Back to grid

Best food destinations in Asia

Back to grid
Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
8.7
Food here lives on two continents, just as the city does. Cross the Bosphorus by ferry to Kadikoy market on the Asian side for olives, cheese and meze. On the European side, eat a fish sandwich by the Galata Bridge. Finish with Turkish tea and baklava.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and its imperial treasures
  • 🚤 Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • 🕌 Admire the grand Hagia Sophia’s domes and mosaics
Ho Chi Minh City
A chaotic blend of history and energy
8.1
Food here is sweeter and bolder than in northern Vietnam. Street stalls sell banh mi, a crisp baguette stuffed with pork, pickles and herbs. Order com tam, broken rice with grilled pork, for lunch. Sit on a tiny plastic stool and eat what the locals eat.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Admire French colonial architecture at Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • 🏛️ Visit the War Remnants Museum for a moving history lesson
  • 🕳️ Walk through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels used during the war
Hanoi
Where tradition meets modern vibrancy
8.0
Steam, sizzling pork and fresh herbs fill the lanes of the Old Quarter. Pho is a beef noodle soup with a clear broth, eaten for breakfast. Bun cha is grilled pork patties in sweet fish sauce with rice noodles. Cap off the day with egg coffee, a creamy drink made here in 1946.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Ride a cyclo through Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s narrow streets
  • 🏯 Admire the ancient architecture of the Temple of Literature
  • 🌅 Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch locals at sunrise
Osaka
Castle, neon canals and street food
8.5
Locals call the city the nation's kitchen and take eating very seriously. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu fill the streets around Dotonbori. Visitors can eat until dawn at street stalls and izakayas. The local phrase kuidaore means to eat until you drop. Locals really mean it.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest
  • 🍢 Feast on street food at Dotonbori and see the neon lights
  • 🏯 Explore Osaka Castle and wander through its scenic park
Chengdu
Pandas, Hotpot and Laid-back Vibes
8.2
On the green Sichuan Basin, farms feed a cuisine famous for numbing heat. UNESCO named the city a City of Gastronomy in 2010. Eat mapo tofu, soft tofu in a bright red chilli sauce. Slurp dan dan noodles topped with minced pork. Hot pot nights run late here.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Stroll through Kuanzhai Alley for culture and food
  • 🏯 Explore historic Wuhou Shrine and Zhuge Liang’s legacy
  • 🐼 Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
7.7
Street food defines daily life in India's biggest coastal city. Vada pav, pav bhaji and bhel puri are cheap and filling. Visitors can eat fresh seafood in Koliwada and sip tea at Irani cafes with bun maska. Old Parsi restaurants add dhansak and berry pulao.
Highlights:
  • ⛴️ Explore the ancient Elephanta Caves by ferry
  • 🌅 Stroll along Marine Drive at sunset
  • 🗽 Visit the historic Gateway of India monument
Xi'an
Where history whispers through time
8.2
Silk Road traders brought Muslim influences to the city's food. Roujiamo pork sandwiches, biangbiang noodles and lamb soup with bread are local classics. Visitors can eat in the busy lanes of the Muslim Quarter. Dumpling banquets and cold noodles add to the choices for hungry travellers.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Stroll through the Muslim Quarter and taste hand-pulled noodles
  • 🗿 Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum
  • 🏯 Walk atop the ancient Xi’an City Wall and take in historic views
Fukuoka
Kyushu's biggest city, known for yatai and ramen
8.4
On Kyushu's north coast, this port city is the home of tonkotsu ramen, made with a creamy pork bone broth. After dark yatai, small open air food carts, line the riverside. Order a bowl with a side of mentaiko, which is spicy cod roe. Locals slurp it fast at the counter.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Explore Fukuoka Castle ruins during cherry blossom season
  • 🌅 Stroll through Ohori Park’s lakeside paths at sunset
  • 🍜 Slurp tonkotsu ramen at the original Ichiran stall
Penang
Heritage charm meets foodie heaven
7.9
The whole island is a hawker paradise of Chinese, Malay and Indian food. Assam laksa, nasi kandar and char kuey teow come from open air stalls. Visitors can also try durian and fresh seafood in Balik Pulau. Old kopitiams and Nyonya restaurants add to the island's food trails.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Take in panoramic views from Penang Hill funicular
  • ⛩️ Visit Kek Lok Si, Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple
  • 🏘️ Explore George Town’s UNESCO-listed heritage streets
Hyderabad
Where Ancient Meets Tech Revolution
8.0
During Ramadan, haleem stalls open across the old city for the evening meal. This slow cooked mix of meat, wheat and lentils has a protected status as a local speciality. Year round, order dum biryani, rice and meat sealed in a pot and cooked on low heat.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Tour the luxurious Taj Falaknuma Palace
  • 🕌 Visit the iconic Charminar and climb its tower
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Golconda Fort and its acoustics
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Hawker centres serve Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes at very low prices. Chicken rice, chilli crab, laksa and kaya toast are local classics. Visitors can eat at Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat and Tekka hawker centres. UNESCO added the city's hawker culture to its heritage list in 2020.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Sushi counters, ramen shops and izakayas cover every budget in Japan's capital. The Tsukiji outer market and Toyosu offer fresh seafood in the mornings. Visitors can eat standing at tiny yakitori stalls in Omoide Yokocho. Department store food halls sell bento, sweets and wagashi to take home.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
Glossy roast goose and barbecue pork hang in shop windows. The air smells of ginger and soy. Sit down in a cha chaan teng, a local tea cafe, for milk tea and egg tarts. Dim sum houses open early and fill up fast with families.
