Whether it’s tucking into a 12-course tasting menu or sampling local delicacies from a street vendor, the fastest way to the heart of a country’s culture is often the food on your plate.
With 81% of Vietnamese travelers wanting to experience new foods when traveling, Booking.com has delved into its reviews from real travelers to present a bucket list of gourmet travel experiences for those in search of exceptional quality and stellar VIP service. From superstar gourmet capitals to hidden gastronomic gems, these six delicious destinations will have your mouth watering in no time.
São Paolo, Brazil
One of the most exciting gastronomic capitals in the world, São Paolo is the most recommended destination for fine dining according to global Booking.com travelers. Home to an impressive nine of the 14 Michelin-starred restaurants in Brazil, the food there is an experience not to be missed. Must-tries include the Brazilian delicacy ‘coxinha,’ a golden shredded chicken croquette shaped to resemble a drumstick, and the ‘feijoada,’ a rich black bean stew – both found on the menu in many of the vibrant cafes, bars and food markets. Visitors can improve their street food smarts with a São Paulo Markets Private Tour tasting local delicacies and learning about this city’s best food markets.
Madrid, Spain
This dynamic capital city, known for its world-class museums and laidback lifestyle, offers a fabulous food scene, full of internationally trained chefs experimenting with novel ingredients and cooking techniques. With over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants from world class chefs, Madrid is the place to visit for those wanting an exclusive food experience. For a culinary adventure, try the Private Guided Food Tour where visitors can visit numerous eateries, tapas bars and food markets, taste the local specialities and gain insights into Madrid's culinary traditions.
Rimini, Italy
With stunning golden beaches on the Adriatic Sea, beautiful historic architecture and a flourishing food scene, Rimini is one of Italy’s greatest hidden gems. It’s little wonder this coastal city, where life revolves around fine dining, is one of the most recommended destinations for gourmet cuisine according to Booking.com travelers. Visitors can explore its gastronomy with a Small-group Street Food Tour roaming around the cobbled streets and chic piazzas of Rimini, accompanied by an expert guide to discover Italy’s culinary classics. Street food ‘temples’ offer scrumptious local delicacies such as Rimini’s signature ‘piada,’ unleavened bread served hot and filled with soft cheese.
Lyon, France
Known as France’s gastronomic capital and home to a staggering 17 Michelin-starred restaurants, this dynamic city is one of the most recommended destinations for gourmet food according to Booking.com travelers. Its cuisine merges ingredients from the north with fresh, seasonal vegetables, wine and olive oil produced in the valleys further south. Visitors can savor traditional dishes in the checked table clothed bistros in Vieux Lyon, or immerse themselves in a Guided Food Tour to learn about France’s culinary culture and stop at five locations to sample delicious local delicacies.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Located on Vietnam's eastern coastline, surrounded by beaches and mountains, Da Nang is a rising city which has something for everyone. Seafood lovers would adore the city immediately for its fresh dishes, endless choices to match anyone's taste. On top of that, the city offers the heart and soul food of the Central region of Vietnam. Look for 'bun bo Hue', the royal's beef noodles; 'banh xeo', the sizzling cake; or a fresh roll of pork and vegetables dipped into specialties fish sauce and enjoy the true taste of local, indigenous ingredients made from time-proof recipes that got passed down from generation to generation. Culinary enthusiasts could also explore the local market to learn more about the local culture and fresh produce as well as participate in traditional Vietnamese cooking class in Da Nang
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is famed for its Friday brunch buffets – lavish events with live cooking stations and copious amounts of drinks – and there’s an evolving focus on home-grown cuisine. The city is made for foodies, with a plethora of insta-worthy restaurants, street kitchens and food trucks presented from almost every nationality around the world. To further explore its foodie scene, check out the Dubai Street Food Tour where attendees get to journey through the streets of Dubai's old quarter and discover its traditional food culture, trying out a range of Arabic, Indian and Asian dishes on this four-hour private tour.
