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Food is invariably the best part of traveling. It’s through tasting local dishes that you uncover a culture’s history, traditions, and way of life.
Drawing from our culinary adventures around the globe, we’ve curated this list of the best foodie destinations. Each one celebrates authentic flavors and unforgettable food experiences.
As you dream up your next trip, why not turn it into a delicious adventure? Choose one of these delicious destinations and make it even more meaningful by joining an immersive cooking vacation.
Get ready to explore these 21 best culinary destinations and start planning the ultimate culinary escape.
1. Crete, Greece
It’s not just travelers, but even Greeks admit the island of Crete offers the best foodie vacations in all of Greece. Cretan cuisine is a gastronomic treasure born from centuries-old traditions.
We’ve spent several months on the island and are continually amazed by the local cuisine, regional wines, and the best olive oil and honey.
While in Crete, eat like a Cretan and indulge in local dishes. Start out with Cretan dakos or the addictive kalitsounia cheese pies.
We particularly loved the culturally significant Cretan wedding rice or gamopilafo; as well as, seafood or lamb stews like tsigariastó, which are best accompanied with horta or the island’s native wild greens.
Meals begin and end with Cretan liquor, known as tsikoudia or raki, offered as part of Crete or Greek hospitality.
Wine is also an integral part of any Cretan meal. We recommend trying interesting local varieties like red Kostifali or Mandilari Thrapsathiri, and the celebrated white Vidiano wine.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP
We love this island’s cuisine so much that we have set up our very own Immersive Cooking Vacation in Crete in a luxurious villa in Chania.This 8-day, 7-night culinary holiday offers a hands-on journey into Cretan cuisine, featuring four dedicated cooking classes. You’ll cook alongside local chefs, learning authentic recipes you can recreate at home, all perfectly paired with Cretan wines. The experience also includes visits to local artisans, where you’ll discover the traditions behind Cretan olive oil, honey, and other local products. You’ll also enjoy wine tastings at family-run wineries, and relish the natural beauty of Crete through guided tours of Chania and a scenic coastal boat trip. Find out more about dates, pricing, and how to join us in Crete. For the best of Greek cuisine, book a trip to Crete now.2. Puglia, Italy
Italian food is rightfully adored all around the world, but the country’s cuisine varies greatly across cities and regions. One of our favourite regions for authentic food is Puglia.
Known as “the garden of Italy”, this region has fertile soil and a warm climate, making it ideal for growing wheat, vegetables, and vineyards.
The cuisine in Puglia is seasonal, vegetable-based, and also includes fresh seafood.
One of the region’s most iconic dishes is orecchiette pasta (hand-rolled pasta shaped like “little ears”) with cime di rape (sauteed turnip tops). Pasticiotto, the king of desserts, is another defining Pugliese dish.
Beyond the dishes, Puglia is also home to some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil. The region is also a top producer of wine, with the notable full-bodied Primitivo wine.
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We are huge fans of Pugliese cuisine and have created a 7-night, 8-day immersive cooking vacation in Southern Puglia that takes place in a historic Masseria. In 4 hands-on cooking classes, you will learn how to turn fresh seasonal produce into authentic Pugliese dishes. Working alongside local chefs and nonnas, you’ll be taught traditional recipes and techniques. A fully immersive experience into Pugliese food and culture, the culinary adventure includes visits to historic towns, a scenic boat trip, as well as a private winery visit and an olive oil tasting. Discover more about the itineraries, dates, and pricing to book your unforgettable Pugliese culinary escape.3. Oaxaca, México
Mexico is considered one of the best countries for food. And even though Mexico City is celebrated for its street food and world-class restaurants, Oaxaca is where you’ll find the true heart of Mexican cuisine.
Oaxaca consistently ranks as a top city for food, offering traditional cuisine with strong indigenous roots.
Its gastronomic wealth comes from the microclimates found within the eight regions of the state. Over our six-month stay in Oaxaca, we explored the colorful and traditional cuisine.
As the birthplace of corn, chocolate, and Mezcal (the distilled liquor made from the Agave plant), Oaxaca is the ultimate culinary destination for foodies.
The food markets, street vendor stalls, and excellent restaurants are wonderful places to sample authentic Oaxacan food.
Explore the variety of Mole sauces, including some made with more than 30 ingredients.
Tlayuda, the Oaxacan tortilla pizza, stone soup or caldo de piedra, among others, are some of the delicious foods to try.
