Calling all foodies and anyone who needs yet another reason to travel. I’m breaking down my top international foodie destinations and giving you insight on what you should enjoy when you travel there. Traveling and dining out go hand and hand. Since you have to dine out while abroad why not eat the foods that are synonymous with the destination?
What if your next passport stamp came with a side of unforgettable flavor? The best foodie destinations are the ones that will not only satisfy your hunger but also transform your travel experience!
Exploring local cuisine is an essential part of international travel and offers an authentic window into the culture of the location. While sometimes it can be a bit of a scary proposition to try something new, you will be selling yourself short if you don’t. Food is the gateway to experiencing a destinations soul and with a bit of research you can enjoy every bite without worry.
Top Foodie Destinations
Local food is the heart of any destination. You learn so much about the culture and local life just by exploring the food scene. If you get pulled into tourist traps, you may have a less than ideal experience. Honestly a bad meal can ruin an entire trip. Deciding what to try and where to try it can bring about tremendous anxiety on any trip. That said, the availability of good eats is always top of mind for me when traveling.
The easy choice is to spend a ton of money on a highly rated restaurant where you can expect the best. But to be transparent, I’ve found some pretty amazing food at a local favorite and spent a fraction of the cost of a meal at a fine dining establishment. You don’t have to empty your bank account to eat well.
Ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? Here are 7 mouthwatering foodie destinations that are perfect for your international trip bucket list. Whether you’re craving a taste of home or eager to explore entirely new flavors, these countries have it all.
Morocco
Spices are the name of the game here. If you are in Marrakesh, take a stroll through souks and visit a spice market to learn all about the different flavors that are used in the traditional tagine dishes.
You’ll be blown away with how they leverage the simplest ingredients to make some of the most impressive dishes. The food is well known for the creative use of spices and grains to bring out the flavor of fish, meat and vegetables.
I learned the art of using the tangine to make the most flavorful fish dish that I’ve ever had.
If you have the opportunity to have a private cooking lesson, take it. You’ll be amazed at the care that goes into selecting the right spices to create the amazing flavors found in everyday meals. Our chef showed us how they preserve lemons for later use in some of their famed dishes. I definitely tried it at home.
Vietnam
If you love veggie forward dishes then Vietnam is where you want to be. The chefs in this country know how to use vegetables and herbs in ways that will make your tastebuds jump for joy.
Of course this foodie destination is well known for its national dish Pho. Pho is a noodle soup made with a salty broth, fresh rice noodles, a sprinkling of herbs and chicken or beef that’s eaten all over the country.
I fell in love with the fish and the light and healthy fresh spring rolls called Goi cuon. Every meal in Vietnam was a treat for the senses.
Rice is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, used in both cooked rice and noodle dishes. Most Vietnamese dishes are served with a dipping sauce, particularly “nước chấm” (fish sauce), which can be customized with chili, lime, and other ingredients.
In Hanoi, there is a food so good that they’ve named a street after it. Cha Ca La Vong is hot pan filled with sizzling chunks of fish seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric and dill and served tableside. The most popular street food item is bánh mì. This is a sandwich served on a French baguette with fillings like meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. If you are exploring street food, this one is not to be missed.
Thailand
Thailand is world renowned for its street food. Pad Thai and mango sticky rice are staples here and found at many stands around popular cities like Bangkok.
A word of caution, be careful when indicating your spice levels here. A medium spiced shrimp dish almost sent me to the ER and I love spicy foods. It was insanely hot.
Make your way over to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 100 km South West of Bangkok to taste some of the authentic Thai flavors in a very unique setting. There are a couple of floating markets even closer to the city but this one is by far the largest. While they are certainly a tourist attraction, they still provide insight into how life once was in Thailand. Grab some fresh fruit from one of the floating vendors and watch life in color.
If you are looking for a more refined experience, try Gaggan, Bangkok. This restaurant is consistently listed as one of the best in the world (listed as number 9 in 2024). The cost will make you rethink your life choices but the food will make you forget why it even matters.
Japan
Say Japan and the thought of sushi immediately comes to mind. Watching a sushi chef prepare a fresh cut of tuna is simply magical. But you should know that Japan is far more than sushi.
In fact, they are well known for a few dishes including some of the best and most expensive beef in the world, Japanese Wagyu. It comes from a specific breed of cattle and if it happens to be from the Kobe region of Japan then get ready to empty your wallets for a taste.
