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On the subject of discovering a vacation spot, few experiences are as revealing (or as scrumptious) as exploring its meals scene. We requested theJourney + Leisure group to share the cities that left the strongest impression on their style buds, from avenue meals havens to fine-dining capitals. Whether or not it is daring flavors or wealthy culinary traditions, these meals cities are those that served up a long-lasting expertise for T+L.
Thailand
“Thailand is a type of locations the place the meals itself is the vacation spot. When my husband and I honeymooned within the land of fish sauce and chilies just a few years in the past, our itinerary learn extra like a menu, our days and nights revolving round the place and what we’d eat subsequent: boat noodles slurped exterior a avenue stall in Bangkok; aromatic khao soi at a Chiang Mai advice we’d gotten from a neighborhood Uber driver; inexperienced curry in a countryside cooking class utilizing substances we’d handpicked simply close by; an entire, salt-crusted fish with an ice-cold Singha on the seashore in Railay; and candy mango sticky, effectively, anytime we had the possibility.
What makes Thailand’s culinary scene stand out is its flavors, sure—a pungent alchemy of bitter, candy, salty, and spicy (typically )—nevertheless it’s additionally in regards to the accessibility of absurdly good meals. You don’t want reservations or an enormous funds. A few of the greatest meals we had got here wrapped in banana leaves or served in plastic cups with a straw. Road distributors are revered like celeb cooks, and we ate effectively whether or not we have been sitting exterior on a wobbly plastic stool devouring som tum or tucked right into a Michelin-starred restaurant being served course after course.
Consuming in Thailand isn’t only for sustenance; it’s about exploring, nourishing not solely your abdomen, however your senses, from following your nostril by means of an evening market or studying to pound curry paste from scratch in a countryside cooking class.”
— Alisha Prakash, Affiliate Editorial Director
New York Metropolis
“On the subject of the vary and high quality of cuisines, New York Metropolis cannot be beat. Positive, the tacos are nonetheless not as nice as Los Angeles, however the place else are you able to get top-notch delicacies from locations like Uzbekistan, Armenia and Ethiopia? The range of Japanese delicacies alone is superb, whether or not you need sushi, tempura, soba noodles, or grilled eel. That mentioned, it is the fried rooster, caviar, champagne at Coqodaq that made me fall in love with town once more. It appears like a celebration each night time.”
— Denny Lee, Articles Editor
NYC Eating Sizzling Take: Keep away from any restaurant that gained’t seat you till the complete get together is there.
Greatest Slice: The candy chili oxtail slice at Reduce and Slices.
Rome
Nina Ruggiero/Journey + Leisure
“In Rome, life is centered round meals. From the espresso crowds spilling out of tiny cafes within the mornings to lengthy afternoons spent at sidewalk tables over pasta and wine, there’s no higher approach to stay, in the event you ask me. I studied overseas in Rome over 15 years in the past, and I’ve been returning usually ever since—primarily to eat. With out fail, I’ll have a bowl of bucatini all’amatriciana in entrance of me inside half an hour of stepping foot within the metropolis heart. In case you’re there in March or April, you could additionally eat artichokes in all places you go. I don’t make the foundations.”
— Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director
Favourite Restaurant(s): Taverna Trilussa (there’s actually nothing higher than Roman pasta served straight from the pan in busy Trastevere, one in all my favourite neighborhoods); Pierluigi for top-quality seafood and a formidable wine cellar; wine bar L’Antica Enoteca (a Ruggiero household favourite); La Terrazza at Resort Eden; Idylio by chef Francesco Apreda; and Ineo at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
Should-try Dishes: Spaghetti alla carbonara; bucatini all’amatriciana (my favourite; I am a pink sauce lady); tonnarelli cacio e pepe; Roman pizza (Pizzarium Bonci, an Anthony Bourdain go-to); supplì (mainly a wonderfully proportioned little rice ball with steaming scorching mozzarella on the heart); and porchetta (crispy pork greatest eaten as a sandwich) off the road.
Cannot Miss Occasions: When in Rome, you could go to a meals market, even when it’s simply to browse and other people watch (put together to see probably the most animated conversations you’ll ever witness over greens and cheese). I like Mercato Trionfale in Prati, one of many greatest, and Mercato Campo de’ Fiori, one of many oldest. Mercato Testaccio is a bit more out of the way in which, however effectively price it for the road meals.
New Orleans
“Many American cities have their very own culinary specialties however New Orleans has such a definite preserved delicacies that stands out from different destiantion in America. Solely enhancing it additional are the micro-communities of immigrants who’re thriving within the meals area. It is a dwelling, respiratory fusion of cultures—French, African, Spanish, and Creole, to call just a few. From iconic staples like gumbo and beignets to neighborhood po’ boy outlets, I all the time really feel like town tells a narrative with each meal. I’ve had a number of the greatest Honduran and Vietnamese meals right here. I have been to New Orleans eight occasions and I am all the time down to return—only for the meals.”