Highlights:
  • 🥢 Shop and eat street food in Mong Kok’s bustling markets
  • ⛴️ Sail across Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry
  • 🌇 Ride the Peak Tram and admire skyline views from Victoria Peak
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
Locals eat khao soi for lunch, a bowl of egg noodles in coconut curry broth topped with crunchy fried noodles. On Sunday evenings the Walking Street in the old town fills with food stalls. Grab sai ua, a spicy herb sausage. Eat it hot off the grill.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Kaiseki, the multi course meal of seasonal dishes, was refined in this former imperial capital. Tofu, pickles and matcha sweets also show the city's delicate style. Visitors can browse Nishiki Market and dine in old machiya townhouses. Michelin starred restaurants sit alongside humble noodle shops.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
Korean barbecue, street snacks and royal court cooking all meet in the capital. Gwangjang Market serves bindaetteok pancakes, mayak gimbap and knife cut noodles. Visitors can grill pork at Mapo or Jongno restaurants late into the evening. Modern Michelin starred kitchens reinterpret traditional Korean dishes.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Tbilisi
A blend of old-world charm and energy
7.5
Georgian feasts called supra centre on wine, bread and shared dishes. Khachapuri cheese bread, khinkali dumplings and walnut sauces fill local tables. Visitors can drink amber qvevri wine in old town cellars. Georgians have made wine for around 8,000 years. This city shows it in every glass.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the historic sulfur baths of Abanotubani
  • 🏘️ Wander the colorful streets of the Old Town
  • 🏰 Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress for city views
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
Night markets like Shilin and Raohe make the capital a snacking playground. Beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, gua bao and bubble tea are all easy to find. Visitors can eat soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung and shops on Yongkang Street. Michelin Guide entries cover everything from fine dining to street stalls.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Beitou hot springs
  • 🍢 Wander through the bustling Shilin Night Market and try local snacks
  • 🏙️ Take in the skyline views from the Taipei 101 observatory
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
8.1
Malay, Chinese and Indian kitchens sit side by side in Malaysia's capital. Nasi lemak, bak kut teh and roti canai are eaten at any hour. Visitors can eat at Jalan Alor's night stalls and old Chinatown shops. Rooftop bars and modern restaurants add a fine dining side.
Highlights:
  • 🪷 Visit the Batu Caves and climb the colorful staircase to the temple
  • 🛍️ Shop and dine in the bustling Bukit Bintang district
  • 🏙️ Stand beneath the towering Petronas Twin Towers and take in the view
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
8.9
Visit in autumn when the air is cool and clear. Then book a table for Peking duck. Bianyifang says it has roasted duck since 1416. Chefs carve the bird at your table into thin slices with crisp skin. Wrap each slice in a thin pancake with sweet bean sauce and scallion.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Explore the Summer Palace’s gardens and lakeside pavilions
  • 🧱 Climb the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
  • 🏯 Walk across Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City
Tel Aviv
Vibrant Beaches and Nonstop Energy
8.4
Fresh Mediterranean produce and Middle Eastern flavours shape the city's dining. Carmel Market sells spices, olives, fruit and fresh bread each day. Visitors can eat hummus, sabich and shakshuka in casual cafes. Modern chefs add creative takes at restaurants in Jaffa and Florentin for a newer taste.
