Thailand Voted Top Country for Food in 2025
- 11 December 2025
Thailand Voted Top Country for Food in 2025
10. Peru
Earlier this year, Peru’s capital, Lima, was selected by Condé Nast Traveller’s global editors as one of the best places to eat in 2025, and now our readers are catching on to the booming culinary scene here too. Sometimes “less is more,” and Peru’s no-fuss restaurants cut out all the unnecessary extras to let the flavor speak for itself—and it clearly works, as Maido in Lima scooped the prestigious “World’s Best Restaurant” title earlier this year. Peru’s flavor profile maps out a stunning cross-continental journey, rooted in Spanish colonial history and Asian labor migration. Despite its embrace of foreign influence, ancient indigenous techniques still feature prominently. In fact, evidence suggests that ceviche has been a coastal Peruvian staple for around 2,000 years, when fishermen created the earliest form of the tangy, raw-fish bowl we know and love today.
9. South Africa
South Africa is another culinary destination that shines through diversity, blending cooking from indigenous people, as well as Indian, Malay, and European communities. Succulent meat is central to almost every meal, so try “braai,” or traditional South African barbecue, to truly get to the core of the food culture. This all-day affair forces participants to slow down, enjoy hours of laughter and conversation, all while fueling up with non-stop plates of grilled chicken, lamb, and beef.
8. Greece
Greece is a patchwork of a sprawling mainland and some 6,000 glittering islands, and each vibrant corner offers something new to the dining narrative. Take a ferry over to Mykonos for Cycladic-style dishes in a hidden taverna, while in Athens, chefs are reinventing classic recipes through various inventive methods. No matter the presentation, this Mediterranean nation’s classic cuisine has won hearts around the world. Think sizzling souvlaki skewers, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and small bowls packed with some of the world’s best olives. Dining often takes place alfresco, meaning there’s always an enchanting view at the table.
7. Sri Lanka
Looking for spice? Sri Lanka is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The food here is packed with fiery ingredients, color, and plenty of coconut. Head to Pettah Market in Colombo to soak it all in. Kothu is a popular street food where finely chopped roti, vegetables, and meat are tossed together on a hot skillet, while the bowl-shaped pancakes called hoppers are filled with fried eggs, chutneys, and curry—they are a versatile choice for all three daily meals. Most Sri Lankan food focuses on home cooking traditions, and it’s this touch of love from family recipes passed down through generations that makes the food here truly special.
6. New Zealand
Though New Zealand may be the furthest away from the UK, its culinary charm is by no means diminished. The island nation’s cooking methods are constantly evolving and improving, from the popular “farm-to-table” movement to the world’s first “winery airline.” But there’s also a clear loyalty to tradition. Hāngī is a Māori method of cooking in an underground pit where food trays are steamed over hot stones for hours. The result is an unmatched flavor profile infused with smoke and earthiness that will change how you think about oven-cooked food forever. You’ll notice some familiar foods, too, such as fish and chips or even jam scones.
5. Spain
Spain’s food scene has been going from strength to strength in recent years, slowly climbing the ranks to become Europe’s most delicious destination. San Sebastian is often regarded as the culinary capital, home to burnt Basque cheesecake, pintxos culture, and a multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants. But there are many others that should be on your dining bucket list: Seville for gazpachos and Valencia for grand paellas. A special mention this year goes to Etxebarri in Atxondo, which scooped second place in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Awards. The restaurant may be off the beaten track, as it’s located in a rural farmhouse beneath the Anboto mountains.
4. Vietnam
Everyone has seen the images of Vietnam’s lush terraced rice fields, so it’s no surprise that the ingredients here are among the freshest. Rice comes in every shape and size—piping hot bowls, delicate vermicelli, spring roll sheets—but it’s always served with locally grown vegetables, tender meats, and herbaceous aromas. Every backpacker will vouch for street food spots, from floating markets like Cai Rang to back alleys like Xom Chieuas that serve top-tier Vietnamese food for relatively cheap. But if you’re looking for something a little more refined, try Ciel Dining in Ho Chi Minh City, which was selected as one of the Best New Restaurants for the 2025 Hot List.
3. Japan
Japanese cuisine takes the bronze medal and is one of the most beloved cuisines worldwide, showing no signs of slowing down in the innovative fusion menus popping up globally. Of course, no one does Japanese food better than the Japanese themselves, and a trip to the island nation will make you an even bigger fan. Tokyo is the obvious choice for a food-focused break, filled with chic restaurants like Sazenka, Narisawa, and Den. But for an even deeper experience, book a stay in a ryokan, where a gracious host will share their home-cooked food on cushioned tatami mats. Nôtori also deserves a special mention—an intimate restaurant with just nine counter seats, tucked away at the foot of Mount Fuji.
2. Italy
For many, a trip to Italy isn’t just a holiday, it’s a tasting destination. Crispy cannoli in Sicily, pizzas bigger than your table in Naples, and nut-infused risottos in Milan are essential stops. And while it’s hard to pinpoint a culinary epicenter, many would agree that Emilia-Romagna deserves the “Food Capital” moniker the most. Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto ham, Lasagne Bolognese, even balsamic vinegar—the list of world-famous delicacies to originate in this region goes on, making nowhere else in Italy more suitable for a foodie.
1. Thailand
Thailand has been hailed as the country with the best food in 2025, and there are many reasons why the title is well-deserved. Seven Bangkok-based restaurants ranked in the top 35 of this year’s prestigious World’s Best Restaurants ranking. Strong regional variety means each destination is encapsulated in an un-tasted flavor, and the vibrant night markets mean the sampling rarely stops. Thailand manages to deliver mouth-watering food with minimal fuss, and whether you are a fan of Thai cuisine or not, a good bowl of curry or a plate of rice with chili paste is hard to beat for a bit of comfort food.
Resource : cntraveller
