One of the golden rules of travel is: “Leave room in your suitcase, but also in your stomach.” Because of this golden rule, the famous magazine Time Out made a list of the 20 cities with best food in the world.
Enjoying local specialties is the best reward after exploring new destinations. To help you plan your next culinary adventure, Time Out magazine has published a list of the world’s best cities for gastronomy, showcasing where to find the food in these cities, known to be the ones with the best food options.
List of the cities with best food
New Orleans is among the top US cities with the best food and is no.1 on the world’s list. It won the hearts of over 18,500 respondents, thanks to its combination of French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African cuisine. Visitors delight in its specialties, such as gumbo soup, jambalaya, and beignets.
Second place went to Bangkok, Thailand, which has an abundant gastronomic landscape that includes everything from Michelin-starred restaurants like Gaggan Anand to streets full of bargains for just $3.
According to CNN, Medellin, Colombia, is in third place. It is known for its affordability and cheap but excellent coffee, making it one of the top cities for food experiences.
Fourth place went to Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, delights with various dishes and stands out for its fresh seafood. Madrid (5th place) is becoming the centre of gastronomic innovation. Conversely, Mexico City (ranked 6th) has long been recognized as a haven for those who appreciate genuine tastes.
Lagos, Nigeria (ranked 7th), is known for its delicacies like jollof rice and smoked suya, making it a notable city for food enthusiasts.
Shanghai (8th place) combines millennial tradition and modern cuisine and ranks among the best cities with great food options.
In ninth place is Paris, France, whose influence on haute cuisine is unavoidable. Among the top cities for food, Jakarta is famous for its rendang dish, which was once declared the tastiest in the world and is close to the top ten list of cities with best food.
Other cities in the top 20 best gastronomic destinations:
11. Marrakesh, Morocco
12. Lima, Peru
13. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
14. Mumbai, India
15. Abu Dhabi, UAE
16. Cairo, Egypt
17. Porto, Portugal
18. Montreal, Canada
19. Naples, Italy
20. San Jose, Costa Rica