Food Tourism: The Ultimate Culinary Destinations for 2023

The desire to discover new flavors and culinary traditions has become a primary motivation for travel, with food tourism growing exponentially in recent years. For the passionate food traveler, a destination's gastronomic offerings are not merely sustenance but windows into its culture, history, and soul.

At Sunset Meadow, our guides often note that food-focused experiences create some of the most vivid and lasting travel memories. There's something uniquely intimate about sharing a meal prepared with local ingredients according to time-honored traditions—it engages all the senses and creates connections that transcend language barriers.

As we look ahead to 2023, we've compiled this definitive guide to the world's most extraordinary culinary destinations, from established food capitals to emerging epicurean hotspots. Whether you're a dedicated gourmand or simply someone who appreciates a good meal, these destinations promise unforgettable gastronomic adventures.

The Established Food Capitals

These destinations have long been recognized for their exceptional culinary traditions and continue to evolve while honoring their gastronomic heritage:

Tokyo, Japan

With more Michelin stars than any other city globally, Tokyo represents the pinnacle of culinary excellence and precision. From meticulously crafted sushi to hearty ramen, the city's food scene spans from humble street food to the most refined dining experiences.

Don't Miss:

• Tsukiji Outer Market: While the main wholesale market relocated to Toyosu, the outer market remains a food lover's paradise with fresh seafood and kitchen supplies
• Depachika: The elaborate food halls in the basement of department stores offering everything from wagyu beef to exquisite Japanese confections
• Specialty dining: Experience traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals, tempura, or yakitori (grilled skewers) at establishments that have perfected single dishes over generations

Insider Tip: "For an authentic experience without the tourist crowds, explore the Koenji neighborhood," suggests Yuki, our Tokyo food specialist. "The izakayas (Japanese pubs) here serve incredible small plates designed to accompany drinks, often with unique specialties you won't find in guidebooks."

Lyon, France

Often considered France's gastronomic capital (even over Paris), Lyon has been a culinary powerhouse for centuries. The city's renowned bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) serve hearty, unpretentious fare that celebrates the exceptional ingredients of the surrounding regions.

Don't Miss:

• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: This indoor market named after Lyon's most famous chef showcases the finest regional products
• Traditional bouchon experience: Sample local specialties like quenelles (pike dumplings), andouillette sausage, and praline tarts
• Wine exploration: The proximity to both Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wine regions makes Lyon ideal for oenophiles

Insider Tip: "The true measure of a bouchon's authenticity is its tablecloth—look for the red and white checkered pattern," advises Marie, our French culinary guide. "For the most authentic experience, visit Le Café du Peintre or Café des Fédérations, where reservations are essential but the homestyle cooking is worth planning ahead."

Bangkok, Thailand

Few cities worldwide can match Bangkok's vibrant street food culture, where complex flavors—spicy, sweet, sour, and salty—harmonize in dishes that cost mere dollars. The city's culinary landscape ranges from humble food carts to innovative restaurants redefining Thai cuisine.

Don't Miss:

• Chinatown (Yaowarat): Particularly alive after sunset, with countless stalls serving seafood, noodles, and local desserts
• Or Tor Kor Market: One of the world's finest fresh markets, with prepared food stalls serving exceptional Thai classics
• Boat noodles: These intensely flavored, small bowls of noodle soup are a uniquely Thai experience, traditionally served from boats in the canals

Insider Tip: "While some popular areas like Khao San Road cater primarily to tourists, for the most authentic experience, follow the local office workers during lunch hour," recommends Supaporn, our Thailand culinary expert. "Areas like Silom or Sathorn are packed with food carts serving workers, and that's where you'll find the most authentic, delicious food."

The Rising Stars

These destinations have emerged more recently on the global culinary map, offering exciting new flavors and food experiences:

Lima, Peru

The epicenter of Peru's gastronomic revolution, Lima has transformed from a stopover en route to Machu Picchu to a primary culinary destination. The city's innovative chefs have masterfully blended indigenous ingredients with techniques and influences from the country's diverse immigrant communities (Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese).

Don't Miss:

• Ceviche: Peru's national dish of raw fish "cooked" in citrus juice, best enjoyed at specialized cevicherías for lunch (when the fish is freshest)
• Nikkei cuisine: The Japanese-Peruvian fusion that has influenced global culinary trends
• Mercado 28: A modern food hall showcasing diverse Peruvian cuisines in one convenient location

Insider Tip: "Beyond the internationally acclaimed restaurants like Central or Maido, look for 'menú' restaurants offering set lunch specials," suggests Carlos, our Peru specialist. "These affordable, fixed-price meals offer several courses of home-style Peruvian cooking and are where locals eat daily."

Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia's capital has emerged as an exciting food destination, with its unique cuisine reflecting influences from both Europe and Asia. The country's 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition adds another dimension to the culinary experience.

Don't Miss:

• Khachapuri: Boat-shaped bread filled with cheese and topped with an egg and butter
• Khinkali: Soup dumplings eaten by hand using specific techniques
• Natural wines: Georgia's qvevri (clay vessel) wines offer unique tasting experiences unlike any other wine region

Insider Tip: "For an authentic Georgian feast experience, look for a supra (traditional feast) where a tamada (toastmaster) leads elaborate toasts throughout the meal," recommends Nino, our Georgian cuisine expert. "Restaurants like Shavi Lomi or Keto and Kote offer modern takes on traditional dishes in atmospheric settings."

