Culinary Capitals

Food can make or break an experience and often leaves us with unforgettable memories of a destination. Certain cities do this better than others, with unrivalled cuisine creating a banquet of flavours for anyone to enjoy. In these three culinary capitals, there is something for anyone and everyone to enjoy… so dig in and immerse yourself into their culture!

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Amongst the lights and bustling streets of the Thai capital, Bangkok’s night market offers a true culinary experience for any traveller. If you don’t believe me, even the street vendors win Michelin stars! From its fiery and spicy curries to its sweet desserts, Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture leaves lasting memories for those who have tried it. One of the most famous dishes in Bangkok is Mango Sticky Rice, featuring sticky rice cooked with coconut milk, topped with freshly sliced mango. Another dish, which has made its way to become a global phenomenon, is Pad Thai. Stir-fried with noodles, typically chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts and egg, you can never go wrong with this iconic dish!

2. Tokyo, Japan

Another Asian capital, Tokyo boasts more Michelin-star restaurants than any other city in the world, with 194. Similar to Bangkok, Tokyo is also renowned for its street food and night markets lining the streets. Tokyo’s dynamic dining scene has been shaped by dishes such as grilled eel, tempura, and soba. Their unique street food, including Takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), offers a chance to explore the largest city on earth, one dish at a time.

3. New York

Home to the Museum of Food and Drink (which tells you everything you need to know!), the ‘Big Apple’, New York, is a melting pot with a wide variety of global cuisines. With over 10,000 restaurants, culinary talent is drawn to NYC and are able to access incredibly fresh ingredients from nearby farms and speciality stores. Of all the dishes associated with this iconic city, arguably none is more well-known than the New York slice. Introduced to the city by Italian immigrants in the early 19th and 20th century, this on-the-go, cheap and foldable meal makes for a perfect lunch in the busy New York lifestyle. Another recognisable food is the New York bagel. Often linked with Central Park in the heart of Manhattan, these bagels are typically served with lashings of cream cheese and are made fresh daily, adding to their popularity.

So, there you have it – just some of the many culinary capitals of the world. But the question is… which will you be trying first?