20 cities known for delicious, unique food

New York City will forever be known for its food. From gourmet to street fare, every corner of the city has a gem, and there’s a wide variety. Even chain restaurants taste better in New York City. 

France, in general, is a food country, but Paris is the epicenter. It’s redefined fine dining repeatedly, but it’s known for more casual fare, too. Paris is also known for training some of the best chefs in the world. If you’ve had gourmet food anywhere, there’s a chance the chef went to school in France. 

Italy is another country well-known for its culinary offerings, and Rome is at the top. Each region of Italy offers something a little different, but Rome, being the country’s biggest city, houses them all. Many a foodie has eaten their best meal ever in Rome. 

China has loads of populous areas with great food offerings, but Beijing stands out among them. The city authentically serves classic Chinese dishes, but it’s also known for its culinary innovation. Whether you’re sitting down or grabbing something to go, you’ll enjoy your food in Beijing. 

Perhaps the best-known city in South Africa, Johannesburg has a booming food scene. It’s got a variety of restaurant types, including breweries, BBQ joints, sushi places, and more, and many of the best places are heralded for their affordability. 

Canada isn’t necessarily at the top of the list when it comes to food countries, but Montreal is making up for that with its fare. The city boasts plenty of places for patrons to get classic Canadian foods, but it’s also got a tremendous number of restaurants serving cuisine from other countries. 

About every major city in Japan is known for great food, but Tokyo will always have a leg up. The city is bursting with great restaurants, from trendy must-tries to reliable spots that have been part of its fabric for decades. It’s no wonder people have traveled to Tokyo simply to eat for years. 

Bangkok has made its way onto the list of top food cities worldwide. Bangkok is known for great local restaurants and street food, and the city is crawling with places known for delicious and authentic Thai food. Foodies will tell you there’s no better place than Bangkok for pad thai and tom yum. 

Your location in Ho Chi Minh City, as is the case in many places, will dictate the level of fanciness of the food you’re served. Some regions boast Michelin-star restaurants, while others offer street fare. But no matter what you’re eating, it will be good. 

There’s a reason Carmy sent a chef to Copenhagen for a food trip on an episode of The Bear. The city is a mecca for food in Denmark and the surrounding area. What the chefs in Copenhagen are doing continually sets the tone for gourmet cooks around the world. 

You might not have expected Kuala Lumpur to rank as a top food city, but foodies across the globe have been raving about it for years. The Malaysian city is best known for dishes like kaya toast, satay, bak kut teh, and nasi lemak, the country’s national dish. 

The United States is too big only to have one city known for great food. Los Angeles has many new and established restaurants, all offering something different. The city is also known for creating food trends. If you want to try something new, go to L.A.

Istanbul is known for its rich history, stunning and diverse landscapes, luxury, and food. The Turkish city houses both Eastern and Western delicacies, and its gastronomic scale ranges from high-class gourmet to authentic street food. And everything can be eaten while taking in a stunning view.

Mexico City has so much to offer, especially food. Of course, the city is crawling with spots serving tasty tacos, but it’s also got a healthy mix of authentic Mexican restaurants and joints experimenting with fusion food. 

Lima is arguably the best food city on the South American continent. Peruvian food is absolutely fantastic, and no place is serving it better than the country’s capital city. The chefs there marry tradition with innovation, and the restaurants employ some fantastic bartenders. 

Mumbai is another Asian mecca for street food. If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll likely be encouraged to try Vada pav, but there are also dozens of other classic dishes to taste. Don’t forget about kebabs, Bombay sandwiches, and panipuri, to name a few. 

The United States’ food scene is something serious. Each major city is known for its different food offerings, with Chicago being best known for its classic dishes like deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. But the city also has several James Beard winners, undoubtedly elevating Chicago’s food scene. 

Dubai is crawling with wealthy expats — of course, it’s got good restaurants. If you’re hungry for a specific type of food while in Dubai, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to manage it. The more important question will be whether you’re able to afford it. 

Australia is similar to England in its global culinary reputation. It has some staples that locals hail as must-haves, but anyone who isn’t from there is a little wary of the traditional cuisine. However, both countries have cities with top-notch restaurants, Sydney being one in Australia. 

You’ll eat plenty of tasty meals in Marrakech, too. The bustling city is a haven for Moroccan culture, including the food. The city has especially good meats and fresh produce.