— Susmita Baral, Senior Editor
Taiwan
“Taiwan has probably the most numerous and vibrant culinary scenes on the earth due to its political historical past. Authentic Taiwanese delicacies is essentially Indigenous delicacies—there are 16 acknowledged Indigenous communities in Taiwan, every with its personal foodways. Over the centuries, immigrants from the Chinese language mainland, the overwhelming majority of them from Southern China, got here to Taiwan for all types of causes: to farm, fish, and, normally, most got here to Taiwan to attempt their luck in the event that they hadn’t been in a position to make it on the mainland.”
— Mae Hamilton, Digital Editor
Favourite eating places: Yu Dong Goose Meat, Fuzhou Pepper Buns in Raohe Evening Market, Yuan Fang Guabao, Wang’s Broth, Mao Yuan, and, after all, Din Tai Fung
Should attempt dishes: Braised pork rice, cuttlefish geng, recent bamboo shoots served with candy mayonnaise, daikon soup, gua bao, Taiwanese shaved ice.
Cannot Miss Occasions: Go to throughout the Dragon Boat Pageant for zongzi (aka “Chinese language tamales”); the Mid-Autumn Pageant for mooncakes; and for Lunar New 12 months to have feasts of epic proportions and numerous dishes. Whereas in Taipei, be sure to go to not less than one night time market—I like to recommend Raohe Evening Market.
Charleston
“Charleston is the “It Metropolis” for Southern delicacies. South Carolina’s Lowcountry advantages from an unimaginable native bounty of recent produce and seafood, and for lots of of years, the various mixture of those who have known as this area house have formed what we now see as quintessential Southern meals. And its not simply the deep meals historical past that makes Charleston particular; new cooks and experiences are redefining what Lowcountry cooking will be and bringing new flavors and cuisines to this South Carolina metropolis.”
— Elizabeth Rhodes, Senior Editor
Should-try Dish: Native seafood is a should. First-time guests completely need to attempt she-crab soup, a Lowcountry boil, and shrimp and grits.
Cannot Miss: The Meals and Wine Traditional in Charleston! The occasion is coming into its second 12 months and gives an unimaginable lineup of native and internationally famend cooks and makers. Plus, there are so many tasty bites to attempt throughout the Grand Tasting.
San Miguel de Allende
From left: Anna Mardo/Getty Photos; Marco Bottigelli/Getty Photos
“In San Miguel de Allende, T+L’s No. 1 metropolis on the earth for 2025, the dishes are colourful, textured, flavorful and indicative of the colourful tradition there. Mexican delicacies is a number of the greatest meals I like to have after I journey. I used to be drawn to San Miguel being a quaint metropolis with bustling components so I knew there can be high-end eating places, in addition to native mother and pop outlets the place the meals is simply pretty much as good.”
— Kareema Bee, Senior Visible Producer
Favourite Restaurant(s): Tostevere for tostadas and Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s Luna Rooftop for a meal with a wide ranging view of town throughout sundown.
No. 1 Meals Tip: Discover a rooftop bar—you may thank me later. My selection is Bekeb.
Should-try dishes: Churros, tostadas, and the spicy margaritas!
Seoul
“Whether or not you’re wandering an evening market or sitting down for a prolonged barbecue dinner, Korean meals is ideal for sharing and attempting a number of various things. I cherished that small dishes of banchan (daikon, kimchi, bean sprouts, and different pickled veggies) and rice accompany virtually each meal; the artfully organized little bowls are additionally extremely aesthetically pleasing.”
— Elizabeth Cantrell, Senior Editor
No. 1 Eating Tip: For a satisfying meal-on-the go, do not overlook comfort shops and shops. Main shops like Shinsegae, Hyundai, or Lotte have immaculate meals courts, and comfort shops have recent meals, so you may eat affordably.
Should-try Dish: Salt bread from Jayeondo Sogeumppang, in Seoul’s Seongdong neighborhood. Salt bread is a small crescent roll, much like a croissant, with a crispy exterior (flaked with salt) and buttery, smooth inside. And in most markets you will discover candied fruit (mandarins, grapes, berries) on a stick—actually an ideal dessert on-the-go.
Cannot Miss: My favourite night time of the journey was consuming fried rooster and ingesting beer and soju in Euljiro’s Nogari Alley, the place individuals come after work and sit at plastic tables with folding chairs. Unpretentious, scrumptious, just a little messy, lots enjoyable. For sampling a wide range of savory snacks, go to an evening market in Myeongdong or Gwangjang. I additionally discovered Seoul’s espresso and pastry scene to be very robust, significantly within the Seongdong neighborhood.
