The 10 Best Countries in the World for Amazing Food

If you have an appetite for adventure, then you know that some of the most cherished travel memories go beyond the places you see or the people you meet. It’s uncovering a hidden gem and tasting an authentic recipe, taking that first bite of steamy street food or trying a viral hotspot that lives up to the hype. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall or a fancy restaurant, a cooking class or a local homestay, one thing’s for sure... You never forget the feeling of savouring one of the greatest meals of your life.

Here are our picks for the top 10 countries with the best food around the world. Dig in!

Mexico

Food is the heart and soul of Mexico. With a sensational culinary legacy born from its Aztec roots, nowhere else in the world cooks up a storm quite like this Latin American powerhouse. Of course, there are tacos: a versatile dish that everyone needs to try at least once. But there’s so much more to Mexican cuisine than its staple dishes. From chocolatey mole sauce to marinated, shredded meats and crunchy tlayuda (like a Mexican pizza) fresh off the grill… needless to say, you’re in for a feast!

Best places for food in Mexico:

Mexico City (CDMX) - While Mexico’s capital city has its share of Michelin Stars and fusion restaurants, some of the best food you’ll try here is downtown in Centro Histórico at the local taquerias and cantinas. Start your day right with enchiladas or huevos rancheros (spicy fried eggs) drizzled with fresh salsa, and paired with hot chocolate. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Oaxaca - You’ll find the answer to Mexico’s most delicious street food in Oaxaca, from 7 different flavours of mole sauce to regional specialities like quesillo cheese. Oaxaca (quite literally) plays with fire; dishes here are famous for their hot, smoky taste and scent. The food here is like a world of its own - perfect for exploring on a walking tour.

Mérida - Mayan traditions meet international ingredients in Mérida, the cultural capital of the Yucátan Peninsula's sun-kissed coast. Indulge in citrusy, slow-roasted pork that melts in your mouth, piled into fried tortillas and topped with pickled onions. Add fresh seafood tacos and Mexican-style ceviche to the top of your list!

Must-try dishes:

• Burrito - Loaded wrap typically filled with rice and beans, salsa dressing, meat and cheese
• Tacos - Tacos are a way of life in Mexico! Birria (goat-based stew), al pastor (shawarma-style pork) and fried white fish are some of the most traditional toppings
• Tamales - Stuffed corn dough wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. It’s almost like a burrito-spring roll fusion, and can be made either sweet or savoury!

India

No list of countries with the best food around the world is complete without India. A giant cultural and culinary melting pot, breaking down all the incredible dishes and regional varieties you can try here would take us all day! As you travel through the country, you can taste the changing flavours. While North India is a plant-based paradise famed for its vegetable curries and dals, down South it’s all about fresh seafood and sweet coconut. Wherever you go, eating with your hands is part of the fun!

Best places for food in India:

Jaipur - Try some of the best Rajasthani food of your life inside India’s Pink City. Pair unbeatable classics like dal with crusty bati bread, optionally topped with melted ghee. Finish it off with something sweet like ghewar: a little honeycomb cake.

Delhi - Did you know that butter chicken was invented here in India’s capital, purely by accident? Looking beyond the West’s favourite dish, just a few of Delhi’s specialities include stuffed paratha flatbreads, skewered kebabs and chana masala (chickpea curry)!

Goa - This beachside paradise blends Indian and Portuguese flavours to create the ultimate fusion. Fish and crab curries are absolute must-tries, alongside pork vindaloo, prawn balchão spreads and kismur: dried shrimp and coconut salad.

Must-try dishes:

• Chaat - India’s main dishes may get all the attention (and rightfully so), but there’s an argument to be made for the street food bites. Chaat is like a family of small, savoury goodness - from samosa to pani puri balls!
• Dosa - Picture a crispy pancake served either plain with a side of yoghurt, or with a scoop of filling like potato masala. When you’re in the South of India, this breakfast bite is simply unmissable
• Thali - Why stick to one thing when you can try it all? Thalis are rainbow platter-style meals, made up of lots of different components like pickled vegetables, rice and flatbread. Choose your curry base and go from there! 

Peru

It’s hard to say what makes Peruvian cuisine so exceptional. Maybe it has something to do with Peru’s incredible natural diversity, from the Andes to the Amazon, allowing for a huge range of ingredients to thrive here. Or maybe it has something to do with its vibrant cultural crossroads, merging Indigenous traditions with Spanish and Japanese influences to create dishes that are just as diverse as they are delicious. Either way, Peruvian food will have you hooked for life.

Best places for food in Peru:

Lima - Peru’s coastal capital is where you can taste some of the best seafood in the entire country, including its national dish, ceviche. Experience contemporary restaurants, local markets and, if you plan your trip accordingly, South America’s biggest food festival in Lima!