Wander around the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka and you will have unbelievable options for raman, izakaya and shabu shabu. If you are up for a foodie adventure, try grabbing a few different options at the market. Tsukiji in Tokyo is known for some of the best sushi eateries in all of Japan. While Nishiki market in Kyoto is known for its wide variety of foot stalls. If you love an adventure, head out to Osaka for a walking foodie tour down the famed Dotonbori street. There you’ll find hundreds of street food stalls, restaurants and entertainment.
A couple of things to remember, you will likely have to wait in line for one of the highly coveted seats at many restaurants. If you decide to grab a bite from a food stand, you should know that walking and eating is highly inappropriate. This foodie destination is well known and gets lots of visitors. Even still, they stick by their standards of service and attention. Which means you’ll be hard pressed to find large sprawling restaurants here. Read my blog Foodie Guide to Japan to learn more about the food in this iconic destination.
Spain
Tapas, tapas everywhere. The food culture in Spain is all about socialization. And it shows in how the large scale paellas are enough to feed a small village.
Here you’ll find some of the best food markets in the world including La Boqueria in Barcelona and Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid. A stroll through one of these markets will certainly have your mouth watering.
In Madrid Spain, you’ll find one of the oldest restaurants in the world; Sobrino de Botín. People have been enjoying sangria and the suckling pig at this fixture since 1725. If old world dining is not your thing, then just belly up to a local bar, order a cocktail and a few snacks while you engage in fascinating conversations with the locals.
If you are looking for more of a fine dining experience, you should know that Spain holds 3 spots on the top 10 best restaurants in the world (Disfrutar, Asador Etxebarri and Diverxo). Here you’ll find food that is a delight for the senses and the tummy.
Italy
No foodie guide would be complete without mentioning Italy. The food from Italy can be found on dinner tables around the world. What seems simple is packed with so much flavor and complexity when done right. You don’t get to experience the full profile of bolognese until you try it in Bologna.
There are far too many great treats in Italy to discover in one trip. From Margarita pizza in Naples to arancini in Sicily, Italy is my go to destination for exploring great foods.
Let’s not forget the world renowned wines that are the perfect pairing for any meal made here and the gelato that you’ll want to enjoy all day. Check out my blog on The Best Things to Eat in Italy for more insight on which dishes are not to be missed when traveling here. Movies have been made about the food in this country so counting calories is out the door when you travel to Italy.
Peru
In Peru the best known dish is raw fish marinated in citrus juice, chili peppers and served cold. If you’ve tried ceviche anywhere else in the world, you will definitely want to try it in Peru. Here ceviche is the country’s national dish and the Pisco sour is the country’s favorite drink
But ceviche isn’t the only thing you want to explore if you make the trip over to Peru. Lomo Saltado is the most popular meat dish in the country which blends Peruvian and Chinese influences.
In Peru, you’ll find popular seafood based dishes being served alongside of heavy meat dishes. An interesting contrast for such a small country. It’s position on along the South Pacific Ocean with the backdrop of the Machu Picchu and the sprawling rainforest gives the county access to a diverse range of materials for delectable cuisines.
My Perspective
Of course, these aren’t the only places in the world where you can find great food. I’ve enjoyed amazing food in most destinations I’ve visited. I’ve also had a few food failures in places where I least expected. The key is to do your research and go prepared.
Local food is a gateway to cultural immersion. When you visit a destination, make sure you open your mind to enjoy the authentic flavors and create lasting memories. Use food as a way to build connections with the locals. Ask questions to learn as much as you can about the origins of the dish and how the chef expresses their personality through food.
If you are ready to spice up your next trip with unforgettable culinary adventures, head out to one of these countries and prepare to indulge. Subscribe for more travel tips and inspiration to make your first international journey a delicious success!
FAQs About the Best Foodie Destinations for International Travelers
Q: What should first-time travelers know about trying local cuisine abroad?
A: First-time travelers should research popular dishes and dining customs before arriving, use translation apps or guides for menus, and start with small portions to test new flavors.
Q: How can I ensure I’m eating safe and authentic food when traveling internationally?
A: To ensure you are eating safe and authentic food, look for busy, well-reviewed food stalls or restaurants where locals dine, follow food blogs and recommendations from trusted sources, and always check for proper hygiene standards at the venue.
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