Adventurous foodies can opt for chapulines or grasshoppers, a popular snack and regional specialty.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: We recommend a food tour and a cooking class where you get to make tortillas (by hand), mole, and tasty desserts. If visiting the local markets and learning about street food is more your preference, we think this Oaxaca food and walking tour is for you. Food lovers seeking to broaden their knowledge of Mexican cuisine should make Oaxaca their next foodie destination.
Other Mexico Foodie Vacations You May Enjoy
7 Day Journey into The Heart & Soul of Mexican Cooking in Oaxaca
4. Lyon, France
While most might consider Paris the most important food city in the country, we’ll let you in on a little secret.
Lyon is the 3rd largest city in the country, is considered the gastronomic capital of France.
It’s a city with an ancient, vibrant history dating back to the Romans and is renowned for its traditional bouchons and range of other restaurants from the high-end to innovative fusion street food.
Referred to as the “Gastronomic Capital of the World ” since 1935, Lyon has over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Claire studied in Lyon and knows the local culinary scene well. The cuisine du terroir, as she describes it, is filled with unique traditional dishes not commonly found in other parts of the country.
While the most famous restaurant is Paul Bocuse, there are several traditional eateries or Bouchons Lyonnais” where you can try local foods.
For wine lovers, make Lyon your base and explore the famous wine routes of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Beaumes-de-Venise, nestled within the fields of lavender and olive trees.
Our favorite way to explore local flavors is to eat in the old city, Vieux Lyon. On a Lyon Old Town walking tour and with local specialties, you’ll discover the city’s hidden gems with a local guide.
For a unique experience, take a dinner cruise on the Hermès restaurant boat and feast on local specialties as you admire Lyon by night.
Other Lyon Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
6 Day Flavors of Lyon & Rhone Valley – Culinary and Wine Journey
Food Tour in Lyon – A Full Taste of France
Secret Food Tour with Private Option – Lyon
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We’ve spent the last two summers in the Loire Valley, one of France’s most underrated culinary gems. Known for its rustic cuisine and exceptional wines, this beautiful region, near where Claire’s siblings now live, has completely captivated us with its authenticity. Regional specialties, such as the gouline pie made with rillauds (pork belly), local mushrooms, and Chenin wine, highlight the depth of its gastronomic traditions. Next year, we’re bringing our love for this region to life with a brand-new cooking vacation in the Loire Valley, France. This 8-day / 7-night experience includes hands-on cooking classes with a local chef, château accommodations, and visits to some of Europe’s most iconic castles and wineries. Join the waitlist to be the first to receive dates, itinerary details, and pricing for this unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of France. Sign up now to receive updates on dates, the full itinerary, and pricing details.5. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian, in northern Spain, is considered one of the country’s culinary capitals.
Although it is most famous for Basque tapas, known as pintxos, there are many more amazing local foods and drinks to indulge in.
While in San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, we love hopping from one pintxos bar to the next. It’s a delicious tradition and an unmissable part of the experience. The must-eat pintxos is known as “Gilda,” which was the first official Basque pintxo.
In addition to the pintxos, you’ll also find many Michelin-starred restaurants. For the ultimate fine dining experience, we recommend treating yourself to one of these world-class meals.
While in the Basque Country, we were impressed by the quality of the food and the exceptional wines and local cider. As well as taking San Sebastian food tours, we also learned to make amazing Basque traditional dishes.
Alongside its exceptional culinary scene, San Sebastian also has a long history as a royal summer destination. In fact, the beach La Concha in Donostia San Sebastian, is one of the top beaches in Europe and the world.
A culinary gem, San Sebastian is one of the best foodie destinations in Europe. From amazing pintxos bars, exceptional restaurants, wineries, and cider houses, the region is one of the best food destinations in the world.
San Sebastian is one of our favorite culinary tourism destinations and is one we wholeheartedly recommend visiting.
Other Basque Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening)
Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian
From Barcelona 3 Day Wine Visit To Rioja In North Central Spain
RELATED: San Sebastian Food Guide: 12 Must-Try Basque Dishes And Culinary Experiences
6. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An isn’t simply a port town in Southeast Asia whose streets and buildings offer an enticing glimpse of its ancient history. It is one of the world’s most famous cities, and one of our favorite countries for food in Asia.