Porto, Portugal

Often overshadowed by Lisbon, Porto has emerged as Portugal's most exciting food city. The northern Portuguese cuisine emphasizes hearty, soulful dishes that pair perfectly with the region's famous wines.

Don't Miss:

• Francesinha: Porto's iconic sandwich, a Portuguese answer to the croque monsieur, but far more substantial
• Mercado do Bolhão: Recently renovated historic market showcasing northern Portuguese products
• Port wine cellars: Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for tours and tastings at historic port houses

Insider Tip: "Many visitors only try port wine, but the Douro Valley produces exceptional dry reds and whites as well," notes Miguel, our Portugal specialist. "For modern Portuguese cuisine that showcases these wines, book well in advance at restaurants like DOP or O Paparico, which elevate traditional flavors with contemporary techniques."

The Unexpected Delights

These destinations might not be the first places that come to mind for food travel, but they offer surprisingly rich culinary experiences:

Tbilisi, Georgia

The capital of this Caucasus nation sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, resulting in a unique cuisine with influences from both continents but distinctly its own. Georgia's 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition adds another dimension to the experience.

Don't Miss:

• Khachapuri: Boat-shaped bread filled with cheese and topped with an egg and butter
• Khinkali: Soup dumplings eaten by hand using specific techniques
• Natural wines: Georgia's qvevri (clay vessel) wines offer unique tasting experiences unlike any other wine region

Insider Tip: "For an authentic Georgian feast experience, look for a supra (traditional feast) where a tamada (toastmaster) leads elaborate toasts throughout the meal," recommends Nino, our Georgian cuisine expert. "Restaurants like Shavi Lomi or Keto and Kote offer modern takes on traditional dishes in atmospheric settings."

Oaxaca, Mexico

Known as Mexico's culinary heart, Oaxaca (pronounced wah-HAH-kah) boasts incredible complexity and diversity in its traditional cuisine. The state's seven distinct regions each contribute unique dishes to what many consider Mexico's richest regional cuisine.

Don't Miss:

• Mole: Oaxaca is famous for its seven classic moles, complex sauces with dozens of ingredients
• Tlayudas: Large, partially fried tortillas topped with beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables—often called "Oaxacan pizza"
• Mezcal: Sample this smoky agave spirit at dedicated mezcalerías, with knowledgeable guides explaining the production process

Insider Tip: "The best culinary experiences in Oaxaca often happen in small family-run restaurants called 'comedores' or at the public markets," says Isabella, our Mexico food specialist. "For an unforgettable experience, try the market breakfast at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you select your ingredients and have them prepared fresh."

Penang, Malaysia

This island state preserves Malaysia's most vibrant food traditions, particularly in the capital, George Town. The fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences creates a street food scene that rivals any in the world.

Don't Miss:

• Char Kway Teow: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, cockles, bean sprouts, and chives
• Assam Laksa: Penang's signature sour fish soup with thick rice noodles
• Nasi Kandar: Rice served with various curry dishes, a specialty of Penang's Indian Muslim community

Insider Tip: "Penang's food courts, known locally as 'hawker centers,' offer the most authentic dining experience," advises Li Wei, our Malaysia expert. "Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is famous, but locals prefer New Lane Hawker Centre or the stalls along Chulia Street that open only in the evening."

The Ultimate Food Experiences

Beyond specific destinations, certain food experiences transcend location to create unforgettable culinary memories:

Truffle Hunting in Piedmont, Italy

Join experienced hunters and their trained dogs in the forests of Alba during autumn to search for the prized white truffle, followed by a feast showcasing the freshly discovered treasures.

Traditional Cooking Classes

Learn to prepare local specialties from expert home cooks in destinations like Chiang Mai (Thailand), Bologna (Italy), or Fez (Morocco), often including market visits to source ingredients.

Visiting Specialty Producers

Witnessing traditional production methods offers deeper appreciation for specialized foods:

• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese facilities in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Mezcal distilleries in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Wasabi farms in Shizuoka, Japan

Tips for Meaningful Food Tourism

To make the most of your culinary adventures in 2023, consider these suggestions from our food-focused guides:

1. Research seasonality: Plan your visit around harvest festivals or when signature ingredients are at their peak
2. Seek balance: Mix high-end dining experiences with street food and local markets for a comprehensive understanding of the food culture
3. Consider a food-focused tour: Local guides can provide access to hidden gems and cultural context that elevates the experience
4. Learn basic food vocabulary: Knowing how to order and express preferences in the local language enhances interactions with food vendors and servers
5. Document thoughtfully: While photographs preserve memories, be respectful about when and how you photograph food and food preparers

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Food Travel

At its best, food tourism offers more than just delicious meals—it provides insight into histories, traditions, and daily lives of local communities. The universal language of food creates connections that transcend cultural differences and opens windows into authentic local experiences.

Whether you're planning a dedicated culinary journey or simply want to incorporate more meaningful food experiences into your travels in 2023, these destinations and experiences promise unforgettable flavors and cultural discoveries.

As the renowned chef and culinary explorer Anthony Bourdain once said, "Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it's a start." Through thoughtful food tourism, we not only satisfy our appetites but also nurture understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures that make our world so richly flavored.