Arequipa - Get a taste of Peru’s local flavours in the stunning city of Arequipa. Break up your sightseeing with a lunchtime stop at a picantería (family-run restaurant) where you can try dishes like rocoto relleno (spicy, stuffed peppers) and chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder). 

Cusco - When you’re not gearing up to hike the Inca Trail or Lares Trek for Machu Picchu, enjoy some time to uncover Cusco’s culinary palette. Spicy stews, cheesy potatoes… Once you’ve had a taste, exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World will feel like a distant dream.

Must-try dishes:

• Ceviche - Raw chunks of fish marinated in fresh lime juice, spices and slices of onion. For the full experience, you can even try leche de tigre: ceviche juice topped with deep-fried squid!
• Quinoa soup - A superfood soup which typically contains chicken broth, quinoa and vegetables. It’s a nutritious, hearty staple for exploring the highlands
• Pachamanca - Andean cooking tradition where meats, potatoes and vegetables are wrapped in leaves and cooked over hot stones, creating rich, earthy flavours

Japan

Your new favourite meal is never far away in Japan. From fresh sushi bites to steamy bowls of ramen, filled rice pockets to crispy gyoza dumplings, where do you even begin? While you can always count on staples like rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables to be by your side, there are so many exciting main dishes waiting to be sampled. And since Japanese cuisine evolves with the seasons, no two trips taste the same. If you’re the adventurous type, you can always say “Omakase”,: translating to “I’ll leave it to you!”

Best places for food in Japan:

Tokyo - Japan’s capital is home to the most Michelin Star restaurants in the entire world, yet that’s only the beginning of Tokyo’s bustling food scene. Add Tsukiji Outer Market to the top of your list for some fresh seafood, or make your own sushi with a hands-on cooking class on our Japan tours!

Kyoto - Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich culinary history with traditional dining experiences, like obanzai ryori: lots of small dishes that change throughout the year. At a temple stay, you can even try shojin ryori: vegetarian or vegan Buddhist cuisine.

Osaka - If you’re looking for budget-friendly street food for the start (or end) of a night out, nothing beats Osaka. Fried cutlets, battered octopus… And who could forget about shabu shabu: a hot-pot dining style, perfect for sharing with your new mates?

Must-try dishes:

• Ramen - Noodles served in a broth and topped with meats, vegetables or egg. Comfort in a bowl!
• Sushi - Tiny bites that typically contain sticky rice, seaweed and either raw fish or pickled vegetables. It comes in three forms: nigiri (rice topped with raw fish), sashimi (raw fish without rice) and maki (rice wrapped in seaweed with filling)
• Wagyu - Tender, buttery cuts of beef that melt in your mouth. A must-try for steak lovers

Turkey

As one of the rare destinations in the world to sit between two countries, Turkey is where the flavours of Eastern Europe and Central Asia collide to create magic. Crispy flatbreads doused in sauce, fresh catches of the day, fragrant rices, juicy kebab meats and an entire world of vegetarian cuisine… all these addictive flavours melt on your tongue. It starts from that morning, soaking in the traditional coffeehouse culture, leading all the way up to the evening spent at a lively meyhane tavern. Once you fall into that enchanting rhythm, it feels impossible to leave.

Best places for food in Turkey:

Istanbul - Turkey’s capital is the ultimate tale of two cities, with a distinct Asian and European side. Dig into the vibrant bazaar markets on a food tour, or try some Turkish tea at a hidden gem cafe along the cobblestone streets. 

Cappadocia - Famed for its floating hot air balloons at sunrise, Cappadocia is a fairytale come to life. After an exciting day out exploring, celebrate your adventures with a testi kebab dinner, cooked and served in a clay pot.

Turkish Riviera - Stretching across the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, the local produce grown here is truly on another level. Oranges, pomegranates and grapes are just a few of the specialities, making breakfast spreads feel like paradise on Earth.

Must-try dishes:

• Baklava - Layered filo pastry stuffed with nuts and doused in honey or syrup. The perfect companion to Turkish tea or coffee
• Börek - Filo pastries and pies that can be filled with whatever you want, the most popular choice being tangy white cheese and spinach
• Meze - Small dishes that can be served either as appetisers or as the main course. Hummus and falafel especially deserve their spot on the table

Thailand

Just one bite is all it takes to convince you that Thailand is a top choice for our list of countries with the best food. Each corner of this country offers something unique. While island-hopping in Southern Thailand is all about grilled seafood and lightly flavoured curries, the mountainous North is the go-to for steamed dumplings and iconic noodle broths like khao soi. Can’t pick? Bangkok has the best of both. Whether you’re a Thailand first-timer or well-acquainted with its night market culture, Thai cuisine still blows your mind every time.

