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People say the best way to understand another country’s culture is through its food. Millions of gastro-travellers agree, choosing their trips based on flavours and food experiences. Time Out surveyed thousands of locals across the globe and compiled a list of 20 top cities for food-focused travellers that were highlighted for 2024 — and this list is still a great reference for planning trips now. The focus is on simple, affordable dishes you can try right on the streets of these cities.
Time Out’s list of 20 cities is an inspiring shortcut for anyone dreaming of food-centric travel and wanting to taste real street food around the world.
20 cities – 20 signature flavours. From Neapolitan pizza and Peruvian ceviche to Moroccan tajine and Japanese takoyaki.
Street food first. The spotlight is on dishes locals grab “on the go” and enthusiastically recommend to visitors.
Travelling through taste. Every dish is a key to the city’s history, traditions and personality.
Real flavour, friendly prices. It’s not about Michelin stars, but honest, everyday city food that’s easy to try on any city break.
Ideas for your next trips. The list helps you decide which foodie destinations to put first on your travel wishlist.
1. Naples, Italy: Margherita pizza
The homeland of pizza, Naples attracts travellers from all over the world with its historic pizzerias, where you can taste authentic Neapolitan Margherita pizza.
2. Johannesburg, South Africa: Kota sandwich
In Johannesburg you should try Kota, a hugely popular street sandwich stuffed with a variety of fillings.
3. Lima, Peru: ceviche
Ceviche, a dish made from fish and seafood, is a true calling card of Lima and a must-try for every foodie.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Pho Saigon soup
Traditional Vietnamese Pho Saigon soup is the perfect way to get acquainted with local cuisine.
5. Beijing, China: Peking duck
Peking duck is an iconic dish that makes Beijing a true culinary capital.
6. Bangkok, Thailand: Som tam salad
Som tam, a salad made from green papaya and prawns, is a popular Thai dish that you simply have to try in Bangkok.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: nasi lemak
Rice cooked in coconut milk, nasi lemak, is one of the most famous Malaysian dishes.
8. Mumbai, India: vada pav
Vada pav, a sandwich with spicy potato patties, is one of Mumbai’s most beloved street foods.
9. Dubai, UAE: mandi
Mandi, a fragrant dish of rice and meat, is very popular across the Arab world and is definitely worth trying in Dubai.
10. Portland, USA: pizza
In Portland you can enjoy an impressive variety of pizzas that attract both tourists and locals.
11. Liverpool, United Kingdom: scouse stew
The traditional dish of Liverpool is scouse, a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables.
12. Medellín, Colombia: bandeja paisa
Bandeja paisa, a generous platter with a range of local snacks and sides, is Medellín’s culinary calling card.
13. Seville, Spain: serranito
Serranito, a sandwich with grilled pork, is a popular Spanish street food that you should definitely try in Seville.
14. Porto, Portugal: francesinha
Francesinha, a hot sandwich made with toasted bread and a rich sauce, is a delicious and filling Portuguese classic.
15. Marrakech, Morocco: tajine
Tajine, slow-cooked meat and vegetables in a clay pot, is a signature dish of Marrakech and of Moroccan cuisine in general.
16. Lyon, France: sausage in brioche bun
In Lyon you should try sausage served in a soft brioche bun, a popular French street-style snack loved by locals.
17. Sydney, Australia: Australian steak
In Sydney it’s absolutely worth trying Australian steak, famous for its quality and flavour.
18. Montreal, Canada: poutine
Poutine — fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy — is a hugely popular Canadian dish that you should definitely try in Montreal.
19. Osaka, Japan: takoyaki
Takoyaki, round balls of soft batter filled with boiled octopus and other ingredients, are a traditional and beloved street food in Osaka.
20. Copenhagen, Denmark: smørrebrød
Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich on dark rye bread, is a very popular Danish dish that you should try in Copenhagen.
What to do in the world’s culinary capitals
If you love gastronomic travel, this list will help you choose your next foodie destinations for your adventures in 2024 and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to try these amazing dishes and learn more about the culture and traditions of different countries.
