Many places claim to be a culinary capital, but where are the world’s latest and greatest foodie hotspots? If you like to dine well on holiday – be it street food or Michelin star – you’re guaranteed great eats in one of these destinations.
Bangkok
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
The fiery and flavoursome tastes of Thai cuisine have long drawn visitors to the capital, which plays host to cuisine from each of Thailand’s four regions. From atmospheric markets to tower-top gourmet restaurants, Bangkok is a sophisticated gourmet destination, with European, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine well represented too.
Bologna
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Bologna is known as La Grassa (Fat Lady) for good reason: there’s no use watching the waistline in a place that spawned so many Italian classics, from the eponymous Bolognese sauce to tortellini and the world’s finest ice cream. Furthermore, there’s not a single tourist trap in town.
Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Cape Town’s ‘rainbow cuisine’ has diverse origins in indigenous cooking and settler cuisine, with influences from Portugal, the Netherlands, France, Germany, the UK and Southeast Asia. Cape Town distils this into a wonderful mix of casual and fine dining restaurants fuelled by a lively ‘eat out’ culture, and world-class wines from the nearby vineyards.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Now widely regarded as one of Europe’s gourmet stars, Copenhagen is home to Noma, crowned ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ three years on the trot at the San Pellegrino awards. Noma’s success has sparked a gourmet movement in a city whose culinary strong suit is locally caught fish and seafood.