SINGAPORE, 17 April 2023: Food travel is on the rise, and the prospect of sampling authentic international cuisine is enough to drive hungry British tourists thousands of miles each year.
Travel experts from UK-based luxury cruise agency Panache Cruises have revealed the best places around the world for British travelers to indulge in culinary delights.
The growth of food tourism has foodies flocking to far-flung regions to try new things, with research showing that six in 10 holidaymakers go abroad purely for the food.
The study also found that 41 percent said they would travel far to find the “perfect” meal.
The top 10 places where Brits discover their new favorite dishes include Tokyo, Paris and New York. Still, they travel further afield, to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok for authentic Asian dishes.
Market Data Forecast* expects the global food tourism market to be worth more than $3.4 billion by 2028, up from $1.3 billion last year, with many jumping at the chance to discover incredible bars, hidden gems and restaurants .
James Cole, founder and managing director of luxury cruise specialist Panache Cruises, said: “Many holidaymakers are food-obsessed and find it interesting to learn about international cuisines while they are out.
“Different parts of the world are full of unique culinary destinations that one can’t experience in the UK, so it’s well worth exploring when you’re out and trying things you’ve never had before.
“For many foodies, visiting the city with the most Michelin stars, with its culinary excellence and incredible quality of ingredients and flavors, is a must. For others, it’s all about authentic local cuisine. The cultural and historical experiences offered.
“The global food tourism market is poised to earn billions of dollars in the coming years as people start exploring new places.”
Here are Panache Cruises’ top 10 cities to help guide foodies on a culinary journey.
1. Tokyo, Japan
By 2023, Tokyo will have the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, with more than 200. Their culinary scene is packed to a remarkable standard, often attributed to traditional street vendors who are incredible at adding a Japanese twist to foreign dishes.
2. Paris, France
Paris is one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, top chefs and its rich gastronomy, especially for brunch and desserts. Tempting pastry shops, chocolatiers and cheese shops abound, making the city a foodie’s dream.
3. Hong Kong
Known as one of the most food-friendly cities in Asia, Hong Kong has the highest density of restaurants in the world and is known as the “World Food Expo”. It has it all; from street food to fine luxury restaurants, from hot pot to snake soup, there is an extraordinary array of classic, traditional and fusion dishes.
4. New York, USA
Filled with iconic old-school dishes, New York arguably shaped the modern Western dining scene with pizza, burgers, bagels and cheesecakes. Over the years, the range of food has expanded to include cuisines from all over the world – making food from all over the world available in one place.
5. London, England
London is a global culinary destination with award-winning restaurants and acclaimed chefs. The city’s dining scene is vibrant and diverse, full of high-end luxury experiences, food markets and traditional venues with a classic British flair.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the best place in the world to eat authentic Thai food. It has long been proclaimed the street food capital of the world, bustling with street vendors and pop-up stalls. The food is not only fresh and delicious, but also very cheap.
7. Singapore
Singapore is known for its traditional fresh dishes steeped in herbs and spices and rich in flavors. China, Malaysia and India have had a major influence on its cooking style, and while much of the food is traditional, there are delicious modern twists as well.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is known for its thriving food scene inspired by its global population, with a growing number of innovative chefs opening restaurants and pop-ups. It’s not all curbside sausage; there’s a range of dining options, including Michelin-starred cuisine.
9. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers a wide variety of traditional local dishes and has been voted the best gastronomic city in Spain. Their famous Catalan dishes are seafood-based, nutritious and rich in herbs and spices, making them the perfect light snack for summer.
10. Rome, Italy
Located in the heart of Italy, known for its longstanding love of eating out and a sense of rich tradition, Rome’s cuisine is delicious, hearty and carb-heavy. Famous for its pasta and pizza, a plethora of rustic trattorias await to serve its simple and popular fare.
(Source: https://www.panachecruises.com/)
*https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/culinary-tourism-market