Portland, Maine
From left: DenisTangneyJr/Getty Photos; Jess Feldman/Journey + Leisure
“The culinary leaders who come listed below are actually not afraid to be inventive. (Spoiler alert: it is not simply lobster rolls and oysters.) There’s Southern meals at Sizzling Suppa, New England-inspired Asian at The Honey Paw, and scrumptious fine-dining eating places that do specialise in seafood, however in one of the best ways, like Scales or Fore Road.” — Jess Feldman, Particular Initiatives Editor
Favourite Portland, Maine, Eating places:
Marcy’s Diner for breakfast, The Honey Paw for lunch, and Scales for an elevated meal to finish the day.
Greatest Lobster: For a really scrumptious complete lobster that’s paired with a sublime eating expertise, head to Scales. For a extra laid-back vibe and a nontraditional tackle a lobster roll, Eventide Oyster Co. is the place for you.
No. 1 Meals Journey Tip for Portland, Maine:
There are such a lot of nice choices inside town, and it’s straightforward to really feel such as you’re lacking out on the “greatest” ones by not getting a reservation. I recommend taking a drive alongside town limits and attempting the seafood shacks by the ocean. A few of my favorites are Chunk into Maine and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, each in Cape Elizabeth, and Docks Seafood in South Portland. They’re unfussy, and as a New Englander, simply really feel like house.
Hong Kong
“Hong Kong has a pattern of savory cocktails that I am OBSESSED with. Not your typical soiled martinis. It is also house to the perfect bar in asia (based on 50 greatest). It is also an amazing spot for top/low eating. The road markets are full of enjoyable and distinctive bites and town is jam-packed with Michelin-starred eating places.”
— Taylor McIntyre, Senior Visuals Editor
Baltimore
Lydia Value/Journey + Leisure
“Whereas new luxurious motels and white-cloth eateries sign an uptick in Baltimore’s tourism efforts, town’s culinary roots are deep and longstanding. Eclectic native delicacies attracts from Southern soul meals, coastal working-class creations, and influences from Polish immigrants. These hearty dishes hit the abdomen like a heat hug, good for satiating the urge for food after a protracted day of labor on the Chesapeake. Once you go to Baltimore, come hungry for Outdated Bay every part and crab served in each conceivable kind.”
— Lydia Value, Senior Editor
Favourite Restaurant(s): Captain James Touchdown has been a trusted favourite in my household since 1979, however there’s no scarcity of nice choices like L.P. Steamers and Faidley’s Seafood. For pit beef—one other Baltimore important—head to native chain Chaps or beloved road-side joint Pioneer to feast on a smoky sandwich you gained’t quickly overlook.
Should-try Dish: Crabs. Crabs. Crabs. Crab desserts are undoubtedly Baltimore’s most well-known dish. Additional-lumpy with minimal filler, the desserts let blue crab, the pleasure and pleasure of Attraction Metropolis, shine. From crab soup to crab dib and, after all, simply good ‘ole steamed crab, Baltimore know to profit from its signature seafood.
Portugal
“The foodie love, pleasure and appreciation discovered throughout Portugal was one thing I immediately linked to and fell in love with. Speaking with locals in every metropolis visited about their nations historical past and the meals tied into it’s an extremely expertise wherever you go however doing so in one of many oldest nations in Europe carries just a little one thing further. Even being seeped with a lot historical past, having a few of their most iconic treats and dishes being made for over 200 years, the kindness and ease of the individuals is actually what drew me in.”
— Alessandra Amodio, Digital Picture Editor
Favourite Restaurant(s): I’m nonetheless dreaming of the steak I had at A Severa, a standard Fado Home within the Bairro Alto neighborhood of Lisbon. Its recipe hasn’t modified within the 70 years because it was opened and made by the present house owners grandparents.
Should-try Eats: Each day caught recent seafood, particularly the cod desserts; Pastéis de Belém‘s iconic pastel de nata; Casa Piriquita in Sintra for a ginja and to attempt their travesseiros.
Portland, Oregon
RyanJLane/Getty Photos
“Portland, Oregon, is an eclectic heaven—and it is culinary scene represents simply that. With its meals cart tradition, impartial espresso outlets, and roughly 83 microbreweries, it is no shock this West Coast metropolis attracts over 12 million guests a 12 months. I traveled right here for the espresso tradition for my solo birthday journey—and it consisted of studying in a brand new store each morning whereas ingesting regionally roasted, ethically sourced espresso.”
— Jessica Vadillo, Editorial Assistant
Favourite Restaurant(s): I used to be floored by Andina, a Peruvian restaurant with unimaginable tallarines, lomo saltado, and yuca frita, in addition to alfajores for dessert. For brunch, I like to recommend Display screen Door, the Southern consolation brunch spot of your desires.
Should-try Drink: My favourite espresso store was arms down Sisters Espresso Firm, the place I acquired a easy iced latte made to perfection.
Cannot Miss: There is not any scarcity of festivals and occasions, some together with: Portland Greek Pageant, Portland Seafood and Wine Pageant, and Feast Portland, in addition to Portland Saturday Market and the Portland Craft Beer Pageant.