10 Best Food Destinations in the World in 2026
On the way to travel, there is not only beautiful scenery but also fascinating food. Food heals the mood, which can satisfy the visual enjoyment and the happiness between taste buds. If you also want to get to know a city or a country in a different way, then food must be a good point. Here are ten dream destinations for foodies in 2026, let's take a look at them.
Italy
Tasting food is one of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Italy. Through it, you can gain a vivid insight into the culture and traditions of each region. Italian cuisine is prepared with seasonal, unpretentious ingredients. The fresh and simple dishes are sure to make you feel happy and satisfied.
For thousands of years, the inhabitants of the Italian peninsula have enjoyed some of the best cuisines in the world. The diverse and mild climate and geography have given Italians a great love and appreciation for cooking.
The taste and image of pasta are deeply rooted in people's hearts. It is not only a home-cooked food but can also reach palace-level standards, offering a variety of patterns in taste and cooking techniques. The most traditional tomato paste flavor is a must-try.
When you arrive in the southern regions, where seafood is abundant, seafood-flavored pasta can surprise you in delightful ways. There is also cuttlefish spaghetti with dark sauce, an unforgettable dish for anyone who tries it.
Pizza is another well-known Italian food. Traditional flavors include cheese, German sausage, tomato sauce, basil, and olives. If these tastes feel too common, don't worry - pizza shops all over Italy offer countless variations, ensuring you find your favorite.
Tiramisu is the signature Italian dessert, praised for its simplicity. Whether served in a restaurant or as afternoon tea in a street-side café, Italian tiramisu never disappoints.
Japan
Japanese food is probably the most inclusive in the world. Throughout the Japanese food environment, there is a subtle and restrained beauty that cannot be ignored. There are many kinds of Japanese dishes, which are not only exquisitely made but also pay close attention to nutrition, perfectly reflecting a culinary aesthetic.
Japanese cooking is both regional and seasonal. For many Japanese, tasting local flavors is an important part of traveling.
Sushi is representative of Japanese cuisine and a calling card of Japan to the world. As an island nation, the common ingredients of sushi are mainly seafood, especially various kinds of fresh fish. Tuna is one of the most notable, with different parts eaten in different ways. So, if you have the chance, you must not miss it.
Sushi & Sashimi, Japan
Japanese chefs adjust the type of fish according to the season, ensuring that the taste and experience will make you linger. Tempura is another distinctive representative of Japanese cuisine. But the best time to enjoy tempura is only about 30 seconds, so you should hurry to taste this fleeting delicacy.
In addition, there are many other specialties in Japan, such as sukiyaki, ramen, oden, and more. If you have time to try these authentic Japanese dishes, they will certainly bring you a different kind of surprise.
Thailand
Thailand is a tropical country near the sea, with a hot climate, abundant rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. It also has an extremely rich supply of green vegetables, seafood, and fruits, which have become the main ingredients of Thai cuisine.
The special climatic conditions have led Thai people to favor sour and spicy flavors. Tom Yam soup is particularly common. It is a spicy and sour soup, one of Thailand's representative dishes and also one of the top ten famous soups in the world. Made with ingredients like lemongrass, lemon leaves, and shrimp, it is appetizing, with tender and fresh flavors in every bite.
Pineapple Fried Rice is another very common Thai dish. It is served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell, which makes it visually appealing. You can enjoy sour and sweet pineapple pulp along with seasonal vegetables, meat, and rice. What makes it stand out is the addition of nuts, which adds fragrance and a rich, layered taste.
Thailand Street Food
Taking part in a cooking class is a special experience you shouldn't miss in Thailand. You can choose a cooking school according to your preference. Your teacher will guide you through a local food market to learn about and select fresh ingredients. After your culinary session, you get to enjoy a delicious homemade Thai meal with other participants.
France
As one of the world's most famous cuisines, French cuisine is not only a symbol of French culture but also the pride of the French people. Its evolution reflects French history from the early stage of simple "food" to today's culinary art and the cultural pursuit of refinement. The five things you can't miss in France are wine, foie gras, snails, cheese, and bread.
Burgundy is known as the home of great food and wine. Many of French cuisine's classic "hard dishes" come from Burgundy, such as Bœuf Bourguignon and Escargots à la Bourguignonne.
Lyon offers a mix of glamorous dining and fast food for the masses, making it very attractive. Home-style restaurants serve foie gras and snails, and you can enjoy a glass of light, refreshing Beaujolais Nouveau at an affordable price. These experiences let you enjoy French cuisine without being overwhelmed by its refinement, while still appreciating the care in cooking.
France has more than a thousand types of cheese. Each region, valley, or river area has its unique cheese, shaped by its terroir and taste.
Bread is almost indispensable for three meals a day in France. You'll find many varieties, from white and black loaves to baguettes, rounds, and croissants, with textures ranging from soft to hard.
China
China has a long history of food culture. Different regions have formed their unique eating habits due to geographical and ingredient differences.
Peking Duck is a famous Beijing dish with a world reputation. Made from high-quality ducks and roasted over fruitwood charcoal, it has a distinctive flavor, a ruddy color, and meat that is rich but not greasy.
Hot pot is representative of Sichuan cuisine. Its biggest feature is being fresh and spicy, with a variety of ingredients to choose from. The aftertaste lingers long after eating. Sichuan people enjoy cooking and eating at the same time, savoring a unique slow pace in a fast-moving life.
If you visit Guangzhou, you should definitely try dim sum. It is a traditional local custom: on weekdays, retired elderly people go early to restaurants, arriving first and leaving last. On weekends, young people also gather with friends at small teahouses, making dim sum a common social activity.
