Best Cuisines in the World 2025/26: TasteAtlas Ranking and Leading Gastronomic Countries
Table of contents
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Top 10 best cuisines in the world 2025/26
- Italy is the undisputed gastronomic benchmark
- Greece – the taste of the Mediterranean and the balance of benefits
- Peru – a gastronomic discovery of Latin America
- Portugal – a cuisine of the ocean and traditions
- Spain – a cuisine of emotions and shared meals
- Japan – a philosophy of minimalism and taste
- Turkey - a crossroads of culinary cultures
- China – a gastronomic universe
- France – a classic of haute cuisine
- Indonesia – bright spices and rich flavors
- Full TasteAtlas ranking: a global gastronomic map
TasteAtlas has released its ranking of the best cuisines in the world 2025/26. Find out the detailed top 10, gastronomic trends and countries worth traveling for
Gastronomy has become one of the main reasons for traveling in the modern world. Tourists are increasingly choosing countries not only for the climate or sights, but also for the opportunity to try authentic dishes in their homeland. That is why the annual TasteAtlas Top 100 Cuisines in the World 2025/26 ranking attracts special attention from travelers and gourmets.
This year's list covers cuisines from different continents and demonstrates how traditions, local products and cultural heritage shape the gastronomic map of the world. Italy is the leader again, but the countries of Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean have also firmly established themselves in the top.
The top of the best cuisines in the world 2025/2026 according to TasteAtlas is further in this material.
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Top 10 best cuisines in the world 2025/26
Italy is the undisputed gastronomic benchmark
Italian cuisine has been leading world rankings for many years, and 2025/26 was no exception. Its main advantage is simplicity, based on the quality of ingredients. Pasta, pizza, risotto, lasagna, prosciutto, parmesan and tiramisu have become international symbols of taste.
An important feature of Italy is its clear regionality: each region has its own recipes, products and traditions, which makes the country an ideal destination for gastronomic routes.
Greece – the taste of the Mediterranean and the balance of benefits
Greek cuisine took second place due to the harmonious combination of taste and benefits. It is based on fresh vegetables, seafood, olive oil, aromatic herbs and feta cheese.
Souvlaki, moussaka, dolmades and tzatziki are associated with ease and a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Greek cuisine is often considered one of the healthiest in the world, which significantly increases its popularity among tourists.
Peru – a gastronomic discovery of Latin America
Peruvian cuisine is a vivid example of culinary synthesis. It combines the traditions of indigenous peoples, Spanish colonial heritage and Asian influences.
The country's national pride is ceviche, and dishes such as lomo saltado and anticuchos are increasingly appearing on restaurant menus around the world.
Peru confidently maintains its status as one of the main gastronomic centers of South America.
Portugal – a cuisine of the ocean and traditions
Portuguese cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and deep connection with the ocean. Its symbol is the codfish bacalhau, which is prepared in hundreds of different ways.
Fresh seafood, soups, bread, olive oil and traditional desserts form a balanced gastronomy.
Portugal is becoming increasingly popular among tourists looking for authentic flavors without unnecessary pathos.
Spain – a cuisine of emotions and shared meals
Spanish cuisine is not only about dishes, but also about the culture of communication. Tapas, paella, jamon, gazpacho and sangria have long become the gastronomic brands of the country.
Regional characteristics play a key role: the cuisine of Catalonia, Andalusia or the Basque Country has its own character and traditions.
Japan – a philosophy of minimalism and taste
Japanese cuisine is considered one of the most sophisticated in the world. It is based on seasonality, minimalism and respect for the product.
Sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura and miso soup are known far beyond Japan, but it is in their homeland that they reveal the true depth of taste.
Turkey - a crossroads of culinary cultures
Turkish cuisine was formed at the intersection of East and West. Kebabs, meze, pide, baklava and Turkish coffee are known all over the world.
The wealth of spices and the variety of dishes make Turkey one of the most attractive gastronomic destinations.
China – a gastronomic universe
Chinese cuisine is a combination of hundreds of regional styles and a thousand-year history. Sichuan, Cantonese, Peking and other cuisines offer completely different tastes and cooking techniques.
Rice, noodles, vegetables and sauces create an almost limitless variety of dishes.
France – a classic of haute cuisine
French cuisine is the foundation of world restaurant culture. It is known for its sauces, cheeses, wines, pastries and desserts.
It was France that formed the standards of haute cuisine and influenced the development of gastronomy around the world.
Indonesia – bright spices and rich flavors
Indonesian cuisine completes the top ten thanks to its diversity and rich flavors. Satay, nasi goreng, gado-gado and spicy sauces reflect the richness of the archipelago’s cultures and traditions.
Full TasteAtlas ranking: a global gastronomic map
In addition to the top 10, the top thirty cuisines in the world also include Mexico, India, Poland, the USA, Vietnam, Brazil, South Korea, Lebanon, Georgia, Thailand, Morocco and other countries that shape modern gastronomic trends.
The TasteAtlas 2025/26 ranking shows that global gastronomy is moving towards authenticity, local products and deep traditions. Classic leaders such as Italy and France are holding their positions, while Asia and Latin America are increasingly influencing global tastes. For travelers, this is another reason to discover the world through cuisine.
Tastings, street food, local products and exotic spices are vivid impressions, but also an additional load on the body. Travel insurance will help in case of food poisoning, allergic reactions or sudden deterioration of well-being, so that your gastronomic trip leaves only pleasant memories.
Take care of travel insurance before you leave - take out a policy online in advance to boldly discover new tastes, taste local dishes and travel the world without unnecessary worries.
Let us remind you! UNESCO has officially recognized Italian cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. We have already told you why this decision is historic, what preceded the recognition and how it will affect world gastronomy
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