Where to travel for good food, according to chefs

What are the best and biggest food destinations in 2025? As #foodporn continues to feed our conversations and filter our social media feeds, we sat down with real foodporn stars (not food pornstars) to find the best countries to visit for good food.

There are many reasons why we travel, and in recent years, culinary experiences are climbing to the top. A recent study by McKinsey found that especially young people have a renewed thirst for travel, and seek alternatives to classic tourist activities. Food falls into this category, with trends around “street food crawls” emerging as a key interest.

It’s easy to see why. Turn on Netflix and you are bombarded with food shows, be they competitions, documentaries, or films around the subject. Food listicles and amateur reviews can be found all over the internet, in seconds on TikTok or at great lengths in more serious magazines. In Bangkok alone, conversations at the dinner table, water cooler, or Pilates mat always revolve around the same thing: Did you hear about that new restaurant? Have you tried this hidden gem? Do you have any tips?

Food is culture, and as travellers seek new experiences, it is integral to the itinerary for many. Therefore, we reached out to some of the most well-travelled and well-fed people we know. Asking Bangkok chefs from a variety of cuisines and cooking styles, we wanted to hear what they thought were the best food destinations for 2025 — outside of Thailand, of course. From the punchy flavours of Vietnam to the homey dishes of Valencia, pack your best eating pants and get booking.

[Featured Image Credit: Jonathan Beckman/Unsplash]

Food destinations 2025: Where to travel for good food, according to Bangkok chefs

Vietnam

We both have loved our time in Vietnam and are going again this year. Even though it is hugely popular around the world, we still think that there is still a lot to be discovered. Their unique blend of different cuisines really shows, from street food to newcomers in fine dining. It is always light, punchy, fresh, and vibrant. I think people should definitely travel to Vietnam more just for the food! —Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell and Michelle Goh, Mia Restaurant

Saigon

Now that Thailand has solidified itself as the top food destination in the region, it’s time to take a look at some new up-and-comer. From what I see happening, Saigon is the one to watch. Cool and contemporary concepts are popping up, and all by young, homegrown Vietnamese chefs. —Mario Tolentino, Kaleido Lifestyle Group

Valencia

I love Valencia because it’s a city that truly knows how to eat. As the birthplace of paella, it offers the most authentic versions—cooked over an open flame with bomba rice, rabbit, chicken, and snails. Spots like Casa Carmela and La Pepica serve it just right, with the perfect socarrat at the bottom. But Valencia isn’t just about paella. The city is packed with bold flavours, from the refreshing horchata and fartons to the rich, comforting All i Pebre, a traditional eel stew straight from the Albufera wetlands. Local gems like Esgarraet, a salty mix of roasted peppers and cod, showcase the simplicity and depth of Valencian cuisine. When I visit, I always make time for the Mercado Central, a paradise for any chef—fresh seafood, Iberian ham, and seasonal produce that inspires every dish. And for a modern twist on local flavours, Valencia’s Michelin-starred restaurants like Ricard Camarena are a must. To top it off, Valencia’s wine scene is impressive, with DO Valencia wines, especially the Bobal reds, perfectly complementing the city’s bold dishes. And if you’re out exploring, don’t miss an Agua de Valencia, a dangerously smooth mix of cava, orange juice, and spirits. For me, Valencia is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making it a top food destination worth experiencing in 2025. —Gerard Villaret, Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu

Georgia

Tbilisi is one of the most vibrant food and culture driven cities I’ve ever visited in my life. Spectacular people, amazing vibes, and drool-worthy food. —Deepanker Khosla, Haoma

India

India is a sensory overload! Bombay, in my experience. Beautiful, colourful, bright, diverse, full of spices in the air, energetic people, rich in history, and the unknown around every corner. This goes for the food, too! Indian food in India is an amazing adventure everyone should take. I, for one, cannot wait to go back. —Andrew Martin, Fatboy Izakaya

Mexico

People think Mexico is just tacos, but it’s always so much more. It’s intricate, it’s cultural. It comes from the heart. I recommend to start in the mothership of Mexican food in Oaxaca. It’s a quaint, beautiful city with the authentic, crazy, delicious, Mexican food. Where you can find a grandmother making tortillas on the street and you can taste the authenticity and love. Make your way up to Puebla and of course hit Mexico City, where some of the best Mexican chefs have spots. People think of Pujol, Contramar, and all the big boys, which are amazing, but I find the street food is the main star of Mexico. Mexico is similar to Thailand whether you go north, south, east, west; the different influences that make the food so unique. —Jason Licker, Sugar Daddy

Malaysia

Malaysia. Because of its unique blend of Indian, Chinese, Muslim, and Malay, the food scene is eclectic and diverse. —Alex Jarvis and Nicole Scott, Nothing Sacred

Singapore

Diversity is the name of the foodie game in Singapore, because you can pretty much find any cuisine in this island city. Their hawker centres are amazing too, and there’s something for everyone. Their natural wine scene is also booming and sophisticated bars are everywhere! —Goo Goo, Burmese pop-ups and supper clubs

Italy

I know, I know, I should probably take another pick, I should not fall into the stereotype, but what can I do, food is the fruit of history, of the sun, and of a natural disposition to spend a lot of time eating. Italy is blessed to encompasses all of the above. With a variety that can only come from thousand of years of expansion and afterwards being dominated for centuries by just about everybody around, carrying their cultures along. Alternations of luxury and extravagance to poverty and simplicity.

A mild, prosperous and diverse climate, able to influence a culture and happy metabolisms. From a regional fragmentation that enforced differences, precious differences, but with one common point, the sacrality of  food, the religious attachment to the ritual of eating in the core of a family and it’s social importance. A blind pride for something primordial as food and a moving anchoring to tradition. In Italy there is so much more than what the world thinks to know about Italian food. An ode to taste, wheat, and the poetry of nature. —Amerigo Tito Sesti, Electric Sheep

Japan

I believe Japan is the food destination of 2025, because the yen is low, and there are a lot of seasonal products. It is diverse and regional. Japan has a real historical food culture, combined with the perfectionism of the chefs’ knowledge. I am dreaming about it! —Maxim Baile, Sababa

New York

Japan, Hong Kong or New York City are top picks, but if I had to choose it would be New York for their incredible diversity and cuisine from all around the world. It’s vibrant, multicultural, and so much fun for food lovers! You can walk from one neighbourhood to another, and it feels like travelling between countries just through food. In NYC, Manhattan’s East Village is like a Japanese town with spots like Astor Place, packed with izakayas, ramen joints, and other Japanese eateries. —Wongwich ‘Ack’ Sripinyo, Sri Trat & Burapa Eastern Thai Cuisine