Highlights:
  • 🏢 Admire Bauhaus architecture on tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard
  • 🏖️ Relax and people-watch along Gordon and Frishman Beaches
  • 🏘️ Stroll the historic alleys and flea market in Old Jaffa
Jerusalem
Ancient History Meets Modern Culture
8.8
Mahane Yehuda Market fills with spice stalls, bakeries and small restaurants. Palestinian, Sephardic, Ashkenazi and Armenian cooking all meet in the old city and beyond. Visitors can taste hummus, falafel and fresh knafeh near the Old City walls. The market turns into a lively bar scene after sunset.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Walk the ancient Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre
  • 🏰 Climb the Tower of David for sweeping Old City views
  • 🕍 Visit the sacred Western Wall for prayer and reflection
Ubud
Bali's Cultural and Spiritual Heart
7.9
Balinese cooking uses fresh spice pastes called base genep. Babi guling suckling pig and bebek betutu slow cooked duck are local specialities. Visitors can join cooking classes with rice field views. Organic cafes and market stalls add healthy plates for the many travellers who stay.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore the historic Ubud Palace and gardens
  • 🌿 Walk the scenic Campuhan Ridge for nature views
  • 🐒 Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
Macau
Where East meets West in style
8.3
Portuguese and Cantonese cooking merged here over four centuries. Minchi, African chicken and egg tarts appear on local menus. Visitors can eat in Taipa Village and the small restaurants of Coloane. UNESCO named the city a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 for this mix.
Highlights:
  • 🗼 Admire views from the towering Macau Tower
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Senado Square and its shops
  • 🏛️ Visit the historic Ruins of St. Paul's
Karachi
A city of history, culture and energy
6.1
Pakistan's largest city serves bold spicy food at every price level. Biryani, nihari, seekh kebabs and haleem all draw crowds at old restaurants. Visitors can eat late at Burns Road and Boat Basin food streets. Fresh seafood from the Arabian Sea adds even more choices.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Stroll through historic Frere Hall and its lush gardens
  • 🏰 Explore the stunning Mohatta Palace Museum’s architecture
  • 🏛️ Visit the iconic Mazar-e-Quaid, resting place of Jinnah
Busan
Beaches, Markets and Culture
8.3
Jagalchi Market is a huge seafood market by the harbour. Pick a live fish and a stall will slice it raw or grill it for you. Locals also love dwaeji gukbap, a pork and rice soup. Finish with ssiat hotteok, a sweet pancake stuffed with seeds and nuts.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Hike to the Beomeosa Temple nestled in the mountain forest
  • 🎨 Visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and its hillside murals
  • 🏖️ Relax on Haeundae Beach and watch the coastal sunset
Guangzhou
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
7.9
Yum cha is like a long brunch with tea and tiny steamed plates. Order shrimp dumplings, silky rice rolls and sweet pork buns. Join families on Sunday mornings at old teahouses like Tao Tao Ju. Pour tea for the others at your table before you pour your own.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall’s ornate Lingnan architecture
  • 🛳️ Cruise along the Pearl River to see Guangzhou illuminated at night
  • 🌇 Admire the skyline from the Canton Tower’s observation deck
Chennai
Culture, beaches and incredible South Indian food
7.0
Mornings begin with filter coffee, served frothy in a steel tumbler. Idli and dosa follow, with coconut chutney and sambar, a thin lentil stew. At lunch you eat a full meal off a banana leaf. Look for Chettinad dishes with black pepper heat and roasted spices.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore colonial landmarks and art at Fort St. George
  • ⛩️ Admire Dravidian architecture at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the Bay of Bengal at Marina Beach
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
8.6
At Dongmun Market, stalls sell fresh abalone, black pork and sweet Jeju tangerines. The island's haenyeo, women free divers, pull up much of the seafood. Try abalone porridge, then grill thick slices of black pork at a barbecue restaurant. UNESCO lists haenyeo culture as living heritage.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Visit the colorful Jeju Folk Village Museum
  • 🦇 Explore the stunning Manjanggul Lava Tube caves
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise from the volcanic Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Beirut
The Paris of the Middle East
7.1
Locals start the day with manakish, a flatbread baked with thyme or cheese. Lunch is a long shared spread of mezze. Order hummus, tabbouleh and fried kibbeh for the table. Then finish on Armenia Street with Arabic coffee and sweets. Plates keep coming until someone says stop.