The authentic cuisine draws tourists from all over the world. And, as culinary explorers, we visited this ancient port known for its melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
While Vietnam has many culinary centers, the food in Hoi An is unique with its own local gastronomic culture.
For starters, you get to explore Central Vietnamese cuisine. The recipes are created with locally sourced ingredients from the nearby village and use water from the ancient wells.
Iconic dishes like Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, Com Ga, Banh Mi, and others are famous worldwide, but especially exquisite in Hoi An.
The market stalls and street food take you to the heart of the amazing local food culture.
Navigating the bustling markets and narrow alleys can be intimidating, so we recommend making it easier with the help of a local guide.
A Hoi An food tour by night offers an immersive food adventure and a treat for the taste buds.
If you want to learn how to make traditional Central Vietnamese dishes, take a fun Hoi An cooking class.
For a food vacation worth savoring, book a trip to Hoi An.
Other Vietnam Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
12 Day Vietnamese Cuisine Journey – Traditional Foods From Vietnam
10 Day Culinary Exploration and Beach Relaxation in Vietnam
10 Day Coffee, Culture and Cooking Holiday in Vietnam
RELATED: Guide to The Best Food and Authentic Restaurants in Hoi An
7. Sicily, Italy
Sicily, Italy’s Mediterranean gem, has a fascinating history and food culture rooted in the diverse civilizations that once ruled it. Some of this region’s dishes are so unique you won’t find them anywhere else in Italy.
Having spent several months on the island exploring local food specialties, we can confidently say its rich flavors and fascinating history are absolutely worth discovering.
The eastern part of the island is dominated by majestic Mount Etna, whose volcanic soil produces distinctive, mineral-rich Etna wines that are well worth discovering.
The region is also known for its flavorful local specialties, including the beloved Pasta alla Norma, made with eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata, and fresh basil.
Palermo, the island’s capital, is a culinary powerhouse, famous for its vibrant markets, exciting street food scene, and bold flavors shaped by centuries of Arab, Norman, and Mediterranean influences.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP
Palermo is also home to our Authentic Food Quest immersive cooking vacation in Sicily, where you’ll dive into the city’s rich culinary traditions through hands-on experiences and local flavors. Work alongside a local chef, you’ll master a variety of classic Sicilian dishes, starting at the locla market to pick up fresh, seasonal ingredients. This cooking vacation in Palermo also includes cultural and culinary excursions to wineries, cheese producers, medieval towns, and more. Stay at a family-owned B&B in the heart of Palermo, and an intimate group size adds a warm, authentic touch to this flavorful journey. Find out more about the itinerary, dates, and pricing.8. Izmir, Turkey
While Istanbul is Turkey’s most well-known food destination, Izmir is considered the capital of Aegean cuisine.
We fell in love with the cuisine that we discovered on an Izmir food tour. In particular, the local Mediterranean diet with fresh salads, vegetables, and seafood that uniquely blends tastes with Ottoman, Greek, Jewish, Italian, and French influences.
Meat and seafood lovers will enjoy specialties like Kokorec and Midye or stuffed mussels. While street food delicacies like Gevrek, Boyoz, Kumru, Söğüş soon become our new favorites.
Of course, no culinary adventure is complete without sampling the local sweet specialties. Izmir Bombas, or filled pastries will certainly delight you. Some of our other top Izmir sweets worth seeking are Shambali cake, Subye sherbet, and much more.
Take an Izmir city gourmet tour for an authentic taste of the region’s dishes. With a local guide, you’ll discover new flavors and faces of the city you’d never find on your own.
As one of the best food vacations, sun-kissed Izmir offers a rich history and cuisine shaped over the millennia by several cultures.
Other Turkey Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
4 Day Cooking Vacation in Turkey
A Taste of Turkey – From Istanbul to Cappadocia – 10 Days
Turkey Real Food Adventure – 11 Days
RELATED: 17 Most Popular Turkish Desserts You Can’t Wait To Try
9. Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru, the gastronomic capital of South America, has been awarded Best Culinary Destination for several years in a row.
It’s a country we visited and we absolutely fell in love with the food. So much so, that we wrote a book, Authentic Food Quest Peru – about the outstanding flavors and culinary gems.
Home to prestigious restaurants and local eateries, the culinary fusion keeps the cuisine in the spotlight and a favorite foodie destination.
