The art of eating brings people from all cultures together. Everyone loves a good meal, and the social aspect of eating has taken simple sustenance and turned it into a cultural smorgasbord of connection.
From simple brunches with friends to big family dinners, eating is more than just the act of putting food into the mouth and providing the body with energy. It also creates friendly competition as everyone believes their country has the best cuisine in the world.
But what country has the best food to offer? Many travellers want to experience the best cuisines in the world. They want authentic and delicious food made by the people that know it best. They want to connect with other cultures in the best way they know how—through food.
READ MORE: Learn more about the wonderfully weird food from around the world.
The counties with the best cuisine stand out from the crowd, giving tourists a reason to visit. We list what we think are the most popular cuisines in the world.
Countries with the best food in the world
We know this will be contentious and we have gotten comments from our readers about this. However, we know that taste is subjective and each of our choices has its merits and can be seen as objectively good.
Here’s our detailed list of the top 10 countries with the best cuisine in the world.
Italian cuisine – the home of pizza and pasta
Italy is by far one of the countries with the best food. Their straightforward approach to cooking, using simple ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and pasta, gives them their spot on the list. But it’s not just pasta; they take comfort food to the next level with many different dishes.
A land rich in warmth, art, music, architecture, history, and, of course, cuisine: Italy is known the world over for its extraordinary culinary delights—a country that offers dishes that are unique and inimitable, appreciated by the entire world.
Family, tradition, and cosiness are central to Italian cuisine. Italian food is enjoyed at the kitchen table with much laughter and ensures a full stomach. Fresh, local ingredients, simple flavours, and green herbs like basil, thyme, and sage add vibrancy to the dishes. Italian cuisine is delicate yet filling.
On the top of the list is pizza, obviously. Their coffee has become a culture all its own, and, with their mix of easy-to-make and high-flavour dishes, it’s no wonder that everyone loves a good Italian meal. It is often voted one of the best cuisines in the world.
Chinese cuisine – one of the widest arrays of food available
Chinese food outside of China is nothing like the authentic versions found in its home country. Although the cuisine is ever-popular worldwide, the brave and adventurous “eat-anything” attitude of the cuisine gives the rest of the world the courage to try new and exciting things. Just the sheer volume of options makes it a regular choice as the best cuisine in the world.
Chinese cuisine is an important component of Chinese culture, with a long history, distinct features, numerous styles, and exquisite cooking. Traditional Chinese dishes are known for their colour, aroma, taste, meanings, and appearance.
Because China is such a large country, there are many regional differences in cuisine due to climate, history, local ingredients, dining customs, and so on.
Chinese cuisines are classified into eight categories based on cooking styles and regional flavours: Sichuan Cuisine, Hunan Cuisine, Shandong Cuisine, Zhejiang Cuisine, Fujian Cuisine, Anhui Cuisine, Cantonese Cuisine, and Jiangsu Cuisine. Every cuisine has its signature dish.
The very best dishes that can be found in the country include sweet and sour pork, a simple yet classic choice. Dim Sum, Roast suckling pig and Peking Duck are considered high class, and Xiaolongbao, a surprise in a bowl, is also yummy.
United States of America cuisine – large portions of a global cuisine
The USA is a cultural pot of cuisine, making it an excellent spot for travellers to test the waters with various flavours. Some of the most popular foods in the country originate from somewhere else, such as pizza, fries, and hamburgers. These global staples easily make the US one of the countries with the best cuisine.
While their most famous foods may be copycats from other lands, they have some awe-inspiring homegrown dishes that are sure to wow anyone with a healthy appetite.
Given that it was introduced and influenced by immigrants in the early years, American cuisine is difficult to define. From the Northeast to the Mid-Atlantic, the eccentric blend of exotic food eventually made America what it is today: a unique smorgasbord of steakhouses, sandwich shops, and burger joints.
When it comes to staple ingredients, America is a true melting pot. From chicken, wheat, corn, and bread, these components are essential in almost any classic American dish. The most well-known are the all-time classics like pizzas, burgers, hotdogs, and pot pies. However, defining cuisine based on location is a completely different matter.
