Taste the world: 10 best cities worldwide for foodies

For many travellers, culinary experiences are not just part of the journey – they are the very reason.

Sitting on a plastic stool in a Bangkok alleyway enjoying a steaming Pad Thai, tasting ceviche prepared by a Peruvian chef in Lima, or being surprised by a street taco in Mexico City – these are moments that turn into lifelong memories.

In this blog post, we guide you through 10 fantastic cities where as a foodie, you’re guaranteed world-class culinary experiences.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a true food haven for street food enthusiasts.

Everywhere in the streets, you can smell grilled meats, fresh herbs, and spicy seasonings. Thai street food is both diverse and authentic, and every little food stall can become its own culinary adventure.

Many delicious Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, or Mango Sticky Rice are well-known and loved around the world, but nothing beats the experience of having them served in authentic Thai surroundings.

What to eat in Bangkok

You must not miss tasting one of Thailand’s most popular dishes, Pad Thai. It’s loved for its skillful balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavours – and it’s not too spicy, so everyone can enjoy it.

San José, Costa Rica

Nestled in the lush Latin American highlands is Costa Rica’s capital, San José.

San José might not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of culinary experiences, yet it remains an underrated Central American gem.

Costa Rican cuisine is simple yet flavourful, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients like rice, beans, meat, and exotic fruits. At the colourful markets in San José, such as Mercado Central, you can follow your nose to small food stalls where authentic local dishes are prepared in the same manner as they have been for generations.

The food scene in San José is also noted for its multiculturalism. The city boasts a wide range of Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, and Argentinian restaurants, perfect for those keen to taste a bit of the world on one single tour.

What to eat in San José?

If you were to try just one dish in San José, it should undoubtedly be Costa Rica’s most famous dish, Gallo Pinto. Consisting of rice and beans served with a side of eggs, it is frequently eaten as a breakfast staple among the locals.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In the southern heart of Vietnam lies Ho Chi Minh City – a city where the flavours are as vibrant as the traffic.

The city is renowned for its fantastic street food, where you can relish everything from Bánh mì, baguettes filled with coriander and paté, to steaming bowls of Pho noodle soup – all at street kitchens that have been around for generations.

Vietnam was once a French colony, and it can still be seen and tasted in the local cuisine today. In fact, the famous Bánh mì sandwich came about because the French brought baguettes to the country – and the same goes for coffee. Today, you can even find a unique Vietnamese type of coffee, egg coffee, made with egg yolks and condensed milk.

What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

The Vietnamese sandwich, Bánh mì, is a must-try. They come in many flavour varieties and are often filled with Vietnamese specialities, pickled vegetables, coriander, and spicy chilli.

Lima, Peru

Peru’s capital, Lima, is a gastronomic treasure.

The culinary scene in the city, and in Peru in general, has been shaped over many years by influences from Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is considered by many to be a delicious fusion cuisine.

It is said, for instance, that Peru’s national dish, ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime, emerged because the Japanese migrants brought their love of raw fish to Peru.

Lima offers an array of traditional Peruvian dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. If you’re feeling adventurous, sampling local delicacies like guinea pig or grilled beef heart can give you a true taste of Peruvian culinary culture.

What to eat in Lima?

No trip to Peru is complete without trying ceviche. This dish consists of fresh local fish marinated in lime juice and spiced with chilli and red onion, giving you an insight into why it is considered Peru’s national dish.

New York City, USA

In New York City, you can experience the flavours of the entire world all in one place.

Aside from featuring quintessential American classics such as juicy burgers, crunchy bagels, and iconic hotdogs, New York City allows you to explore culinary delights from around the globe, as long as you know where to go.

Creamy pasta dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths in Little Italy, Korean BBQ in Koreatown, and dim sum in Chinatown are just a few neighbourhoods in New York City that will transport you to different corners of the world.

The USA is also renowned for its delicious American breakfasts. From donuts to breakfast burritos, along with American pancakes, you’re certain to find these at many of New York City’s delightful cafés.

What to eat in New York City?

A bagel is perhaps one of the most iconic foods to enjoy in New York City. One of the most popular combinations includes salmon and cream cheese, a genuine New Yorker classic often garnished with red onion, capers, and tomato.

