papas arrugadas con mojo — a traditional Canarian dish that consists of potatoes with a flavorful sauce made with paprika, garlic, and olive oil.
7. India
With its rich culinary tradition, vibrant culture, and amazing flavors, India is a foodie paradise. Whether you are craving spicy curries or exotic spices, there is something for everyone in India. From street food vendors to upscale restaurants, you will never run out of delicious options while traveling through this country that is perfect for foodies.
India is one of the two destinations on this list of best countries for foodies that I have not yet visited. And yet, I know that it deserves a spot on the list, as it is common knowledge how amazing and flavorful Indian food is.
There are so many different curries and more, and I am forever grateful, that there are authentic some Indian restaurants in Germany that do not adjust the recipes in order to cater to the European palate.
Dishes to try while in India
Tandoori chicken — a classic Indian dish that is marinated in spices and yogurt and then roasted in a clay oven called a tandoor.
Dal — a staple of Indian cuisine, this hearty lentil dish is spiced with aromatic flavors like cumin and turmeric.
Butter chicken — a delicious and creamy curry dish made from chicken and a blend of spices.
Chutney — a savory condiment made from a variety of spices, chiles, and herbs. There are sweet and spicy chutneys.
8. Indonesia
Indonesia has a rich and vibrant culinary culture, with an endless variety of tasty dishes to choose from. From flavorful curries and stews to rich noodle dishes and seafood, there is something for every food lover.
It is a great country for foodies as it has many islands that each offer unique flavors and culinary delights. Therefore, you can explore a myriad of cuisines without having to leave the country.
Given that there are many amazing international restaurants in Canggu and Ubud, I ate a lot of international food while in Bali. However, I also tried a bunch of local Indonesian dishes. And let me tell you that I cannot agree with those that do not consider the country a good foodie destination.
If you get authentic Indonesian food and not a tempered-down tourist version, you might just discover that this country’s food is tasty and should not be skipped.
Dishes to try while in Indonesia
Nasi goreng — a classic Indonesian dish, this fragrant rice dish is typically made with chicken or seafood and is seasoned with a rich combination of spices.
Satays — small skewers of meat or vegetables that are grilled and served with a wide variety of dipping sauces. Satays are street food but are also on the menu of restaurants.
9. Japan
Japan is known for its unique cuisine that ranges from sushi and ramen to tempura. With its rich culinary tradition and emphasis on quality ingredients, Japan is a must-visit for foodies. From exploring street food stalls to trying authentic teppanyaki, there is something for every taste in this country.
Given that I do not eat fish, there are parts of this country’s cuisine that I will never be able to enjoy, but this fact does not stop me from enjoying other dishes like fish-free sushi and ramen.
I cannot wait to visit the country so I can indulge in the food on location instead of at international restaurants.
Dishes to try while in Japan
Ramen — a popular and savory noodle dish that is made from a variety of ingredients, including chicken broth, pork, soy sauce, and spices
Sushi — a dish made from thin slices of raw fish, vegetables, and other ingredients that are served on top of rice. As someone that does not eat fish in any way, I do not eat traditional sushi, but thankfully, some restaurants catering to tourists have variations with cooked chicken.
Warabi mochi — a popular dessert in Japan made from a jelly-like substance. It is typically served with kinako or brown sugar syrup.
10. Germany
No matter what kind of food you are looking for, Germany has something to satisfy your tastes. From hearty sausages to rich stews and pastries, Germany has a diverse and mouthwatering cuisine that is sure to please any foodie.
While I personally have never been the biggest fan of traditional German cuisine with potatoes, meat, and a lot of different sausages, I still consider some parts of the German food culture delightful.
After all, there are a lot of amazing traditional German Christmas Market treats that every traveler should try if they get the chance. I, for one, love Printen, a local treat that originates in Aachen. And of course, there is also the vast selection of German bread varieties that is unparalleled.
Dishes to try while in Germany
Käsespätzle (spätzle with cheese) — one of the best traditional German comfort foods, this dish is a must-try for foodies. It is a simple yet delicious combination of spätzle (a type of pasta) and melted cheese.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) — a German chocolate cake that also contains whipped cream and cherries.
Currywurst — a classic German dish that is made from pork sausage and served with curried ketchup.
Leberkäs — a popular German meatloaf that originated in Bavaria and is traditionally made with beef or pork, and spices. It is typically served on a bread roll with some mustard or ketchup
11. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation that is famous for its delicious and authentic cuisine. From spicy curries to fragrant street food snacks, there is something for every foodie to enjoy while exploring this beautiful country.
While Sri Lankan food is somewhat related to Indian food, it is not the same. Sri Lankan cuisine has its own unique flavor and uses local spices with influences from many different cultures, such as the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
When I visited the country, I was not expecting to be amazed by the food, but then I started trying different foods and loved the flavors.
I ate everything from traditional breakfast to full meals at restaurants recommended by locals, and everything was great. This fact makes me consider Sri Lanka an unexpected contender on the list of the best countries for foodies.
Dishes to try while in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Dhal Curry — a spicy and hearty dish made from lentils, coconut milk, turmeric, and plenty of other spices. I was served dhal curry for breakfast at a homestay and it was honestly one of the best breakfasts of the entire trip.
Sri Lankan Kottu — a popular street food snack that is made from chopped and fried roti, vegetables, and meat. I tried both the vegetarian and chicken variation, and let me tell you that the variation with meat is a lot more flavorful than the vegetarian one.
Roundup: Best Countries for Food
Many countries have amazing food, but if you are looking for the best countries for foodies, these destinations are the places to go. I promise that you can’t go wrong with any of them if you are looking for an amazing gastronomic experience.
Each of these countries has its own unique spin on what makes food an amazing and delicious meal and therefore offers unique flavors.
Whether you want to try new things or stick to familiar dishes, there is a foodie destination for you on this list. Start planning your next trip to one or more of these countries and get ready to eat your way around the world!
P.S. Please also do some sightseeing. After all, food is only one part of a country’s culture, and it would be a shame to limit yourself to one aspect.
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