Best Destinations for Foodie Vacations

Argentina is the original meat and wine lovers’ destination. The fertile land has made this country a paradise for feeding cattle and cultivating first-class grapes in Mendoza. The incredible varieties produced here are best enjoyed alongside a sumptuous steak in foodie capital Buenos Aires.

Curry fans will want to hot foot it over to India asap to try the real thing, but prepare yourself for a flavour explosion that goes far and above anything you’ve ever tasted back home. Every region specialises in different flavours and styles, so tuck in and enjoy your curry with plain rice or flatbread, raitha to cut through the spice, chutney or poppadoms.

Standing at the crossroads of India, China and Oceania, Thailand blends the varying tastes and flavours of these regions to create an intense and diverse dining scene. Its capital, Bangkok, is regarded as one of the best dining destinations on the planet with its truly authentic and yummy street food. Chances are you’ve tried (and enjoyed) the odd Thai green curry or Pad Thai at home, but nothing beats the zingy flavours provided by the real thing.

The pretty Basque seaside town of San Sebastian is nothing short of heaven for gourmands, specialising in pintxos. This truly delectable form of tapas is traditionally served resting on a slice of baguette and ranges in variety from Spanish omelette to scampi, ham, chillies and risotto squares. People will typically visit three or four bars, and pair their pinxtos with a glass of txacolí – the lightly sparkling wine typical of the Basque country.

Tokyo is a constellation of Michelin stars, with more starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but you don’t have to blow the bank to satisfy your tastebuds here. The atmospheric local izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) can serve up tastes as exciting as those in the city’s top restaurants.

As the birthplace of chocolate and boasting corn and bean based dishes – think tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas –  Mexico certainly is a top-notch culinary destination. The historic region of Oaxaca is home to some of the country’s finest restaurants. However, laid-back food markets and street stands also offer delicious, dynamic cuisine.

If food is important to any country, it’s Vietnam. With rice as the nation’s staple product, it provides the backbone for Vietnam’s economy and so has become an inextricable part of its culture. Eating authentic street food alongside locals is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

Arguably the most universally loved culinary traditions in the world hail from Italy. As the land that gave birth to pasta, pizza, parmesan, pesto, chianti and prosecco, it’s no surprise that Italy has a gourmet reputation. Practically every region has its own specialities, so get ready to do the rounds and feast your way through Italy.

Malaysia’s colourful cuisine is a direct reflection of its vibrant and multicultural population. Chinese, Portugese and Indian influences fill typical Malay meals, alongside a wealth of rice due to its fertile terraced land.

The island of Mauritius fuses Creole, Chinese, European and Indian flavours for a rich range of cuisine. Curries and chutney are taken from India, rice and noodles from the Chinese and the island’s former rulers of the French have left their legacy with dishes such as Coq au Vin.

For superb cuisine and top-class wines, the Winelands in South Africa are the perfect choice. This gourmet hotspot, with its lush boutique vineyards and delectable Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, is a must for any wine buff. Meanwhile the restaurants here, such as La Residence, are deemed some of the best in all of Africa, promising an abundance of delicious indulging.  ‘Rainbow Nation’ South Africa also enjoys a rainbow food industry that is constantly expanding, with Cape Town boasting a booming eating scene.

Known for its superfoods, Peruvian cuisine is made up of high quality ingredients with a serious attitude. Amaranth, Quinoa, Maca and Lucuma are all native to the Peruvian soil, while Ceviche is an authentic seafood dish popular throughout the country. There are few things more magical than sampling some of the nation’s best dishes in Cusco‘s beautiful dining spots.

Melbourne should be on anyone’s list of cities to dine in, and the foodie scene in Australia is rapidly gaining momentum. The cultural vibrancy and restaurant diversity make for some delicious dining experiences, and rules go out the window when it comes to what you can and can’t do with food. Melbourne’s standout though is its coffee, with the delicious scent of roasting coffee beans filling the air wherever you go. With hipster cafes on every corner and delicious delis of every nationality filling the streets, you won’t ever eat the same thing twice (unless, of course, you want to).

Long and vast Chile is home to a wide array of food and drink, ranging from the Pacific coastline’s scrumptious seafood to Santiago‘s haute cuisine restaurants to the globally renowned central wine valleys. Pisco Sours, Pastel de Choclo and Curanto are some popular culinary treasures.

Some of the world’s best food and wine hails from New Zealand, with its rich soil and favourable climate. From stunning vineyards to artisan food producers, there’s a lot to get stuck into here. For a particularly sumptuous experience, dive into the wineries of Hawke’s Bay.

The word “cuisine” quite literally comes from France, so intertwined is the nation with the very concept of gastronomy and fine food. For the most delicious experiences that France has to offer, take yourself to Lyon, possibly the most gourmet city in all of France and loved by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux Jr.

There’s so much more to the UK than fish and chips, although they will forever remain a British speciality. From endless pop-ups and hipster coffee shops to gourmet street markets and celebrity chef restaurants, when it comes to food, you name it, London‘s got it.