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Travellers looking to eat well abroad might want to head to New Orleans or Bangkok, according to a new ranking that favours street food, tradition and local tips over fine dining.
Audience-driven rankings are nothing new – at RTL, we regularly compile lists based on our audience's tips, from the best vegetarian meals to standout sushi spots. Now, international magazine Time Out has taken a similar approach, asking thousands of people to name the best food in cities around the world.
In a new and recent ranking, it wasn’t experts or Michelin stars who drew up the list. For the 'World’s 20 Best Cities for Food', thousands of people were surveyed about the food in their specific hometowns.
And this list comes just at the right time – who doesn't want to eat well on holiday and maybe discover something new?
Good quality and reasonable prices were key criteria, alongside 18 other factors such as family-friendliness and experimental cuisine. Input from an expert panel of Time Out editors and restaurant critics was also included. Food writers from the winning cities were then asked to share their views – and the result showed that the best place to eat is…
New Orleans! The southern US city in Louisiana blends French, Spanish, African and even Vietnamese influences. Dishes such as shrimp creole, jambalaya – a Creole rice dish – and gumbo, a seafood stew, are local staples. Liuzza’s By The Track comes highly recommended.
Taking second place is Bangkok. In Thailand’s capital, it's possible to eat incredibly well at any time of day for as little as €3.
Third on the list is Medellín, Colombia, where delicious and affordable food is found on almost every street corner.
A bit closer to home – and easily reachable by plane, or in one case even by train and car – four European destinations made it into Time Out’s global food ranking.
In fifth place is Madrid, a city where culinary tradition meets innovation. It's home to El Invernadero, named the world's best plant-based restaurant by Green Guide, and filled with natural wine bistros, family-run bakeries and a vibrant tapas culture.
Paris lands in ninth, long considered the gourmet capital of the world. With its wine bars, cosy bistros, and cafés serving fresh pastries, it's a dream for food lovers. However, it also ranks as the second-least affordable city on the list – though locals argue the quality justifies the price.
Porto comes in at number 17. Famous for its namesake wine, this coastal Portuguese city offers top-quality meat and fresh Atlantic fish. Locals describe the food scene as "traditional", however not everyone agrees that it's an affordable kitchen.
And finally, Naples secures the 19th spot. Birthplace of Neapolitan pizza and known for hearty pasta dishes, this is the place for comforting, no-frills Italian fare. Trendy or fine dining may take a backseat here, but Naples ranks as the fifth most affordable city on the list – ideal for those craving good food without the splurge.
