Top Destinations for Foodie Travellers in 2026

One of 2026’s biggest travel trends is travelling to experience the culture of different places across the world. While there are many ways to do this, one of the best ways to explore an area’s culture is through its food, and as such, food-themed travel is going to be huge in 2026. Whether you want to experience authentic street food or dine in award-winning Michelin-starred restaurants, eating the freshest produce available, the world is your oyster (literally in some cases!). Here are the top 7 destinations for foodie travellers in 2026.

Where Should Foodie Travellers Visit in 2026?

1. Crete – Greece

While many foodie travellers may be drawn towards national capitals, Crete shows that this does not necessarily need to be the case. Greece’s largest island – and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea – is one of the premier destinations for foodie travellers in 2026.

For years, the Mediterranean diet has been seen as one of the healthiest, with good fats such as olive oil forming a huge part of the diet, while an abundance of fresh seafood, grain,d fruits and vegetables make up the other elements.

Crete is the idyllic destination for a foodie holiday, known for its expansive olive groves and vineyards, and it is also quickly establishing itself as an up-and-coming wine enthusiast’s dream destination.

Another attraction of the food scene in Crete is the connection and reliance on the land. Being an island, resources are limited compared to mainland Greece, but that resilience has shaped Crete’s foodie scene, with gorgeous creations such as graviera cheese – made from the milk of mountain goats and sheep – as well as honey-sweetened desserts and wines, made from bees which have called the island home for longer than humans have.

Simple, delicious and light food, as well as stunning wine, make Crete a top destination for foodie travellers in 2026.

2. Glasgow – Scotland

Some people would turn their noses up at a place like Glasgow being mentioned in a foodie article, citing the stereotypical offerings of deep-fried pizza and other junk food, which has sadly become synonymous with Scotland’s largest city.

However, Glasgow has far more to offer than what you might initially think. In recent years, Glasgow’s foodie scene has exploded, with creative chefs coming from all over the world to try their hand at Glaswegian specialities.

There is a strong, deep connection to authentic Scottish food and locally sourced ingredients, with menus often featuring gourmet versions of Scottish classics, such as breakfast rolls and combining them with foreign influences: Scottish lorne sausage and black pudding stacks with rich and creamy hollaindaise sauce have become a staple, for example.

Glasgow has also taken advantage of its multiculturalism, and has previously been credited with the invention of Britain’s national dish: chicken tikka masala, thanks to the Indian community who have called the city home for generations.

Whether you’re searching for authentic Scottish food with a twist or want to experience some of the best international cuisine in Scotland, a trip to Glasgow is a must in 2026.

3. Lima – Peru

Lima has quickly become one of the world’s premier culinary destinations, thanks to its geographical location and large multicultural influence.

Lima has a wide range of foodie options, from traditional pre-Columbian food street offerings such as chuño and maize, which is still consumed today, more easily recognisable as popcorn.

However, it was not just the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century which has influenced Lima’s food scene – being on the Pacific side of South America, Lima has also had huge culinary influences from across the ocean, including elements of East and Southeast Asian cooking.

As a result, this has created a culinary melting pot in the Peruvian capital, where you can walk past a street food vendor selling empañadas, and a few steps later, enter an authentic Japanese restaurant, using fresh ingredients from the Pacific Ocean.

Eating socially is also a huge part of Peruvian culture, and parts of the city, such as Barranco and Miraflores, are excellent districts to enter to eat authentic Peruvian food over the course of hours with locals to fully immerse yourself in Lima’s vibrant foodie scene.

4. Osaka – Japan

Widely known as ‘Japan’s kitchen’, Osaka is a must-visit destination for foodies in 2026. 

Japanese food has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years, with more people becoming conscious of what they eat and opting for healthy options such as donburi and sushi, which are classic Japanese dishes.

However, for a true taste of Japan, you need to look further ahead than chain restaurants and supermarket sushi, which is exactly why Osaka needs to be on your travel list for a 2026 foodie holiday.

Street food is huge in Osaka, and the sheer variety can be overwhelming. Some favourites include okonomiyaki pancakes, quick and filling, as well as something for the more adventurous out there, such as takoyaki octopus balls, or crispy and delicious kushikatsu skewers.

For the ultimate Japanese dining experience, though, you need to visit some of Osaka’s traditional ramen shops. These are often decades old, and each ramen shop offers a slightly different way of cooking this authentic Japanese noodle soup, with recipes often being passed down through generations of skilled ramen chefs.