What is so special about the food? The multicultural population and regional influences have created vibrant food flavors and unique recipe variations leaving an indelible mark on the cuisine.
No journey to Lima is complete without indulging in fresh ceviche, considered the signature dish of Lima. The cevicherias offer the best mixto – thinly sliced cuts of squid, fish, scallops, and octopus – washed down with Peruvian pisco sour.
With internationally renowned chefs interpreting traditional recipes in contemporary ways, Lima’s identity as a top food destination is only becoming more secure.
Restaurants like Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón are just some of the names consistently elevating Peruvian cuisine to new heights.
One of the best ways to taste world-renowned Peruvian food is to take food tours while exploring the capital city.
Taking cooking classes in Lima also brings you behind the scenes to the markets and ingredients that make up this celebrated cuisine.
For an unforgettable culinary vacation, make Lima your next destination.
Other Lima Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
Lima Gourmet Food Tour Evening Experience
10. Jaipur, India
Rajasthan takes you back to the time of Kings and Royalty. Jaipur, the Pink City, is no different with its historic forts, palaces, and of course, mouthwatering dishes.
You’ll find an extensive array of North Indian foods and unique Rajasthani recipes with ingredients that only grow in this desert state.
From street food to hole-in-the-wall eateries and palaces converted into gourmet hotels, food lovers will find delectable food everywhere.
Only in Jaipur can you taste authentic local dishes like dal baati churma, laal maas, gatte, and more.
Jaipur’s specialty dessert, known as ghewar, is one of the favorite foods and one not to miss while there.
Although we have yet to travel to India, we can’t wait to wander the streets and enjoy traditional foods and beverages.
This is one food tour that we’d love to take and experience the sheer variety of Jaipuri culinary treasures combined with local culture.
Rajasthani’s delectable cuisine is a paradise for foodies and is one of the most renowned foodie destinations in India.
Other India Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
14 Day Rajasthan Culture and Culinary Tour in India
3 Day Cultural, Culinary, and Yoga Retreat in Udaipur, Rajasthan
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
11. Tokyo, Japan
Do you love sushi, ramen, tempura, and gyoza? And would you have it every day, given the choice? Ethnic restaurants outside of Japan barely scratch the surface regarding the local cuisine.
We visited Tokyo on a brief layover and were quickly immersed in the local food scene. The exciting foods with no translations left us curious and eager to go deeper into this fascinating culinary destination.
Tokyo is a gastronomic powerhouse where you will find the freshest sushi, the city’s most iconic food.
One of the best food destinations in the world, Tokyo offers fantastic food at every price level, including more than 200 restaurants with Michelin stars.
Did you know about the underground secret Tokyo food spots? Luxury department stores have lavish basement halls known as depachika where vendors sell food.
Tokyo is as delicious underground as it is above ground. Taking a walking food tour of one of the most popular food districts in Tokyo takes you right to the regional cuisine.
Not to be forgotten are a traditional tea ceremony, pub crawls, and visits to izakaya or backstreet eateries frequented by locals.
As one of the world’s most famous food cities, eating in Tokyo is an experience of a lifetime.
Other Japan Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
12. Girona, Spain
While all across Spain. food is an important part of the people’s identity, this is nowhere as evident as in Catalonia. We witnessed this firsthand during our culinary adventures in Girona.
Catalonian food culture is unique even by Spanish standards. Born from a rich history of influences, the flavors capture tastes from the mountains to the sea.
Girona, the culinary gem, is well known among discerning food travelers for its gastronomic delights and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Beyond fine dining at Michelin restaurants like El Celler de Can Roca or Massana, you’ll find creative Catalan cuisine throughout Girona.
Indulge in suquet de peix or Catalan fish stew. Order black rice and squid made with locally grown rice from Pals. And complete the meal with outstanding Empordà wines.
Enjoy wine tastings of some of the finest local Empordà wines, lunch, and an olive oil tasting.
A delicious region of Spain and a foodie’s dream destination, Girona has a wealth of amazing food and traditions worth discovering.
Curious about the food in Girona and Costa Brava? Download the free e-book about Catalan food, we wrote after visiting the region.
If you want truly unique slice of Spanish cuisine and culture, then Girona is the place for you.
Other Catalonia Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
2 Day Escape Best of Penedès and Priorat Wine Tour in Catalonia
13. Bologna, Italy
Bologna is regarded as the culinary capital of Italy. One of its nicknames, “La Grassa” or “The Fat,” speaks to Bologna’s good food and rich culinary heritage.
