Leaving behind the familiar culinary capitals such as Paris, Tokyo or New York – a new wave is quietly spreading, where seemingly modest cities become explosive taste destinations. Here, the quintessence of local cuisine blends with endless creativity, creating experiences that are both strange and irresistible. If you love to explore new flavors and are always ready to challenge your taste buds, then the cities below are the destinations not to be missed.
This culinary journey will take you beyond the familiar coordinates, to a place where every street, market or restaurant contains a story about culture, people and life inspiration. This is not just a place to eat delicious food, but a space to live fully with every taste, color and sound, where cuisine becomes a personal and unforgettable experience.
Discovering culture through cuisine is a trend in the world.
Arequipa, Peru
Nestled modestly behind the glittering capital city of Lima, Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage city of Arequipa is quietly emerging as a must-visit destination for foodies. Its cuisine is a delicate blend of Spanish influences and indigenous elements, creating a unique flavour that can’t be found anywhere else.
Hidden in the shadow of Lima, the UNESCO heritage city of Arequipa is emerging with dishes that have strong Spanish and indigenous influences.
Traditional picanterías that date back to the 17th century are slowly disappearing.
In particular, the traditional 17th-century eateries known as “picanterías,” which are the heart of Arequipa cuisine, are becoming increasingly rare, making the experience of enjoying signature dishes such as spicy meat-stuffed rocoto peppers, fragrant papa rellena potato cakes, or icy queso helado (cheese ice cream) desserts all the more precious. Now is the perfect time to discover and appreciate this unique culinary heritage before it becomes a distant memory.
Gaziantep, Türkiye
Not only known as one of the historical cradles of the legendary Silk Road, the city of Gaziantep in southeastern Türkiye also prides itself as the undisputed capital of baklava – the sweet symbol of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Famous spicy dishes
Not only is Gaziantep the cradle of the Silk Road, it is also the capital of the famous baklava.
Recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015, Gaziantep not only produces 95% of the country’s baklava, but is also a place where traditional baking secrets are passed down from generation to generation, creating crispy baklava with the aroma of butter and pistachios. In addition, the rich culinary culture here is also enhanced by the presence and influence of the Syrian immigrant community, bringing new and diverse flavors for visitors to explore.
Glasgow, Scotland
Once considered a "culinary blank" on the world's culinary map, Glasgow has now transformed dramatically to become one of the UK's most notable culinary destinations. Under the talented hands and creative thinking of a generation of enthusiastic young chefs, even haggis - a traditional specialty that was once "ignored" by many - has been recreated with a new, attractive look, far beyond old prejudices.
Haggis is a special sausage made from sheep's offal cooked with oats, onions, lamb fat, spices and salt, then stuffed into a sheep's stomach and cooked thoroughly.
In addition, the cultural exchange has also brought Glasgow a colorful culinary picture with delicate Asian dishes, passionate Mediterranean flavors and other international dishes, leaving diners amazed by this spectacular transformation. Eateries like Rosie Healy's Gloriosa are typical examples of the exciting culinary exchange trend that is reshaping Glasgow's position.
Guangzhou, China
The famous saying "Born in Suzhou, lived in Hangzhou, ate in Guangzhou" still holds true today, affirming Guangzhou's unshakeable position on the world culinary map. Despite being a bustling and dynamic industrial center, Guangzhou has still steadfastly preserved the original Cantonese culinary spirit, especially the art of preparing exquisite dim sum dishes.
Talking about Chinese cuisine without mentioning dim sum is a mistake.
The old saying "Born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou" still holds true today.
From the transparent dumplings, golden-brown meatballs to the soft char siu bao, every dim sum here is a work of art, demonstrating the chef's skill and sophistication. Visit famous restaurants such as Nan Yuan or Jade River (1 Michelin star), you will fully understand why Guangzhou is known as the "culinary capital" of China, where all the senses are awakened by flavors and traditions.
Kigali, Rwanda
Despite its traumatic war years, Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is emerging strongly and impressively, not only economically but also in its culinary culture. The city is leading a strong wave of specialty coffee, with over 450,000 farmers involved in the production of high-quality coffee, making Kigali a promising new coffee capital of Africa.
Alongside the coffee boom comes a generation of talented young chefs who are reshaping modern Rwandan cuisine. They combine fresh, local ingredients with contemporary techniques, creating innovative and exciting dishes that appeal to those who want to explore the depths of African cuisine in a context of innovation and growth.
Lyon, France
If Paris is the center of fashion and art, Lyon is the true heart and cradle of French cuisine. This is where the concept of "haute cuisine" originated, with a illustrious legacy from the "Mères Lyonnaises" - talented women who laid the foundations for the region's distinctive culinary style, to the legendary Paul Bocuse, who put Lyon on the culinary map of the world and gave birth to many famous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Famous cuisine
When in Lyon, don't forget to visit a traditional "bouchon" - a popular yet cozy restaurant typical of the city - to enjoy classic dishes such as rosette de Lyon sausage, pâté en croûte (pâté wrapped in pastry) or the region's famous quenelle (fish balls), to fully experience the quintessential traditional flavors of French cuisine.
Mérida, Mexico
As the capital of the state of Yucatán, Mérida may be a lesser-known destination on the international culinary map, but it has a deep and fascinating Mayan culinary heritage. This is where you can start your gastronomic journey at the Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca to learn about the history and indigenous ingredients.
The capital of Yucatán state, Mérida is an unlikely destination with a deep Mayan culinary heritage.
Then, indulge in cochinita pibil – a traditional pork stew marinated in achiote and sour orange, cooked in banana leaves and buried in the ground, giving it a distinctive flavor. For those looking for a fine dining experience, Ku'uk offers a unique fine dining journey with ancient cuisine presented in a modern way. And of course, no trip to Mérida would be complete without mezcal – a smoky agave spirit – and fresh, varied tacos that reflect the spirit of the region’s street food scene.