Take the Rueben or Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, for example. The true deliciousness of these handhelds may be overlooked for their simplicity but are a must-try for anyone visiting the country. The classic chocolate chip cookie, also a homegrown American staple, changed the cookie game in a big way.
French cuisine – elegance and quality personified
Food is a top priority for the French and they understand just how important it is to eat well. Their approach gives them their spot in the top 10 for most popular cuisine in the world. They take simple ingredients but make scrumptious foods in such an effortless way that it’s not surprising many people view them as the world’s food snobs.
French cuisine is renowned for its finesse and flavour. Simple combinations of rich, natural flavours combine to create unforgettable, internationally renowned dishes in French cuisine. In fact, French cuisine is so highly regarded around the world that it was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2010, so you can see why many consider this to be the best cuisine in the world.
Among their best food options include the ever-famous escargot delicacy, macarons, and the simple, yet irresistible, baguette. World-famous for its food, it is without question one of the best cuisines in the world.
Spanish cuisine – sun, siesta and sangrias
Spain takes a slow and steady approach to dining. Based upon when and what to eat, their food culture is almost as intriguing as the food itself. They bring passion into the mix when it comes to their culinary style. So it is easy to see why it is often ranked as the best cuisine in the world.
If you’ve ever visited Spain, you’ll understand how important food is to the country’s diverse culture. Spanish cuisine has evolved over the centuries into a diverse range of delectable dishes based on fresh and colourful ingredients from all over the country, whether you’re in Madrid or Marbella.
Many people will be introduced to the wonders of Spanish cuisine through a tapas bar, often amazed at the variety and flavours available. But Spanish cooking is much more than just tasty tapas. This vibrant country has something for every palate, from hearty stews to light bites.
The two best dishes that everyone should try from Spain include Jamon Iberico and Churros. Jamon Iberico is an entire ham cured to perfection, and Churros are arguably the best sweet fried dough dessert available in the world.
Mexican cuisine – flavour meets casual dining
The food scene in Mexico is no game. The country is full of dishes that many people wouldn’t be able to recognise if they compared them to the “Mexican” meals they’ve had in their home country.
Just like Italian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, it is one of the best cuisines in the world. If you go to any major city, you’re bound to find at least one Mexican restaurant. It is, in my opinion, one of the world’s best cuisines. In fact, traditional Mexican cuisine was one of the first two to be designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010 with the other being French cuisine. That is, traditional Mexican food is a cultural treasure that should be protected and preserved.
Not only do they have stomach-filling comfort foods, but they also throw nutrition into the mix with the likes of avocado, tomato, lime, bean, chocolate, and chilis. Their antioxidant-rich approach to food is what keeps tourists coming back again and again. That’s why it is one of my favourites and I plan to go there myself to see why it is one of the countries with the best food.
Among the dishes that stand out the most in Mexico include chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and mole. Chilaquiles, a popular breakfast dish, is a delightful mash-up of tortilla chips, eggs, salsa, and pulled chicken. Mole, the country’s unofficial sauce, comprises roughly 20 different ingredients pulled together to offer a flavour profile unlike any other. The tacos al pastor, a classic staple of split-roast pork, is simple to put together but complex in taste.
Japanese cuisine – excellence and precision meets amazing taste
Japanese cuisine has become global and set up home in the hearts of people of all cultures. They don’t take their cuisine creation lightly. Instead, they approach it with engineering-like precision. A sushi dish is highly intricate in both style and design. There is a place for everyone to get a methodically planned meal in Japan, from their corner stores to their lavish restaurants.
Japan is well-known for its incredible cuisine, and it is an art form that chefs spend years perfecting. And the food in Japan is unlike anything most Westerners have ever tasted, featuring ingredients such as octopus, natto, and roe (fish eggs).
But don’t let that put you off — Japanese food is delicious. If you’re going to Japan, you should spend some time learning about the food and food culture.
Because not only is Japanese cuisine meticulously prepared, but there is also a plethora of unique etiquette. And because some places will not have an English menu, it’s best to brush up on your food vocab and know-how so you can arrive hungry and prepared.
