Travel for food? Me too! As I’ve travelled around the globe, my love for tasting new cuisines has become an obsession. My curiosity for discovering the best countries for food has taken me on the ultimate food adventure to visit (and eat) in every single country in the world.
So, after indulging in vast bowls of mouthwatering noodle soups across Southeast Asia, endless tapas and tasty bites across Europe, slow-cooked meats and spicy salsas in the Americas, and outstanding stews in Africa, I’ve put together my top 10 best countries for food.
Food is the best way to understand a new culture. What I like most is that a common language isn’t needed when food is present.
Food is a language in itself, and it’s universal. A few smiles, nods, and hand gestures are all you need to share a good meal with local people and new friends.
Food brings people together. It’s a chance for local people to introduce you to a world of new flavours, aromas, ingredients, and customs you may never have experienced. I’d say that food is the soul of every nation.
Travel is the perfect opportunity to learn about new cultures, traditions, people, and of course, new cuisine.
Known as one of the Very Hungry Nomads, I travel the world to eat! So if you’re like me, then you’ll appreciate this post. I’m excited to share my list of the best countries to visit for food!
After eating my way through 195 countries worldwide, the best countries for foodies are below. It’s time to start planning your next foodie vacation now!
Let’s go! The 10 best countries for food lovers
1) Italy
Italy. I mention the word and immediately have visions of some of the best meals I’ve eaten in my entire life! So, why is Italy among the best countries for food in the world? It ticks all the boxes, big time! If you’ve visited Italy, then I bet you’re nodding your head in agreement with me on this one.
Italian food is made with quality ingredients and lots of love. That’s it. That’s the secret.
If you taste pizza, pasta, sandwich, or one of Italy’s divine sweets, you will notice this. There are usually minimal components used to create the dish; however, the ingredients used will be the freshest and of the highest quality.
Italians live ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life) whenever food is concerned. It’s something I love most about Italian culture. Food is the centrepiece of any occasion, family get-togethers, and even daily life.
The best thing about travelling independently through Italy by train, or perhaps this 12-day tour of Italy with Expat Explore (get a 5% discount and use our referral code: VERYHUNGRYNOMADS) is to experience several regions of Italy.
Northern Italian cuisine is quite different from southern Italian food – but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
RELATED POST – 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy
- 💰 Estimated Budget to visit Italy: 45 – 60 USD per day
- 🤑 Local Currency: Euro
- 🛏 Accommodation: from $18 – 35 per day (Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com)
- 🍲 Daily Food Budget: $15 – 25
- 🚐 Transport: Check Omio or Trainline for transport options in Italy
- 📶 Stay Connected: Buy an eSIM for Italy and get connected the minute you arrive! View eSIM Data Packs available for Italy