When you plan your next vacation there are some foodie destinations around the world that have a lot to offer. Some are cities and some are countries, but you can't go wrong with any of these destinations when planning a vacation and there are plenty of things to see outside of the food, so you really get an experience of a lifetime! Like the USA list I will give a top 10 and then provide a list of honorable mentions.
1. Paris, France
France is known for its food landmarks as well as its physical landmarks. When I went to Paris, the food was one of the exciting and interesting things about the trip in some unexpected ways. On this trip, I enjoyed a chocolate croissant in the shadow of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, sandwiches near the Eiffel Tower, and Quiche Lorraine near our hotel. I also experienced a unique dish called Raclette, which is similar to fondue but is a way of melting cheese. All were fantastic. What was surprising was the amount of ham used in their foods. It was difficult to order a meal it seemed without it. Even their pasta had ham in it. The bread was so good, and I loved how they made their sandwiches with butter instead of mayo or mustard. No one ever said it was the healthiest foods, but they are among the tastiest. There are many ways to experience the food in Paris from street side cafes to food tours.
2. Italy
It's hard to narrow down one area of Italy that has the best food, so I am just going to say the country as a whole. Who doesn't love pasta and pizza. Italy offers cooking classes and food tours as well as some of the world's best food found at restaurants across the country. Some of our best ingredients originate in Italy like olives, tomatoes, wine, cheeses, and the truffle. If you want a really good pizza you need to head to Naples. For a good wine, try Tuscany. This is definitely a place I would love to tour from the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany to Rome.
3. Tokyo, Japan
If you are a fan of sushi, then Tokyo is where you need to go. Tokyo has the freshest and best Sushi in the world. Tokyo also has the izakaya's. They are great if you want to be a bit adventurous. There is also the Tsukiji outer market that is a must see in Tokyo. You will find unique foods and drinks and will get to sample a lot of different things. Another unique food experience in Tokyo is a traditional tea ceremony.
4. London, England
London is considered the food capital of the world...why? No where will you find the diverse options of international food, dining experiences, and food activities than in London. You can find every type of cuisine in London, it's not just fish and chips. On top of all the different cuisine you have all of the afternoon tea choices as well. London has markets like the Camden Market, and street food at Boxpark.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Who doesn't love Mexican food! And a trip to Mexico City gives you a chance to try authentic Mexican food. You can have a unique experience like making tortillas by hand. You can attend a cooking class and go on a market tour. If I ever make it to Mexico City, I am going to get Tacos Al Pastor. I've made them at home, but I want to try the real thing in Mexico.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Thai food is one of the most popular foods around the world. In Bangkok you can experience thai food as it was meant to be enjoyed, at night market from a street vendor. Bangkok also offers cooking classes, food tours, street food, and Michelin star restaurants. They even have floating markets outside of town if you want something unique. Street markets can be found everywhere in Bangkok so there is likely one nearby regardless of where you are staying. The street food is where it is out in Bangkok and bonus it is cheap and delicious.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Popular local cuisine you will find in Barcelona is paella, croquettes, and gazpacho. Barcelona's most famous food market is La Boqueria and dates back to the 1200's. Of course, no visit to Spain is complete without Tapas. You can actually go on a Tapas Tour in Barcelona. Tapas are not from Barcelona though so for a real Barcelona experience you should go to a Catalan Bodega. This is the closest thing that is authentically from Barcelona to Tapas. Churros are also a traditional treat in Barcelona. Barcelona is also known as the best place to get great charcuterie. The most famous local dessert is the Crema Catalana a local version of Creme Brulee.
8. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is one of the most coffee centric cities in the world. There are also hipster cafe's dotted around every corner. Melbourne is known for its Parma. An Australian take on chicken Parmigiana. It's a schnitzel topped with Napoli sauce, ham, and a thick layer of mozzarella all melted together. Queen Victoria Market is a must do and an interesting fact. It was built over an old burial ground. It is renowned for its fresh produce, high-quality meat, and baked goods. Food trucks have become a sensation in recent years and the best place to sample the food truck fare is at Food Truck Park.
9. Munich, Germany
Food in Munch is not just beer, pretzels, and Oktoberfest. One of the most popular places to visit is the Viktualienmarkt. They have a 2-hour food tour, and it is the best way to explore the market. It is Munich's largest food market covering 240,000 sq ft and has 140 stalls. A must eat street food in Munich is the Bavarian sausage or wurst. It is served hot dog style. It's a great way to check out what's fresh and in season and to meet the producers of meat in the region. Typical German cuisine focuses heavily on bread, potatoes, and meat. In Munich, beer is considered a food. So, a trip to Munich would not be complete without a visit to a local beer garden. Munich has over 200 and many have been around for hundreds of years and serve locally brewed beer. The largest beer garden in the world is in Munich, called the Hirschgarten and can seat over 8000 patrons. Another great dish to try is spaetzle. It is a type of egg noodle. Is it any wonder that Munich has become a popular destination for foodies?
10. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has all kinds of food stalls, restaurants, and dishes with many different cultural influences. Food tours are one of the best ways to experience the food of Hong Kong. Hong Kong will give you the chance to try a lot of different foods you've never even heard of. The most iconic food in Hong Kong is Dim Sum. Another popular dish is roast goose. I will leave it up to you if that sounds good or not. I have had the opportunity of having food in Hong Kong, but only in the airport. I'm sure it was not the best the country had to offer.
Honorable mentions
Marakech, Morroco
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