Highlights:
  • 🕌 Explore Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque’s stunning architecture
  • 🏺 Visit the National Museum to see ancient artifacts
  • 🏛️ Wander historic Martyrs' Square and nearby downtown
Chongqing
China’s Mountain City on the Yangtze
7.5
Mala hot pot is the city's signature, a bubbling pot of beef tallow, chilli and numbing Sichuan pepper. Dip thin beef slices, tripe and tofu until they cook. The local nickname for the heat is a good warning. Cool down after with sweet rice dumplings in broth.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Admire panoramic city views from Nanshan Mountain
  • 🏘️ Stroll through historic Ciqikou Ancient Town
  • 🏮 Explore vibrant Hongya Cave, especially at night
Ipoh
Colonial Charm and Caves of Wonder
7.0
White coffee is how mornings start here. The beans are roasted with margarine and served with condensed milk. Old coffee shops around the old town fill up by 8 am. Eat bean sprout chicken, poached chicken with fat crunchy sprouts. Add a bowl of silky rice noodles in prawn broth.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the historical Han Chin Pet Soo museum
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through Concubine Lane’s vibrant heritage streets
  • ⛩️ Explore the stunning Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
Delhi
A Kaleidoscope of History and Culture
7.3
Emperor Shah Jahan built the walled city of Old Delhi in 1639. Its narrow lanes still have shops that are many decades old. Eat stuffed parathas on Paranthe Wali Gali. Then try crisp jalebi, orange spirals of fried batter soaked in sugar syrup, hot from the pan.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Walk through India Gate and relax in surrounding gardens
  • 🍢 Visit the bustling Chandni Chowk market for street food
  • 🏰 Explore the Red Fort’s majestic Mughal architecture
Kobe
Harbour city with hills, beef and hot springs
7.8
Marbled Kobe beef is graded strictly and served in steak houses across the city. Visitors can compare teppanyaki counters with quieter grill restaurants near Sannomiya. Nankinmachi Chinatown adds dumplings and street snacks. Nearby Nada breweries supply sake. Old bakeries recall the port's foreign trading days.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the lush Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
  • ♨️ Relax in the historic Arima Onsen hot springs
  • 🌆 Visit iconic Kobe Port Tower for stunning views
Tainan
Temples, Night Markets and Ancient Soul
7.9
Taiwan's old southern capital is famous for its snack culture. Danzai noodles, coffin bread and beef soup make good breakfasts. Visitors can eat all day along Shennong Street and Guohua Street. Small family shops have served the same recipes for generations to loyal locals and curious visitors.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll through atmospheric Shennong Old Street
  • 🗼 Visit the iconic Chihkan Tower with its rich history
  • 🏯 Explore the historic Tainan Confucius Temple grounds
Kolkata
The Cultural Heart of India
6.3
Fish, rice and sweets are central to Bengali cooking in this eastern city. Kathi rolls, puchka and mishti doi are all local favourites. Visitors can eat at old cabin restaurants and tea stalls near College Street. Sweet shops sell rasgulla and sandesh on almost every busy corner.
Highlights:
  • 🏢 Admire colonial architecture along B.B.D. Bagh and Park Street
  • 🚋 Ride a hand-pulled rickshaw through the bustling streets of old Kolkata
  • 🏛️ Visit the grand Victoria Memorial and stroll through its gardens
Amritsar
Golden spirituality in Punjab's heart
7.3
In Punjab near the Pakistan border, the Golden Temple kitchen feeds tens of thousands of people each day for free. You can join the meal on the floor with pilgrims. Afterwards order Amritsari kulcha, a stuffed bread baked in a clay oven and served with chickpeas.
