Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a newbie, there are plenty of travel destinations around the world that offer an exciting and diverse range of gastronomic experiences. From bustling cities with dynamic street food scenes to charming towns with Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something to suit every taste and budget. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the best travel destinations for foodies in 2023, so get ready to tantalise your taste buds and discover new flavours and cuisines from around the world. Here's our guide to the top 5 destinations for foodies in 2023.
No. 5 - Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo is the dynamic capital city of Uruguay, and it's home to nearly half of the nation's population. This bustling city stretches 12.5 miles from east to west and offers a diverse range of experiences. Montevideo, with its diverse array of neighbourhoods ranging from the bustling industrial port to the upscale beachside suburb of Carrasco near the airport, presents a multifaceted cityscape that offers a variety of experiences. The historic downtown business district is a fascinating blend of art deco and neoclassical architecture, alongside skyscrapers that wouldn't look out of place in Havana or Ceauşescu's Romania. On the other hand, the beach communities of Punta Carretas and Pocitos, with their modern high-rises and bustling shopping malls, exude a vibe reminiscent of Miami or Copacabana, providing a distinct contrast to other parts of Montevideo. Music, theatre, and the arts thrive in Montevideo, with everything from elegant older theatres and cosy tango bars to modern beachfront discos. The city boasts a rich international ambiance, evident through its numerous foreign cultural centers and its status as the administrative headquarters for Mercosur, the foremost trading bloc in South America.
Montevideo may be a metropolitan city, but you can quickly escape to the countryside within 30 minutes, where you'll find sprawling grass farmlands that are home to countless cows and sheep. If you travel a little further, you'll discover vineyards that produce Uruguayan tannat and albariño varieties, as well as a delicious fruit-infused white-wine sangria known as clericó. With 410 miles of coastline, there's no shortage of freshly caught seafood in this once-fortified city that extends into the vast, ocean-like Río de la Plata. It's perplexing that Uruguay remains a relatively unknown destination for foodies, despite its many culinary treasures.
Best places for food in Montevideo:
La Pulpería: This restaurant is a classic in Montevideo, known for its traditional Uruguayan cuisine. Try their famous "chivito," a delicious sandwich made with beef, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Francis: A charming bistro with a French twist, Francis serves excellent seafood and meat dishes. Their "menu del día" (menu of the day) is a great deal for lunch.
Jacinto Café: This cosy café in the historic Ciudad Vieja neighbourhood is a favourite among locals. They serve delicious breakfast and brunch dishes, as well as homemade cakes and pastries.
Mercado del Puerto: This indoor market is a must-visit for foodies. It's home to several restaurants serving grilled meats, seafood, and other Uruguayan specialties.
La Pasiva: Another classic in Montevideo, La Pasiva is a fast-food chain that serves "chivitos" and other sandwiches. It's a great option for a quick and tasty meal on the go.
La Fonda: Located in the heart of Montevideo's old town, La Fonda is a small restaurant serving traditional Uruguayan dishes like "milanesa" (breaded meat) and "pasta frola" (a type of tart).
Bocaditos Bistro: This cosy bistro in the Pocitos neighbourhood serves excellent breakfast and brunch dishes, as well as homemade cakes and pastries.
La Temeraria (vegan choice): Try plant-based versions of Uruguayan cuisine, like milanesa. Be sure to order the chocolate peanut butter cookie for dessert - it's to die for!
No. 4 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the lively capital of Malaysia, is a city characterised by a skyline that includes minarets, Mogul-style domes, and skyscrapers. Its streets are vibrant, with food stalls lining them and shaded by banyan trees. Kuala Lumpur is an irresistible destination for travellers, not just because of its famed rainforests, beaches, and diving spots, but also due to its combination of diverse cultures, modern amenities, and incredible cuisine.
Despite the heat, exploring the city on foot is highly recommended. Walking allows one to experience all the city's activities while avoiding the frustration of getting caught in KL's frequent traffic jams. Walking will also help visitors discover the parts of the city that still have a laid-back atmosphere and jungle-like environment, similar to the kampung (village) it once was. Furthermore, walking will lead visitors to some of the city's finest dining establishments: the hawker stalls and traditional kopitiam (coffee shops) that tempt you with the scent of freshly prepared food and the opportunity to try tropical juices and refreshing drinks. The city's multiculturalism is reflected in its cuisine, which features mouth-watering dishes like nasi lemak and banana-leaf rice, blending the best flavours of different cultures into a unique and delicious experience that's unmatched by any other city.