Osaka is the perfect foodie destination if you’re travelling on a budget, and if you wish to experience a less formal foodie trip, with a heavy focus on filling and affordable local eats rather than Michelin-starred restaurants.

5. Nice – France

Paris may take all the plaudits when it comes to fine dining across the world, but to avoid the crowds and expenses, a visit to Nice is essential for a foodie trip in 2026.

A perfect blend of authentic French cuisine paired with Mediterranean offerings, Nice is the ultimate blending pot of locations, offering the best of both worlds.

The region’s most famous dish is salad Niçoise, but there is a lot more out there than salad. Being a historic trading port between Europe and North Africa, there is also the African-Mediterranean influence in Nice’s culinary scene, with socca chickpea pancakes being a favourite among locals and tourists.

The local influence then comes back in, as thesepancakess are typically served with fresh seafood, caught just off Nice’s Mediterranean coastline.

Cours Saleya Market is an excellent place to visit, and the vibrant colours and smells show what Nice is all about. Niçoise people enjoy to graze rather than eat set meals, and you will see this in and around the market, where you can purchase an abundance of fresh ingredients, often sampling them at individual stalls before purchasing, ranging from fruits and vegetables to meat, fish and desserts.

If you want to experience the very best of relaxed Mediterranean coastal dining, then a trip to Nice needs to be on your agenda for 2026.

6. New York City – USA

The city that never sleeps is world-famous for a number of reasons, but it’s also one of the best destinations for a foodie trip in 2026.

New York City – or NYC – has long been synonymous with immigration to the United States, and over the years, this has created a fantastic culinary scene. With large Italian and Jewish communities in the city, the food offerings are spectacular, and New York pizza is arguably as famous as traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Similarly, world-famous Jewish delis also call NYC home, such as Katz’s Deli, which serves huge stuffed corned beef, pastrami, brisket and turkey sandwiches, with a side of sour pickles and matzo ball soup.

But it’s not just the foreign influence which gives New York City such precedence on the food scene. Think of the traditional hot dog carts which line the streets, (ask for yours topped with sauerkraut, onions and mustard – the New York way), from an informal dining perspective, while the city leads the way in the US with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in one city, with 69. For context, San Francisco is in second place with 30.

Whether you want a quick and tasty hot dog, a sizzling slice of Italian-American pizza, a sit-down meal at a Jewish deli or a five-star meal at a Michelin restaurant, New York City really has it all from a foodie point of view.

7. Tashkent – Uzbekistan

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has quickly become the food capital of Central Asia. 

A region which often goes unnoticed when it comes to travelling in general, a visit to Tashkent will open your eyes to the wonders and delights of Central Asian cuisine.

Centuries of Silk Road influence from both Europe and Asia have helped to shape Uzbek cuisine, and the capital city is the perfect example of the food scene in central Asia.

Some of the best food you can try is traditional Uzbek food, such as plov – a one-pot rice dish filled with onions, carrots and either beef or lamb for a succulent, hearty meal. Other Uzbek dishes which are definitely worth trying in Tashkent include somsa pastries and lagman noodles, both of which offer an authentic taste of Central Asia.

While many cuisines do not eat horse meat, in Uzbekistan it is still fairly common, so there is the option to try horse meat, or if you are unsure which meat is being served, you can always ask beforehand if you do not wish to eat horse.

Chorsu Bazaar is one of the best places to visit, and it is found in the Tashkent Old Town. This open-air market is a hub for foodies, with a strong influence on street food and social eating. The Uzbek people treat mealtimes as social occasions, so dining is as much of a get together and a catch-up as it is a meal. 

For an authentic taste of the emerging Central Asian culinary scene, a visit to Tashkent in 2026 is a must.

FAQs

What makes a destination a ‘foodie’ destination?

It’s more than just restaurants, it’s an entire food culture, which typically includes markets, street food, culinary traditions, food sources and more.

How do I find where locals eat?

The best local spots are often found away from the tourism hotspots. Step back a few streets from the main squares, or simply ask locals for their recommendations.

When is the best time to visit for food experiences?

This depends on the country. The summer months (in both hemispheres) are great for markets and food festivals, but good food is served year-round – you just need to look for it.

Are these destinations budget-friendly?

While places like New York City are significantly more expensive than Tashkent, there are budget-friendly options everywhere – a street food hot dog won’t cost a fortune, for example.

Are foodie destinations vegan-friendly?

Most major foodie destinations cater to all sorts of dietary requirements, but t is always best to ask a chef before sampling anything that you’re not 100% sure about.