Top 7 culinary capitals of the world
The growth of culinary travel has sent foodies flocking to faraway destinations to try new flavors. Research shows that a growing number of travelers go abroad purely for the food or even better, the combination with business! Culinary travel is on the rise worldwide and a reason for many to travel thousands of miles each year. Wondering in which top global cities you can fully enjoy delicious cuisine? We share it with you in this blog! Perhaps your next business travel destination is among them 😉.
Growth in culinary travel
Different parts of the world are full of unique culinary destinations where taste experiences await you that you cannot experience at home. So it is definitely worthwhile (besides business arrangements) to go abroad on taste discovery and try dishes you haven't tasted before.
For many foodies, visiting cities with the most Michelin stars, with exceptional cooking techniques and incredible quality of ingredients and flavors, is a must. For others, it's about the cultural and historical experience that authentic local cuisine offers. In any case, the global culinary travel market is predicted to be worth more than $3.4 billion by 2028, as many are eager to discover hidden gems like bars and restaurants.
But which cities were revealed this year for their gastronomic adventures?
1. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is home to a total of more than 200 Michelin stars! Consequently, the Japanese city may call itself the city with the most Michelin stars in the world since 2023. Their culinary scene is of an exceptional level and is often attributed to traditional street food vendors who are incredibly good at putting a Japanese spin on foreign dishes. From tiny yakitori restaurants, tiny sushi spots, endless ramen options and Michelin-starred street food stand. If that's not a special experience!
2. Paris, France
Paris is best experienced by following your nose. Delicious scents, chocolatey or spicy, waft from the pastry shops. One of the culinary capitals of the world, Paris is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, top chefs and wealth of food. Especially the brunches and sweet treats! Enticing patisseries, chocolatiers, bistros and fromageries can be found everywhere, making the city a dream destination for foodies. Enjoy the French ambiance while savoring a burgundy boeuf bourguignon, quiche lorraine, escargots, coq au vin or any of the sweets!
3. New York, United States
To bite into the Big Apple is to enjoy iconic and old-fashioned dishes like pizza, burgers, bagels and cheesecake. Scattered throughout New York are hip cafes, neighborhood restaurants, trendy bars, American diners and food markets where all cuisines of the world are represented. A true Valhalla for foodies, in other words!
4. Hong Kong, China
Known as one of the best culinary cities in Asia, Hong Kong has the highest density of restaurants in the world and is referred to as "Worlds Food Fair." It has it all; from street food to upscale, sophisticated dining. There is an extraordinary range of offerings from classic, traditional and fusion dishes, to hot pot or snake soup. Either way an experience!
5. London, United Kingdom
The capital of England and the United Kingdom, we could talk about it for hours.... Â London is a global culinary capital with award-winning restaurants and acclaimed chefs. The city's restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, with upscale experiences of excellence, food markets, traditional restaurants with a classic British touch and worldly eateries born from the melting pot of the city's diverse cultures.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the best place in the world to eat, you guessed it, authentic Thai food! For a long time, the city has been declared the world's street food capital. Where it is teeming with street vendors and pop-up stalls and where the food is not only fresh and tremendously tasty, but also very cheap!
7. Singapore, Singapore
Due to its young character, Singapore has no cuisine of its own, yet the capital is in this top 7! Singapore is famous for its fresh dishes immersed in herbs and spices and rich in flavor and aromas. China, Malaysia and India are a major influence on the cuisine . As a result, many traditional dishes in Singapore have been influenced by other countries. Some of the most famous are crab, durian and chili! The Singaporeans like it hot!
Are you going on a business trip to one of the culinary cities soon and while reading, have you felt like exploring the flavors of this destination? Our Business Travel Consultants inform would love to tell you about great restaurant tips! Handy, should you want to make dining reservations in time for your business trip!
Source ETN: Top 10 foodie capitals of the world