In each city, add market walks and street-food districts to your route, visit small family-run spots, taste dishes recommended by locals and compare different versions of the same speciality in several places — that’s how you really feel the city’s food scene.
Sample 1-day foodie itinerary
If you only have one day in one of these cities, focus on the signature dish and the atmosphere:
In the morning, head to a neighbourhood where locals usually have breakfast: in Naples — a traditional pizzeria, in Lima — a market stall serving fresh ceviche, in Bangkok — street vendors with Som tam. Order the dish that put the city on this list.
Around midday, stroll through central districts and food markets, tasting small bites as you go. In the evening, choose a small, authentic eatery away from the most touristy streets: that’s where you’ll feel the real local rhythm and flavour of the city.
2-day foodie trip idea
With two days you can build a richer and more varied culinary itinerary.
Day 1. Dedicate it to the city’s hero dish: find out where locals like to eat it, try several versions in different places, watch how it’s prepared and talk to owners or chefs.
Day 2. Broaden your horizons and try another 2–3 typical dishes: in Osaka, pair takoyaki with okonomiyaki; in Copenhagen, add local pastries to your smørrebrød; in Marrakech, complement your tajine with mint tea and street-style sweets. This way you’ll get a much more complete picture of the local cuisine and the city itself.
How to get to these foodie capitals
Most cities from the Time Out ranking are major international hubs with convenient connections. European destinations (Naples, Seville, Porto, Lyon, Copenhagen, Liverpool) are easy to reach with flights via big connecting airports.
For long-haul destinations — Lima, Sydney, Montreal, Johannesburg, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur — it’s usually most convenient to plan one or two connections via large hubs in the Middle East or Europe.
When planning a foodie trip, build extra time into your stay: this way you’ll manage not only to taste the headline dishes, but also to wander through neighbourhoods where locals actually live, shop and eat.
FAQ: foodie travel and the 20 culinary capitals of the world
Why are these 20 cities considered the “tastiest”?
The ranking was created by Time Out based on a survey of locals. People voted for cities where street food is affordable, delicious and reflects local culture in an authentic way.
Do I have to try only the “main” dish in each city?
No, that’s just your starting point. The signature dish introduces you to the city’s culinary identity, and from there you can explore other local specialities.
Is this list suitable if I’m travelling on a tighter budget?
Yes, the focus is on simple, accessible food that you find at small eateries, markets and street stalls, rather than fine-dining restaurants with high prices.
Can I combine several cities from the list in one trip?
It’s easiest to combine European destinations — for example Naples, Lyon, Seville, Porto and Copenhagen, which are well connected by short flights or even trains.
How should I plan my day if I want to focus on food?
Start with breakfast in a place loved by locals, spend midday walking through markets and food streets, and in the evening book a small, authentic restaurant in a less touristy area.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance for this kind of trip?
For street food you usually don’t. But if you want to visit iconic pizzerias in Naples or popular restaurants in Lima or Sydney in the evening, it is safer to reserve ahead.
Is this list suitable if I have specific dietary preferences?
In most cities you’ll find vegetarian or lighter options. For example, Som tam in Bangkok can be ordered without seafood, and in Copenhagen there are plenty of plant-based smørrebrød variations.
How safe is it to eat street food in these cities?
In popular, busy spots it’s generally safe. Choose places where many locals eat, ingredients are clearly fresh and turnover is high, and the stall or kitchen looks clean.
Is this kind of trip suitable for families with children?
Yes, many dishes are very kid-friendly, such as pizza in Naples or Portland, steak in Sydney or poutine in Montreal. Just pay attention to spice levels, especially in Asian cuisines.
Which city from the list is best for my first foodie trip?
Many travellers start with European cities like Naples, Porto, Seville or Copenhagen — they are easy to reach, and the cuisine is less exotic but still very flavourful and authentic.
Can I still try the key dish if I only have one day in transit?
Yes, if you pick the area and a couple of venues in advance. Many cities have iconic places in the centre that are easy to reach even during a long layover.
How can I best preserve memories from a foodie trip?
Keep a small “taste journal”: note where and what you ate, take photos of the dishes and streets, and mark your favourites. It will help you repeat great experiences and share recommendations with friends.
