By Brazen Edwards
When it comes to global cuisine, many people regard cities like Paris, Tokyo, or New York as culinary giants, but countless other destinations also offer unique and exciting gastronomic experiences.
If you want to shake up your tastebuds and crave adventures off the beaten path, here are some underrated but, in my opinion, the best foodie destinations worldwide.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is often overshadowed by Bangkok or Phuket when it comes to culinary tourism. However, this charming city is a food lovers’ haven, offering a unique blend of traditional Thai flavours with a northern twist. It’s best known for its khao soi, a rich and creamy curry noodle soup that combines coconut milk, crispy noodles, and fall-off-the-bone, tender chicken.
The city’s street food scene is vibrant, with night markets offering various dishes from sai ua (grilled pork sausage) to pad ped pladuk (fried spicy catfish); each dish’s flavours are bold and distinct.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a hidden gem in the Caucasus region, boasting a rich history, stunning landscapes, and incredibly unique cuisine. A delightful fusion of European and Asian flavours, Georgian food is also influenced by Persia and Türkiye.
One of the signature dishes is khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread with butter, cheese and a soft-boiled egg. Another popular dish is khinkali, dumplings filled with spiced meat and a wonderful broth. The combination of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients used in Georgian cuisine makes it a unique culinary experience.
Georgetown, Malaysia
Penang, a melting pot of cultures, has a food scene that reflects its diverse heritage. The island’s cuisine uniquely blends Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Thai influences, making it incredibly diverse.
Street food is King here, with hawker stalls serving up a variety of dishes such as char kway teow, a stir-fried flat noodle dish with shrimp, egg, and bean sprouts, and asam laksa, a tangy and spicy noodle soup made with tamarind and fish. Roti canai is another breakfast staple of Indian flatbread drenched with thick curry, and an optional sunny-side-up egg and shredded onion.
Osaka, Japan
Osaka boasts a rich food culture focusing on hearty, comforting dishes. One of their most famous dishes is takoyaki, bite-sized balls filled with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions, cooked to a golden crisp and topped with mayo and bonito flakes.
Another iconic dish is okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various toppings. They also have a vibrant street food scene, where stalls serve everything from kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) to yakiniku (grilled meat). Whether you’re eating at a high-end restaurant or a casual street stall, Osaka is a city that celebrates food in all its forms.
Naples, Italy
While Italy is a well-known culinary destination, Naples often gets overlooked. However, it’s the birthplace of pizza and deserves a spot on the list for that alone. The traditional Neapolitan pizza, with its thin, soft crust, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is a culinary masterpiece.
The city’s culinary scene also features seafood dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), fritto misto (a mix of fried seafood), and decadent pastries like sfogliatella and babà al rum. Naples offers a rustic and authentic dining experience often missed by those who stick to the more popular tourist spots.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is a foodie’s paradise that often flies under the radar compared to Mexico City or Cancun. The region’s rich culinary heritage combines Indigenous traditions with Spanish influences. It’s famous mainly for its mole, a complex sauce made with chillies, chocolate, nuts, and spices. There are several types of mole, each with its unique flavour profile, and sampling them all is a must when visiting the region.
Another highlight of Oaxacan cuisine is tlayudas, often referred to as Mexican pizza. Oaxaca is also known for memelas, considered the breakfast of champions, griddled masa disks topped with asiento (bean paste) and queso fresco.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An offers a unique dish blend that reflects the region’s history and cultural influences. One of the signatures is cao lầu, a noodle dish made with thick, chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy wonton crackers. The unique texture of the noodles is made with water from an ancient well, which sets this dish apart.
Another must-try dish is bánh mì, a famous baguette sandwich with various fillings like pate, pork, fresh vegetables, and herbs, drizzled with a special sauce that adds a burst of flavour. Hoi An is also known for street food, so make sure to sample local dishes such as bánh bao bánh vạc (white rose dumplings), bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) and bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes).
So, the next time you plan a food-focused trip, open your taste buds and consider venturing off the beaten path to discover some of these best foodie destinations in the world.
Do you have a favourite food destination to share? Tell us about it in the comments below!