The Top 10 Culinary Cities in the World in 2026: Time Out's Ranking

Every year, Time Out updates its ranking of the world’s best food cities by surveying thousands of residents and consulting culinary experts from around the globe. In 2026, the top ten included cities from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Learn more about which cities topped the list, what each is known for in terms of cuisine, and what you should try first

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Traveling for food has long ceased to be a niche hobby—millions of travelers choose their destinations each year specifically because of the local cuisine. In 2026, Time Out updated its annual ranking of the world’s best food cities, surveying thousands of residents from various countries and consulting a network of chefs, food critics, and editors. The cities were evaluated based on 18 criteria, ranging from quality and variety to affordability.

Which cities made it into the top ten, what each is famous for, and what you should try first—we’ll tell you more in this article.

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1. Lima: Peru’s Culinary Capital

Lima topped the 2026 ranking and took first place for culinary experiences worldwide. A third of Peru’s population lives in the capital, but the culinary traditions here represent the entire country—from dishes of the Arequipa region (stuffed rocoto peppers, “ocopa” cream with black mint) to recipes from the northern coast and Amazonian cuisine.

According to a survey, 85% of locals consider Lima an affordable city for dining, and 90% noted that restaurants here are inexpensive. Eighty-two percent of residents rated shopping for groceries at markets four to five stars.

Signature dish: “causa limena”—a colorful dish made with potatoes and chili peppers that remains relatively unknown outside the country, unlike the world-famous ceviche.

2. Bangkok: Thailand’s Nighttime Street Food

Bangkok took second place thanks to its unique culinary culture, shaped by Chinese migration and trade. The Yaowarat district is the hub of nighttime street food, and traditions such as wok cooking, noodle dishes, and “wok hei” define the city’s flavor profile.

84% of residents surveyed believe that the quality of food and ingredients in Bangkok surpasses that of other cities. The restaurant scene was highly rated by 81% of respondents, although only two-thirds described eating out as affordable.

Signature dish: “kao tom guay”—a nighttime rice porridge served with a variety of toppings (fried dishes, braised meat, seafood)—which reflects the deep Chinese influence on local cuisine.

About 13 little-known summer vacation spots in Europe in 2026 — read more at the link.

3. Mexico City: The Kingdom of Tacos and Street Food

Mexico City is famous for its high-quality staple ingredients: corn, chili peppers, avocados, and fresh vegetables. The largest market, Central de Abastos, supplies a vast network of restaurants—from classic taco trucks to award-winning establishments like Pujolito and Siembra.

80% of locals rated the restaurant scene as “amazing,” and 93% noted the availability of coffee. Interestingly, dining out here can be either budget-friendly or upscale—two-thirds of respondents consider the city affordable for eating out.

Signature dish: taco al pastor—pork marinated in achiote, orange, and chili peppers, served with a corn tortilla and sauces.

4. London: England’s Multicultural Culinary Scene

London stands out among European cities for the scale of its culinary diversity, shaped by centuries of migration. The city is home to restaurants serving Chinese, Indian, South Asian, and Korean cuisines, as well as “Plates,” the UK’s first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant.

Londoners are the world’s biggest restaurant lovers: nearly 96% of locals rated the restaurant scene as “amazing.” At the same time, only 50% described eating out as affordable. 80% of residents highly rated the quality of grocery stores.

Signature dish: Sunday roast—a traditional combination of meat, vegetables, and potatoes served in the city’s pubs and restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining.

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5. Barcelona: Spain’s Mediterranean Traditions

The gastronomy of Barcelona is rooted in its Mediterranean and commercial heritage. Roman and Visigothic cuisines introduced wine, olive oil, and wheat, while the discovery of the Americas brought tomatoes and potatoes—key ingredients in pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato). Barcelona became the first city in Spain where the concept of the modern restaurant took shape.

The restaurant scene and grocery shopping received roughly the same rating—about 82%. Among the most popular dining-out options are restaurants for special occasions, coffee shops, and bakeries.