Cape Town, South Africa

The coastal city of Cape Town has everything your taste buds could desire.

South African cuisine is a diverse buffet of flavours from Europe, Asia, and the rest of Africa, making Cape Town a truly unique destination for food lovers.

Cape Town’s rich history of connecting with various parts of the world is evident in its culinary scene. For instance, the significant Indian community in South Africa has introduced dishes like Bunny Chow, while Bobotie, South Africa’s national dish, has its roots in the Malay segment of the population.

Though not technically food, Cape Town is also famous for its wine. South Africa is celebrated for producing superb wines, with some of the best wine regions, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, located right in the area.

What to eat in Cape Town?

Try the traditional South African dish Bobotie – a spiced meat dish with raisins and egg, typically served with rice and chutney, excellently combining sweet and spicy flavours.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city where you can experience diverse culinary adventures, from enjoying gyoza on a bustling street to exquisite sushi at fine dining establishments.

In Japan’s capital, you can also discover a variety of delicious Japanese desserts, some with unique flavours you might need to get accustomed to. Green matcha tea is immensely popular in Japan and is also used in numerous desserts such as chocolate, ice cream, and cakes, often described as sweet, slightly bitter, and grassy.

Tokyo, as well as the rest of Japan, is also known for its convenience stores like 7/11, which differ greatly from those at home. They offer a wide range of freshly prepared, delicious meals that you can easily take on the go, including the popular onigiri, rice triangles wrapped in seaweed and filled with ingredients like tuna or chicken.

What to eat in Tokyo?

An absolute must-try is Ramen – a steaming bowl of noodle soup, typically made with hearty broth, pork, soy sauce, egg, and vegetables. It comes in countless variations and is the perfect blend of flavour, warmth, and comfort.

Mexico City, Mexico

There’s a wealth of popular Mexican dishes, and Mexico City is the perfect place to sink your teeth into some of them.

The Mexican capital buzzes with life around the clock, and no matter when you feel peckish, there are countless food stalls to choose from.

One of the great classics within Mexican street food is tacos – and in Mexico City, they match the quality of gourmet restaurants. In fact, in 2024, the Michelin guide awarded a Michelin star to a taco stand for the first time ever, Taquería El Califa de León.

Today’s Mexican food culture has roots that stretch back to ancient Mayan traditions. It’s partly the Maya who invented the popular enchiladas by wrapping fish in corn tortillas. So, there’s also the chance to get closer to the country’s fascinating history as you taste your way through the local cuisine.

What to eat in Mexico City?

No visit to Mexico City is complete without tasting tacos. They come in various forms, e.g., Tacos Árabe, which consist of pork grilled on a spit, marinated with cumin and oregano, and served with chopped onions and coriander.

New Orleans, USA

In New Orleans, food and culture are inseparable.

The city boasts a rich culinary history, where French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African cuisines have significantly influenced the local dishes over the years.

In some of New Orleans’ atmospheric neighbourhoods, such as the iconic French Quarter and the charming Garden District, you will find everything from elegant restaurants to small local diners. Here, you can taste multicultural dishes like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Beignets, or indulge in the city’s deliciously fresh seafood.

What should you eat in New Orleans?

Gumbo epitomises New Orleans cuisine, combining African, French, and Spanish influences. This hearty, warming soup is made with okra, meat, or seafood and is often served with rice.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, a delightful fusion of cultures awaits.

Malaysia’s multicultural heritage is clearly reflected in its local cuisine, where Indian, Chinese, and Malay flavours are prominent.

You can experience these diverse tastes all in one street kitchen, or delve deeper into Chinese and Indian culinary traditions in Chinatown or Little India.

What should you eat in Kuala Lumpur?

If you want to try traditional Malaysian cuisine, Nasi Lemak, the national dish of Malaysia, is the perfect choice. It consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with the Indonesian chilli sauce sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber.

Ready to take a bite out of the world?

Has this blog post whetted your appetite?

Whether you’re drawn to spicy street food in Bangkok or ceviche overlooking the Pacific in Lima, unforgettable culinary adventures await you around the globe.

Bon Appétit!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller.