From Naples to Copenhagen, 20 top spots for food-related travel

Time Out magazine has got many in the food world talking with its ranking of the 20 best food cities of the moment

Published: Jun 4, 2024 10:29:34 AM IST

Updated: Jun 4, 2024 12:38:39 PM IST

Naples is known for restaurants where one can eat well on a tight budget. Image: Shutterstock

While the foodie community is eagerly awaiting the unveiling of this year's ranking of the World's 50 Best Restaurants on June 5 from Las Vegas, Time Out magazine recently revealed its list of the world's best eating destinations. The opinions of local residents have been taken into account to compile not-to-be-missed culinary specialties and the best value for money. And it's worth noting that Paris doesn't feature in the ranking...

Some people build their travel itineraries around unique landscapes. Others around top monuments. and cultural attractions. But some people prioritize food in their travel plans! When vacations take the form of a culinary tour, not all regions are created equal. And certain destinations that may not have a well-known reputation for their food offerings may be highly recommended, to the surprise of many.

Time Out magazine has got many in the food world talking with its ranking of the 20 best food cities of the moment. Why is this listing sparking strong reactions? One reason is because France, renowned as the country of gastronomy, features marginally. Not only is Paris not mentioned, but the country only gets one entry -- although there's no denying that the specialties of that particular destination, Lyon, which comes in 16th place, are praised by many discerning food lovers.

Meanwhile the best destinations for eating well are, in order, Naples (Italy), Johannesburg (South Africa), Lima (Peru), Hô Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Beijing (China). To fully understand this ranking, it's important to understand its methodology. For it is the culinary specialties that are the focus of interest. And who better than locals to reveal the best places to eat good, local food?

To establish the list, Time Out not only took into account the opinions of locals, but also the quality and affordability of the food. That may explain why famous food destinations like Paris, London and Tokyo are conspicuously absent. By contrast, in Naples, you can get your fill for just one euro.

However there are some destinations that figure prominently here and in the Michelin guides and the 50 Best Award. For instance, Lima is one of the most affordable gastronomic destinations, even though it is home to Central, the table of chefs Pia Leon and Virgilio Martinez, currently ranked the "World's Best Restaurant" by the 50 Best group Similarly, Bangkok ranks sixth, even though the Thai capital boasts 34 Michelin-starred restaurants, and is also a major stronghold of Asia's best restaurants, according to the 50 Best.