Highlights:
  • 🇮🇳 Experience the energetic flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah Border
  • 🕯️ Reflect at Jallianwala Bagh, site of historic massacre
  • 💛 Visit the stunning Golden Temple, spiritual Sikh heart
Lucknow
City of Nawabs and kebabs
7.0
Nawabi cooking made this city famous for gentle spices and slow cooked meats. Galouti kebabs melt in the mouth and come with soft flaky paratha. Visitors can eat at old shops in Chowk and Aminabad. Tunday Kababi and creamy kulfi are local names to look for.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Walk through the historic Residency and its gardens
  • 🚪 Visit Rumi Darwaza, the iconic gateway of Lucknow
  • 🏰 Explore the architectural grandeur of Bara Imambara
Hiroshima
Peace Park, okonomiyaki and Miyajima ferry
8.4
Locals eat okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake, in layers rather than mixed up. Cabbage, noodles and egg are stacked in order on a hot griddle. Try it at Okonomimura, a building packed with small stalls on several floors. Oysters from the nearby bay are grilled or fried.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Stroll Shukkeien Garden’s tranquil bridges and ponds
  • 🏛️ View the haunting ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome
  • 🕊️ Reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Hoi An
Charming Lanterns and Timeless Streets
8.0
Cao lau is the town's signature dish, made with thick chewy noodles, pork, greens and crisp crackers. Pair it with white rose dumplings, shaped like small flowers. Eat at the night market by the Thu Bon river as paper lanterns light up the old town.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on scenic An Bang Beach nearby
  • 🏮 Witness vibrant lanterns glowing at night
  • 🏘️ Stroll through UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town
Malacca
Where centuries of culture converge
7.4
Peranakan Nyonya cooking was born in this old trading port. Chicken rice balls, laksa and cendol appear on local menus. Visitors can eat along Jonker Street's night market and in old shophouses. Portuguese Eurasian restaurants add fiery devil curry to the mix of flavours here.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the ruins of St. Paul's Church on the hill
  • 🗼 Climb Taming Sari Tower for panoramic city views
  • 🏛️ Explore historic Dutch Square with red colonial buildings
Nagoya
Castle, car makers and miso-rich food
7.7
Rich red miso flavours define the local cooking style called Nagoya meshi. Hitsumabushi eel, miso katsu and tebasaki chicken wings are local favourites. Visitors can eat at Osu Kannon's street stalls and the noodle shops near Atsuta Shrine. Coffee shops serve big morning sets with toast and eggs.
Highlights:
  • 🚄 Explore SCMAGLEV and Railway Park to see futuristic trains
  • ⛩️ Marvel at the Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto sites
  • 🏯 Admire the golden shachihoko ornaments at Nagoya Castle
Cebu City
History, Beaches and Adventure
6.7
Magellan landed nearby in 1521 and Spanish feast traditions followed. Locals made them their own with lechon, a whole pig roasted over coals and stuffed with lemongrass. The meat is so tasty it needs no sauce. Eat it with puso, rice steamed in small woven leaf pouches.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Dive or snorkel in the crystal waters of Mactan Island
  • 🙏 Explore the 16th-century Basilica del Santo Niño
  • ⛪ Visit Magellan’s Cross, a historic symbol of Cebu’s Christian heritage
Sapporo
Snow festival city with ramen and beer
7.7
Miso ramen was invented in the city and has spread across Japan. Soup curry, Genghis Khan lamb barbecue and fresh seafood also draw crowds. Visitors can eat at Ramen Alley and Nijo Market. Beer gardens serve cold local lager with grilled lamb in a historic brewery setting.
Highlights:
  • ⏰ Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower landmark
  • 🌳 Stroll through Odori Park, Sapporo’s central green space
  • 🌄 Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Moiwa Observatory
Takayama
Old town, morning markets and Hida beef
8.1
By 7 am sellers are setting up along the Miyagawa river for the morning market. They sell pickles, fresh vegetables and mitarashi dango, grilled rice dumplings glazed in soy sauce. Later try Takayama ramen, which has thin curly noodles in a light soy broth. Visit the old sake breweries next.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Tour the Takayama Jinya, the historic Edo government house
  • 🍠 Visit the morning markets along the Miyagawa River
  • 🏮 Wander through Takayama’s preserved old town of Sanmachi Suji
Bursa
Ottoman Heritage Meets Mountain Adventure
7.1
Iskender kebab is a doner plate taken up a notch. Thin lamb slices sit on bread with tomato sauce and hot melted butter. A cook named Iskender began serving it here in 1867. Finish with candied chestnuts, a sweet that has been made in the city for generations.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore the historic Koza Han silk market
  • 🕌 Visit the impressive 14th-century Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
  • 🚡 Ride Bursa Teleferik cable car to Uludağ Mountain
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Settlers from across Japan came to this northern island in the 1870s and built a farming and fishing economy. Cold seas bring crab, sea urchin and scallops. Sapporo is where miso ramen began in the 1950s. Dairy is big too, with fresh milk and soft ice cream.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Hakodate
Harbour night view, seafood and a star fort
7.7
Hakodate was one of the ports opened to foreign ships in 1854. The harbour still brings in fresh squid. At the morning market you can catch squid yourself in a tank and have it served as sashimi. Warm up after with a bowl of salty shio ramen.
