If you’re a foodie like me, food must be the crucial factor in picking a place to visit. After all, good food is what connects people and teaches us about different cultures. Being a foodie wanderlust, I’ve traveled to many places and tasted some of the most delicious food around the world. From Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants to street food, and lively bars to cozy bistros, the world is filled with foodie destinations.

In this blog, I’ve listed the best of all the regions so you can make the most of your next trip in 2023.

Tulum, Mexico

If you love tropical weather, seafood, and traditional cuisine, Tulum is the place to go. This beach paradise not only has endless ocean views but offers some of the tastiest food in the world.

The views of crystal blue water make the dining experience all the more special. Tulum is the perfect place for adventure-seeking, outgoing, foodie travelers.

Here is what to try here:

  • Tacos al Pastor: Unlike any tacos you’ve ever tried before, this dish features slow-roasted pork topped with pineapple, onion, coriander, and lemon.
  • Chilaquiles: Breakfast is a big deal for Mexicans. This chilaquiles is made of lightly fried tortillas, salsa, eggs or chicken, cheeses, cream, and beans.
  • Elote: It is a unique take on your simple roadside corn on the cob, served with unique spices and garnishes, including sour cream, chili powder, lime, cheese, and whatnot.
  • Chiles en Nogada: this dish represents all the colors and flavors of Mexico. Made with chopped meat, fruits, spices, walnut-based sauce, and pomegranate garnishing.
Mexican food

Sorrento, Italy

While you may know Sorrento due to its picturesque views of the Amalfi Coast, it is also a great foodie destination in Italy. You can find all kinds of dishes here, from authentic Italian, and fusion food, to the Mediterranean. Its diverse eateries cater to all moods, palates, and preferences.

Here is what you should try:

  • Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: The perfect combination of potatoes, cheese, herbs, and tomato sauce, this version of Gnocchi is everyone’s favorite.
  • Spaghetti Alla Nerano: This pasta consists of courgettes, basil, and a mix of different cheeses to blow your mind
  • Cannelloni: You’ll find the best cannelloni pasta in Sorrento, Italy

Recommended read: 3 Must-Eat Local Foods Around the World 

Tuscany, Italy

Tender pasta with rich tomato sauce and aromatic basil, delicious wine, and many delicacies— the food in Tuscany, Italy, is unlike you’ve anything experienced before. I used the word experienced instead of eaten because Italian food is an experience that delights all your senses.

While each Italian region has something unique to offer, Tuscany’s traditional flavors are what make it one of the most famous culinary destinations in the world. Here are some things you should try:

  • Bistecca Alla Fiorentina: A T-bone steak seasoned in herbs like sage and rosemary, this dish is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
  • Torta Di Cece: It’s a chickpea flour pancake perfect for quick snacking.
  • Tagliatelle al Tartufo: Indulge in this comforting bowl of buttery pasta topped with Parmigiano and black truffle. Its distinct flavor and earthy umami make it so appetizing.

Paris, France

When good food is combined with breathtaking views, it creates lasting memories, and that’s exactly what Paris offers. Besides being the city of love, Paris is a paradise for food lovers. This top culinary destination in France offers some of the most exquisite dishes, both sweet and savory. From local crepe stands to fancy boulangeries, the French capital has something in store for everyone.

Here are some things to try when you’re in Paris:

  • Escargots: Being a national symbol of Paris, you can find escargots in many unique ways here.
  • Croissants: No trip to Paris is complete without having flaky, buttery croissants from a true artisanal bakery.
  • Jambon-buerre: A simple sandwich but packs a lot of flavors, this Parisian street food is a combination of ham, butter, and a crispy signature baguette.
  • Macarons: Delicate and airy, macarons are the iconic treats in Paris with a wide range of flavors.
Person eating a croissant

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, making it the most famous foodie destination in Spain. Besides these restaurants, you’ll find beautiful local markets, wines, and ciders, and lively bars to dance your heart out.

