The 12 best gastronomic destinations in the world

Wake up your taste buds on a trip! Here is a world tour (not exhaustive) of the 12 best gastronomic destinations in the world!

Do you like gourmet trips? Are you hungry for culinary discoveries? We can't give you too much reason! The discovery of a country also passes through its gastronomy. Here is a tour of the 12 destinations to put absolutely on the menu of your next trips!

1. Italy

If you ask what are the best gastronomic destinations in the world, there is a great chance that you are advised to put your suitcases in Italy! If it is a country that has been able to spread its culinary specialties, it is this one. Pizzas are among the most beloved dishes in the world! Yet Italian cuisine has regional treasures that it would be a shame not to taste. Lasagna and beef brasato al barolo Bologna, agnolotti Piedmont, tiramisu of Venice, the olive oil of Puglia... and everywhere, Italian wines of international renown. Certainly, a gastronomic road trip to Italy will spark your taste buds for a long time!

2. Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco's tourist city, is regularly quoted as the first gourmet destination in the TripAdvisor site rankings. It must be said that Moroccan cuisine comes from ancestral know-how and high quality local products. A true cultural pillar of the country, it reflects its different roots. Spices, such as cinnamon or saffron, orange blossom, honey, mint, olives delightfully combine salads and meat dishes. Its street cuisine is as popular as its large starred restaurants. Proof of its consecration, the gastronomy of Morocco was ranked 2nd gastronomic destination in the world in 2015, by the British Worldsim site which collects traveler reviews.

3. Spain

Like Morocco, Spain draws the richness of its gastronomy in its mixed history. The civilizations that passed through its lands left their mark. The Phoenicians have left many recipes of sauces, the Greeks have delivered the secrets of olive oil and the Romans have integrated their own aromas into Spanish dishes. The Moors, on the other hand, marked Spanish cuisine with fruits, nuts, rice, spices, and gazpacho. The conquest of the Americas also allowed the import of products such as vanilla, chocolate or potato. All these flavours are found in tapas bars and restaurants in the country, notably in Valencia, Barcelona or Seville.

4. Peru

Since 2012, Peru has been regularly awarded World Travel Awards in the category of the world's best gastronomic destinations. Peruvian cuisine is one of the best-class restaurants. In addition to an incredible number of emblematic dishes from the country, it can proudly marry the flavors of Africa, Asia and Europe. Among the specialties you can enjoy on site, the ceviche is certainly the best known. But don’t miss either aji de gallina (gunshot) camarone chupe (shrimp soup) or cuy stew (Indian corkscrew). dessert side, the alfajores or doughnuts with sweet potatoes have the favor of sweet beaks.

5. Mexico

Another essential gourmet destination in Latin America, Mexico is a paradise for gourmets. Its cuisine is also part of UNESCO’s world heritage. It is rich in a pre-Hispanic heritage, mixed with European influences from the Spanish conquest. African, Caribbean, Asian and Middle Eastern touches are also found in its dishes. The flagship ingredient in traditional Mexican cuisine remains corn, bean, avocado, chili pepper and rice. Among the most iconic dishes you can enjoy, here is the famous chili con carne , enchiladas , guacamole , or tamales . It will be easy to taste the country's specialities in the street, especially in Oaxaca, and in local markets.

6. Japan

In the Pays du Soleil Levant, the kitchen is healthy, balanced and dietary. Here, gastronomy and philosophy live in close harmony. Traditions and rules are very strong. A meal consists of a soup, a bowl of rice and three accompaniments, usually based on vegetables or fish. The dishes must be finished at the same time. Rice, soybean and seafood are at the heart of preparations. Chinese, Korean and western influences are present in many specialties today. National cuisine, the ramen is a noodle broth with soy sauce, in which seafood, vegetables, eggs or onions are added.

7. India

If there is a country where spices are queen, it is India! Cumin, saffron, curcuma, saffron, clove or nutmeg, they give the dishes a refined flavor and subtle blends. The diversity of ingredients makes Indian cuisine unique. Yet, between North India and South India, the cuisine varies greatly. A dominant vegetarian in the south, dishes like dahl red lentils, matar paneer or vegetables korma are a delight. To the north, we eat chicken tikka masala , biryani , or cooked meats tandoori . India is one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world and also one of the most diversified locally.

8. Greece

Of course, there's the famous moussaka , tzaziki and the leaves of stuffed vines. Yet, Greek cuisine is not just about its emblematic dishes. A new generation of chefs revisits the country's best specialties in recent years: grilled octopus with beans purée, spanakopita (flag, feta and herbs), or galaktoboureko , a delicious traditional dessert based on semoule and cream pastry with lemon... As you travel to Greece, you will almost never be disappointed: even the most isolated family taverns offer fresh and sun-filled cuisine.

9. South Korea

The Korean cuisine has the wind in the stern, testifying to the many korean barbecues in the capitals or the multiplication of Korean restaurants and supermarkets. The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2017 in Seoul also attests to the dynamism of South Korea’s culinary scene. The dishes like kimchi , bulgogi or bibimbap are increasingly plebiscited by foreigners. The kimchi , based on fermented Chinese cabbage and marinated with pepper is the national dish.

10. Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the most famous destinations in the world to make good money. Varied, fresh, delicate, Lebanese cuisine mixes a lot of fruits and vegetables, dairy and cereals. The lamb also occupies a place of choice. The assortments of mezzes are perfect to awaken your palate to all culinary subtleties: taboulé, houmous, labneh, falafels, moussaka... The plates are colorful and very appetizing! Most importantly, try to treat yourself with hunger: meals are very hearty in Lebanese restaurants.

11. Thailand

If the gastronomic experience is an integral part of your choice of destination, Thailand must be listed! Southeast Asia is recognized for its delicate, spicy and healthy cuisine. In Thailand, we cook curry like nowhere else. This dish of Muslim origin comes from chicken, lamb or tofu. The massaman Thai, a beef curry with cashew nuts is a must. Lemongrass, coriander or basil make wonders in Thai dishes, also very spicy. The pad Thai , other speciality in shrimp or chicken, eats everywhere in the streets of the country. And to accompany your meal, naam gek huay , a juice with chrysanthemum flowers should surprise you pleasantly.

12. France

We can't close this little round of the culinary world without talking about France! If the country is in the top of the list, it is probably thanks to its great leaders, such as Guy Savoie, elected Best Chief 2019 of The List, a ranking from the compilation of hundreds of guides and millions of online opinions. However, French culinary diversity is expressed primarily in its regions. Southwest duck magret, seafood products in Brittany, Provençal aioli, Alsatian sauerkraut, Savoyard fondue. Everywhere, big wine fields... No doubt, the cultural dimension of the Hexagon is also discovered on its plate!