Signature dish: Catalan-style “surf ’n’ turf”—stewed dishes combining meat and seafood, such as rice with fresh shrimp and “cap i pota.”

6. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnamese cuisine born of folk ingenuity

The most recognizable dishes of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) were born out of culinary improvisation:

• Banh mi—a baguette made with rice flour, created due to a wheat shortage.
• Com tam—broken rice, originally intended for animal feed, but which became the city’s signature dish.
• Cà phê sữa đá—coffee with condensed milk and ice, since fresh milk couldn’t be stored in the tropical climate.
• Bánh cháng nung—the city’s version of pizza: rice paper grilled over charcoal with cheese, dried shrimp, and spicy sauce, eaten at midnight.

85% of respondents noted the availability of coffee, but only 36% said the same about visiting a bar. 84% of respondents rated grocery shopping highly.

Signature dish: “Ốc”—snails from street stalls, eaten in the evening for “ăn chơi” (food for fun)—a favorite pastime in modern Saigon.

Where to go in July 2026—read here.

7. Melbourne: Australia’s Multicultural “Melting Pot”

Melbourne’s culinary identity is shaped by generations of immigrants—from Italians and Greeks to Vietnamese and Ethiopians. In the city, you can sample Greek home-style cooking at “Kafeneion,” Latin American dishes at “Papelón,” and modern Filipino cuisine at “Serai.”

Melbourne is known as Australia’s coffee capital. 68% of respondents noted the availability of coffee, and 93.6% rated the restaurant scene as “excellent” or “good.”

Signature dish: “Magic”—a legendary local coffee drink. In a city that prides itself on its coffee culture, a cup of quality coffee is a must-try for visitors.

8. Beijing: China’s regional cuisines on a single plate

As the capital, Beijing has absorbed culinary traditions from all regions of China thanks to its system of “provincial restaurants”: from spicy Sichuan cuisine to grilled dishes from Inner Mongolia. Gui Jie Street, with its nightly lines for crayfish at the “Hu Da” restaurant, has long been part of the city’s rhythm of life.

86% of locals consider dining at a restaurant or café an affordable leisure activity, and residents rate grocery shopping as a five-star experience.

Signature dish: Peking duck—crispy skin and tender meat wrapped in soft pancakes with green onions and sauce. Among the best restaurants are “Siji Minfu” and “Dadong.”

9. Athens: Millennia-Old Traditions of Greek Cuisine

Athens combines ancient culinary traditions with innovative modern gastronomy. Olive oil, wine, and wild greens remain the foundation of the Greek Mediterranean diet, while refugees from Asia Minor in the last century added rich spices and vibrant flavors. The city has earned a total of 13 Michelin stars, and the new gastronomic districts of Pangrati and Koukaki have become dynamic culinary hubs alongside the historic Psiri and Plaka.

79% of respondents rated Athens as an excellent city for dining out, particularly at cafés and independent restaurants. 39% and 32% of residents described the city as welcoming, diverse, and inclusive.

Signature dish: souvlaki—meat on a skewer—or gyros in pita bread with vegetables and garlic yogurt sauce. Souvlaki spots can be found literally on every corner.

10. Lisbon: Portugal’s Atlantic Flavors

Lisbon rounds out the top ten. The city’s culinary scene is defined by traditions of bread with generous fillings, seafood, and simple recipes. The “Bifanas do Afonso” snack bar in the Baixa district has been serving sandwiches with pork loin in a white wine, lard, and garlic sauce for over 50 years. At Time Out Market Lisboa, chef Henrique Sa Pessoa offers his signature version of bifana made with “secreto” black pork.

86% of locals consider the restaurant scene amazing, although only 37% described it as affordable. On the other hand, 94% of residents consider coffee to be truly affordable. 58% of respondents described the city as hospitable and welcoming.

Signature dish: “à-bouillon-pato” mussels—a 19th-century dish with a sauce made from olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and lemon, which serves as a reminder of the city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

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Reminder! In our previous article, we wrote about Europe’s best beach in 2026.

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