Gourmet treats and epicurean feasts are always at the back of the mind of every food lover out there. If you’re also like us and you can’t wait to wolf down your favorite main course or try something absolutely new, you probably appreciate the fact that globalization now allows us to taste the best the world’s got to offer.
Different cuisines around the globe have come up with a wide variety of dishes ranging from all-time favorites like tacos and sushi to less-known specialties that attract gourmets to their places of origin. And while we all know that Italy is famous for pizzas and pasta while no country beats France at baking croissants, there’s more to the world of culinary arts than meets the eye.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the top ten countries with the best food in the world. The countries were ranked via Ranker.com by a total of over 86,400 voters who had the option to upvote or downvote the cuisines they loved or disliked. Whether you’re a fan of freshly filled tortillas or classic pizzas still warm from baking in the oven, this post will surely make your tastebuds itch for a new gastronomic adventure!
Italy
It’s no surprise that one of the world’s most picturesque and adventure-friendly destinations also has some of the best and most popular foods. Italy’s cuisine dates millennia back in time to the days of the Ancient Roman Empire and was heavily influenced by the Mediterranean culture through time.
Italy’s top sellers include classic pizzas, lasagna, meatballs, garlic bread, and carbonara pasta. Mains and treats like cheese ravioli, tiramisu, gnocchi, and tortellini have also remained a staple food for centuries. Thanks to its popularity, Italian cuisine has spread to nearly every corner of the world, whereas 60% of respondents agreed the place was worthy enough to be on this list.
Fun fact: The average Italian eats nearly 60 pounds of pasta per year.
Mexico
It’s time to put on a sombrero and head to Mexico for an authentic culinary experience. From enchiladas filled with meat or cheese to tacos al pastor consisting of marinated pork roasted on a spit, Mexican cuisine is known for incorporating fresh ingredients and an array of vegetables to create flavorful masterpieces like the iconic guacamole and chiles rellenos.
Mexico ranked second on this list and 61% of people agreed this was a sound choice. Dating back to as early as 7,000 BCE, the beginnings of Mexican cuisine can be traced to the uncolonized Mexico and its indigenous people.
Fun fact: The first cacao plants, and chocolate, originated in ancient Mesoamerica presently known as Mexico.
Japan
Japan is famous for cherry blossoms, sumo wrestling, Mount Fuji, and sushi – a worldwide renowned dish featuring rice cooked in vinegar and served with a variety of toppings and fillings such as raw seafood and vegetables. But there’s much more to Japan’s cuisine than just sushi.
If you’re familiar with the best Japan’s kitchen has to offer, you probably know what makes authentic Japanese ramen stand out from copycats and how to properly cook udon and fry tempura. What you may not know is that Japanese cuisine has been evolving rapidly since the 17th century with Tokyo now being home to more Michelin-rated restaurants than any other city in the world. Japanese cuisine was ranked number one by female Ranker.com respondents.
Fun fact: Tokyo, Japan, is home to 194 Michelin-starred establishments.
Greece
Let’s pack our shiny cutlery and head to Greece, the European country that is home to thousands of islands, extraordinarily rich history, and culinary tradition that is more than 4,000 years old. Largely based on olive oil, grains, and wine, some of the Greek dishes that are now enjoyed around the world closely reflect the dietary habits of our ancestors from thousands of years ago.
Pita, braised lamb, moussaka, Greek salad, and gyros are all staple Greek dishes that make a visit to the Mediterranean nation enjoyable to the fullest. 55% of respondents in this survey agreed that Greece had an outstanding cuisine.
Fun fact: In Greek mythology, Elais is the goddess of olive oil and she could turn water into wine and other liquids into olive oil.
India
Biriyani, chicken tikka masala, samosa, pani puri, and murg makhni. Welcome to India’s kitchen, one of the few cuisines in the world that swears by the motto ‘the more the better’ when it comes to the use of spices to create interesting, unique flavors. With chefs dedicated to creating flavorful masterpieces for the pickiest gourmets.
While Indian cuisine is now widely present in the West, one should head straight to the country to experience authentic local recipes and discover regional varieties of popular dishes – and there are many, many varieties when it comes to this cuisine.
Fun fact: India is the world’s spice capital, but not all dishes in its cuisine are spicy.
Morocco
Morocco, the only African nation on this list, is famous for a cuisine shaped by Mediterranean, Andalusian, Arab, and Berber influences. Traditional recipes call for grilling over open flames or slow-cooking in tajine earthenware pots and include spices like saffron, cumin, and cinnamon to create unforgettable original flavors.
Moroccan cuisine ranked sixth on the list and 54% of people agreed that dishes like tagine, couscous, and harira are something every gourmet should try.
Fun fact: Moroccans often sit on carpets or mats on the floor when enjoying a meal with their relatives.
Thailand
If you don’t go to Thailand for fun and adventure, you should definitely visit this friendly nation for its rich culinary options. Thai restaurants can now be found in all major cities around the globe with staple dishes like pad Thai, kaeng lueang, tom yum goong, and khao pad gracing the menus.
Thanks to its rich fragrances and exotic flavors, Thai cuisine quickly gained popularity across the world in the last few decades. The history of the cuisine itself, however, dates some 1,400 years back in time when the islands were heavily settled by migrants from modern-day China. At the time, people relied on local herbs, plants, and seafood to create a sustaining diet.
Fun fact: Thai people love to eat together and sharing food is a must.
Spain
Spanish cuisine happens to be the most divisive cuisine on this list with people almost equally split between loving and disliking traditional foods like paellas, tapas, churros, and flans. It is important to note that the cuisine itself is heavily influenced by historical traditions which range wildly from region to region.
Like other Mediterranean nations, Spain relies on the use of olive oil and spices like oregano, parsley, and rosemary to bring traditional recipes to life. Nowadays, its vibrant and diverse options make Spanish cuisine one of the most popular cuisines in the world.
Fun fact: Spain is the world’s largest olive oil producer.
China
There’s no gourmet in this world that hasn’t been to at least a few Chinese restaurants yet. Widely recognized as the most popular cuisine in the world, Chinese cuisine dominates the culinary world by being present in almost all corners of the world in one form or another.
From spring rolls to sweet and sour soup to kung pao chicken, this cuisine’s got something for every tongue. If spicy Sichuan dishes aren’t your thing, the sweet and sour Cantonese treats might just do the trick. A large variety of flavors and tastes earns China a respectable place on this list – and the majority of respondents agree!
Fun fact: Chinese food is the most hash-tagged and Googled of all cuisines out there.
Turkey
Turkish food might not be for everyone, but if you like balanced and healthy meals that are a product of a rich history you should definitely try it out. Turkish cuisine is famed for incorporating a variety of ingredients to create flavorful and colorful dishes.
Kebabs, baklava, and shawarmas are all staple Turkish foods. You also can’t go wrong with a cup of traditional Turkish coffee or tea! And let’s not forget the heaven on Earth called pide, kadayıf, and lahmacun. All of these are just glimpses into a diverse and vibrant cuisine that was founded in the Ottoman Empire in the late 13th century.
Fun fact: Turkish cuisine is heavily influenced by Balkan, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and Mediterranean cuisines.