The World’s Best Cities for Food Lovers

Hello! I’m guessing you’ve decided to read this blog since you love eating, or would travel the world for food. The idea of a ‘foodie’s bucket list’ is not uncommon; in fact, most food lovers are proud to have one. So here's presenting the world's best cities for food lovers through a foodie’s eyes for all my fellow partners in crime. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I know how tough it is to not see your favourite city/country food represented in this list. While there isn’t (and never will be) a common consensus for best places, who knows, you might just stumble upon a city that’ll be an addition to your bucket list!

Istanbul (Turkey)

In most parts of the world, a Mezze platter is the most commonly featured Turkish dish on a menu. However, there is a lot more to Turkish cuisine than Baba Ganoush, Hummus and Cacik.

Kebap, originally found in eastern parts of Turkey, is a dish in which chicken or lamb is grilled over a charcoal fire. Adana and Doner Kebaps are popular street food choices in Istanbul. The Turks love their vegetables as much as meat. When in Turkey, remember to order a Zeytin Yağlı dish (cooked in olive oil and without any meat) such as Dolma, Taze Fasulye (green beans) or Yaprak Sarma (rice filling). Kids can enjoy Borek, a pastry with a spinach and cheese filling.

How Much Money, Honey: The average cost per person for a meal is 15-20 Turkish Liras.

Eat Like The Locals In: Sultanahmet Buhara Kebab House, Imbat Restaurant, Mandabatmaz, Aloran Cafe & Restaurant, Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Fun Fact: If you’re so fond of non-vegetarian food that you would eat it for dessert too, try Tavukgogsu - a sweet dish that is made with milk and contains chicken.

Paris (France)

It would be gross injustice to talk about global cuisines and NOT mention the French. After all, their culinary scene is indeed enviable.

A typical day starts with a Baguette, Croissant or Pain au Chocolat with a steaming cup of coffee. You’ll find a French bistro in almost every street. Paris is a city best explored on foot and all this walking is bound to make you hungry!

Whether it’s Duck Confit, Steak Tartare or Coq Au Vin, Parisian fare is a delight to eat. The more adventurous can head to oyster bars to try Escargot (snails) and Mouclade made of Mussels.

A must-try for vegetarians is Onion Soup, Ratatouille and varieties of Quiche. When in Paris, it’s a sin to not eat dessert. Choose from Macarons, Mille Feuille, Madeleines…ah, the list goes on. Bon appétit!

How Much Money, Honey: The average cost per person for a meal is 15-20 Euros.

Eat Like The Locals In: Bistrot Paul Bert, L’Avant Comptoir, L’Auberge du 15, Breizh Cafe

Fun Fact: Parisians love to eat food at a leisurely pace. Meals can go on for hours and include appetizers, main course, cheese and dessert. Add a glass of wine and the table’s set!

Mexico City (Mexico)

Tortilla Chips with fresh Salsa are a muncher’s favourite while hanging out with friends. And of course, Tequila shots!

Although the humble flour Tortilla, Quesadilla, Corn and Beans form the basis of Mexican food, sampling local fare makes for an unforgettable experience.

The variety of tacos here is mind boggling – Taco Arabe, Taco de Canasta, Taco de Carnitas…have 'em all if your stomach permits. When in Mexico, try caldo Tlalpeño Soup, Ceviche (fish) and the Aztec delicacy Escamole (insect caviar). Down it with Cerveza or local fruit beer.

Made of corn, the Massa patty is a street food favourite. Through the city, one can hear the whistle of Camote vendors selling sweet potato with a dollop of berry marmalade. For that sweet kick, savour Churros and chocolate for breakfast. A delight indeed!

How Much Money, Honey: Street food is 10-25 Pesos while the average cost per person for a meal is 25-100 Pesos.

Eat Like The Locals In: El Cardenal, Monte Cristo, Bistrot Mosaico, Contramar, Nicos Mexico

Fun Fact: It was in Disneyland in the 1960s that Mexican workers first came up with Doritos by frying leftover tortillas!

Singapore

Known more for its global than local food, Singapore is a world of flavours in one city. Hainanese chicken rice, Peking Duck, South Indian Thali – you can savour the best of gastronomical delights from around the world here.

But what are the dishes that truly reflect Singapore’s rich heritage? The first meal of the day usually comprises of a traditional Kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs. If you want breakfast on-the-go, stop at one of the Chwee Kway stalls selling steamed rice cakes. Oyster Omelettes, Hokkien Prawn Noodles, Wanton Mee Noodles, Fish Head Steamboat are other dishes popular with the locals.

Vegetarians and fruit lovers, do make it a point to try Durian, Singapore’s national fruit (it smells bad but tastes great!). Popiah, Fried Carrot, or Radish Cake also make for great snacks. As for dessert, Cendol tops the list with Green Starched Noodles and Palm Sugar.

