{"id":56951,"date":"2026-02-22T12:55:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T17:55:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/5-nations-where-the-food-alone-merits-a-trip-survey-finds\/22\/02\/2026\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T12:55:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T17:55:39","slug":"5-nations-where-the-food-alone-merits-a-trip-survey-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/5-nations-where-the-food-alone-merits-a-trip-survey-finds\/22\/02\/2026\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Nations Where the Food Alone Merits a Trip, Survey Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Some vacations revolve around landmarks. Others begin with one stubborn thought: \u201cI need to eat there.\u201d In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cntraveller.com\/gallery\/best-countries-for-food\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveller\u2019s 2025 Readers\u2019 Choice Awards list of the best countries for food;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveller\u2019s 2025 Readers\u2019 Choice Awards list of the best countries for food<\/a>, readers rated destinations for culinary satisfaction, and a few countries in Asia and Europe rose straight to the top.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Instead of listing dishes like a menu, this slideshow turns those reader rankings into a practical travel plan. Each stop highlights what makes the local table memorable, where to try the classics without overspending, and how to avoid watered-down tourist versions of food that deserves better. The aim is simple: help you plan the kind of trip where meals feel like the main attraction.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">1. Thailand<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In the 2025 Readers\u2019 Choice results, Thailand ranked among the very top countries for food, and the hype makes sense the moment you start eating. Strong flavor shows up everywhere, from street grills to polished restaurants, with bold spice, bright herbs, and an almost unfair ability to turn a quick lunch into a lasting memory. If you want a quick \u201cwhat am I looking at?\u201d primer before you land, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has a simple overview of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tourismthailand.org\/Experiences\/Details\/local-food\/31\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:local Thai food;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">local Thai food<\/a> and what you\u2019ll commonly see in everyday meals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Bangkok\u2019s night markets feel like a live cooking theater, with woks hissing and skewers flashing over charcoal. Northern cooking leans toward herbs and grilled meats, while southern dishes bring heavier heat and coconut-rich curries, so traveling between regions genuinely reshapes your favorites. Order one familiar dish, then pick something new from the next stall and trust the process. Eating slightly earlier than the evening rush can save serious time at the most popular vendors.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">2. Italy<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Ostuni, Puglia, Italy - 05 20 2022: Preparation of typical handmade pasta called &quot;Orecchiette&quot; in an outdoor space during the sunset light\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/yXqwXFK5ah_yNoUTBvynAA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/guessing_headlights_178\/b1614719853f9b54201ca93bc98043d0\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Italy placed among the top countries in the same Readers\u2019 Choice ranking, reinforcing its long-standing culinary reputation. The appeal is not mystery but consistency, since even a simple plate often tastes deliberate and carefully executed. Regional identity drives the experience, meaning Naples, Bologna, Rome, and Sicily can feel like separate culinary worlds connected inside one country. If you\u2019re planning by region, Italy\u2019s official tourism site lays out a useful food-focused overview in its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.italia.it\/en\/italy\/things-to-do\/food-and-wine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:food and wine guide;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">food and wine guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Start with the classics, then let geography guide the rest. Naples remains a pizza pilgrimage, Emilia-Romagna is synonymous with fresh pasta and cured meats, and coastal regions keep seafood clean and straightforward. Plan one standout dinner, then balance it with relaxed lunches, because Italy often shines brightest when you eat the way locals do: regularly and without ceremony. A short menu at a trattoria is usually a positive signal, not a limitation.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">3. Japan<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Two fresh salmon and avocado sushi uramaki served on a wooden plate with one standing upright to show the ingredients\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/1W1aXGJMZcdOSajiLyLrbg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/guessing_headlights_178\/220e82f6a0df179abfe07adefb7f9f27\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Japan also ranked within the top tier of countries for food satisfaction in the 2025 survey. What sets Japan apart is control: temperature, texture, timing, and presentation all feel intentional. Tokyo alone ranges from tiny counter spots to highly choreographed tasting menus, yet quality often stays high even far from famous addresses. If you want a \u201cstart here\u201d map of what to eat beyond sushi, the Japan National Tourism Organization pulls together an excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/gastronomy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:gastronomy guide;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">gastronomy guide<\/a> that covers everything from ramen to regional specialties.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Izakaya districts reward slow wandering, since memorable meals often start at a doorway you nearly ignored. Midnight ramen, feather-light tempura, or a precisely grilled skewer can rival far more expensive reservations. Seasonality matters here, with menus shifting throughout the year and that rhythm forming part of the experience. Learning a few simple ordering phrases can make the entire interaction smoother and more relaxed.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">4. Vietnam<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"assorted vietnamese dishes with pho, bahn mi, spring rolls in top down composition on dinner table\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/530cWRh4ULVm0nZ4zWwS8Q--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/guessing_headlights_178\/4973ac04f3ec7a0015509d4165792df1\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Vietnam ranked strongly in the Readers\u2019 Choice results, firmly placing it among global culinary standouts. Fresh herbs, crisp textures, and bright broths define the daily table, while prices can feel remarkably approachable for the quality. Street cooking is not a tourist performance but a normal part of everyday life, with dishes designed for speed without sacrificing depth. If you want to plan meals by geography, Vietnam\u2019s tourism site breaks down what to look for in each region in this <a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam.travel\/things-to-do\/vietnam-foodie-guide-region\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:foodie guide by region;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">foodie guide by region<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City each bring different specialties, so visiting both deepens the experience. Try ph\u1edf in the north, then explore b\u00e1nh m\u00ec, grilled meats, and coastal seafood elsewhere, since the country rewards variety. Local markets reveal the ingredients behind the flavors and offer one of the quickest ways to understand the cuisine. Carrying small cash and a willingness to try unfamiliar dishes usually leads to excellent meals without heavy planning.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">5. Spain<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Traditional Spanish cuisine, Porra antequerana decorated with tuna, ham and boiled egg served in bowl\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/HUaUOaK4p6vTw6M0pcmfRg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/guessing_headlights_178\/593348c3837ca5ce072e9a0dea11607b\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Spain also finished within the leading group of countries in the 2025 reader rankings, confirming its reputation as a major food destination. The country\u2019s strength lies in the social rhythm of eating, with shared plates, later dinners, and streets that gradually turn into open-air dining scenes each evening. San Sebasti\u00e1n often earns global culinary attention, and the city\u2019s tourism site has a practical explainer on <a href=\"https:\/\/sansebastianturismoa.eus\/en\/food-drink\/960-how-to-go-for-pintxos\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:how to go for pintxos;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">how to go for pintxos<\/a> without turning the experience into a stressful checklist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Tapas culture works best as a slow progression rather than a checklist. Sample pintxos at one bar, share a few dishes, then move on, since variety is the point. Valencia remains the traditional home for paella, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/paella\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Britannica\u2019s overview;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Britannica\u2019s overview<\/a> is a quick way to understand what makes the dish \u201cValencian\u201d at its roots. Skipping the busiest photo-focused restaurants and following where locals gather usually leads to better meals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Read More<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/articles\/5-nations-where-food-alone-172548294.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some vacations revolve around landmarks. Others begin with one stubborn thought: &ldquo;I need to eat there.&rdquo; In Cond&eacute; Nast Traveller&rsquo;s 2025 Readers&rsquo;<br \/><button class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/5-nations-where-the-food-alone-merits-a-trip-survey-finds\/22\/02\/2026\/\">Read More &rsaquo;<\/a><\/button><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56952,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.C.2h3_.ZfQB02YlaHmerA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD02NzU7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/guessing_headlights_178\/3085a78c243bf6fcbbb6d35963cab181","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56951"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56951"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56951\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}