Many tourists base their decisions on recommendations, but where are the undisputable top foodie hotspots in the world according to data?
Luxury travel specialists at eShores have unveiled these findings after creating the ‘Foodie Travel Index’ based on several factors.
So where in the world is the foodie capital?
The study crowned Tokyo the world’s best city for food lovers, outranking culinary heavyweights like Paris and London.
The Japanese capital showcases a growing trend in Asian cuisine, with Japan securing three spots in the top 10.
This interest is further reflected by Google Trends reporting a 240 percent increase in searches for ‘East Asian cuisine’ over the last quarter alone, highlighting the clear appetite for flavours from this region.
Tokyo’s victory in the foodie stakes is largely due to its impressive 203 Michelin-starred restaurants, the most of any city in the world.
It also has 357 food-related activities on TripAdvisor alone, from street food tours to cooking classes. The city also ranked first for its affordable dining options, showcasing its ability to satisfy both taste buds and wallets.
Paris, took the second spot, boasting 108 Michelin-starred restaurants and a rich culinary heritage. Meanwhile, in third place was Bangkok with its vibrant street food scene and affordable food options.
The average restaurant meal in Thailand costs just £2.14 while Singapore, ranking 4th, is a melting pot of flavours blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences.
Japan’s dominance in the global food scene is solidified by being the only country to appear multiple times in the top 10, with Osaka and Kyoto ranking 5th and 8th, respectively.
The inclusion of Hong Kong (7th) and Seoul (9th) in the top 10 underscores the dominance of Asian cities in the global food scene.
The top 10 cities for food enthusiasts:
- Tokyo, Japan
- Paris, France
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Singapore
- Osaka, Japan
- London, UK
- Hong Kong
- Kyoto, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Barcelona, Spain
Dean Harper, renowned chef and director at Harper Fine Dining, explained: “Japan’s influential food tourism presence arises from a combination of tradition, innovation and meticulous attention to detail. Tokyo’s culinary prowess is shaped by a deep reverence for fresh, seasonal ingredients, faultless presentation, and a dedication to mastering centuries-old techniques.”
Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores said: “Our research confirms what many food enthusiasts have long suspected – Asia is leading the way in global cuisine. Seeing how cities like Tokyo blend culinary traditions with modern innovations to create truly unforgettable dining experiences is fascinating.
“With UK travellers increasingly planning their holidays around food experiences, we hope our research will help inspire their next culinary adventures abroad!”
