They say if you want to truly understand and immerse yourself in any place, there’s no better way to do it than trying their food. Every traditional dish has stories, history, generations worth of love and nurturing, and holds significant cultural significance. Imagine tasting history in a bowl of gumbo in New Orleans or experiencing centuries of tradition in a humble slice of Neapolitan pizza.

This guide is for those folks who like to plan their travels as much by their stomachs as by their wanderlust. From the fiery street corners of Bangkok to the elegant bouchons of Lyon, let’s take you through the kitchens, markets, and streets of some of the world’s most flavourful destinations that have mastered the art of eating well.

Naples, Italy

If you know anything about Italy, you know how passionate Italians are about their food. In Naples, food has never been treated like sustenance; it’s an art form. The birthplace of pizza offers a no-frills approach when it comes to perfecting their food and wine. Sink your teeth into a Neapolitan pizza straight from a wood-fired oven. The chewy crust, tangy San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a masterpiece of flavours.

Beyond pizza, don’t miss sfogliatelle, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta and citrus, which is just absolutely perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Soak up the Mediterranean sun while taking a stroll through the bustling markets and savour fresh seafood dishes, like spaghetti alle vongole and sample the famous local white wines that pair oh-so-well with the local cuisine that it’s a match made in heaven.

Bangkok, Thailand

When it comes to delectable street food, no other destination is even in the same league as Thailand and Bangkok is the ultimate place to experience what would most definitely be a paradise for street food lovers. The crowded streets brim with family-owned stalls offering steaming bowls of tom yum, sweet and spicy papaya salads, and skewers of satay fresh off the grill.

In Bangkok, you don’t need to go to a ridiculously expensive fancy restaurant to try Michelin-starred food because there are Michelin-starred stalls scattered all over. Chatuchak Market and Chinatown are your go-to spots for sampling a variety of Thai delicacies. Indulge in mango sticky rice, with its sweet, coconut-infused rice and perfectly ripe mango slices, or slurp up a comforting bowl of Guay Jub. Pro tip: Don’t shy away from the spice, that’s just some sprinkled Thai magic.

Mumbai, India

Now, you can call us biased, but it is extremely unlikely that there is a food-related discussion and Indian cuisine isn’t mentioned. From the street food flavour bombs to the lusciousness of creamy gravies, Indian cuisine is an ultimate crowd pleaser and what better place to get a taste than Mumbai? Mumbai’s food scene mirrors its spirit- diverse, popping, and unforgettable.

The city’s streets offer everything from pav bhaji, iconic vada pav, spicy and tangy pani puri, piping hot misal pav, Bombay sandwich, frankie, and so much more. At Leopold Café or Britannia & Co., dive into Bombay’s Parsi cuisine, with dishes like berry pulao and dhansak and pair them with refreshing raspberry soda. If fine dine is your style, Mumbai will not disappoint you with its endless list of fancy restaurants. End your meal with kulfi or falooda at the Marine Drive for a wholesome experience.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico is not for the faint-hearted. It’s bold, colourful, fiery, and loud, and its food scene is a perfect reflection of all that. Mexican food just hits you with an explosion with a fiesta of spices, meats, veggies, chillies, lime, and corn. I mean, what’s not to like, right? And, Oaxaca is an absolute feast for the senses. There is just something about Oaxaca that can make something as simple as memela taste groundbreaking. The secret lies in the ancient Oaxacan cooking tradition preserved in the villages of Oaxaca.

Known as the culinary heart of Mexico, this city is famed for mole, which is essentially a rich, complex sauce made from a blend of spices, nuts, and chocolate. Visit the Mercado 20 de Noviembre for tasajo (grilled beef) and tlayudas, often called Mexican pizzas, topped with loads of beans, cheese, and meat. Wash it all down with mezcal, the region’s smoky spirit, while enjoying Oaxaca’s vibrant streets and rich culture.

Lyon, France

Lyon is analogous to gourmet excellence and there’s no wonder why it is so-called ‘belly of France’. This original foodie city is the birthplace of nouvelle cuisine, has been home to legendary chefs like Paul Bocuse and is famed for the exquisite fine-dining experience. And then there are the bouchons, which are traditional Lyonnaise restaurants where hearty classics like coq au vin and quenelles (fish dumplings) are served.  Pair your meal with a glass of Beaujolais wine from the nearby vineyards.

Another must-visit for the foodies is the city’s markets such as Saint Antoine, with stalls stacked with delicious sausages, fresh fish, and wonkily pretty fruits and vegetables. Indoor food markets like Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse are heaven for the foodies, offering creamy cheeses, decadent pastries, and charcuterie that embody French indulgence.

Osaka, Japan

Osaka is to Japan what Lyon is to France- the belly of the nation. Osaka is where Japanese comfort food reaches its peak. Known as “the nation’s kitchen,” the city’s soul lies in its bustling streets and izakayas. The ‘kuidaore’ culture (eat until you drop) is very prevalent and why shouldn’t it be- with the mouthwatering street food to conveyor sushi belts. Savour takoyaki, crispy octopus-filled balls drizzled with sauces and bonito flakes, or okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake packed with your choice of meats, veggies, and seafood.

Make the best of your evening with a hot bowl of authentic ramen, the ultimate comfort food. Not just this, Osaka also houses a greater number of Michelin stars than New York or London, so you just know that all your cravings are going to be satisfied here. The best part about all of this is that you don’t even have to burn a hole in your pocket when you gorge your way through the city as the food culture here is super affordable.

Seville, Spain

In Seville, eating is a social affair to the point that you can spend an entire day constructed around food rather than three square meals. No overindulging in hefty suppers, just all-day light grazing. The city’s tapas culture is a way of life, with each bar offering its own take on classics. There are more than three thousand tapas all over Seville and there’s absolutely no doubt that tapas hopping is the best way to get a taste of the Andalusian cuisine.

Chow down on the likes of jamón ibérico, solomillo al whisky (pork loin in whisky sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), salmorejo (a thicker, creamier cousin of gazpacho) and croquetas. Don’t leave without trying serranito, Seville’s favourite sandwich crowned as the city’s best value bite and a total crowd pleaser made with pork, green pepper, Serrano ham, and tomato. Wash it all down with a glass of sherry that pairs deliciously with the local flavours.

New Orleans, United States

New Orleans’ food is as soulful as its music. This is the land of Cajun and Creole cuisines with influences from Native American, French, Haitian, West African, German, Italian, and Spanish cultures. With such a global mix, there is no surprise that New Orleans has consistently been named amongst the best foodie destinations in the world.

Indulge in a bowl of gumbo, a hearty stew rich with seafood, sausage, and spices, or gorge on jambalaya, a one-pot meal bursting with bold flavours. The city is very aptly famed for beignets, fluffy doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar, and are an absolute must-have, best enjoyed with a chicory-laced café au lait at Café du Monde. And leave some room for the deliciously overstuffed po’ boy sandwich because trust us, you’ll want one anyway.

Food is an art form that connects us in ways few things can. It’s a universal language connecting people and cultures globally through shared experiences of bold flavours. From the boujee restaurants of Lyon to the fiery flavours of Bangkok, these cities prove that food is not just something you eat, it’s an experience that connects us to a place, its people, and its history. This guide is only the first course; stay tuned as we continue exploring the world, one delicious meal at a time.

Book with Brightsun to get the best deals on flights and holidays with exciting discounts and make your travel dreams come true. Call our travel experts today on 0124 416 3001 and save up on your dream holiday.