The 10 best cities in the world for foodies

Contents:

• 1. Naples, Italy – The birthplace of pizza and the true taste of Italy

• 2. Johannesburg, South Africa – A melting pot of flavours

• 3. Lima, Peru – The heart of Peruvian cuisine

• 4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – A paradise for street food lovers

• 5. Beijing, China – The home of the legendary Peking duck

• 6. Bangkok, Thailand – The city of flavour explosions

• 7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Where culinary diversity comes to the table

• 8. Mumbai, India – The city with a vibrant street food culture

• 9. Dubai, UAE – Where tradition meets modern flavours

• 10. Portland, USA – The city of culinary creativity

• Conclusion: The world’s best cities for foodies

1. Naples, Italy – The birthplace of pizza and the true taste of Italy

“Unless you’re a pizza, the answer is yes, I can live without you.” – Bill Murray, actor and comedian.

This quote sums it up perfectly: in Naples, pizza is not just food, but a way of life. Naples is the city where pizza was born and where it is still celebrated today in its purest and most delicious form. Here, pizza is not simply a dish – it is a cultural treasure. The Margherita pizza in particular, with its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients, is considered the must-try dish.

But Naples has more to offer: alongside the iconic pizza, you’ll find fresh seafood, handmade pasta and tempting desserts such as the crispy sfogliatella. These culinary highlights are definitely among Naples’ most delightful attractions. This city will leave a lasting impression not only on your palate but also on your love of pizza!

2. Johannesburg, South Africa – A melting pot of flavours

“Food is powerful. Food is the bedrock of our health and well-being. Food has the power to bring people together at every stage, from farm to fork.” – Reuben Riffel, South African chef.

This quote from Reuben Riffel aptly describes what food means in Johannesburg: it is not just sustenance, but also a powerful force that brings people together. In this dynamic city, food is celebrated and reflects South Africa’s cultural diversity – a colourful blend of tradition and modernity that is evident in every dish.

A highlight of the street food scene is the legendary Kota sandwich, a stuffed loaf of bread filled with chips, meat, cheese and spicy sauces that delights the palate. Equally irresistible is the famous Bunny Chow, a hearty curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. The convivial braai, the South African barbecue where meat is grilled over an open fire, is also an integral part of the city’s culinary culture. 

In Johannesburg, it’s not just about the food – it’s about experiencing the stories and traditions behind every dish and understanding how food here builds bridges between cultures and people.

3. Lima, Peru – The heart of Peruvian cuisine

“There are so many ingredients in Peru that people in the States aren’t familiar with. When you eat this food, it’s not like, ‘Well, this is a bit like…’ It’s not ‘a bit like’ anything. It’s truly amazing.” – Anthony Bourdain, world-renowned chef and TV personality.

Lima is a city that makes food lovers’ hearts beat faster, as it offers cuisine that is unrivalled anywhere in the world. As Anthony Bourdain so aptly put it, the food in Peru is something unique – full of flavours that cannot be compared to anything else.

The absolute highlight of Peruvian cuisine is ceviche. Fresh fish, marinated in lime juice, with onions, chilli and coriander – a dish that perfectly combines freshness and intensity. But Lima offers far more than just ceviche. The city is a culinary paradise where innovative dishes meet traditional roots.

Every bite is an adventure that celebrates the diversity and richness of Peruvian cuisine at the very highest level.

4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – A paradise for street food lovers

“Vietnamese food has probably been spared from the mass market because most people never master the sauces and condiments that must be added to the food at the table for its true splendour to be revealed.” – Tyler Cowen, renowned economist and food critic.

This quote from Tyler Cowen sums it up perfectly: Vietnamese cuisine thrives on its subtle nuances, and that is precisely what makes dining in Ho Chi Minh City so special. It’s not just about serving a dish – the real magic only unfolds at the table, when you add the perfect combination of sauces, herbs and spices yourself. The famous pho soup, for example, only becomes a flavour revolution thanks to your personal touch – be it hot chilli, fresh herbs or a splash of lime juice. But the crispy banh mi sandwich and the refreshing goi cuon (summer rolls) are also culinary highlights that will delight any food lover.

In Ho Chi Minh City, eating becomes an experience – rich in flavours and full of cultural depth.

5. Beijing, China – The home of the legendary Peking duck

“I’m obsessed with Chinese food and culture. It’s the food I adore above all others.” – Andrew Zimmern, renowned American chef and TV presenter.

This quote perfectly captures the fascination with Chinese cuisine, and nowhere is this passion more palpable than in Beijing, the home of the world-famous Peking duck. This iconic speciality, with its crispy skin and tender meat, is traditionally served with thin pancakes, spring onions and sweet hoisin sauce – a true feast for the senses.

As well as Peking duck, there are countless other culinary highlights to discover in the city, from hand-pulled noodles to delicious dumplings. Yet Peking duck remains the essential ‘must-eat’ dish that you simply must try if you want to experience the culinary culture of this fascinating city.

6. Bangkok, Thailand – The city of aromatic delights

“Today, Bangkok cuisine can be described as an indigenous Central cuisine with strong influences from a heady blend of foreign cultures – Chinese, Mon, Persian, Portuguese, modern European, North American and more – resulting in a beautiful, quirky mix that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of.” – Leela Punyaratabandhu, renowned Thai cookbook author and expert on Thai cuisine.

