SOME travellers would go thousands of kilometres each year to sample authentic cuisine.
The growth of culinary tourism has seen foodies flock to far-flung regions to try something new. Research shows that six in 10 holidaymakers go abroad purely for the taste of food.
The study also found 41 per cent of respondents said they'd be willing to travel hundreds of kilometres to track down the "perfect" meal.
Market Data Forecast anticipates that the global culinary tourism market will have a value of more than US$3.4 billion by 2028 from US$1.3 billion last year, with so many jumping at the chance to discover incredible bars, hidden gems and restaurants.
Panache Cruises founder and managing director, James Cole, said lots of holidaymakers were fascinated with food and find it fun to learn about cuisine while they were away.
"For many foodies, visiting the cities with the most Michelin stars, boasting exceptional cooking techniques and incredible ingredient and flavour quality, is a must," he said, adding that for others, it is all about the cultural and historical experience that authentic local cuisine provides.
Here are top 10 cities to guide foodies on their gastronomic adventures as recommended by travel experts at the luxury cruise platform, Panache Cruises.
TOKYO, JAPAN
As of 2023, Tokyo has the world's most Michelin-starred restaurants. Together, the city's restaurants have more than 200 Michelin stars between them
.
The Japanese capital's culinary scene is at an exceptional standard and often credited to traditional street vendors who are incredible at adding a Japanese twist to foreign dishes.
PARIS, FRANCE
Paris is one of the world's gastronomic capitals, and it is renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, top chefs, and its wealth of food.
Tempting patisseries, chocolatiers and fromageries are everywhere, making the city a dream destination for foodies.
HONG KONG
Known as one of the best cities in Asia for foodies, Hong Kong has the highest density of restaurants in the world and is referred to as the "World's Food Fair".
Hong Kong has it all, from street food to fine dining. There is an extraordinary array of classic, traditional and fusion dishes, from hotpot to exotic snake soup.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
New York is full of iconic and old-school dishes, and has arguably shaped the modern Western dining scene with the likes of pizza, burgers, bagels and cheesecake.
Over the years, the range of food has expanded into cuisines from across the globe, making food from all over the world accessible in one place.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
London is a global gourmet destination with award-winning restaurants and critically acclaimed chefs.
The dining scene in the city is incredibly vibrant and versatile, bustling with high-end luxury experiences, food markets and traditional establishments with a classic British flare.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
Bangkok has long been declared the world's street food capital, bustling with street vendors and pop-up stalls.
Not only is the food fresh and delicious, but it is also very cheap.
SINGAPORE
Singapore is famous for its traditional fresh dishes swathed in herbs and spices, and rich in taste and flavour.
Heavily influenced by Malaysia, China and India, its culinary styles are mostly traditional food with a modern twist.
BERLIN, GERMANY
Known for its flourishing food scene inspired by its global population, Berlin has seen an increase in innovative chefs setting up restaurants and pop-ups.
It is not all side-of-the-road sausages, as there is also an array of dining options, including Michelin-starred cuisine.
BARCELONA, SPAIN
A vast range of traditional local dishes is available in Barcelona, voted the best Spanish city for food.
Their famous Catalonian dishes are seafood-heavy, nutritious, rich in herbs and spices, and the perfect light bites for summer.
ROME, ITALY
Situated in the heart of Italy, known for its long-standing love of eating out and its rich sense of tradition, Rome's cuisine is tasty, robust and full of carbs.
Best known for its pasta and pizza, masses of rustic trattorias are waiting to serve its simple and loved food.