Best places for food in Kuala Lumpur:
Bijan Bar & Restaurant: Bijan is a highly-regarded restaurant specialising in Malay cuisine, with an emphasis on using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Din Tai Fung: This Taiwanese restaurant chain is famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and has several locations throughout Kuala Lumpur.
Acme Bar & Coffee: Located in the stylish Troika building, Acme Bar & Coffee offers Western-style brunch dishes and coffee in a chic and modern setting.
Fuego at Troika Sky Dining: For a rooftop dining experience with a view, head to Fuego at Troika Sky Dining, where you can enjoy Latin American-inspired cuisine and cocktails.
Nasi Kandar Pelita: Nasi Kandar Pelita is a popular chain of restaurants serving delicious Indian-Muslim dishes like nasi kandar (rice with various curries and sides).
Taman Paramount Hokkien Mee: For a taste of classic Malaysian street food, try the Hokkien mee (stir-fried noodles in dark soy sauce) at this unassuming stall in Taman Paramount.
Lot 10 Hutong Food Court: Lot 10 Hutong is a food court that brings together some of Kuala Lumpur's most famous street food vendors under one roof, offering a range of Chinese, Malay, and Indian dishes.
Loving Hut (vegan choice): Loving Hut is a vegan chain restaurant with several locations throughout Kuala Lumpur. They offer a range of vegan dishes, including noodles, rice dishes, and vegan versions of popular Malaysian dishes.
No. 3 - Lima, Peru
Lima is the second-driest capital city in the world after Cairo, located along a lengthy coastline of deteriorating cliffs. Despite its chaotic atmosphere, one can enjoy the city's high-rise condos that exist alongside pre-Columbian temples and fast-breaking Pacific waves that merge with noisy traffic.
However, Lima is also an elegant city, with a civilization that has existed for thousands of years. Magnificent pottery is displayed in distinguished museums, and daring art is featured in contemporary galleries. The city's 18th-century religious processions are solemn and moving, while its lively night clubs offer lively tropical music.
No tourist can leave the city without tasting Lima's culinary wonders, which have been developing for over 400 years as part of a gastronomic revolution. The history, geography, and culture of Lima are stunningly varied and have had a profound impact on the culinary landscape of Peru. As a result, the city has established itself as the foremost culinary hub of Latin America, offering centuries of gastronomic history and delight to visitors. Lima is renowned for its cevicherías and Pisco cocktails, and it is an ideal destination for indulging in fresh seafood, discovering the nuances of Peruvian cuisine, and experiencing a wealth of other culinary delights.
Best places for food in Lima:
Central: This restaurant is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world. Central serves a tasting menu featuring dishes made with ingredients sourced from different elevations of the Andes.
Maido: Maido is a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant that has earned a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of Nikkei cuisine.
La Mar: La Mar is the perfect place for seafood lovers. This restaurant is known for its ceviche, grilled octopus, and other seafood delicacies.
Osso: Osso is a contemporary grill that serves some of the best meat dishes in Lima. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of beef, pork, and lamb, all cooked to perfection.
Amaz: Amaz is a restaurant that celebrates the diversity of the Amazonian cuisine. The menu features dishes made with exotic ingredients like juane, ayacucho-style lamb, and paiche.
Panchita: Panchita is a casual restaurant that serves traditional Peruvian dishes. The restaurant is known for its anticuchos, grilled beef heart skewers, and other grilled meats.
El Jardin de Jazmin (vegan choice): This cosy restaurant serves vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh and organic ingredients. They offer a set menu that changes daily and includes soups, salads, main dishes, and desserts.
No. 2 - Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, a sunny and hospitable city located in Kyūshū, is the largest city in the region and the eighth-largest city in Japan. It was formed by the merger of two former towns: Fukuoka, a castle town on the west bank of the Naka-gawa, and Hakata, a merchant town on the east bank. Despite the merger, the name Hakata remains widely used, and it is considered a cultural landmark.
Hakata has a rich trading history that dates back 2000 years, and this tradition continues today with visitors coming from Seoul and Shanghai. Fukuoka's welcoming atmosphere makes it an excellent entry point to Kyūshū, and its warm weather and modern attractions, including art, architecture, shopping, and cuisine, make it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Fukuoka epitomises the duality of Japan, embracing both its rich tradition and its contemporary lifestyle. Its history is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and its renowned dishes such as Hakata ramen and pickled cod roe are beloved across the nation. Despite being overlooked by some, Fukuoka leaves a lasting impression on visitors, and many even find themselves contemplating a move to this captivating city.
Best places for food in Fukuoka: Yatai: These are small, mobile food stalls that can be found throughout the city, especially in the evening. They offer a range of traditional Fukuoka dishes such as ramen, yakitori, and mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
Ichiran Ramen: This popular chain restaurant offers delicious tonkotsu ramen, a Fukuoka specialty, in a unique booth-style setting that allows you to enjoy your meal in private.
Hakata Issou: This restaurant is known for its melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef dishes, including the famous beef tongue.
Tempura Hirao: This Michelin-starred restaurant serves exceptional tempura dishes, including vegetables, seafood, and meat.
Yanagibashi Rengo Market: This bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and other local specialties. There are also several small restaurants and food stalls within the market where you can try some of the freshest seafood in Fukuoka.
Manaita Harebare (vegan choice): This Japanese restaurant offers a vegetarian and vegan menu, including dishes such as vegan soba noodles and vegetable tempura.
No. 1 - Umbria, Italy
Umbria, which is often referred to as Italy's green heart, is a distinct region that stands alone as the only part of Italy that does not share a border with the sea or another country. This geographical isolation has safeguarded the region's old-world customs and traditions from external influences. When you visit, you will witness grandmothers clad in aprons producing handmade pasta and ancient front doors that have never been locked.
The region is famous for its picturesque medieval hilltop towns that have been carefully maintained and located dramatically. Orvieto's stunning Gothic cathedral and Assisi's fresco-covered basilica reflect the imprint of the Etruscans, Romans, warring medieval clans, and Renaissance artists. The region's nature is also worth mentioning, with the rugged beauty of the Monti Sibillini contrasting with the soft slopes of verdant hills and meadows scattered with wildflowers.
Perugia, the capital of Umbria, sits equidistantly between Florence and Rome, and it manages to convey both a sense of intimacy and grandeur. It is a mecca for art aficionados, a feast for gastronomes, and it is just remote enough to offer even the most seasoned explorers new discoveries. It serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the delightful hill towns of Umbria, and it boasts cultural and culinary treasures that rival those of the finest European cities. Crucially, Perugia caters to a wide range of budgets while still maintaining an inclusive atmosphere that is welcoming to all. Food enthusiasts will find a heaven in Umbria, with regional menus featuring delicacies such as tartufi neri (black truffles), high-quality cured meats, and robust local wines.
Best places for food in Umbria: Trattoria del Borgo, Bevagna: This cosy restaurant in the medieval town of Bevagna is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. They serve classic Umbrian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as truffles and wild boar.
Osteria a Priori, Perugia: Located in the heart of Perugia's historic centre, this restaurant is housed in a 14th-century building and features traditional Umbrian cuisine with a modern twist. They also have an extensive wine list.
La Bottega del Buon Caffè, Orvieto: This elegant restaurant in the hilltop town of Orvieto offers refined Umbrian cuisine, including homemade pasta, roasted meats, and truffles. They also have a terrace with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Il Tempio del Gusto, Assisi: This Michelin-starred restaurant in Assisi is known for its innovative cuisine that combines traditional Umbrian ingredients with contemporary techniques. They also have an excellent wine list featuring local and international labels.
L'Alchimista, Montefalco: This restaurant in the charming town of Montefalco serves creative Umbrian dishes using seasonal and organic ingredients. They also have an extensive wine list featuring local Sagrantino wines.
I Girasoli di Sant'Andrea, Spoleto (vegan choice): This vegan-friendly restaurant in Spoleto offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. They also have gluten-free options and a beautiful outdoor seating area.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best foodie destinations in 2023. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit for food.
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