Visiting the place for the first time can be overwhelming for some due to the abundance of food options. But I will list some of the must-haves to make things easier for you:

  • Foie Gras: foie gras is the signature dish of pintxos bars in Spain. This dish offers a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Salt Cod: you can find cod in many forms here, including cod fritters, cod omelets, salt cod brandade, etc.
  • Txuleta: Txuleta is the signature beef dish of San Sebastian served as the main course during the cider season (January to April)

Recommended read: How Food Helps Build Connections 

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio combines the best of both worlds, Texas and Mexico, and offers the most mouth-watering cuisine. The restaurants here aren’t just about food but a unique, pleasant experience. If you haven’t been to this city, you’re missing out on good food, drinks, and a whole lotta fun. San Antonio, the culinary capital of Texas, is known for blending traditional Tex-Mex cuisine with modern food.  

Here are some of my top picks:

  • Texas qual: unlike your regular quail dishes, Texas quail is stuffed with sausages, wrapped in pancetta, and pan-roasted to perfection.
  • Chilaquiles Verdes: It’s the Tex-Mex breakfast staple dish that consists of corn tortillas, sour cream, queso, tomato salsa, and more.
  • Pozole: It’s a Mexican pork soup, perfect for a chilly winter night
  • Puffy Tacos: Don’t forget to eat some puffy tacos when you’re there

Tokyo, Japan

Who doesn’t love sushi? Tokyo has the freshest, most amazing sushi in the world, and this alone is a great reason to visit Japan this year. Japanese cuisine is all about balanced flavors with surprising elements. They take simple ingredients and present a dish that blows everyone’s minds. From gyoza to ramen, okonomiyaki to Takoyaki, if you love comfort food, you know where to go.

Besides the amazing food, you can also participate in a traditional tea ceremony. It’s a ceremonial way of preparing green tea in a tearoom with a tatami floor. The atmosphere offers a relaxing break to visitors from stressful everyday life.  

Here are some must-haves in Tokyo, Japan:

  • Sushi
  • Tempura
  • Yakitori: Flavorful chicken skewers
  • Japanese Curry dishes like curry rice, Katsu-kare, and curry udon
  • Soba: Buckwheat noodles with dip sauce or hot soup
  • Tonkatsu: A deep-fried pork cutlet served with miso soup and rice
  • Gyatsku: Tonkatsu but made with beef
A person carrying a bamboo steamer

Bangkok, Thailand

Thai food is probably everyone’s favorite, but to make the most of it, you should go to where it was born. Bangkok is a lively city in Thailand with amazing food options. The best way to enjoy Thai food is at night from a street vendor amidst all the lively noise. These vendors are dispersed throughout the city so no matter where you go, you’ll find something delicious to eat. The nightlife in Bangkok is unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before—don’t forget to take a midnight food tour by tuk-tuk! 

Here’s what to try:

  • Roti Gluay: Light and airy banana pancakes served with coconut, honey, and even Nutella
  • Pad Thai: This dish is a treat to the eyes and stomach
  • Kuay Teow Reua: Comforting Thai boat noodles served with delicious soup of choice
  • Kanom Jeeb: Sweet and spicy Thai steamed dumplings
  • Deep Fried Insects: A perfect snack for food lovers
  • Khanom Bueang: These Thai crepes are delightful and Instagram-worthy street food.
  • Cha Yen: This Thai tea offers the same kick as masala chai, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, star anise, and orange blossom water
  • Sticky Mango Rice: No trip to Thailand is complete without this!

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch is known for its ultimate winery experience and perfect foods to pair the wine with. You can go on a wine tour and have a relaxing evening tasting some of the best drinks you’ve ever had. The restaurants offer crave-worthy and tasty food. From burgers to seafood, tapas to Mediterranean feasts, you can find plenty of options here.  

  • Lamb Fleis: An appetizing stew with local seasonings
  • Babotie: A meat casserole topped with a creamy golden topping of sweet potatoes soaked in milk, raw sugar, and fruit jam.
  • Vetkoek: Deep-friend dough balls that you can enjoy as a snack or with meat dishes
  • Fruit Platters: The fruit platters consist of seasonal fresh fruits ranging from tropical to exotic
  • Pap and Samp: These are traditional African dishes made from corn, spices, and herbs

Recommended Read: 11 Ways to Prepare for Your Next Trip

To read more about my most incredible travel experiences, check out my blog at Irina Bukatik. I’m a lover of food, caffeine, and all the beautiful things the world has to offer. I take my readers with me to Secret Getaways in the World, introducing them to the most Most Incredible Travel Experiences around the world. Get in touch with Irina Bukatik if you want to learn more about delectable food around the world. 

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