Among the country’s best—aside from sushi, of course— include Miso soup, a soup that combines many of Japan’s fundamental flavours. For vegetarians, tofu is the perfect meat substitution. These options and their attention to detail easily make it one of the best cuisines in the world.
Indian cuisine – spices and an abundance of flavour
Traditional Indian cuisine combines six basic flavours: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Furthermore, Indian food is diverse, with the Northern and Southern regions each having their own distinct spin and flavour palette based on the state, ethnic group, and district in India.
India is also known for its abundant spice use. The dishes rely heavily on their high-flavour profiles instead of the meat or vegetables used in each particular item. With 38% of the country vegetarian, it is a good choice for those who eat plant-based diets. With a large population of Indians around the world, they have helped spread the love for their food making it one of the best cuisines in the world.
One of the best dishes to eat while travelling through India is Dal, a meal made with boiled lentils. A lentil dish might seem like a true yawn, but not a flavourful Dal. Other great choices include Dosa, a pancake filled with literally anything the heart desires, washed down with a spiced Chai tea.
Thai cuisine – fragrant and spicy
Thailand is known for its impressive selection of street eats. They use copious amounts of herbs and spices that harmonise the flavours without overpowering them. Thai food also incorporates all the textures under the sun to create meals that have a little something of everything.
Thai food is distinguished by the inclusion of four fundamental taste areas in each meal: spicy, sweet, sour, and salty. Chillies provide spice, and cane or palm sugar provides sweetness. The acidity is provided by tamarind or lime juice, while the saltiness is provided by a variety of ingredients such as soy sauce, fish sauce, or shrimp paste. Vegetarians should be aware that some vegetable dishes may contain fish sauce or shrimp paste, so check with the restaurant before ordering.
Different regions of Thailand, as well as individual chefs, may favour one of the four taste senses. That is why, in Thailand, a tray of condiments such as sugar, fish or soy sauce, vinegar, and dry or fresh chillies is often placed on the table. As a result, the diner can adjust the balance to his or her preference. So, if you’re served a dish that’s not quite to your liking, such as one that’s not spicy enough, see if the restaurant has a condiment tray.
The best eats to try while visiting Thailand include the Tom yam Kung. This dish is described as having floral-noted lemongrass, earthy galangal, kaffir lime leaves for a hit of freshness, and chillies for that little kick of heat. It’s like a party in the mouth, and everyone’s invited.
Other staples include Massaman curry and Som tam, a papaya salad that offers sour, spicy, sweet, and salty all in one. The unique flavours and freshness easily make it one of the best cuisines in the world.
Greek cuisine – decadent and steeped in history
The Mediterranean diet has been hailed as possibly the healthiest cuisine in the world, and for a good reason. With their olive oil-based vegetable dishes and simple cooking, it’s no wonder that people flock there to see what real authentic Greek food is all about.
Greek cuisine has a long history and is known for a diverse range of dishes, including tender grilled meats and zesty salads, as well as fresh fish and syrupy pastries.
As Europe’s southernmost country, mainland Greece and its islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for farming and viticulture. Furthermore, for the last 10,000 years, its location in the Aegean has provided direct access to fresh seafood. High-quality ingredients, fresh herbs, and closely guarded family recipes distinguish traditional Greek cuisine.
Aside from olive oil, which is the country’s biggest export, it also boasts other types of food that can’t be pushed aside. The spanakopita, for example, is one staple that combines the brilliance of a flaky pastry and the health benefits of spinach to create a salty, decadent piece of genuine Greek cuisine. Globally famous Gyros, take classic tzatziki and roasted meat to make a wrap that is unlike any other.
Food has become a culture all its own, and eating is something we all enjoy. From comfort foods to healthy meals and everything in between, it’s no surprise that eating brings people together even if they live worlds apart. So grab your fork (or chopsticks) and go experience the best cuisine in the world.
USA really? In America you have much better cuisine, diverse and flavours in Perú, Argentina, Jamaica and Brazil! And you missed all the middle East and influence in world cuisine from Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and what about Morocco, Kenya, and how come to not have Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos!!
USA is not a place to go for cuisine, yes you may find good restaurants, but as a real cuisine, food lover destination, it is really behind a long list of countries, I will even say not even in the Top 50.