Top 10 Must-Visit Food Cities for Foodies – Japan Takes 7 Spots!

▲ Busan, South Korea, which gained fame through the movie "Train to Busan," is also a food city.

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Eating and drinking are essential parts of any journey. Only by indulging in local snacks can you truly understand a country’s grassroots culture and let your body remember the sensory feast brought by breathtaking scenery and delicious food. A popular accommodation website has selected the top 10 food cities, with Japan alone claiming 7 spots — a clear winner. It’s time to embark on a journey tailored for food-loving travelers!

1. Busan

▲ A hub for region-exclusive K-food.

Busan, which skyrocketed to fame overnight thanks to the movie "Train to Busan," not only boasts world-renowned attractions like Haeundae and Gamcheon Culture Village but is also a hotspot for Korean cuisine. Riding the wave of Hallyu (Korean Wave), must-try Korean dishes for Taiwanese visitors such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean fried chicken, and jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) are all easily found here. But beyond these staples, don’t miss out on Busan-exclusive regional delicacies like rice noodles, pork soup rice, and cold pork trotters.

2. Shanghai

▲ Its snack culture and classic noodle dishes win over foodies.

Shanghai’s unique snack culture originated during the Southern Song Dynasty. Among them, the “shengjianbao” (pan-fried pork buns), a national favorite, is a must-try for visitors. The dough is chewy and elastic, pan-fried to a crispy yet non-greasy exterior, then sprinkled generously with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the savory-sweet broth, the aroma of sesame, and the fragrance of green onions. Additionally, noodle dishes have always been a staple on the dining table.

3. Kobe

▲ The perfect destination for meat lovers.

Kobe is one of the first cities in Japan to popularize meat-centric cuisine. The city itself is known for high-quality beef production, and for many travelers, Kobe instantly brings to mind its famous beef. From bloodline control to slaughtering processes, everything is strictly regulated, which contributes to the exceptional status of Kobe beef. Aside from beef, don’t forget to try the local specialty, akashiyaki (octopus balls).

4. Osaka

▲ You haven’t been to Osaka if you haven’t tried takoyaki or okonomiyaki.

The most iconic Japanese dish in Osaka is undoubtedly “okonomiyaki” (savory pancake). It’s made by mixing wheat flour with water, then stir-frying it with ingredients like eggs, pork belly, bacon, and shredded cabbage, and finally drizzling it with rich mayonnaise and seaweed powder. The aroma of the flour combined with the freshness of various ingredients makes this authentic dish a must-try. In addition, Osaka’s takoyaki (octopus balls) are also an absolute must!

5. Fukuoka

▲ Unbeatable rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth.

Located in northern Kyushu, Fukuoka is a food paradise and the largest city in the Kyushu region. It not only offers a wide variety of fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea but is also famous for its Fukuoka ramen. Its rich tonkotsu broth is unrivaled. Not only can you enjoy it at restaurants, but for a more immersive experience, you can also visit Fukuoka’s famous yatai (street food stalls) and savor a steaming bowl of ramen by the roadside.

6. Hong Kong

▲ Hong Kong-style milk tea, pineapple buns, and other street snacks are unforgettable.

A fusion of Asian flavors and local characteristics, Hong Kong cuisine has successfully captured the taste buds of both domestic and international travelers. Hong Kong-style clay pot rice, crispy roast duck, and ice cream pineapple buns are mouthwatering. Of course, the Michelin-starred restaurant "Tim Ho Wan" in Mong Kok is a paradise for dim sum lovers, offering a wide variety of creative dim sum that will surely satisfy even the pickiest foodies.

7. Nagoya

▲ A must-visit for those who love bold flavors.

Nagoya is the fourth most populous city in Japan and preserves traditional Japanese culture and religious heritage. The most talked-about attraction is Nagoya Castle, known for its grand architecture and elegant design. Beyond the sights, food is also a key element of any visit to Nagoya. Heavy use of miso and soy sauce creates a bold flavor profile that defines Nagoya’s cuisine, and the most representative dish is miso katsu (breaded pork cutlet with miso sauce).

8. Sapporo

▲ Happiness of feasting on seafood in the snowy north.

As the largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings and is a top winter travel destination for overseas tourists. When visiting, be sure to try the local seafood, soup curry, and miso. Made with daily-selected fresh shrimp and crab, paired with the sweetness of just-picked vegetables, the refreshing and smooth soup curry is a memorable delight for all travelers.

9. Kanazawa

▲A perfect presentation of traditional Japanese flavors.

Claimed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, Kanazawa has been less affected by external environments due to its geographical location, preserving many local traditions, cuisines, and arts in their entirety. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015 has made it faster and more convenient for tourists to visit this retro city. Aside from fresh seafood, Kanazawa also offers a variety of Kaga vegetables produced in all four seasons, adding diverse flavors to its dining tables.

10. Kumamoto

▲A delicious must-try for all meat lovers.

The most popular local delicacy in Kumamoto is undoubtedly “basashi” (raw horse meat). Food adventurers should not miss this regional dish—its horse meat, free from any gamey taste, is tender, soft, and melts in your mouth, allowing you to savor its unique sweet flavor as you chew. In addition, Kumamoto ramen features stir-fried garlic slices, whose smoky aroma pairs perfectly with the rich and mellow pork bone broth, making it another must-try delight in Kumamoto.