- Japan secures three spots in the global top 10 of foodie destinations
- Chef reveals hidden culinary gems in Asia’s food capitals
With one in three Brits deciding their next holiday destination based on the local cuisine, it’s fair to say that food and drink plays a big part in choosing the next stop on your globetrotting list. Many tourists base their decisions on recommendations, but where are the undisputable top foodie hotspots in the world according to the data?
Luxury travel specialists at eShores have unveiled these findings after creating the ‘Foodie Travel Index’ based on factors to appeal to food enthusiasts, including the number of Michelin-starred restaurants, food-related activities, affordability, and social popularity.
The study crowned Tokyo the world’s best city for food lovers, outranking culinary heavyweights like Paris and London.
The Japanese capital’s victory showcases a growing trend in Asian cuisine, with Japan securing three spots in the top 10 foodie destinations worldwide. This interest is further reflected with Google Trends reporting a 240% increase in searches for ‘East Asian cuisine’ over the last quarter alone, highlighting the clear appetite for flavours from this region.
Dean Harper, renowned chef and director at Harper Fine Dining, explains the appeal: “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.”
The top 10 cities for food enthusiasts are:
- Tokyo, Japan
- Paris, France
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Singapore
- Osaka, Japan
- London, UK
- Hong Kong
- Kyoto, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Barcelona, Spain
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 – and 357 food-related activities on TripAdvisor alone, from street food tours to cooking classes. The city also ranked 4th for affordable dining options, showcasing its ability to satisfy both taste buds and wallets.
Paris, securing the second spot, boasts 108 Michelin-starred restaurants and a rich culinary heritage. In third place, Bangkok shines with its vibrant street food scene and affordable food options, with the average restaurant meal in Thailand costing just £2.14. 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.
Fine dining chef, Dean Harper, serves up his thoughts on Asia’s culinary reign, predicting Asia’s culinary reign is going nowhere: “The ascendance of Asian cuisine on the global food scene is only expected to continue. Thanks to the rise of culinary tourism, travellers are eager to try out local specialities, with Asian gastronomy being one of the first to benefit from this trend.”
For those seeking unique culinary experiences, Harper recommends some hidden gems: “South Korea’s Jeonju is renowned for traditional bibimbap. Singapore’s hawker centres, such as Maxwell Food Centre, sell beloved local dishes, while Thailand’s Chiang Mai boasts lively street food scenes. For authentic Cantonese cuisine, I recommend touring Hong Kong’s Kowloon City.”
He also advises travellers not to miss out on specific local delicacies: “While visiting Japan, make sure you take the time to relish the refined art of Kaiseki dining. Hong Kong is renowned for its delightful egg tarts, and don’t forget to visit South Korea for some hearty army stew (Budae Jjigae)! Singapore’s iconic chilli crab is also a must-eat dish, with Thailand’s piquant som tam being another common favourite among travellers.”
Gavin Lapidus, Founder of eShores, commented on the findings:
“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!”
To learn more about the best cities for foodies, visit the eShores blog: https://www.eshores.co.uk/news/feast-your-way-around-the-world-the-top-10-global-food-destinations-revealed/
Or, for more information on eShores, and how they can help you plan and book your dream foodie holiday, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/. Whether it’s a sushi-making class in Tokyo, a street food tour in Bangkok, or a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, eShores can tailor a trip to satisfy any palate.