Highlights:
  • 🦀 Visit Hakodate Morning Market for fresh seafood
  • 🏰 Explore the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and tower
  • 🌇 View the cityscape from Mount Hakodate at sunset
Wuhan
Where history meets the Yangtze
7.1
Hot dry noodles are the breakfast fuel of Hubei's largest city. Doupi, duck neck and lotus root soup add to the local table. Visitors can eat along Hubu Alley near the Yangtze River. Crayfish shops open late in summer and stay busy until well after midnight.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll through the vast and scenic East Lake Park
  • 🏺 Explore ancient relics at Hubei Provincial Museum
  • 🗼 Climb the iconic Yellow Crane Tower for city views
Changsha
Ancient Roots, Spicy Eats, Modern Buzz
7.3
Sharp chilli and frying garlic drift down the night streets. Hunan food is hot and sour with a dry kind of heat. Try the black stinky tofu at Fire Palace. Order red braised pork, a slow cooked dish of soy sauce and sugar that was a favourite of Chairman Mao.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll lively Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street
  • 🏺 Explore ancient artifacts at Hunan Provincial Museum
  • ⛰️ Climb historic Yuelu Mountain and visit Yuelu Academy
Kagoshima
Volcano views, samurai history and black pork
7.7
Kurobuta black pork from southern Kyushu is the pride of local menus. Satsuma cooking also brings fish cakes, sweet potatoes and shochu spirits. Visitors can eat with views of the Sakurajima volcano across the bay. Shirokuma shaved ice makes a cool dessert stop on warm days.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Watch city and volcanic views from Shiroyama Observatory
  • 🌋 Take ferry to active volcano Sakurajima and explore trails
  • 🏯 Tour Sengan-en garden with views of Sakurajima volcano
Jeonju
Historic Hanok villages echo timeless Korean charm
8.8
UNESCO named this Korean city a City of Gastronomy in 2012. Bibimbap and bean sprout soup are local classics served with many side dishes. Visitors can walk through Hanok Village and sample skewers and choco pies. Makgeolli taverns bring a table full of dishes with each kettle of rice wine.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Walk Hanok Village, photograph traditional rooftops
  • 🍲 Taste bibimbap at Gyeonbokgung Street market
  • ⛪ Explore Jeondong Catholic Cathedral's Gothic architecture
Kyushu
Volcanoes, onsen and tonkotsu ramen
8.4
Japan's southwestern island serves several distinct ramen styles from Hakata to Kumamoto. Shochu, chicken dishes and Nagasaki champon show strong regional pride. Visitors can eat food steamed by volcanic vents in the hot spring town of Beppu. Yatai stalls and onsen towns make food trips easy.