How Much Money, Honey: The average cost per person for a meal is 10-20 Singapore Dollars.

Eat Like The Locals In: Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Red Hill Market, Chatterbox at Mandarin Hotel, East Coast Road, Wanton Mee stalls at Lavender Food Square

Fun Fact: Singaporeans often place more importance on the last, rather than first meal of the day. Breakfast is usually a ‘grab and go’ affair. Catch up for dinner, maybe?

San Francisco (USA)

North America’s best city for foodies – I sure didn’t want to choose one! Would it be New Orleans, San Francisco, New York or Los Angeles?

SFO or San Fran, as it’s popularly known, is a place where Americans and tourists love the food. What gives it an edge over other cities is the farm-to-table restaurants concept. Many chefs pick up fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market at Ferry Building. SFO’s Bay Area has it all – one-night-only restaurants, gourmet trucks, restaurants where local chefs proudly whip up the city’s specialties.

People in SFO take pride in their Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Mission-style Burritos, Clam Chowder (Fisherman's Wharf Pier 39), Abalone and Dungeness Crab. The locals love vegetable-focused meals so much so that SFO is known to be the 3^rd vegetarian-friendly city in the country! A must-try while you’re here is Original Joe’s Scrambles which was invented in 1932.

How Much Money, Honey: The average cost per person for a meal is 25-35 US Dollars.

Eat Like The Locals In: Hog Island Oyster Bar, Bar Tartine, Incanto, Tosca Café, The Plant Café Organic, Tadich Grill

Fun Fact: The 2^nd most popular reason for tourists visiting San Francisco is the ‘Restaurants after Scenery’ mantra. No wonder, since SFO has close to 3,500 places to eat!

Melbourne (Australia)

Having gained prominence as Australia’s food capital, Melbourne deserves respect if not admiration. As the culinary hub, it offers numerous local specialties such as Meat Pies, Jam Donuts, Lamington and of course, Wine (Yarra Valley is a popular choice).

Everyone’s heard of Hamburgers but the Australians put a slight twist to it. Besides shredded lettuce and fried onions, another addition is Beetroot. Yes, you read right!

Although Kangaroo and Emu meat are used in old fashioned recipes, they are not commonly eaten by the locals. Slowly, native ‘bush’ ingredients like Crocodile and Goanna are finding their way back into restaurant menus so make sure to try them out!

Damper, a traditional Australian bread is an interesting choice for vegetarians. And when enjoying food like the locals, don’t forget to have Pea Soup, Melba Toast and taste Dimmies or Dim Sums which originated in South Melbourne market.

How Much Money, Honey: The average cost per person for a meal is 25-40 Australian Dollars.

Eat Like The Locals In: Cumulus Inc. (Flinders Lane), The Mill Restaurant (Hardware Lane) Lygon Street in Carlton, Fitzroy and Acland streets in St Kilda

Fun Fact: Well, this is not food related but Melbourne was earlier called ‘Batmania’, thanks to their love for Gotham City and Bruce Wayne.

Delhi (India)

Delhi or as the locals call it, Dilli, is where Indians celebrate their love for food. From North Indian Mughlai dishes to Chettinad and Udupi cuisines from South, Delhi is a place where you can get it all. Although the capital city is filled with upscale and standalone restaurants, it’s street food that represents the gastronomic vibe.

North Indians live by Tandoori dishes (Kebabs and Tikkas), Paranthas, and of course the famous Dilli ki Chaat and Chole Bhature. Almost every main course has a gravy item, be it Daal or Koftas. If you want a taste of South India, try Appam or Upma for breakfast and a Thali served on a Vazhaillai or banana leaf. It includes Rasam, Stew, Dosa and different chutneys. Hyderabadi Biryani and coconut curries are popular too.

You can sample cuisines from all over India at the State Bhavans. Don’t forget to try North-eastern dishes like Jadoh, Khar, Tenga and Apong (drink made from rice or millet).

How Much Money, Honey: The average cost per person for a meal is 500 Indian Rupees and above. Street food dishes cost up to 100 Indian Rupees.

Eat Like The Locals In: State Bhavans (Andhra, Saravana, Assam, Sikkim, Nagaland), Chandni Chowk (Karim’s, Kake Di Hatti), Connaught Place (Nizam’s, Bengali Market), food stalls in Dilli Haat

Fun Fact: Did you know that Payasam is the South Indian equivalent of Kheer? It is cooked using milk, lentils, cashews and raisins.

Here are other cities which almost made it to the list: Tokyo, Hong Kong, Venice, London, Cape Town, New York, and Santiago.

Eat well, travel often!

(Blog ordered by Deep Kalra)