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Leaving aside familiar culinary capitals like Paris, Tokyo, or New York, a new wave is quietly spreading, where seemingly modest cities are becoming explosive culinary destinations. Here, the essence of local cuisine blends with boundless creativity, creating experiences that are both novel and irresistibly captivating. If you love exploring new flavors and are always ready to challenge your palate, then the cities below are destinations you can't miss.
This culinary journey will take you beyond familiar locations, to places where every street, market, and eatery holds a story of culture, people, and inspiration. It's not just a place to eat delicious food, but a space to fully immerse yourself in every flavor, color, and sound, where cuisine becomes a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.
Exploring culture through food is a growing trend worldwide.
Arequipa, Peru
Nestled modestly behind the glitz and glamour of Lima, Peru's UNESCO World Heritage city of Arequipa is quietly emerging as an unmissable destination for food connoisseurs. Its cuisine is a sophisticated blend of Spanish influences and indigenous elements, creating a unique flavor profile unlike anywhere else.
Nestled in the shadow of Lima, Arequipa – a UNESCO World Heritage city – is rising strongly with its cuisine heavily influenced by both Spanish and local styles.
Traditional picanterias, dating back to the 17th century, are gradually disappearing.
In particular, the long-established traditional eateries known as "picantería," dating back to the 17th century and preserving the essence of Arequipa cuisine, are becoming increasingly rare. This makes enjoying signature dishes like spicy stuffed rocoto peppers, fragrant papa rellena potato cakes, or chilled queso helado (cream cheese dessert) an even more precious experience. This is the golden time to discover and appreciate this unique culinary heritage before it becomes a distant memory.
Gaziantep, Türkiye
Not only is it known as one of the historical cradles of the legendary Silk Road, the city of Gaziantep in southeastern Türkiye also proudly boasts being the undisputed capital of baklava – a sweet icon of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Famous dishes infused with rich spices.
Not only is Gaziantep the cradle of the Silk Road, it is also the capital of the famous baklava pancake.
With the title of Creative City in the culinary field recognized by UNESCO since 2015, Gaziantep not only produces 95% of the country's baklava but is also a place where traditional baklava-making secrets are passed down from generation to generation, creating crispy baklavas with the exquisite aroma of butter and pistachios. In addition, the rich culinary culture here is further enhanced by the presence and influence of the Syrian immigrant community, offering new and diverse flavors for visitors to discover.
Glasgow, Scotland
Once considered a "culinary blind spot" on the world's food map, Glasgow has undergone a spectacular transformation to become one of the most noteworthy culinary destinations in the United Kingdom. Under the skillful hands and creative minds of a generation of passionate young chefs, even haggis – a traditional delicacy once shunned by many – has been reimagined with a fresh, appealing look that surpasses old prejudices.
Haggis is a special type of sausage made from cooked lamb offal with oats, onions, lamb fat, spices, and salt, then stuffed into lamb stomachs and cooked thoroughly.
Furthermore, this cultural fusion has given Glasgow a vibrant culinary landscape, featuring sophisticated Asian dishes, rich Mediterranean flavors, and other international cuisines, leaving diners amazed by this spectacular transformation. Restaurants like Rosie Healy's Gloriosa are prime examples of this exciting fusion culinary trend that is reshaping Glasgow's identity.
Guangzhou, China
The famous proverb "Born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou" remains true to this day, affirming Guangzhou's unshakeable position on the world culinary map. Despite being a bustling and dynamic industrial center, Guangzhou steadfastly preserves the original spirit of Cantonese cuisine, especially the exquisite art of preparing dim sum.
It would be a great oversight to talk about Chinese cuisine without mentioning dim sum.
The old proverb, "Born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou," remains true today.
From translucent dumplings and golden-brown siu mai to soft char siu buns, each dim sum dish here is a work of art, showcasing the skill and finesse of the chef. Visiting renowned restaurants like Nan Yuan or Jade River (both awarded one Michelin star), you'll fully understand why Guangzhou is known as the "culinary capital" of China, where all your senses are awakened by flavor and tradition.
Kigali, Rwanda
Despite having endured a devastating period of war, Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is experiencing a powerful and impressive resurgence, not only economically but also culturally and culinaryly. The city is leading a strong specialty coffee craze, with over 450,000 farmers involved in producing high-quality coffee, making Kigali a promising new coffee capital of Africa.
Alongside the coffee boom is the emergence of a talented young generation of chefs who are reshaping modern Rwandan cuisine. They combine fresh, local ingredients with contemporary techniques, creating innovative and appealing dishes that attract those seeking to explore the depths of African gastronomy in a context of innovation and development.
Lyon, France
If Paris is the center of fashion and art, then Lyon is the true heart and cradle of French cuisine. It is the birthplace of "haute cuisine," with a glorious legacy from the "Mères Lyonnaises"—talented women who laid the foundation for the region's distinctive culinary style—to the legendary Paul Bocuse, who put Lyon on the world culinary map and created many famous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Famous culinary dish
When visiting Lyon, don't forget to stop by a traditional "bouchon"—a type of casual yet cozy restaurant characteristic of the city—to enjoy classic dishes such as Lyon rosette sausage, pâté en croûte (pâté wrapped in a pastry crust), or the region's famous quenelle (fish balls), and fully experience the quintessential traditional flavors of French cuisine.
Mérida, Mexico
As the capital of the Yucatán region, Mérida may be a lesser-known destination on the international culinary map, but it harbors a deeply rooted and captivating Mayan culinary heritage. Here, you can begin your culinary journey at the Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca to learn about its history and local ingredients.
Merida, the capital of the Yucatán state, is an unexpected destination that nonetheless harbors a deep Mayan culinary heritage.
Afterward, indulge in cochinita pibil – a traditional braised pork dish marinated with achiote and sour orange, cooked in banana leaves and buried underground, offering an unmistakable flavor. For those seeking a high-end culinary experience, Ku'uk restaurant offers a unique fine dining journey with ancient cuisine presented in a modern way. And of course, a trip to Mérida wouldn't be complete without mezcal – an agave liqueur with a distinctive smoky flavor – and the fresh, diverse tacos that reflect the soul of the region's street food.
