Country Directory Country Directory

The Best Cities in the World for Culinary Tourism

Vietnam • Hanoi • Foodie ranking

A gastronomic paradise for lovers of delicious food

TripAdvisor’s 2024 list of cities that became a true “mecca” for gourmands — from Hanoi’s iconic pho to Barcelona’s tapas scene.

 In search of culinary masterpieces from around the world, TripAdvisor presents the ranking of cities that became a mecca for gourmands in 2024. At the top of the list is Hanoi, Vietnam, where tradition and modernity meet in every dish — from the famous pho soup to the exotic bánh mì sandwiches. Each city on the list stands out with its unique culinary culture, offering travelers not just food, but a true immersion into the art of gastronomy.

Top highlights

#1 Hanoi — tradition + modern flair (pho & bánh mì).

Europe-heavy lineup — Rome, Crete, Florence, Barcelona, Lisbon.

Bold flavors — New Delhi (spice), Cusco (Andes), Phuket (island cuisine).

The promise — every meal turns into a real adventure.

10 cities — not just food, but a culture-rich experience.

The world’s best cities for food lovers (TripAdvisor 2024)

1. Hanoi, Vietnam — where traditional Vietnamese cuisine meets innovation.

2. Rome, Italy — the Eternal City with the richest selection of Italian delicacies.

3. Crete, Greece — an island with endless possibilities for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.

4. Cusco, Peru — a gateway to traditional Peruvian flavors in the heart of the Andes.

5. Florence,  Italy — home to refined Tuscan gastronomy.

5. New Delhi, India — paradise for those seeking spicy and aromatic dishes.

7. Barcelona, Spain — from tapas to avant-garde cuisine, the city offers it all.

8. New Orleans, USA — where Southern U.S. cuisine meets Creole and Cajun flavors.

9. Lisbon, Portugal — unique Portuguese dishes with views of the Atlantic.

10. Phuket, Thailand — island delicacies with rich Thai flavors.

This ranking aims not only to satisfy your culinary appetite but also to broaden horizons, offering travelers a unique experience through taste. Each destination promises unforgettable moments, turning every meal not into a simple dinner, but into a true adventure.

What to do / Чем заняться

Treat the list as a “taste map”: pick a destination and chase its iconic dishes (pho and bánh mì in Hanoi; Italian delicacies in Rome; Mediterranean flavors in Crete; traditional Peruvian tastes in Cusco; Tuscan refinement in Florence; spicy aromatics in New Delhi; tapas and avant-garde cuisine in Barcelona; Creole & Cajun in New Orleans; Atlantic-side Portuguese dishes in Lisbon; island-style Thai flavors in Phuket).

Aim for the “immersion” feeling described in the text: not just eating, but discovering a city through its culinary culture.

1-day itinerary

Choose one city from the ranking and make it a “signature-day”: start with the most famous local dish (for example, pho or bánh mì in Hanoi, or tapas in Barcelona), then finish with a dinner that best reflects the city’s culinary identity.

Notice the blend of tradition and modern creativity — a key idea emphasized in the description of the top city (Hanoi).

2-day itinerary

Day 1: go classic — focus on the dishes that define the destination (the ones that feel like an “entry ticket” into local gastronomy).

Day 2: chase contrasts — compare flavors and styles (Mediterranean vs. Creole/Cajun, Italian delicacies vs. Indian spice, island Thai richness vs. Atlantic Portuguese classics) and end with a “grand finale” dinner you’ll remember.

How to get there / вылеты, перелёты

The destinations are spread across continents (Europe, Asia, North America, and South America). Pick the city you want most and plan your trip around the culinary experiences highlighted in the ranking — the goal is to turn meals into memorable moments.

Ion Admiral

Instagram

Head Manager & Lead Travel Blogger
Admiral.Travel — practical experience, not just pretty photos.

FAQ: best foodie cities (TripAdvisor 2024)

Which city is #1 in the ranking?

Hanoi (Vietnam) leads the TripAdvisor 2024 list.

Which dishes are mentioned for Hanoi?

Pho soup and bánh mì sandwiches are highlighted.

Which Italian destinations appear in the list?

Rome and Florence are included (Italy is also referenced in context).

What’s the main goal of the ranking?

Not only to satisfy appetite, but to broaden horizons through taste experiences.

Which Greek destination is in the top list?

Crete is featured for Mediterranean cuisine lovers.

Which city is linked to tapas?

Barcelona is described as offering everything “from tapas to avant-garde cuisine.”

Which destination is described with Atlantic views?

Lisbon is mentioned alongside the Atlantic.

Where can you find Creole and Cajun flavors?

New Orleans is highlighted for Creole and Cajun tastes.

Which city is the “gateway” to Andean flavors?

Cusco is described as the gateway to traditional Peruvian tastes in the Andes.

Which city is best for spicy and aromatic food?

New Delhi is presented as paradise for spicy, aromatic dishes.

Which destination is the island pick in the list?

Phuket is described through rich island-style Thai flavors.

Where is the source link provided?

The text cites Tengritravel.kz as the source.

Why are these cities called a “mecca for gourmands”?

Because each one offers a distinctive culinary culture and a deeper gastronomic experience.

Can the ranking be used to plan a food-focused trip?

Yes — it’s designed to inspire travel through flavors and memorable meals.

How many destinations are listed?

The article presents 10 destinations in the ranking.

Does the list include destinations in the Americas?

Yes — Cusco (Peru) and New Orleans (USA) are included.

Which destinations are in Asia?

Hanoi (Vietnam), New Delhi (India), and Phuket (Thailand).

What are the “related news” links at the end?

They point to other Admiral.Travel articles listed under “You may also be interested in.”


Free consultation on the selection of the tour