5 of the Best Foodie Destinations You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

Food is one of the best parts of travel. It allows you to get out of your comfort zone by trying something completely new that you'd never eat at home and broaden your horizons. There's truly no better way to get to know a destination than by sampling the dishes the locals eat daily. Think of the tiny Bánh Mì stalls tucked down dimly lit alleyways throughout Hanoi or the endless taco joints on every corner of Central Historico in Mexico City. All foodies need to experience these types of things at least once. Every country has its own unique culinary scene, but some far outweigh others, as we'll show you in this post! So buckle up as we take you on a journey around the globe to discover the world's finest foodie destinations.

Hanoi

The Vietnamese capital of Hanoi is unlike anywhere else when it comes to food. From streetside booths surrounded by tiny colored plastic chairs offering brothy bowls of Phở Bò to rooftop restaurants serving up mouthwatering Bún Chả, Hanoi has it all. Hanoi's cuisine has been heavily shaped by its geographical location in the Red River Delta, renowned for its natural ingredients, contributing to the creation of delicious dishes you must try, such as Chả cá Lã Vọng and Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm.

Mexico City

Sure, you've probably tried Chipotle before, but that's not an accurate representation of true Mexican food. In a country with its own cuisine recognized by Unesco, the best place to truly get a taste of some of the traditional dishes is Mexico City. Tacos al pastor, tamales, and churros are classics that every tourist will adore, no matter what their palette fancies. But don't be afraid to get a bit adventurous and branch out and try some scrumptious bowls of chilaquiles with tortillas, eggs, and salsa or yummy tortas packed with juicy meats, beans, avocado, and much more. As you meander the streets through the Downtown area, Roma Norte or Condesa, you won't be able to miss the massive number of taquerias and street food vendors whipping up all the classics.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a concrete jungle of contrasts, with monstrous skyscrapers, traditional temples, and a unique dining culture that has shaped the global food scene. The food experiences people can experience here are never-ending. For breakfast, you could be tucking into a steamy bowl of ramen that you ordered from a vending machine, and for dinner, it's all-you-can-eat sushi delivered to your table on a train. That's the beauty of Tokyo; they know how to put a fun twist on dining! Where do we start with the dishes you can sample here? Monjayaki is a batter mixed with fresh veggies and meat or seafood. You've got clam-style rice called Fukagawa-mesh that packs a seriously good punch. Oh, and how could we forget Tendon, a type of deep-fried tempura stuck on top of a bowl of fluffy white rice? If you're a drinker, the Golden Gai District is a must while you're in Tokyo. Pull up a seat in one of the 200 bars lining the small back alleyways of Shinjuku. But these aren't just any bars; they're shanty-style, often with only a couple of seats and a unique theme from karaoke to retro. Take your pick, order some traditional Japanese Sake, and get drunk with some locals!

Bangkok

There's no arguing that Bangkok has one of the biggest reputations for being among the top foodie destinations in the world. Regardless of your budget, you can truly dine here in Thai style, modern or traditional. You've got noodle shops in Chinatown, Pad Thai stands all over Khao San Road, and local markets everywhere you look in Chatuchak. It's important to note that the cuisine in Bangkok is a world away from its northern counterpart, Chiang Mai. One of the main things to be aware of is that the food in Bangkok is a bit spicier than up north, so when ordering, be sure to mention it to the server, or you could be in for a hot mistake. So, what's on the menu when you touch down in Bangkok? Well, just about anything and everything you can think of. No trip is complete without a bowl of Tom Yum Soup, which is sour and spicy Thai-style with veggies, lime juice, and shrimp; it's as good as it sounds. For something less intense, go for a Massaman Curry cooked with beef or chicken, coconut milk, potatoes, and curry paste; you'll thank us later.

Florence

Home of Italian wine and the great Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Florence lies under the radar compared to some of Italy's other notable food hot spots like Rome and Sicily. Most people that come here focus their trip on trying one dish, and one dish only; that's the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a steak made from either a young steer or heifer that's usually cooked rare. Your first bite of this bad boy will have you wondering why all steaks can be this good; they're succulent and smooth and come served in a massive portion. But Bistecca alla Fiorentina isn't Florence's only dish. You better not leave without trying a cow stomach sandwich (Lampredotto And Trippa) or some fried brains (Cervello Fritto). These dishes may not sound the most appetizing, but after one bite, you'll realize why Florentines can't get rid of them. It would be criminal to order a dish in Florence without a glass of wine; it's basically religion here. If you're not well versed in vino, don't worry; some safe options include Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, and Brunello wine.

Which Foodie Destination Will You Book Flights To?

We bet we've piqued your interest in some of the world's famous gastronomic getaways, but which one will you book flights to? From the far-flung corners of Asia to the depths of North America, this foodie fusion of destinations promises lots of flavors that won't fail to disappoint.