For modern travellers, a holiday itinerary is no longer complete without a deep dive into the local cuisine. The quest to discover what locals eat, the iconic dishes a city is famous for, and the beloved flavours that define a culture has become as essential as visiting monuments. Reflecting this global food obsession, the renowned food guide TasteAtlas has unveiled its highly anticipated World Food Awards for 2025 and 2026.
The Global Culinary Champions
The prestigious list was compiled after analysing a staggering 18,828 cities worldwide. The final ranking of the top 100 food destinations is based on the ratings of the everyday local and national dishes served in each location. From this extensive evaluation, a definitive list of the world's top 10 food cities has emerged, capturing the imagination of food lovers everywhere.
Leading the chart is Naples, Italy, with a near-perfect score of 4.99 stars. The city's food philosophy revolves around simplicity, classic recipes, and ultimate comfort, with dishes like Pizza Margherita creating a profound emotional connection. Sharing the top spot with an identical rating is Milan, Italy. Its cuisine is celebrated for being rich, deeply traditional, and embedded in the city's cultural fabric, featuring robust flavours in dishes like Risotto alla Milanese.
In third place is Bologna, Italy (4.98 stars), widely regarded as the heart of Italian homestyle cooking, famous for its hearty pasta dishes. Florence follows with 4.89 stars, offering earthy and honest flavours from its renowned grilled meats and rustic soups.
Mumbai's Flavourful Triumph
The standout entry for India, and the only one from the country in the elite top 10, is Mumbai, with a score of 4.78 stars. The city's food scene is a vibrant reflection of its own character: bustling, energetic, and full of life. The guide highlights that street food and festive specialties are central to the daily diet here. Must-try dishes that earned Mumbai its place include the iconic Vada pav, Bhelpuri, Pav bhaji, Modak, and Ragda pattice.
The list continues with Genoa, Italy (4.78 stars), the birthplace of pesto, and Paris, France (4.77 stars), which maintains its global reputation for classic cuisine and elegant desserts. Vienna, Austria (4.76 stars) brings nostalgic, homely flavours to the table, while Rome, Italy (4.74 stars) is celebrated for its simple yet characterful pasta dishes. Rounding off the top 10 is Lima, Peru (4.74 stars), recognised for its seafood-centric dishes and bold, clear flavour profiles that have secured its spot on the world culinary map.
A New Era of Food Tourism
The TasteAtlas World Food Awards underscore a significant shift in how people travel. Food is no longer a side attraction but a primary motivator for choosing a destination. This list serves as a definitive guide for gastronomes looking to plan their next culinary adventure, proving that the most memorable journeys are often flavoured by the authentic tastes of a city's streets and homes. For India, Mumbai's prominent placement is a proud moment, showcasing the irresistible power of its diverse and dynamic street food culture to the world.
