5 Nations Where the Food Alone Merits a Trip, Survey Finds

Some vacations revolve around landmarks. Others begin with one stubborn thought: “I need to eat there.” In Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best countries for food, readers rated destinations for culinary satisfaction, and a few countries in Asia and Europe rose straight to the top.

Instead of listing dishes like a menu, this slideshow turns those reader rankings into a practical travel plan. Each stop highlights what makes the local table memorable, where to try the classics without overspending, and how to avoid watered-down tourist versions of food that deserves better. The aim is simple: help you plan the kind of trip where meals feel like the main attraction.

1. Thailand

In the 2025 Readers’ Choice results, Thailand ranked among the very top countries for food, and the hype makes sense the moment you start eating. Strong flavor shows up everywhere, from street grills to polished restaurants, with bold spice, bright herbs, and an almost unfair ability to turn a quick lunch into a lasting memory. If you want a quick “what am I looking at?” primer before you land, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has a simple overview of local Thai food and what you’ll commonly see in everyday meals.

Bangkok’s night markets feel like a live cooking theater, with woks hissing and skewers flashing over charcoal. Northern cooking leans toward herbs and grilled meats, while southern dishes bring heavier heat and coconut-rich curries, so traveling between regions genuinely reshapes your favorites. Order one familiar dish, then pick something new from the next stall and trust the process. Eating slightly earlier than the evening rush can save serious time at the most popular vendors.

2. Italy

Italy placed among the top countries in the same Readers’ Choice ranking, reinforcing its long-standing culinary reputation. The appeal is not mystery but consistency, since even a simple plate often tastes deliberate and carefully executed. Regional identity drives the experience, meaning Naples, Bologna, Rome, and Sicily can feel like separate culinary worlds connected inside one country. If you’re planning by region, Italy’s official tourism site lays out a useful food-focused overview in its food and wine guide.

Start with the classics, then let geography guide the rest. Naples remains a pizza pilgrimage, Emilia-Romagna is synonymous with fresh pasta and cured meats, and coastal regions keep seafood clean and straightforward. Plan one standout dinner, then balance it with relaxed lunches, because Italy often shines brightest when you eat the way locals do: regularly and without ceremony. A short menu at a trattoria is usually a positive signal, not a limitation.

3. Japan

Japan also ranked within the top tier of countries for food satisfaction in the 2025 survey. What sets Japan apart is control: temperature, texture, timing, and presentation all feel intentional. Tokyo alone ranges from tiny counter spots to highly choreographed tasting menus, yet quality often stays high even far from famous addresses. If you want a “start here” map of what to eat beyond sushi, the Japan National Tourism Organization pulls together an excellent gastronomy guide that covers everything from ramen to regional specialties.

Izakaya districts reward slow wandering, since memorable meals often start at a doorway you nearly ignored. Midnight ramen, feather-light tempura, or a precisely grilled skewer can rival far more expensive reservations. Seasonality matters here, with menus shifting throughout the year and that rhythm forming part of the experience. Learning a few simple ordering phrases can make the entire interaction smoother and more relaxed.

4. Vietnam

Vietnam ranked strongly in the Readers’ Choice results, firmly placing it among global culinary standouts. Fresh herbs, crisp textures, and bright broths define the daily table, while prices can feel remarkably approachable for the quality. Street cooking is not a tourist performance but a normal part of everyday life, with dishes designed for speed without sacrificing depth. If you want to plan meals by geography, Vietnam’s tourism site breaks down what to look for in each region in this foodie guide by region.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City each bring different specialties, so visiting both deepens the experience. Try phở in the north, then explore bánh mì, grilled meats, and coastal seafood elsewhere, since the country rewards variety. Local markets reveal the ingredients behind the flavors and offer one of the quickest ways to understand the cuisine. Carrying small cash and a willingness to try unfamiliar dishes usually leads to excellent meals without heavy planning.

5. Spain

Spain also finished within the leading group of countries in the 2025 reader rankings, confirming its reputation as a major food destination. The country’s strength lies in the social rhythm of eating, with shared plates, later dinners, and streets that gradually turn into open-air dining scenes each evening. San Sebastián often earns global culinary attention, and the city’s tourism site has a practical explainer on how to go for pintxos without turning the experience into a stressful checklist.

Tapas culture works best as a slow progression rather than a checklist. Sample pintxos at one bar, share a few dishes, then move on, since variety is the point. Valencia remains the traditional home for paella, and Britannica’s overview is a quick way to understand what makes the dish “Valencian” at its roots. Skipping the busiest photo-focused restaurants and following where locals gather usually leads to better meals.

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