TOP 20: CITIES WITH THE BEST FOOD

One of the golden rules of travel is: "Leave room in your suitcase, but also in your stomach." It is this golden rule that led the renowned Time Out magazine to create a list of the top 20 gastronomic destinations on the planet. Indulging in local specialties is the best reward after exploring new places.

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To help you plan your next culinary adventure, Time Out has unveiled the list of the best global cities for gastronomy in 2025.

1. NEW ORLEANS, USA

Topping the list is New Orleans, which has won the hearts of over 18,500 survey respondents thanks to its blend of French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African cuisines. Specialties like gumbo soup, jambalaya, and beignets delight visitors.

2. BANGKOK, THAILAND

Ranked second, Bangkok boasts a rich culinary scene that spans everything from Michelin-starred restaurants like Gaggan Anand to street stalls offering delicious specialties for as little as $3.

3. MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA

Medellín takes third place, renowned for its affordable yet exceptional coffee, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers.

4. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town, South Africa, comes in fourth, impressing food enthusiasts with its diverse dishes, particularly fresh seafood.

5. MADRID, SPAIN

Madrid is in fifth place, emerging as a hub for gastronomic innovation.

6. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Mexico City claims the sixth spot, having established itself for years as a paradise for lovers of authentic flavors.

7. LAGOS, NIGERIA

In seventh place, Lagos is known for its specialties such as jollof rice and smoked suya, which continue to draw food lovers from around the world.

8. SHANGHAI, CHINA

Eighth-ranked Shanghai offers a unique mix of centuries-old traditions and modern cuisine.

9. PARIS, FRANCE

No culinary list is complete without Paris, which holds the ninth spot. Its influence on haute cuisine is undeniable, and it remains a beacon for food aficionados.

10. JAKARTA, INDONESIA

Rounding out the top ten is Jakarta, famous for its rendang dish, once hailed as the most delicious food in the world.

Other cities that made it to the top 20 gastronomic destinations include:

11. Marrakech, Morocco

12. Lima, Peru

13. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

14. Mumbai, India

15. Abu Dhabi, UAE

16. Cairo, Egypt

17. Porto, Portugal

18. Montreal, Canada

19. Naples, Italy

20. San José, Costa Rica

These cities not only offer a feast for the stomach but are also the ultimate destinations for food lovers seeking to explore diverse and authentic culinary experiences.