For many travelers, food is a key factor in choosing their next destination. With one in three Brits basing their holiday decisions on local cuisine, the impact of food on travel is undeniable. But which cities truly reign supreme in the global foodie scene? Luxury travel specialists at eShores have unveiled the answer with their “Foodie Travel Index.”
The index, which considers factors like Michelin-starred restaurants, food-related activities, affordability, and social popularity, has declared Tokyo the ultimate foodie haven. This victory is a testament to the growing influence of Asian cuisine, with Japan securing three spots in the top 10.
Tokyo’s dominance is driven by a remarkable 203 Michelin-starred restaurants, the highest number in the world. The city also offers an astounding 357 food-related activities listed on TripAdvisor alone, from captivating street food tours to immersive cooking classes. And for budget-conscious foodies, Tokyo shines with its affordable dining options, satisfying both taste buds and wallets.
Paris, renowned for its culinary heritage, claimed the second spot, boasting 108 Michelin-starred restaurants. Bangkok, with its lively street food scene and budget-friendly dining, secured third place. The average restaurant meal in Thailand costs a mere £2.14. Singapore, ranking fourth, tantalizes taste buds with its diverse culinary landscape, blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences.
Japan’s influence on the global food scene is further highlighted by Osaka and Kyoto, ranking fifth and eighth respectively, cementing the country’s dominance. The top 10 is rounded out by Hong Kong (seventh) and Seoul (ninth), underscoring the ascendance of Asian cities in the global culinary landscape.
The top 10 cities for food enthusiasts, as per the Foodie Travel Index, are:
1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Paris, France
3. Bangkok, Thailand
4. Singapore
5. Osaka, Japan
6. London, UK
7. Hong Kong
8. Kyoto, Japan
9. Seoul, South Korea
10. Barcelona, Spain
Dean Harper, renowned chef and director at Harper Fine Dining, attributes Japan’s culinary tourism success to a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and unwavering attention to detail. “Tokyo’s culinary prowess is shaped by a deep reverence for fresh, seasonal ingredients, faultless presentation, and a dedication to mastering centuries-old techniques,” he explains.
Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores, adds, “Our research confirms what many food enthusiasts have long suspected – Asia is leading the way in global cuisine. Seeing how cities like Tokyo blend culinary traditions with modern innovations to create truly unforgettable dining experiences is fascinating.” With UK travelers increasingly planning their holidays around food experiences, eShores hopes their research will inspire the next generation of culinary adventures abroad.
