There are a lot of reasons to travel — visiting international landmarks, meeting new people, viewing spectacular scenery. But in our book, nothing inspires the travel bug quite like the urge to taste our way across the world.
Food holds the key to culture, and there’s no better way to start getting familiar with a new place than by sitting down (or standing next to a food stall) with a good meal. You’ll meet the people cooking your food and the people enjoying it alongside you, and the seasonings and spices you’re eating can tell you a lot about the culinary history of the place you’re in.
When you visit a major city, you often have an opportunity to try the food of many different cultures at once, as people flock to these urban areas to start anew and bring their regional traditions with them (just look at New York, where pizza is as common a street food as a gyro from a halal cart). For our money, these are some of the best cities in the world for travelers who have a perpetually growling tummy.
Tokyo, Japan
Is Tokyo the best food city in all the world? Many people think so due to the absolutely huge variety of dishes on offer in tiny, tucked-away restaurants, buzzing market food-stalls and high-end eateries that attract diners from around the world. You obviously should try as much ramen and sushi as you can stomach, but don't forget to try yakitori (grilled meat skewers), street-side okonomiyaki (a big savory pancake filled with whatever you like) or the food at one of the many cutesy themed restaurants around the city (cat café, anyone?).
Paris, France
You'll go to Paris for the fancy cheese and wine but stay for the elegant yet cozy food in the patisseries and brasseries throughout the city. You should try buttery, garlicky dishes of escargot and tureens of mussels cooked in white wine and fennel. And no meal is complete without dessert — how about a Grand Marnier soufflé?
Marrakesh, Morocco
From the colorful markets (called "souks") overflowing with spices and olives to the food stalls serving up the fluffiest couscous you've ever had and the richest of tagines, Marrakesh offers a lot to the hungry tourist. Head to Jemaa el-Fnaa to try fragrant simmered snails or some fresh-squeezed orange juice, and then stop at Souk el Attarine to browse for spices you can bring home. You should definitely make it your goal to find the best street kebabs in the city, and don't forget to wash everything down with a cup of sweet mint tea.
Rome, Italy
Carb-lovers will lose their minds in Rome. Try the iconic pizza bianca (a focaccia-style pizza served without sauce or cheese), the best pasta carbonara of your life, fried everything (seriously, the fried food in Rome, from artichokes to arancini, is amazing), and, yes, more pasta. Don't forget about the incredible Italian wine or to stop at a gelateria for dessert!
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is all about the street food, though there are plenty of upscale dining options too. Bangkok's Chinatown has plenty of markets to explore and a thriving street food scene at night, while the Wang Lang market is full of stalls offering up small bites and full meals during the day. Don't miss the chance to visit a floating market, where food is sold from boats, either. The small shophouse restaurants are definitely worth frequenting. Many of them specialize in just one type of food that the owners have mastered cooking. Try as many noodles and soups as you can, the spicy yet refreshing green papaya salads, grilled meats and seafood, fragrant stir-fry dishes and, of course, Thai curries.
Barcelona, Spain
Wine. Olives. Seafood. Ham. Tapas. More wine! Whether you're looking to explore modern molecular gastronomy, want to wander the markets to stock up on traditional favorites or love the idea of sitting in a bar all day noshing on a wider variety of tapas than you knew existed, Barcelona won't disappoint. The seafood is incredibly fresh and varied, and the city is full of art and architecture that will blow your mind (especially after a glass or two of Catalan wine). If you have time, you can take a day trip into the surrounding countryside, where much of the local wine is made.
Lima, Peru
Three of the best restaurants in the world are in the city of Lima, Peru, but even if you don't have $100-plus to drop on a tasting menu, your taste buds will find a lot to love about this South American city. You'll be dazzled by the sheer variety and freshness of ceviche on offer throughout the city, while true carnivores can enjoy lomo saltado (a beef, vegetable and potato stir-fry), and adventurous eaters can try cuy… yes, guinea pig. Sipping on a pisco sour while gazing out at the ocean or distant mountains, you'll never want to leave.
Seoul, South Korea
You'll want to arrive in Seoul hungry, because you've got a lot of eating to do. Head to Foodie Alley in Namdaemun Market to try the food stalls serving up traditional fare like grilled meat skewers, spicy rice cakes, noodle bowls and seafood galore. Make sure to try mandu (Korean dumplings), gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and as many bowls of soup as you can get your hands on. There are noodles of all kinds, barbecued meats, the crispiest fried chicken wings you've ever tasted and plenty of soju to wash it all down with. Basically, Seoul is a foodie paradise.
Mexico City, Mexico
Our neighbor to the south has a huge variety of excellent food, but Mexico City stands out as a hub for food that hails from throughout the country. You should definitely explore Mercado La Merced, the largest market in the city, where you can get a taste of dishes like mole, tacos, soups and stews as well as unique items like fried insects and ant larvae. If you plan to do any cooking yourself, it's also a great place to pick up fresh produce, meat and spices. Street food stands are everywhere in the city, but don't forget Mexico City has a robust fine-dining scene too (two of the world's 50 best restaurants are in the city). It's worth popping into the city's small mom-and-pop restaurants, where you'll be able to find some classic Mexican comfort foods, for lunch (called "almuerzo," the most important meal of the day). And be sure to visit a panaderia to load up on pan dulce and then head to a juice vendor for a fresh glass of OJ in the morning.
Delhi, India
The capital of India, Delhi has a rich and varied culinary tradition that will leave your taste buds singing. There are plenty of fine-dining options throughout the city, but it's the chaat, savory snacks served from food stalls and in small cafés, that will steal your heart. Visit the Chandni Chowk market to get a taste of some of the best. You've also got to taste some of the sweet desserts, like kulfi (ice cream) and jalebi (a deep-fried treat soaked in sugar syrup).
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