Best places for food in Thailand:

Bangkok - The street food in Thailand’s capital is in its own league, and you could easily spend days exploring it all. Some of the best places to start include Bangkok’s Old Town, Chinatown and Banthat Thong Road - or let an expert guide lead the way.

Chiang Mai - Thailand’s northern city presents the incredible opportunity to try local cuisine with a hill tribe homestay, or learn how to make it yourself with a traditional cooking class. These once-in-a-lifetime moments are what our Thailand trips are all about!

Phuket - Enjoy some time before your island-hopping adventures to uncover Phuket. Chinese, Portuguese and Thai flavours are rolled into one essential experience inside this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Where else can you dine on dim sum for breakfast?

Must-try dishes:

• Mango sticky rice - Sticky rice and fresh mango topped with coconut milk or ice cream. The perfect palette cleanser, or sweet treat in the tropical weather
• Pad thai - A rice noodle stir fry, typically made with fragrant lemongrass, egg, bean sprouts, tofu and scrambled eggs - with a dusting of crushed peanuts on top. Thailand’s national dish and a travel favourite!
• Thai curry - A warm and aromatic dish typically served with rice, and can be made as spicy or as mild as you like. Lots of different colours and flavour bases to choose from

Italy

One thing about Italy is that it never goes out of style, including its cuisine. “La Dolce Vita” (“The Good Life”) is the easiest feeling in the world when pizza, pasta and aperitivo are calling your name on our Italy trips. But don’t be fooled; this Mediterranean gem is packed with surprises that go beyond the instant classics. Exploring all of Italy’s different provinces and regions is the foodie adventure of a lifetime, from the rolling emerald hills of Tuscany to Sorrento’s sun-drenched coast. The secret to its success? It’s all in the technique.

Best places for food in Italy:

Naples - The rumours are true… You’ll find the world’s best pizza in Naples! Grab a slice of authentic Italian culture in Naples: a whirlwind city famed for its street food crawls. Try its legendary dish in all its glory, or folded into the shape of a wallet (pizza portofoglio) for when you’re on the go.

Bologna - You know that Italy’s foodie capital had to make the list. Bologna is renowned for its sumptuous, meaty ragù sauce: typically featuring a combination of ground beef and pork. Enjoy by itself with some fresh egg pasta, or save space for Italy’s ultimate comfort food… Lasagne alla Bolognese. Don’t be surprised if the pasta streets have a green tint; in Bologna, it’s customary to add spinach to the dough! 

Florence - Get ready to uncover the best of Tuscan cuisine in Florence. From sumptuous truffles to T-bone steak, it’s the definition of indulgence; but you also don’t need a big budget to enjoy the food here either. Crispy schiacciata sandwiches stuffed with mozzarella and smoked fish or meats make for an incredible lunch. P.S., did you know that gelato was invented here?

Must-try dishes:

• Gelato - Like ice cream but better. A milder, smoother flavour with a whole range of simple bases to choose from. Fior di latte and pistachio are some of the best scoops
• Pasta - Rome’s holy quartet of pastas (including carbonara) and pesto genovese in Cinque Terre are just a few legendary dishes you can try here. Gluten-free is also taken seriously across Italy, so everyone can take part in the fun!
• Risotto - Slow-cooked rice dish to reach a creamy consistency. Enjoy as a main course, or stuffed inside deep-fried arancini balls

China

An easy choice for our top 10 countries with the best food guide, China’s cooking legacy is second-to-none. It’s no exaggeration to say that eating out in China is partaking in living history. As the oldest continuously inhabited country on the planet, a trip to China means indulging in local delicacies made from recipes perfected over centuries. Nothing can prepare you for authentic moments like these, especially when China has ‘Eight Great Cuisines’ to pick from - with Cantonese and Sichuan being some of the most popular styles.

Best places for food in China:

Chengdu - The first destination in Asia to be crowned as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu is where you can experience Sichuan cuisine in all its glory. It’s a dream come true for spice lovers, although Chengdu’s milder dishes are equally packed with flavour.

Shanghai - Ancient meets ultra-modern inside Shanghai, China’s global melting pot, famed for its sweet Hu Cai cuisine. The iconic xiao long bao soup dumplings should be the first thing you try, followed by some sesame paste noodles or red-braised pork belly. Shanghai is also home to the most coffee shops in the world, taking cafe-hopping to another level!

Hong Kong - Hong Kong’s unique position as a special administrative region of China that was under British rule until 1997 has created a distinct food profile that both the locals and travellers cannot get enough of. Try Cantonese classics like dim sum dumplings, roasted goose and a cosy bowl of wonton noodle soups, washed down with some milk tea.