Highlights:
  • 🕊️ Explore historic Nagasaki Peace Park memorial
  • 🥾 Hike scenic trails at Mount Aso volcanic caldera
  • ♨️ Relax in Beppu’s famous hot spring baths
Ahmedabad
Where heritage meets modern India
7.3
Sultan Ahmad Shah founded the walled city in 1411. UNESCO named it a World Heritage City in 2017. Sit down to a Gujarati thali, a platter of small sweet and spicy dishes. After dark Manek Chowk turns from a jewellery market into a busy food court.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Wander through the old city’s UNESCO-listed heritage streets
  • 💧 Admire intricate carvings at the Adalaj Stepwell
  • 🕊️ Visit the Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi’s historic residence and museum
Binondo
World’s Oldest Vibrant Chinatown
7.6
Ongpin Street is the main strip of Manila's Chinatown. Lines form at old shops for steamed siopao buns and flaky hopia pastries. Join a food walk and sample lumpia, noodles and dumplings. Spanish officials set up Binondo in 1594 for Chinese Catholic traders. Come hungry.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk across the beautifully restored Jones Bridge at sunset
  • 🥟 Taste authentic dim sum and hopia on Ongpin Street
  • ⛪ Explore historic Binondo Church and Plaza San Lorenzo
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
9.0
Sweet and savoury Shanghainese cooking is known for red braised pork and delicate dumplings. Xiaolongbao soup dumplings and sheng jian bao pan fried buns are breakfast staples. Visitors can eat in old lane houses and modern rooftop restaurants. Hairy crab season in autumn draws diners from across China.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Wander through Yu Garden and explore its traditional pavilions
  • 🏙️ Take the world’s fastest elevator to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck
  • 🌃 Admire Shanghai’s skyline from The Bund promenade at night
George Town – Penang
Street Art, Heritage and Food Heaven
7.0
Eat all day here, since hawker stalls open for breakfast and some stay busy past midnight. Order char kway teow, wok fried noodles with prawns. Add assam laksa, a sour fish noodle soup. UNESCO listed the old town as a World Heritage site in 2008.
Highlights:
  • 🏠 Visit the historic Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion
  • 🎨 Discover vibrant street art along Armenian Street
  • 🏛️ Explore Pinang Peranakan Mansion's rich heritage
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan reaches Omicho Market every morning. Kaga cuisine adds delicate dishes such as jibuni duck stew and fine sushi. Visitors can eat gold leaf soft serve in the old Higashi Chaya district. Sweet shops and green tea houses keep the historic alleys busy.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Hue
Imperial Vietnam on the Perfume River
7.2
Midway down Vietnam's coast, the Perfume River runs past the old imperial citadel. Cooks here once made tiny, careful dishes fit for royalty. Today try bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass. Look for banh beo, little steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Tour the ornate Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
  • 🛕 Visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda by Perfume River
  • 🏯 Explore the vast Imperial Citadel of Hue
Kaohsiung
Harbor Lights, Art and Night Markets
7.3
Taiwan's southern port city has a laid back food scene of seafood and night markets. Liuhe and Ruifeng night markets sell grilled squid, papaya milk and oyster omelets. Visitors can eat fresh fish at the seafood street on Cijin Island. Trendy cafes in the Pier 2 art district add a modern side.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll the vibrant Pier-2 Art Center waterfront
  • 🐉 Explore Lotus Pond and its iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
  • 🌈 Visit the stunning Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard MRT
Chiang Rai
Temples, Misty Mountains, Lanna Soul
7.0
Think of a smaller and calmer version of Chiang Mai's food scene. Khao soi here comes in a rich coconut broth. On Saturday evenings a walking street fills with stalls. Hill farms near the city grow coffee and tea, so a morning cup is easy to find.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Explore the vast grounds of Wat Huay Pla Kang temple
  • 🔵 Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, the striking Blue Temple
  • 🏯 Marvel at the intricate designs of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Aleppo
Ancient Markets and Resilient Spirit
5.7
A mild fruity heat runs through the cooking here. The red pepper flakes behind it are named Aleppo pepper. Order kibbeh, a shell of bulgur wheat filled with spiced meat. Syrian cooks shape kibbeh in many ways. Look for kebab served with sour cherries. Finish with pistachio sweets and strong coffee.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Discover the ancient Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Aleppo’s history
  • 🛍️ Explore the lively Aleppo Souks and taste traditional Syrian delights
  • 🏰 Visit the historic Aleppo Citadel and enjoy panoramic city views
Sendai
Tohoku's biggest city with samurai roots
7.3
Gyutan grilled beef tongue is the signature dish of this northern city. Fish cakes, zunda mochi and oysters from nearby Matsushima Bay round out local menus. Visitors can eat at gyutan restaurants near the station. Local sake from Miyagi prefecture ends the night well for most diners.
Highlights:
  • 🥩 Taste Sendai’s legendary grilled beef tongue, gyutan
  • 🌳 Walk the lush Jozenji-dori Avenue lined with zelkova trees
  • 🎎 Visit the ornate mausoleum of Date Masamune at Zuihoden
Otaru
Canal warehouses, glass shops and sushi
8.0
Sushi Street near the harbour packs many family run sushi restaurants. Fresh Hokkaido crab, uni and salmon roe come in from the port each morning. Visitors can stroll the old canal and try local sweets and glass shops. LeTao cheesecakes and cream puffs make good souvenirs.