Unlike other famous Italian cities, Bologna is less touristy and yet offers just as much in food, history, and culture.
Some of Bologna’s famous foods that we know you’ll savor are Mortadella, Tagliatelle al Ragù, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and much more.
We loved exploring Bolognese specialties, and one of the best ways was on food tours in Bologna.
Learning to make authentic Bolognese pasta is another top food activity for food lovers interested in improving their culinary skills.
Discovering the regional wines was another highlight of our Bologna authentic culinary travels.
Lambrusco wine, Pignoletto sparkling wines, and Romagna wines are local wines worth seeking.
In addition to its rich culinary history, Bologna is a UNESCO town with one of the oldest universities and unique portico architecture.
Taking a Bologna city walking tour is a great way to learn about the city’s culture and heritage.
An amazing city, Bologna is one of the best foodie destinations in Italy.
Other Bologna Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
8 Day Culinary Treasures of Bologna, Venice, Michelin Stars, and Exotic Cars
8 Day Truffles, Mushrooms, Chestnuts Culinary and Cooking Holiday in Bologna
8 Day Taste of Italy Cooking Holidays in Apennines, Bologna
RELATED: 12 Reasons Why Is Bologna Worth Visiting (Food & Travel Guide)
14. Marrakech, Morocco
You may already be familiar with Marrakech, the Red City. This historic city is known for its colorful markets, immense gardens, and culinary delights.
What makes Marrakech a culinary capital is the aromatic and intriguing North African cuisine infused with subtle spices.
We love exploring markets for traditional dishes, and the open-air markets at Djemaa El Fna Square are lively and filled with classic Moroccan dishes.
On a food and market tour experience, you’ll taste Marrakech at its best with an expert local guide.
Dig into juicy kebabs, tanjia marrakchia, briouats, bestilla, hariri soup, and other delectable dishes. Wash it all down with a cup of refreshing Moroccan mint tea, with fragrances you’ll remember forever.
Sweet lovers cannot miss chebakia, a sweet pastry coated with syrup and sesame seeds, as well as phyllo tartlets with irresistible dried fruit.
A guided tour of Marrakech’s popular souks, food markets, and street vendors is not to be missed.
Rich in history and filled with different authentic products, this is one of the best ways to bring home delicious Moroccan foods and souvenirs.
If you want a vibrant and colorful foodie vacation then make Marrakesh your next trip.
Other Morocco Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
4 Day Private Master Class Cooking Vacation in Marrakech
7 Day Moroccan Culinary Experience in Marrakech, The High Atlas, and Essaouira
15. Charleston, USA
Southern cuisine is Modern America’s most iconic food, and no place serves it better than Charleston.
Replete with antebellum architecture and home to award-winning restaurants, the city’s layered past has shaped its food culture.
According to Nathalie Dupree, a culinary legend and local chef we met, the food in Charleston is chiefly about seafood and rice.
Southern classics like shrimp and grits, Carolina Gold Rice, and Southern comfort desserts are not to be missed.
The charming French Quarter and historic landmarks are best explored on a small group food tour.
As you delve into the years of culinary history, you’ll savor the diverse flavors and rich culture.
And, for those of you who love their craft beer, Charleston has an exploding brewery scene, easily accessible on this Hops and History tour.
For food that’ll feed your soul, book a culinary vacation in Charlestown.
Other Charleston Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
Undiscovered Charleston – Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
7 Days Southern Charm – Exploring Charleston, Savannah and Jekyll Island
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
RELATED: What Food Is South Carolina Known For: 20 Must-Have Foods And Where To Eat It
16. Penang, Malaysia
Malay food, like the country, represents the diverse communities that have made Malaysia their home.
The culinary food traditions of the Malay, Chinese, and Indian come together to create a wonderful collision of flavors.
This country is one of the best culinary destinations in the world, and Penang is the food capital. A top foodie destination, we relished our time in Penang exploring the local food specialties.
Penang’s Asam Laksa is an experience so incredible it has been ranked by CNN as one of the world’s 50 best foods.
Penang’s rich and fascinating history has produced other delectable dishes like our favorite, char kway teow or stir fry flat rice noodles.
Nasi lemak, a popular dish in the country consists of fragrant rice, eggs, anchovies, and sambal sauce, and is worth traveling for.
