Holiday Home Destinations for Food-Loving Travellers

Booking.com’s ‘Taste of Home’ research report reveals emerging food-led travel trends, highlighting the growing demand among Vietnamese travelers for holiday homes influenced by culinary preferences. Based on the survey, the findings show that food-driven experiences are profoundly shaping travel decisions. As travelers seek more meaningful and personalized stays for the upcoming year-end getaway, holiday homes have emerged as a key part of this trend, with many now choosing destinations based on what they want to eat, not just where they want to go. 

Each corner of Asia Pacific serves up its own flavour of culture, with destinations capturing the growing appetite for authentic, immersive food experiences. Food has become a main driver for travel across the region, and holiday homes are at the centre of this trend. When traveling, Vietnamese travelers’ habits change noticeably, with 80% visiting local markets, 33% cooking local dishes, 38% trying new appliances and 28% experimenting with new recipes.

From Tokyo to Thailand, India to Indonesia, travellers are seeking out neighbourhoods known for their food, cooking local dishes in their holiday kitchens, and bringing a “portable pantry” to make every stay feel like home. This guide spotlights top foodie hotspots and the dishes travellers are cooking when staying in homes. 

Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia

Fitzroy, in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Victoria, is a top spot for foodie travellers. Known for its diverse mix of global cuisines and trendy eateries, and gourmet brunch spots to hidden laneway diners, there’s something for every palate. The Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy isn’t just a haven for art and design lovers, it’s also a hidden gem for foodies. Visitors can enjoy a curated selection of artisan food stalls, offering everything from gourmet toasties and pastries to fresh coffee. When staying in holiday homes, travellers often fire up the grill for a classic Aussie barbecue, featuring fresh prawns, snapper or locally sourced meat. 

Surin, Isaan, Thailand

Surin, in Thailand’s Isaan region, offers an authentic taste of rural life with fragrant jasmine rice and bold local dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad). The weekly Surin Green Market showcases fresh produce, homemade foods, and traditional snacks, in a lively, community-driven setting. Holiday home kitchens see travellers prepare Som Tam, a spicy green papaya salad or Moo Kata (Thai Barbecue), integrating both grilling and hotpot cooking.

Togoshi Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s food scene spans depachika food halls and the iconic Tsukiji Market to regional gems like Michi-no-Eki roadside stations and specialty supermarkets such as Tsuruya in Karuizawa, showcasing fresh, local ingredients and unique culinary finds. Travellers lean into comfort cooking with dishes like Yakisoba or Japanese curry rice, often enhanced with seasonal vegetables.

The Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam’s culinary landscape is shaped by its geography and cultural heritage, with each region offering distinct flavours. At the heart of it all is Hanoi, known for iconic street foods like pho, bun cha, banh cuon, and bustling street food. In Hanoi, Dong Xuan Market is a go-to for northern ingredients and street snacks.When staying in homes, travellers often grill marinated meats or seafood purchased at street markets for a Vietnamese BBQ feast .

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

India’s culinary diversity is unmathed, with bold flavours and deep-rooted traditions that vary dramatically across regions. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, travellers explore Awadhi cuisine at the Aminabad Market, sampling galouti kebabs and basket chaat and often prepare dishes like Yakhini Pulao at home, layering rice with slow-cooked meat and spices.

Malioboro, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia’s cuisine reflects its cultural richness, from smoky satay stalls in Java and fragrant spice blends in Sumatra to fresh seafood in Sulawesi. Street food is central to daily life, offering flavourful dishes steeped in tradition. In Yogyakarta, the culinary spirit comes alive in Malioboro, featured in Netflix’s Street Food, where sizzling skewers and sweet snacks are served amid street performances and local crafts. Travellers staying in holiday homes often shop at Pasar Kranggan for morning delicacies and prepare Iga bakar, grilled beef ribs marinated in a rich sweet-savoury blend, perfect for sharing.

Yangpyeong, Seoul, Korea

South Korea is a top-tier foodie destination, blending bold flavours, regional specialities, and deep-rooted culinary traditions. Just outside Seoul, Yangpyeong, offers a scenic riverside escape, a favourite among food lovers for its scenic riverside setting and relaxed atmosphere. The Yangsuri Traditional Market is a highlight, offering fresh produce, meats, and seasonal specialties perfect for outdoor cooking and family gatherings. Holiday homes in Korea become hubs for samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and hanwoo (premium Korean beef) over charcoal or gas grills, accompanied by assorted vegetables. 

Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, is a vibrant hub for food lovers, known for its strong coffee culture, dynamic culinary scene, and thriving arts community. At the heart of it all is Cuba Street, a prime strip packed with indie cafés, craft beer bars, and inventive eateries that reflect the city’s creative spirit. Beyond the urban buzz, travellers staying in homes often embrace the classic Kiwi barbeque, grilling sausages, steaks, and fresh vegetables in relaxed backyard settings.