Every time you visit a new city in China, you will find a special cuisine unique to that place. For food lovers, China is truly a destination not to be missed.
Argentina
Argentine cuisine is heavily influenced by European styles, including Spanish dishes, Italian pasta and pizza, and French pastries. Argentina has adapted and improved these cuisines, creating its own unique food culture. Beef is the staple, and the annual consumption is truly impressive.
The first appetizer on the Argentine table is Provoleta, a variation of Provolone cheese. The round slices are sprinkled with ingredients like crushed peppers and then grilled. The outside is crispy, while the inside remains gooey and smooth. It can be finished with olive oil or Chimichurri, a sauce made from garlic and parsley.
Next, try Carbonado Criolla, a beef stew with a unique flavor. Fainá is a chickpea pizza topped with sausage, blue cheese, and spinach, similar to flatbread pizza, which is another food you must try.
Asado is the quintessential Argentine barbecue feast, featuring a variety of meat and vegetable dishes slowly roasted over charcoal on a metal wire mesh. Chimichurri is essential for these meat dishes, serving as an indispensable sauce in Argentine cuisine.
For desserts, sweets should not be missed. Dulce de leche or Alfajores are iconic desserts enjoyed by both adults and children.
Singapore
Singapore is a multicultural country, especially when it comes to food. Its diverse culture and rich history make Singapore proud of its delicious cuisine. Cuisines from various countries have merged here, creating unique Singaporean dishes that attract global tourists.
For breakfast, you can enjoy a Kaya Toast Set. Two slices of grilled bread are spread with cold butter and silky coconut sauce. It is often served with two hard-boiled eggs, a little soy sauce, and white pepper, making it a favorite morning meal for locals.
At lunch, try Chili Crab, Singapore's most famous national dish. Its bright red sauce made of chili and tomato is slightly sweet and incredibly appetizing. Another popular dish is Bha Kut Teh, a pork rib stew cooked in white pepper and spices until tender. The authentic way to eat it is with rice or dough sticks, highlighting its rich peppery flavor.
In the evening, the aroma of satay fills the streets and alleys. Even if you've already had dinner, the smell is irresistible, and you may find yourself buying a few more skewers to satisfy your cravings.
Turkey
Turkey is a foodie's paradise. You can enjoy aromatic grilled meats, as well as a dazzling array of desserts, snacks, and wines. In addition to Turkish kebabs and ice cream, don't miss the coffee and black tea. Unique treats like floral fudge and molasses honey cake are also must-tries.
For coffee lovers, Turkey is sure to impress. There are many types of Turkish coffee, often linked to specific regions. One famous variety is Damla sakızlı kahve, an Aegean specialty infused with herbs and the woody-flavored resin of the gum mud tree.
Turkish Coffee, Turkey
In Turkey, "kebap" is the general term for meat dishes, not just grilled meat. For example, Şiş Kebap features lamb or chicken pieces grilled over charcoal with tomatoes and peppers on a skewer.
Black tea is another essential Turkish beverage. It is loved by locals and tourists alike. Imagine sipping authentic black tea while watching hot air balloons rise slowly. It's a simple yet wonderful way to feel time slow down.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a pluralistic society, and this diversity is reflected in its food. Chinese, Indian, Western, and Malay cuisines all come together here, creating a wide variety of flavors.
Laksa is a signature dish that showcases this cultural blend and is the most prestigious of Nyonya cuisine. You can find different types of Laksa, such as Curry Laksa, Sarawak Laksa, and Nyonya Laksa, in restaurants across Malaysia. It is usually a spicy and sour soup-based dish with thick or rice noodles, served with fresh fish, shrimp, and sometimes sliced chicken and egg.
Satay is a traditional Malay delicacy. Marinated beef, lamb, and chicken are skewered and grilled over moderate heat, then served with satay sauce made from peanut butter, coconut sauce, and tender shrimp. Its delicious flavor is unforgettable.
Coconut milk rice represents Malaysia's national cuisine. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At roadside stalls, you can find authentic coconut milk rice, which contains hot rice with a coconut aroma, served with egg, fried anchovies, peanuts, and a spoonful of spicy homemade sauce. This simple dish is a taste every Malaysian has grown up with.
Spain
Spain is a gastronomic paradise. The Spanish love to cook with olive oil and garlic, blending Mediterranean and Oriental influences to create a unique flavor. Almost every city has its own specialties, such as Madrid chowder, Andalusian cold soup, and Barcelona's seafood pasta.
Paella is often the first impression of Spanish cuisine. On par with French snails and Italian pasta, it combines saffron-seasoned rice with seafood, vegetables, or meat. Every city has its own version, but Spanish Paella near the Mediterranean coast is especially famous. Don't miss the crispy rice crust at the bottom. It is the soul of Paella.
Tapas is another iconic Spanish delicacy. The name means "lid," referring to small slices of bread topped with ingredients like ham, squid, or fried eggs.
Ham and Cheese, Spain
And don't forget sangria, Spain's national wine. Made with wine, a splash of lemonade, brandy or rum, and seasonal fruits, it can be found in nearly every restaurant.
To truly experience Spain, you can't miss the local food. Let the passion of Spain ignite your taste buds.
Have you imagined in your mind the specific food? Thinking about when you taste authentic tiramisu in the streets of Italy and eat authentic French food in a restaurant in France, this may also be a kind of travel meaning. Then act fast and go with Odynovo! Simply tell us your interests and needs, and one of our travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary for you within 24hrs, and you could taste food while traveling around the world!
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