And sweets like cendol, tambun biscuits, and unique juices are all part of the Penang foodie experience.
With its blend of cuisines, celebrated street food vendors, hawker centers, and home to the world’s first food museum, Penang takes food seriously.
A half day culinary tour of Georgetown, the historic center of Penang, is a great way to visit and taste the local culture. In the company of a local guide, you’ll explore food and dining spots you wouldn’t find on your own.
On a cultural and heritage tour, you’ll visit key tourist attraction spots as you get to know Penang as a local.
Food is the main reason to visit Penang. It’s one of the best foodie destinations with diverse mouthwatering foods.
Other Malaysia Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang
Malaysia and Singapore Highlights
RELATED: The Best of Penang Food: Our 9 Most Beloved Authentic Dishes
17. Porto, Portugal
Another one of the best vacations for foodies, Porto, Portugal’s second city, is a vibrant place to explore local food.
A UNESCO Heritage Site and laid-back port city, the culinary scene juxtaposes fine dining with home-style cooking.
Porto food draws on influences from the Trás-os-Montes mountains and hillsides of the Douro Valley.
A culinarily exciting city, we only began to peel away during our several-week stay in the country, and the diversity of food and wines blew us away.
The Francesinha sandwich is arguably the city’s most famous dish. An adaptation of the French croque monsieur sandwich, you can easily recreate it at home with this Francesinha recipe before visiting Porto.
Porto’s traditional tripe dish (tripas à moda do Porto), pasteis de chaves or puff pastries and desserts like tarte de amêndoa are to be savored.
At Mercado do Bolhão, you can sample meats and cheeses and traditional desserts.
This Porto 3-hour food and wine tasting tour takes you through the quaint roads with food and wine tastings, including cultural stops.
The Douro Valley, home to Port wines and exceptional table wines, is a must-visit for food and wine lovers.
As the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the world, a tour of three wineries on a Portuguese Rabelo boat is the experience of a lifetime.
Porto is one of the best culinary destinations in Portugal. With amazing local foods and wines, if you book a culinary tour in Europe make sure you include a visit to the amazing Porto.
Other Porto Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
Porto: 3-Hour Port Wine Walking Tour with Tastings
Porto Progressive Dinner Tour with Eating Europe
The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Porto: The 10 Tastings
READ MORE: Top 10 Authentic Foods You Want to Delight in Porto
18. Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is the heart of the Argentinean wine country and is famous for outstanding Malbec wines.
With proximity to the stunning Andes mountain range, it’s the perfect foodie vacation to combine adventure with outstanding food.
A perfect destination for foodies and wine lovers, Mendoza has over 1500 wineries spread out within Mendoza region. Tour prestigious wineries in the wine valleys as you savor Malbec and other high-altitude wines.
Pair your wines with a delicious multi-course gourmet lunch in this all-day Mendoza wine tasting experience with lunch.
When not visiting vineyards, enjoy Argentine local specialties like empanadas, grilled meats, and the iconic dulce le leche alfajor cookies.
During our visit to Mendoza, we enjoyed discovering the local food specialties and writing about them in our book Authentic Food Quest Argentina.
Mendoza has outstanding views of the Andes and it’s one of the best culinary destinations for authentic Argentine fare and unique wine experiences.
In Mendoza, you’ll find various dining options to sample iconic Argentine dishes. Wash everything down with Malbec and other local grape varieties.
One of the top culinary destinations in South America, a trip to Mendoza needs to be on every food lover’s vacation list.
Other Mendoza Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
Maipú Wine -Tasting Tour from Mendoza Including Trapiche Winery
Horseback Riding and Asado in the Mountains of Mendoza
RELATED: Argentina Food Guide – Top 15 Authentic Foods You Must Try
19. Tbilisi, Georgia
What makes Georgian cuisine so appealing? Traditional Georgian dishes reflect the contrasting features of the ethnic and regional diversity of this region.
Tbilisi is rightly seen as the culinary capital with a dazzling range of foods enriched with spices, herbs, cheese, nuts, and dry fruits.
The city is home to an eclectic mix of traditional and modern eateries serving khinkali, khachapuri, dishes bathed in walnuts, churchkhela confections, and more.
After being introduced to Georgian wines and captivated by khachapuri, we believe Georgia should be on any food lover’s list.
