Foodies Tell Tasting Table The City They Would Visit Just For The Cuisine - Exclusive Survey
Whether you're setting sail on a culinary cruise to Norway or eating your way through India one samosa at a time, there's a good chance that food will be a big ticket item on your next trip. The Culinary Tourism Alliance defines "food tourism" as the "active pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences" via travel, and it has emerged as a major draw for leisure vacationers. Per the World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2017, culinary tourism accounted for 10.4% of the entire global economy (via Allied Market Research). By 2019, the food tourism industry was valued at a whopping $1,116.7 billion, and Research and Markets anticipates it to grow by 18% CAGR to $1,796.5 in 2027. Plus, per the World Food Travel Association, culinary tourism fosters local pride, enhances cultural immersion, and stimulates economies around the world.
That's why Tasting Table asked 615 foodies which city they would visit just for the cuisine. The results are in — and they might surprise you.
Jazz it up in New Orleans
Hungry for a steaming bowl of pho with a banh mi on the side? Our readers are. 3.25% of voters said they want to visit Vietnam and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime meal in Ho Chi Minh City. Next up, 11.71% of voters said Tokyo – home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, per WorldAtlas. Pasta, anyone? 16.75% of voters chose Rome. Of course, New York City made the list, grabbing 21.79% of voters, and who blames them when you can go for a Brooklyn-style slice or an H&H bagel in the city that never sleeps? In second place French cuisine drew nearly ¼ of the total vote. Maybe 23.09% of readers are craving un oeuf for breakfast in Paris or an aperitif after dinner?
Without further ado, the moment of truth. We asked, and Tasting Table readers answered. France might have caught second place, but first place belongs to the French Quarter. The most-desired food destination city in the world, with 23.41% of the vote, is New Orleans. Foodies are flocking from all around the world for a bowl of red beans and rice, jambalaya, and beignets.
With so many culinary cities to explore, it sounds like it's time to start planning your next trip. Now just to figure out what city to add to your itinerary.