# Top Culinary Destinations Worldwide
Eating your way through a city is the best way to truly experience its culture. But what defines a world’s best city for food? Often, it’s variety, quality meals, and affordability. We’ve gathered insights from locals worldwide to determine which cities offer the ultimate dining experiences in 2024.
Locals were invited to share their insights on their cities’ must-visit restaurants, signature dishes, and dining value, rating their overall food scene. By narrowing down these responses, we’ve identified the top culinary destinations, ensuring each country is represented by its highest-ranked city.
These cities represent a celebration of global culinary culture, providing whether you’re seeking fine dining or the best street food.
## Naples, Italy
### Must-Eat Dish: Pizza Margherita
Naples is synonymous with pizza. Originating in the 19th century, pizza here is still a beloved, affordable meal. From traditional pizzerias on Via dei Tribunali to modern interpretations, Naples is a pizza lover’s paradise.
**Why Visit Now:** Embrace Neapolitan cuisine with its fusion of land, sea, and history. Discover meals like pasta alla genovese, sfogliatella, and the bustling Mercato della Pignasecca.
## Johannesburg, South Africa
### Must-Eat Dish: Kota Sandwich
Johannesburg showcases a vibrant mix of African cuisines. From Little Addis Ethiopian cafes to Nigerian specialties, Jo’burg is a culinary melting pot. Try traditional South African dishes like kota sandwich and bunny chow.
**Why Visit Now:** Braamfontein is alive with innovative food ventures. Discover Mamakashaka and Friends, and Artivist, for unique food and cultural experiences.
## Lima, Peru
### Must-Eat Dish: Ceviche
Lima isn’t just Peru’s culinary capital; it leads South American cuisine. While Central grabs headlines, affordable local delicacies like ceviche and lomo saltado are city’s true flavors.
**Why Visit Now:** Lima’s culinary rise continues, influenced by its diverse immigrant culture. Sample ceviche at Punto Azul or experience Venezuelan-Peruvian fusion at Mérito.
## Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
### Must-Eat Dish: Pho Saigon
Vietnamese cuisine is a robust mix of flavors, with Ho Chi Minh City as its epicenter. Venture beyond street markets to discover Michelin-starred takes on classics like pho.
**Why Visit Now:** Discover District 1’s culinary delights, including Anan Saigon and Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa, offering innovative Vietnamese cuisine.
## Beijing, China
### Must-Eat Dish: Peking Duck
Beijing satisfies carnivores with its signature Peking duck. While gourmet dining is available, the city’s markets and street food provide affordable local flavors.
**Why Visit Now:** Siji Minfu is a top spot for authentic Peking duck. Explore fine dining at Qu Lang Yuan for a blend of French-Chinese cuisine.
## Bangkok, Thailand
### Must-Eat Dish: Som Tum
Bangkok is the world’s street food capital, offering accessible, thrilling flavors. Beyond street food, its gastronomic scene boasts Michelin-star accolades.
**Why Visit Now:** New foodie hubs like Ban Tad Thong showcase Bangkok’s expanding street food scene. For Michelin dining, visit Baan Tepa.
## Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
### Must-Eat Dish: Nasi Lemak
Kuala Lumpur, influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, offers a diverse food palette. Nasi lemak, with rich coconut flavors, tops the dining list.
**Why Visit Now:** Explore hawker stalls for classic street fare. New entries like Pickle Dining introduce modern twists to traditional flavors.
## Mumbai, India
### Must-Eat Dish: Vada Pav
Mumbai’s flavorful cuisine earned top quality ratings in our survey. From spicy vada pav to butter chicken, the city is a taste explosion.
**Why Visit Now:** Innovators in Bandra and Lower Parel create unique culinary experiences. Don’t overlook Versova’s Goan specialties and the Tanjore Tiffin Room.
## Dubai, UAE
### Must-Eat Dish: Mandi
Dubai’s skyline reflects its culinary range. New dining experiences, teamed with traditional Arab dishes like mandi, define its rich food culture.
**Why Visit Now:** Dubai’s culinary diversity shines with award-winning dining experiences. Explore chef-led ventures like Moonrise and Jun’s.
## Portland, Oregon, USA
### Must-Eat Dish: Pizza
Portland’s diverse food scene thrives with innovative eateries, from street food to top-rated restaurants. Pizza, specifically taco-topped varieties, is a city staple.
**Why Visit Now:** From gourmet Haitian and Korean spots to affordable venues, Portland offers culinary gems that blend quality with affordability.
## Liverpool, UK
### Must-Eat Dish: Scouse
Liverpool’s burgeoning food scene rivals London, with Scouse stew capturing local hearts.
**Why Visit Now:** Explore new dining spots led by local talent elevating traditional and contemporary dishes.
## Medellín, Colombia
### Must-Eat Dish: Bandeja Paisa
Medellín’s dishes are packed with flavor and local ingredients. Bandeja paisa offers a hearty meal reflecting Colombia’s diverse culinary tradition.
**Why Visit Now:** Discover local flavors on a budget or enjoy high-end experiences in Medellín’s varied dining scene.
## Seville, Spain
### Must-Eat Dish: Serranito
Home to tapas bars, Seville offers rich Andalusian flavors. This city is culinary exploration at its finest, with the famed serranito sandwich leading the charge.
**Why Visit Now:** With contemporary cuisine entering the scene, Seville remains dynamic, diverse, and always scrumptious.
## Porto, Portugal
### Must-Eat Dish: Francesinha
Positioned as a culinary leader, Porto’s sandwiched meats like francesinha represent Portugal’s hearty culinary roots.
**Why Visit Now:** Explore Porto’s dual dining nature—traditional taverns versus avant-garde eateries, each reflecting the city’s unique heritage.
## Marrakech, Morocco
### Must-Eat Dish: Tagine
Marrakech encourages exploration through its rich flavors and seventh-century tradition of aromatic tagines.
**Why Visit Now:** Diversity flourishes with a blend of traditional and globally inspired dining options emerging in the city’s vibrant market scene.
## Lyon, France
### Must-Eat Dish: Saucisson Brioche
Known as France’s gastronomic hub, Lyon’s foods, such as saucisson brioche, highlight its deep culinary history.
**Why Visit Now:** Enjoy the evolution toward fusion and vegetarian innovation led by talented young chefs.
## Sydney, Australia
### Must-Eat Dish: Australian Steak
Sydney dazzles with its stunning mix of cuisines and foods, excelling in steak and a variety of international flavors.
**Why Visit Now:** Diverse establishments span from waterfront views to hidden gems showcasing Sydney’s culinary diversity.
## Montreal, Canada
### Must-Eat Dish: Poutine
Montreal’s culinary blend, led by iconic dishes like poutine, reflects its French influence and global diversity.
**Why Visit Now:** The city’s dynamic food scene thrives with new ventures offering innovative and reflective culinary experiences.
## Osaka, Japan
### Must-Eat Dish: Takoyaki
Osaka is Japan’s culinary powerhouse, defined by its street food icons like takoyaki, balancing affordability with delightful tastes.
**Why Visit Now:** Experience Michelin-starred excellence combined with foundational street food culture.
## Copenhagen, Denmark
### Must-Eat Dish: Smørrebrød
Copenhagen’s New Nordic cuisine and sustainable practices elevate its food scene. Classic smørrebrød reflects Danish simplicity.
**Why Visit Now:** With high-end dining and inventive cuisine, Copenhagen remains a culinary haven.
Discover these cities and their unique flavors, each offering a rich tapestry of traditions and tastes waiting to be savored.
