There aren’t many better ways to get a feel for a city than through its cuisine. From carefully crafted sushi rolls in Tokyo to a classic Margherita pizza in Naples, there are so many incredible dishes to be had. In the best food cities, each meal reflects the landscapes, seasonal ingredients, and values that shape daily life.
That is what makes food, whether it’s a flaky croissant from a local bakery or a bowl of ramen at a local haunt, the best thing to shape your next group vacation around. While it’s easy to dream about savoring a bowl of noodles or a pitcher of sangria on a trip with friends, actually planning that trip takes strategy, time, and attention. Plus, with all the incredible culinary destinations around the world, how do you choose a place that satisfies everyone’s cravings?
To take some stress off your plate, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best food cities for groups. Whether you and your crew crave lively street food tours or immersive fine dining experiences, there’s something on the list for everyone. Let’s pick a destination that will satisfy your hunger for travel and great cuisine alike!
Bustling Bangkok is a street food lover’s paradise
For the ultimate street food experience, pay a visit to one of the most exciting food cities in the world: Bangkok. This city is the host of the Yaowarat Night Market, a lively maze of steamy noodle stalls and sizzling cooktops. A perfect fit for foodies who never sleep, you can find some of Thailand’s most famous eats here, from Pad Thai to Som Tam, for well under $5. Picture yourself indulging in a zingy plate of larb under the soft glow of Chinatown’s neon signs. Can you feel the bright lights and fresh flavors of the mint and lime? For those who crave a softer experience, pay a visit to one of Bangkok’s many floating markets. Hop on a longtail boat and gliding past vendors slinging everything from Kuay Teow Reua to Khao Niao Mamuang. This quintessential Thai experience is unlike any other.
Find Nordic flavors & Michelin-star magic in Copenhagen
For lovers of the refined or experimental, the New Nordic cuisine of Copenhagen is sure to satisfy. This food city is a hub for molecular gastronomists, or, chefs who use principles from chemistry to transform traditional meals. (Think scallops tossed in herbaceous oils, topped with sea moss and a savory foam.) We won’t spoil the flavors for you, but know this: the food you taste here is once-in-a-lifetime. More than make you go ‘wow’, this cuisine will make you question everything you know about food. Save those innovative flavors for the evenings, and find hygge in your days with a visit to one of Copenhagen’s many cozy cafes, the laidback vibe a reflection of the energy of the world’s happiest city.
Take a trip to Naples, the official birthplace of pizza
Italy has blessed the world with some of its most cherished cuisines. Parmesan comes from Parma, and we have Naples to thank for the creation of pizza. In this city, you can get a taste of an authentic Neapolitan pie, its flavors all the more vibrant in its place of birth. If pizza’s not on the menu, treat yourself to a plate of fresh seafood or a warm slice of ziti. There are plenty of other Southern Italian fare to indulge in, too, so save room.
Get lost in a fusion of flavors in Cape Town
Surrounded by wild ocean waters, towering Table Mountain, and rolling wine valleys, Cape Town has it all, and that sentiment extends to the food. Start your group trip to this city with a tour of one of its most vibrant wineries. After plenty of tastings, and perhaps a picnic on the grounds, head into the city for some sightseeing. Long walks around Bo-Kaap and Boulder Beach end with an immersive restaurant experience at Gold Restaurant. There’s always a chance to have some fresh seafood from a restaurant in the V&A Waterfront instead, or to round out your trip with a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to craft traditional South African cuisine. With Africa’s emphasis on communal meals, this is one of the best food cities for groups. Whether it’s a refined wine or the perfect cut of lamb you crave, this is the place to get it.
Smell the spices in the air in vibrant Morocco
Start your first morning in Morocco with a visit to the city’s maze-like souks, the air rife with the sound of plucked ouds, spice, and chatter from local vendors. Later, wind down in a charming riad with warm mint tea and cookies on a tray. No matter what you do, Morocco is a feast for the senses. After stocking up on some fresh sea salt and saffron at the market, fill out your trip with a picnic by the campfire in the Sahara desert, and a lavish lunch of couscous & tagine made by, and enjoyed with, a local Berber family.