Highlights:
  • 🦐 Explore the bustling Sankaku Fish Market for fresh seafood
  • 🎼 Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum and craft your own
  • 🌅 Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal at sunset
Hainan
China’s Tropical Escape-Beaches & Beyond
7.6
Wenchang chicken is the island's signature dish. It is poached whole and served with a ginger and lime dip. The rice is cooked in the broth. Fresh seafood fills the coastal markets too. Locals call Wenchang chicken, Jiaji duck, Dongshan goat and Hele crab the four famous dishes of Hainan.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore Yanoda Tropical Rainforest Park trails
  • ⛩️ Visit the serene Nanshan Temple and gardens
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine Yalong Bay beach
Yonezawa
Uesugi castle town, beef and snow lanterns
7.3
Marbled wagyu raised in the Okitama basin is the pride of this castle town. Samurai lords of the Uesugi clan promoted carp farming and simple local dishes. Visitors can try the beef as sukiyaki, steak or yakiniku at family run restaurants. Curly ramen noodles and local sake round out the menu.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Admire cherry blossoms at Matsugasaki Park in spring
  • ⛩️ Visit Uesugi Shrine and stroll the peaceful grounds
  • 🥩 Taste Yonezawa beef, one of Japan’s finest wagyu
Niigata
Rice, sake and the Sea of Japan
6.9
Rice paddies and snowmelt water produce some of Japan's most loved rice. Nearly ninety sake breweries operate in the prefecture. Visitors can taste sake, fresh seafood and hegi soba noodles. The Ponshukan tasting hall at the station lets visitors try dozens of local sake for a small fee.
Highlights:
  • 🍶 Sample premium sake in the Ponshukan Sake Museum
  • 🌉 Cross the Bandai Bridge and view the Shinano River at sunset
  • 🍣 Savour fresh Niigata sushi made with local rice and seafood
Goa
Beaches, Culture and Portuguese Heritage
7.2
Lunch here is often fish curry and rice at a family run beach shack. Portuguese rule lasted until 1961 and left vinegar, garlic and pork on Goan plates. Try vindaloo, a tangy red pork curry. Or order sorpotel, a spiced pork stew that tastes better the next day.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Join a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River
  • ⛪ Explore Old Goa’s UNESCO-listed churches and cathedrals
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Palolem Beach
Yamagata
Tohoku castle town near Yamadera and Zao
7.4
Soba noodles and mountain vegetables define this northern region's cooking. Imoni taro stew is cooked in giant pots on riverbanks each autumn. Visitors can taste cherries, sake and Yonezawa beef. Hot spring towns like Ginzan Onsen add cosy dinners in old wooden inns nearby for tired hikers.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the hot springs at Ginzan Onsen
  • ⛷️ Ski or snowboard at Yamagata Zao Onsen Resort
  • ⛩️ Climb 1,015 steps to scenic Yamadera Temple
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
8.4
Longevity diets and southern island flavours define local cooking. Goya champuru, Okinawa soba and rafute pork are everyday dishes. Visitors can eat at Makishi Public Market and buy fresh fish downstairs to be cooked upstairs. Awamori spirit and tropical fruit add sweet and strong finishes.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on white sands of Emerald and Zanpa Beaches
  • 🏯 Explore historic Shuri Castle, former Ryukyu Kingdom palace
  • 🐋 Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks
Hida
Carp canal and sake town near Takayama
7.3
Deep in the mountains of northern Gifu, farms raise cattle for Hida beef, which is soft and richly marbled. You can grill it on a magnolia leaf with sweet miso, a local style called hoba miso. Add pickled mountain vegetables and a cup of local sake.
Highlights:
  • 🚆 Ride the scenic Hida-Furukawa rail line through mountain valleys
  • 🍶 Take a sake brewery tour and sample local varieties
  • 🏮 Wander through the preserved streets of Hida-Furukawa
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
Grilled meat smoke and cardamom coffee fill the lanes of Deira. The Spice Souk and Gold Souk are minutes apart. Eat shawarma on the street and try machboos, an Emirati dish of spiced rice with lamb or chicken. Cross the creek on an abra, a small wooden water taxi.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Feedback