Top 10 Food Cities
This list, originally published in National Geographic's book The World's Best Cities, highlights cities around the world known for their distinctive and mouthwatering culinary offerings. If you're a food lover, here are the top 10 destinations to add to your foodie bucket list:
1. Louisville, Kentucky
- Signature Dish: Hot Brown
- The Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey sandwich on Texas toast with bacon, tomatoes, and creamy sauce, was invented at the Brown Hotel as a midnight snack for revelers. It’s a Kentucky classic that's just as satisfying day or night.
2. Chennai, India
- Signature Dish: Chicken 65
- Chicken 65 is a popular spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that originated in Chennai’s Buhari Hotel. It’s often believed that the name came from the number of chilies in the recipe. Spicy and bold, it’s a true representation of South Indian flavors.
3. Buffalo, New York
- Signature Dish: Buffalo Wings
- Born at the Anchor Bar in 1964, the spicy and tangy Buffalo wings have since become an international favorite. These crispy chicken wings are typically served with a side of cooling blue cheese dip and a bunch of celery.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Signature Dish: Banh Mi
- This Vietnamese crispy bread sandwich, served originally on a French baguette, became an iconic dish after Vietnam gained independence from France. Filled with a mix of meats, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs, it’s a perfect blend of Vietnamese and French flavors.
5. Lyon, France
- Signature Dish: Lyonnaise Potatoes
- Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon takes food seriously. The city’s famous Lyonnaise potatoes—crispy, sliced spuds sautéed with onions and parsley—are a must-try alongside other regional specialties.
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
- Signature Dish: Cincinnati Chili
- Cincinnatians love their chili! The city’s unique take on chili is served in various ways: three-way (on spaghetti with cheddar), four-way (add onions or beans), and five-way (all of the above). It's a comforting, spicy stew you can’t miss.
7. Osaka, Japan
- Signature Dish: Takoyaki
- Osaka’s beloved street food, takoyaki, is a ball-shaped snack filled with octopus and topped with seaweed flakes. There’s even a theme park dedicated to these savory delights, making it a must-try in Osaka.
8. Bologna, Italy
- Signature Dish: Pasta Bolognese
- Known worldwide, but perfected in Bologna, this dish features a meat-based sauce (ragù) traditionally served with flat tagliatelle. In 1982, the city held a cook-off to define the official recipe, ensuring its authenticity.
9. Edam, The Netherlands
- Signature Dish: Edam Cheese
- Edam cheese, a centuries-old favorite, is named after this Dutch town where it was once sold. Watch the cheese-making process in the summer and enjoy this mild, semi-hard cheese that’s known worldwide for its distinctive red wax coating.
10. Ensenada, Mexico
- Signature Dish: Fish Tacos
- Ensenada’s fish tacos, featuring fresh local seafood like fried fish and shrimp, topped with mayo, salsa, and cabbage, are a legendary street food. Since the market opened in 1958, these tacos have become a must-try in Mexico.
From spicy wings in Buffalo to seafood tacos in Ensenada, these cities serve up unforgettable culinary experiences that every food lover should try at least once. Ready to travel with your appetite?