Hint: Check out the top 10 best riads in Morocco for an unforgettable stay!
Mexico City is a fiesta of street eats & refined cuisine
In Mexico City, you’ll not just find beloved Mexican classics like street tacos, mole, and tamales. Michelin-star surprises await for dinner, where classic Mexican ingredients take on new life. Chefs fuse new-age culinary practices and cuisines, blending techniques used in African and Indian cooking to transform what’s on the plate. End the night with a visit to a local bar to get a taste of Mexico’s bustling cocktail scene. We recommend sipping on your elevated cocktails of choice in a chic rooftop environment to get a view of the city’s skyline. Don’t leave without a mezcal speakeasy tour, and a walk through a local market to grab some of Mexico’s famous street food, from tortas to tepache.
Chaat, curry, & coastal delights await in Mumbai
India is known for its lively street food culture, and there are always plenty of options thanks to the country’s culinary diversity. While every city has a lot to offer, Mumbai is one of the best cities for foodies. Spend your days here wandering bustling streets, grabbing bites of sev puri and pav bhaji while immersing yourself in the local lifestyle. Don’t miss out on a taste of vada pav, a beloved street food made up of a fried dumpling smothered in flavorful chutneys and served on a fluffy white bun. Later, cool down with a glass of nimbu pani, an Indian-style lemonade filled with fresh citrus and some tantalizing spices.
Indulge in classic Vietnamese fare in charming Hanoi
If you’re someone who believes there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of pho, you would thrive in Hanoi. Here, there’s plenty of classic Vietnamese fare to enjoy. Whether you’re craving one of Vietnam’s celebrated coffee drinks, like cà phê trứng, or a savory bahn mi, there are plenty of hidden gems around the city serving up Vietnam’s best. Not only is the cuisine delicious, but it has affordability on its side. Don’t forget to grab a bowl of bún chả, a cold noodle soup featuring caramelized pork, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a tangy broth.
Experience San Sebastian, Europe’s culinary capital
Begin your trip to San Sebastian, one of the food capitals of the world, with a bang on a lively pintxo crawl. Here, large platters of paella and even larger pitchers of sangría await. In a city known for its next-level Basque bites and coastal cuisine, there’s plenty for everyone, from seafood lovers to steak-loving carnivores. San Sebastian has the second-most Michelin stars per capita of any other city, so aficionados of elevated plates will also feel right at home. If you’re seeking some libations to wash it all down, there are tons of popular Spanish wines to sip on, too. Prepare yourself for a weeklong feast!
Push your limits with a taste of all things Tokyo
Anthony Bourdain always had amazing things to say about the Tokyo food scene, and frequently said it is the best food city in the world. With its fresh seafood, refined restaurants, and eclectic finds, no matter your foodie vibe, Tokyo can provide. For those seeking a luxury experience, there are plenty of Michelin-starred omakase diners and multi-course tasting menus. Casual travelers might prefer the laidback nature of an izakaya, or one of Japan’s many grab-and-go convenience stores. From the simplicity of the 7-11 egg salad sandwich to the complexity of katsuo dashi, there’s a host of flavors to be had across the spectrum of surprising and familiar.
Bonus: Book a flight to Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital
This wouldn’t be a list of the best food cities without a nod to French cuisine. For that, there’s no better city than Lyon. This historic cultural hub is often regarded as the food capital of the world. Far enough inland to get fresh ingredients from farms, but close enough to the shores to get seafood from the coast, you can be confident you’re getting fresh ingredients no matter what on the menu is calling your name. From traditional Lyonnaise dishes, hearty and new, served in a rustic bouchon, to slices of Rosette de Lyon from a local charcuterie shop, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this beloved place.
Plan the perfect foodie group trip with TourHero
One of the best parts of any trip is that moment at the end of a long day of exploring when you gather together at a table over a plate of something unforgettable. If you’re ready to make that dream a reality, start planning your trip with TourHero today.
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