This quote perfectly sums up what makes Bangkok’s cuisine so unique. The fusion of Thai traditions with influences from all over the world – from China to Persia to Europe – creates an unmistakable culinary diversity that delights locals and visitors alike.

An absolute must-try in Bangkok is the famous Som Tum, a spicy and fresh papaya salad made with green papaya, lime juice, tomatoes, peanuts and a strong fish sauce. This dish combines sweet, sour and spicy flavours in a harmonious explosion of taste that you simply mustn’t miss.

But Bangkok has much more to offer. Whether it’s pad thai, the spicy tom yum soup or the popular mango sticky rice – the city is a paradise for food lovers who want to experience the diversity and intensity of Thai cuisine. Every bite is a journey of discovery through Bangkok’s fascinating culture and culinary history.

7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Where culinary diversity comes to life on your plate

“Malaysian food, the unsung cuisine at the heart of South-East Asia, is in fact rich in flavour and diversity. If you’re passionate about food, you won’t be able to help but become passionate about Malaysian food.” – Norman Musa, renowned Malaysian chef and ambassador for Malaysian cuisine.

Norman Musa sums it up perfectly: Malaysian cuisine, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, is a veritable treasure trove of flavours and cultural influences. One highlight you mustn’t miss in Kuala Lumpur is Nasi Lemak. This rice dish, cooked in coconut milk, is served with sambal, crunchy peanuts, dried anchovies and a hard-boiled egg, offering a wonderful balance of creaminess, spice and crunch – a real culinary experience.

But Kuala Lumpur has much more to offer: try the delicious satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce or the fluffy roti canai, served with aromatic curry. In the city’s bustling streets, you’ll also find dishes such as char kway teow and Hainanese chicken rice, which reflect Malaysia’s cultural diversity. Kuala Lumpur is a true food lover’s paradise, which irresistibly expresses the many influences of its multicultural population in every dish.

8. Mumbai, India – The city with a vibrant street food culture

“I love Indian food – it’s my favourite cuisine. I love the blend of spices and the subtle flavours. It’s really erotic; the spices are so sensuous.” – Joe Perry, guitarist with Aerosmith.

This quote from Joe Perry perfectly captures the fascination with Indian cuisine, and in Mumbai you can experience this culinary magic first-hand. The city’s must-try dish is the famous vada pav, a spicy potato fritter that’s deep-fried until crispy and served in a soft bun. Accompanied by spicy chutneys and sometimes green chillies, Vada Pav is the ultimate street food delicacy – simple, yet irresistible.

But Mumbai offers far more than just Vada Pav. The city buzzes with an incredible variety of street food stalls, where you can discover dishes such as Pani Puri, crispy Bhaji or the famous Pav Bhaji. The blend of intense spices and subtle flavours, which Joe Perry describes so aptly, is at the heart of Mumbai’s food culture. Here, tradition and modernity merge in a culinary journey that immerses you deeper into the soul of India with every bite.

9. Dubai, UAE – Where tradition meets modern flavours

“Whilst I love Italian food, when I think of Dubai I think of spices, tangy flavours and a real zing.” – Tony Hadley, lead singer of Spandau Ballet.

Tony Hadley sums it up perfectly: Dubai is a city of vibrant, spicy flavours. The must-try dish here is mandi – a traditional Arabic rice dish in which tender lamb or chicken is slow-cooked and served with a fragrant blend of Middle Eastern spices. Every bite of mandi is a tribute to the region’s rich culinary tradition, characterised by intense flavours and a unique preparation method deeply rooted in the culture.

Yet in Dubai, the traditions of Arabic cuisine blend with international influences. As well as mandi, you should definitely try shawarma, hummus and mezze, which are ubiquitous on the city’s streets. In upmarket restaurants, you’ll also find modern fusion cuisine that reflects Dubai’s diversity and luxury. Dubai is not only a city of architectural wonders, but also a culinary metropolis where every meal is an adventure for the senses – from traditional spices to modern bursts of flavour.

10. Portland, USA – The city of culinary creativity

Portland is often described as the ‘foodiest city of them all’, and quite rightly so.

The city is a mecca for foodies who appreciate innovative and sustainable cuisine. Portland is famous for its farm-to-table movement, which focuses on fresh, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. In the city’s countless food trucks and trendy restaurants, chefs are passionately experimenting to create unique dishes.

Portland combines diversity and creativity, whether through international influences or modern interpretations of classic recipes. Every bite in this city is an expression of a culinary culture that is deeply connected to nature and regional produce. For anyone seeking authentic and innovative taste experiences, Portland is the ideal place.

Conclusion: The world’s best cities for foodies

From the irresistible pizza in Naples to the fresh ceviche in Lima and the spicy nasi lemak in Kuala Lumpur – these cities are true paradises for foodies. Thanks to Time Out’s selection, we’ve been able to present you with the most exciting culinary destinations worldwide that you simply must experience on your next trip. Through their dishes, each of these cities tells a unique story that allows you to delve deeper into their culture with every bite.

If you’re now keen to explore one of these cities for yourself, do pop over to our website. There you’ll find fantastic TravelDeals and exclusive offers that give you the perfect opportunity to plan your dream culinary trip!