CNN once held a global poll for the top 10 cuisines, and Taiwan won the championship with 8,242 votes. As citizens of a food kingdom, you must have certain standards when it comes to culinary travel. Besides sightseeing and transportation, the taste experience is an absolute must when visiting any country. Here’s a list of the top 10 countries perfect for culinary travel. Get ready to have your taste buds conquered！
Hong Kong
Food has long enjoyed great fame in Hong Kong. The well-known dai pai dong (open-air food stalls), traditional cha chaan teng (tea restaurants), and dim sum spots — this tiny city is packed with thousands of unique tea houses. When planning a trip to Hong Kong, the hardest part isn’t deciding where to go, but what to eat. There’s just too much delicious food to try, from basics like char siu rice, beef brisket rice, instant noodles with toppings, and instant noodles, to dim sum such as char siu bao, siu mai, and cheung fun, and desserts like pineapple buns and egg waffles. Not only do we in the Chinese-speaking world love them, but even foreigners are deeply enchanted by Hong Kong’s food culture. Let’s just say, gain a few kilograms during your few days of visit！
★ Recommended attractions: Victoria Peak, Harbour City, Hong Kong Disneyland
Singapore
Due to Singapore’s geographic location as a hub in Asia, people from various countries come and go, turning Singapore into a melting pot of cultures. This diversity has created a rich and varied food culture. In addition to traditional dishes like bak kut teh and laksa, you can also enjoy Hainanese chicken rice from China, rojak and satay from Malaysia, and Indian flatbread with teh tarik. The fusion of different cuisines has given rise to Singapore’s uniquely international flavors. With its spring-like climate year-round and short flight distances, it attracts many Taiwanese tourists all year long. Get ready to feast this year！
★ Recommended attractions: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Adventure Cove Waterpark, Universal Studios Singapore
Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine has gradually gained popularity in Taiwan in recent years. Vietnamese pho shops are opening one after another, but Vietnamese food is not limited to just pho. Owing to past French colonization, Vietnam has developed a unique Viet-French style, with the Vietnamese baguette being a prime example. Split the baguette in half and fill it with ham, cucumber, green papaya, coriander, mayonnaise, and various sauces. Of course, there are also classic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), and the national drink, egg coffee. From restaurants to street food, every bite is irresistible, especially with Vietnam’s low prices — you get generous portions for very little. Indulge in Vietnamese cuisine without any worries！
★ Recommended attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Cathedral, Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake
Japan
For food-loving travelers, Japan is definitely the most challenging yet most desirable culinary battleground. The must-eat dishes in just one city could fill several articles. The strong appeal of Japanese cuisine means you can’t help but have at least one Japanese meal even while in Taiwan. From easily accessible onigiri and oden to ramen, donburi, and curry rice, Japanese food culture has gradually become a part of daily life. And when traveling in Japan, deciding what to eat at every meal is a huge headache — because there are just too many delicious options！Sushi, shabu-shabu, beef steak, tempura, sukiyaki... Stop talking and just book your trip to start eating！
★ Recommended attractions: Ueno, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Street
South Korea
The popularity of Korean cuisine in Taiwan is no joke. In recent years, due to the influence of Korean dramas, the number of visitors to Korea has been rising year by year. Aside from shopping for affordable cosmetics and fashion, food is an essential part of the trip！Must-try dishes include bibimbap, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), and Korean BBQ. Don’t miss out on street snacks like black sugar cakes and sweet red bean pies. The chilled raw fish salad at markets is also full of surprises. For late-night cravings, order some chicken and beer combo or head to a street vendor for hot tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) with fish cakes. Stop drooling over Korean dramas and book your trip now！
★ Recommended attractions: N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace
India
Spice lovers, listen up — Indian cuisine will make you fall in love with India. Known for its spices, India places great emphasis on the flavor of each dish, using special seasonings tailored to different meals. Just walking through the streets will intoxicate you with the aroma wafting through the air. The deliciousness of Indian curries goes without saying, and their meat skewers are also a must-try. In Mumbai, you can find a popcorn-like dish called Bhelpuri, made with peanuts, chili, and more. Pani Puri is also a must on your list — deep-fried hollow potato balls that look similar to Taiwanese sweet potato balls, with a crispy shell and rich sauce, offering the richest flavor experience. Start your culinary adventure in India！
★ Recommended attractions: Taj Mahal, India Gate in Delhi
Turkey
Turkey’s charm runs deep. With its rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage, Turkey has risen as a major travel destination in recent years. Its food culture is equally full of treasures. Turkish cuisine is ranked among the world’s top three cuisines, alongside Chinese and French. The shawarma we often see at night markets is one of Turkey’s grilled meat dishes. Authentic grilled meat is marinated, roasted, and served with yogurt and vegetables to cut the grease — absolutely must-try！In addition, Turkish meatballs, dumplings, and flatbreads are also classic traditional dishes. Paired with tangy and salty yogurt, the grease-cutting effect will have you eating non-stop — not until you’re full, but until you’re overly full！
★Recommended Attractions: Ankara Castle, Safranbolu, Atatürk Mausoleum, Cappadocia Carpet Market
Italy
When it comes to the kingdom of cuisine, how can you miss Italy? Its food culture began developing as early as the BC era and has maintained a prominent place in the world to this day. There are countless varieties and ways to enjoy Italian pasta alone. Pizza, gnocchi, Florentine steak, tripe sandwich, risotto — paired with a glass of red wine, even a casual meal is anything but ordinary. Follow it up with a rich Italian coffee and tiramisu, and you’re in for an ultimate treat for your taste buds. Also not to be missed is Italian gelato, which offers a super rich selection of flavors. Its refreshing and smooth texture will completely reshape your perception of ice cream.
★Recommended Attractions: Venice, Colosseum, Pantheon, Leaning Tower of Pisa
France
Famous for its cuisine, France is the birthplace of numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and the dream destination for aspiring chefs. You have to taste refined French cuisine at least once in your life. Classic dishes include escargot, foie gras, and confit de canard. Wash it down with a fine wine and cheese pairing, and it’s an indulgence so luxurious it’s hard not to get carried away. But what really makes me gain weight in France is their desserts — cakes, doughnuts, mille-feuille, macarons. Walk into any pastry shop and you’ll inevitably walk out with two bags. Dieters, beware. Food lovers, don’t hesitate — just go now.
You may be interested: Must-Visit Attractions and Foods in France
★Recommended Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral
Mexico
Mexican cuisine originates from Central American indigenous dishes, with Spanish colonial influence adding European flair. Mexicans, who can’t do without spicy food, always include chili and lemon in their dishes, resulting in a colorful array of sauces. Corn, considered their staple like rice, is used to create many traditional foods. Aside from familiar dishes like salsa with tacos and tortilla chips loaded with meaty sauces, Mexican barbecue fajitas and cactus dishes are must-tries at night markets. Chocolate chili chicken is also well worth a try.
After reading the above, are you getting hungry? Actually, enjoying various cuisines in Taiwan isn’t difficult, but to truly savor authentic flavors, there’s no substitute for flying there yourself. To fully understand a country, besides taking in the beautiful sights, experiencing its authentic food culture also reveals its history and lifestyle. Foodies, dry those drool marks and set off on a delicious journey now.
By Hsu An | Tripresso Travel Café Editorial Team