With influences from Asia and Europe, Georgian food is best expressed through Supra. This is a traditional feast featuring an assortment of dishes accompanied by copious amounts of Georgian wine.
A Tbilisi walking tour through the scenic streets offers you a taste of culture and Georgian wines steeped in history.
Kakheti, Georgia’s wine-producing area, is one of the oldest in the world. Discovering Georgian wines at the largest winery and oldest winery is an experience for wine lovers.
As one of the best countries for food in the South Caucasian region, Georgia’s world-class food and wine await your discovery. Tbilisi is truly one of the top hidden culinary destinations worldwide.
Other Georgia Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
8 Day Harvest Time Wine and Culinary Holiday in Tbilisi, Georgia
10 Day Tbilisi to Kakheti: Gastronomic Journey through Georgia’s Capital and Wine Region
20. Bangkok, Thailand
There is a reason Bangkok is considered the street food capital of the world. While Thai food is a universal favorite, nothing screams authentic like the food you’ll sample in a bustling Bangkok street market.
On the streets of Bangkok, the scents of freshly grilled food and quintessential Thai flavors greet you at every corner.
Market visits to explore the diverse cuisine and unique ingredients were some of our highlights in Bangkok.
To get the most out of your food experience, we recommend taking a Bangkok food tour with a local guide.
Be sure to indulge in Chinese dumplings or crab noodles and fried oyster omelets in Chinatown Market, Chatuchak weekend market, or Wang Lang Market.
If an immersive food experience and exploring new tastes like mangosteen is what you’re after, nothing beats visiting the floating markets.
Lest you think Bangkok is all street food, the city boasts Michelin-Star restaurants, like R-Haan, providing fine-dine Thai style.
If you want to learn about Thai cooking methods, taking a cooking class to immerse you even deeper into the local culture.
This hands-on Thai cooking class, with a market tour, takes you to the street vendors and hawker stalls for the necessary ingredients to make four traditional Thai dishes.
For the best street food in the world, put Bangkok on your travel list.
Other Bangkok Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
2 Days Hands-on Authentic Thai Cooking Holiday in Bangkok, Thailand
3 Day Highlights of Bangkok and Beyond Culinary Holiday in Bangkok
3 Day Fun Home-style Thai Cooking and Culture Holidays in Nonthaburi, Bangkok
RELATED: Bangkok Food Guide: What and Where to Eat Like a Local in Bangkok
21. BONUS: Tuscany, Italy – Unmissable Among World’s Best Food Destinations
Tuscany stands out as one of Italy’s top foodie destinations, and for good reason. While Italy is consistently ranked among the world’s best culinary countries,
Tuscany represents the very best of regional Italian cuisine and renowned wines like Chianti, among others.
On our multiple visits to Tuscany, we were spoilt for choice. From simple meals and home cooking to gourmet dishes, we savored the delicious fresh flavor.
Tuscan cuisine is based on fresh, local produce, hearty meats, and delightful wines – but what’s the best way to experience this? Visit local food markets with a local guide, join a food or wine tour, or enroll in a cooking class.
Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina, pappa al pomodoro ribollita, coccoli or cantucci for dessert are to be savored bite-by-bite.
When the conversation turns to Tuscany wines, Chianti, Montepulciano, and other vibrant reds come to mind. But don’t forget the tasty whites such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
With Italy ranked as one of the best countries for food, the simple and rustic flavors of Tuscan cooking are a must for foodies.
Other Tuscany Culinary Tours You May Enjoy
8 Days All Inclusive Cooking & Wine Tours Tuscany – Lucca
7 Day Italian Gastronomy and Cooking Holiday in Tuscany, Grosseto
RELATED: 9 of the Best Cooking Vacations in Tuscany You Should Consider
If unique culinary experiences are what you seek, these best culinary destinations in the world have a lot to offer. Where will your food travels take you next?
Please let us know in the comments below which foodie destination is on your holiday wishlist.
Savor the Adventure!
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Rosemary Kimani is the co-founder and editor-in-chief at Authentic Food Quest, where she helps travelers connect with cultures through food and immersive cooking vacations. Since 2015, she and her partner, Claire, have explored the cuisine of 45 countries and 290+ food cities. Her work has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Huffington Post, and more. A co-author of three books, including a collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism, she blends storytelling with culinary exploration. When not discovering new flavors, she’s an avid runner, having completed eleven marathons. Previously, she held senior strategy roles in advertising.