This month, we take our travel pages on a journey into food-centred cities around the globe. Would you plan a trip solely focused on the food you will experience? We would.
The term culinary tourism has been getting a lot of attention lately, not just foodies (there are many of them out there, though), but there is a growing movement of people planning their vacations around specific restaurants and cuisines they would like to try. Visiting food festivals and taking cooking classes is also another layer of this trend that helps travellers connect with a destination’s culture through flavours.
A recent online survey conducted by Panterra Research revealed that 47% of travellers prioritise local cuisine as their top food and beverage experience. Airbnb reported that around 30% of its ‘experience’ category is now in the ‘food and drink’ option. Previously, food was seen as just an adjacent part of the trip, but now, it’s playing a central role.
We have always enjoyed a memorable dining experience, and this month we bring you some destinations renowned for their exceptional cuisine, along with some eateries offering fine dining with local flair.
- BANGKOK, THAILAND
The city has a reputation for vibrant food, mainly attributed to its street delicacies. The lively dining scene that populates the Thai capital is something that, once experienced, is forever remembered. The smells, different textures and offerings make anyone, even if not a food enthusiast, embark on a unique culinary journey. But Bangkok also offers a lot more than just cheap food. Its eateries have evolved over the years, with fine-dining spots taking over the city, once known for its street food. You can now find upscale and world-class restaurants committed to ‘sanuk’, a word that means fun and encapsulates the Thai concept of having joy in everyday life.
Thai cuisine is exciting, full of flavours and aromas, and Saneh Jaan is an ode to traditional dishes, aiming to preserve and value the authentic tastes of Thai food. The décor displays art pieces and images of local ingredients such as sweet basil, garlic vines and coriander, creating an ambience that puts food in first place.
Located at Praya Palazzo, Praya Dining offers a culinary journey through Siamese history. You can experience exquisite ingredients and the culture of Siam, which highlights Thai royal cuisine with its sophisticated preparations and vibrant presentations, complemented by the stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.
- BOLOGNA, ITALY
Italy is renowned for its widely recognised Mediterranean dishes; however, Bologna is considered the country’s food capital. The popular Spaghetti Bolognese (Tagliatelle al Ragu – which is pasta with minced meat and tomato sauce) says all about its origin. The city is also the birthplace of the famous mortadella and the beloved Parmigiano Reggiano. This type of cheese, protected by the Denomination of Origin that follows strict guidelines and inspections, can only be produced in the cities of Bologna, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Mantua, all located in the Emilia Romagna region. If that’s not enough reason to visit the city, its medieval architecture and financial importance might help.
For those looking to escape the buzz of the city, these two restaurants will hit the spot. Casa Mazzucchelli, located in Sasso Marconi between the Bologna Hills and Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, blends family traditions with innovative techniques in the hands of Chef Aurora Mazzucchelli and her brother Massimo. With Emilian and Sicilian roots, the menu is an expression of hearty dishes with leavened goods, such as bread, stealing the show.
L’800 restaurant is located in an old farmhouse in the Argelato countryside in the province of Bologna. It features period furniture and regional cuisine using unique ingredients such as snails and frogs’ legs. It also offers a tasting menu totally dedicated to snails.
- CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
African, Dutch, Malay and Indian cuisines influenced South Africa’s culinary roots, making it a melting pot of flavour and consequently, exceptional food. The terrain in the Cape Town region contributes to a unique blend of ingredients; the vine-friendly slopes kissed by the Atlantic Ocean (meaning fresh seafood) result in dishes that use fresh elements but are seasoned with a unique blend of spices. The best part of dining in this city is that many eateries take advantage of the beautiful scenery and offer spots with stunning views.
The gastronomic journey at La Colombe happens in a treehouse-like setting at the Silvermist Estate, conducted by Chef James Gaag. The creations first please the eyes with visually aesthetic dishes. On the menu, small gardens are made with seasonal ingredients, and an unusual mix of components such as wild boar and kimchi – umami flavours and innovation are key.
Pier, in the words of the Head Chef John Norris-Rogers, is an ode to the ocean. It serves a multi-course tasting menu inspired by ingredients from the sea, celebrating what Cape Town has to offer in a refined experience – if you pay a visit, look for dishes such as curried hake and smoked mussels.
- COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Since the opening of Noma in 2003 (founded by René Redzepi), Copenhagen has become a reference in the food field, significantly influencing global fine dining. The restaurant is a pioneer of the new Nordic movement, emphasising seasonal, local and foraged ingredients, which have helped turn the city into a landmark in the culinary world. Despite changing its original format and no longer functioning as a regular restaurant, it has evolved into a cuisine lab now, with a limited number of seats. Noma remains relevant, having been featured in the acclaimed TV show, The Bear.
If you are looking for more than an exciting menu, Alchemist combines gastronomy, drama, art and spectacular visuals to create a holistic dining experience. Pre-information that you must have is that the experience lasts from four to six hours and patrons are requested to come with curiosity and presence of mind. The downside is that it might take three months to get a reservation.
Another restaurant worth checking is Geranium, with a light vibe and a mission to create meals that involve all senses. The restaurant is located on the eighth floor in Fælledparken (Common Gardens) in the centre of Copenhagen. It offers a plant-based, seafood-focussed tasting menu inspired by the seasons and Danish traditions.
- LISBON, PORTUGAL
Well known for its sardines, salted cod and eggy desserts, the Portuguese capital is a destination for food lovers looking for something comforting but with that extra pizzazz. The small country has significant marine influences, but also knows how to explore its land produce with traditional recipes mixing grandmothers’ expertise and sailors’ discoveries around the world. The city was recognised as Europe’s Best Culinary Destination in 2024 by the World Culinary Awards. An excellent destination for lovers of fresh seafood, seasoned meat, hearty soups and flaky desserts.
Prado not only embraces local ingredients but also follows the ‘farm-to-table’ concept, which exudes fresh and seasonal dishes. At the heart of the eatery is Chef Antonio Galapito, who emphasises the importance of small-scale producers and lets the seasons inspire his creations. A tasting menu is offered in the evenings.
Set on a side street in the popular Bairro Alto, Essencial blends French techniques with seasonal Portuguese ingredients in the hands of Chef André Lança Cordeiro. Vol-au-vent de Lavagante and Moleja (lobster and sweetbread vol-au-vent) and Pithiviers de Novilho (beef pie) are some of the main highlights. It offers a fixed-price tasting menu that is complemented by grape pairing – a spot-on choice.
- SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN
This city in Spain’s Basque region is well-known worldwide for its namesake cheesecake. However, the place is not only famed for this sweet delicacy but also for its pintxos (tapas) and dishes like txuleta (an aged steak) and bacalao al pil-pil (cod fish prepared in a special sauce). A spot for discerning gourmands, but also a great destination if you appreciate coastal vibes and Belle Époque architecture. The good news is that every cobbled street in the Old Town hides a dining gem, and you can book food tours. Looking for something fancier, San Sebastián has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
Located in a pedestrian street in the city’s old quarter, Casa Urola, headed by Chef Pablo Loureiro, offers traditional Basque cuisine with a twist. It has a lively pintxos bar, but also a stylish dining room on the first floor. Market-inspired dishes and fish and meat cooked on the grill, with black monkfish a highlight, compose the menu.
Ikaitz is a family-run restaurant located in the Gros district, focusing on traditional regional dishes. A selection of fish, meat and locally sourced ingredients celebrates the Basque flavours – grilled octopus and boneless oxtail are some of the must-try options.
- TOKYO, JAPAN
According to the Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Report, Tokyo was the trendiest summer destination in 2025 (from June to September 2025). The Japanese capital has many attractions, and its culinary offerings are one of the reasons it attracts so many tourists. The city’s unparalleled skill of blending heritage with futuristic elements makes dining there an exciting experience. Forget about sushi and sashimi that you’ve eaten elsewhere in the world; the culinary journey in Japan is unique and most probably not easy to find in another geographical location.
Japanese restaurants typically feature a minimalist interior design, allowing the food to take centre stage. Ginza Kousui praises seasonal ingredients in its menu, highlighting delectable ingredients from the mountain and sea. The Shizuoka-born chef plays with guests’ five senses with unique flavours and eye-catching presentation.
Chef Kazuki Tagaki heads Chisou Koryu, where he expresses his desire to create dishes that entertain guests through his unique perspective on ingredients. His creative menu includes puffer fish spring rolls, monaka wafer cake filled with monkfish liver and more innovative recipes.