Must-try dishes:

• Dumplings - Wrapped balls of dough with savoury or sweet fillings. Often served for dim sum: a light lunch served alongside tea. Every region in China claims its dumplings are the best, so we’ll let you be the judge!
• Mapo tofu - Chengdu’s signature dish, mapo tofu, is cooked in a spicy sauce and typically cooked with beef mince - although it can be made vegetarian
• Peking duck - Crispy, skin-on duck typically served with cucumber in pancakes. A Beijing staple since China’s Imperial era!

Greece

Greece’s appeal goes beyond island-hopping across shimmering turquoise waters, uncovering ancient ruins and partying the night away. Part of what makes trips to Greece so spectacular is the heavenly food spreads you can try, featuring organic, locally grown ingredients in every colour of the rainbow. It’s Mediterranean cuisine at its finest, from seafood drizzled in olive oil to delicious salads, fresh feta cheese and, of course, gyros! As you can imagine, Greek cuisine is a haven for vegetarian and vegan travellers.

Best places for food in Greece:

Athens - Greece’s capital is a dream come true for foodies, with options for every budget. Have you really lived until you’ve feasted on a stuffed gyro wrap, with a Greek frappe on the side? And that’s without mentioning all the divine desserts on offer, from pistachio treats to ekmek kataifi (creamy bread pudding) and honeyed lokma puffballs.

Crete - From rugged mountains to sun-kissed beaches, Crete’s diverse terrain means you’re spoiled for choice while dining. Lamb, soft cheeses, wild greens and olive oils are some of the most popular local ingredients featured in Cretan cuisine. One appetiser you have to try on your trip here is dakos: soaked, dried bread topped with tomato and feta!

Santorini - Picture yourself by the sea, watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world with one of the best dinners of your life on the horizon. In Santorini, you can find all your favourite Greek food items, plus a few fun twists - like white aubergines and cherry tomatoes that taste extra sweet.

Must-try dishes:

• Gyros - Pita bread stuffed with chips, vegetables or meats and doused in a light filling
• Moussaka - Layers of aubergine and potato cooked in a tomato sauce and topped with a creamy layer of béchamel sauce. Can be either vegetarian or made with lamb
• Souvlaki - Small pieces of meat or vegetables grilled on a skewer. Can be enjoyed by itself or in a pita wrap

Vietnam

Food is Vietnam’s love language, and after a trip here, you’ll fall head over heels, too. While its cuisine may be less famous than some of its neighbours, this only makes it feel more authentic and exciting - like you’re being let in on one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. While much of its cuisine was shaped by decades of French colonial rule, Vietnamese food has a signature aromatic style. From generously filled bánh mì baguettes to one of the greatest coffee cultures in the world, it’s all so mouthwateringly addictive that you’ll still be thinking about it for years to come after taking one of our Vietnam tours.

Best places for food in Vietnam:

Hanoi - Vietnam’s vibrant capital is where you can experience some of the country’s best traditional street food, especially inside the Old Quarter. There’s nothing quite like sitting on the low plastic stalls and watching the world go by as you slurp some noodles - whether it’s cha ca (fried fish), bun cha (pork meatballs) or Vietnam’s ultimate classic dish, pho.

Ho Chi Minh City - Filled with international influences and flavours from the Southern coast, the food of Ho Chi Minh is excitingly diverse. The number one must-try dish here is a Bánh mì sandwich: crispy at the edges, soft in the centre and packed with the most delicious vegetables, meats… Whatever your heart desires!

Hue - Get off the beaten track in Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, offering food that is simply legendary. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once described local delicacy bún bò huế as “the greatest noodle soup in the world” - and that’s only scratching the surface of everything you can try here. Other unmissable moments include trying bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) and bánh xèo (a crispy stuffed rice pancake - like a Vietnamese crepe!).

Must-try dishes:

• Bánh mì - Toasted baguette stuffed with savoury fillings. A breakfast staple with loads of budget-friendly options for as little as £1!
• Pho - A noodle soup dish served in broth with fresh, aromatic herbs and light seasoning. Vietnam’s national dish!
• Vietnamese coffee - Famed for its bold and strong flavours with so many variations you can try. There’s egg coffee in Hanoi, coconut coffee in the south and, of course, the iconic iced milk coffee!

That’s a wrap on our Top 10, but let’s be real… On a planet filled with incredible cuisine, deciding which country has the best food in the world ultimately comes down to preference more than anything!

This was only a taster of all the incredible foodie adventures you can have. Now’s the time to find out what you like and experience more of what you love. The dreamiest meal of your life is waiting to be devoured on our group tours!