When it comes to food travel, cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Rome tend to steal all the spotlight. But while the world flocks to these culinary capitals, there’s a hidden layer of global gastronomy waiting to be discovered—often in cities that barely make the guidebooks. These underrated foodie cities might not have Michelin stars or world-famous chefs (yet), but what they offer is something many food lovers crave: authenticity, regional pride, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether it’s mouthwatering street food, family-run kitchens passed down through generations, or fusion flavors born from unexpected cultural crossroads, these destinations are redefining what it means to eat well while traveling. And because they’re still off most people’s radar, you get to enjoy the food without the crowds, the hype, or the tourist-trap prices.
In this post, we’re spotlighting 10 underrated foodie cities from around the globe that are sure to surprise your taste buds—and maybe even change your definition of “bucket list.” If you’re hungry for something different (literally), these are the cities to add to your next itinerary.
Here are 10 underrated foodie cities that should be on your radar.
Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Quick & Easy Foodie Travel Tips
Eat where the locals eat. If the menu is in English only, it’s probably not the best spot.
Join a food tour on day one. It’s a quick, fun way to get oriented with the local flavors.
Use apps like Google Translate or Google Lens to read menus and avoid ordering mistakes.
Skip fancy restaurants. Some of the best meals in these cities come from markets or street vendors.
Always ask locals for recommendations. Hotel staff, cab drivers, or even bartenders usually know the hidden gems.
Let’s be honest: Some of the world’s most “famous” food cities are coasting on reputation more than reality. Tourists wait hours in line for overpriced dishes that locals never touch, while authentic culinary experiences are quietly happening elsewhere—without the Instagram filters. The cities on this list might not be trending on TikTok, but they’re where real food stories live. You’ll find unpretentious meals cooked with soul, rooted in tradition, and often more exciting than what’s served in a place with 2,000 TripAdvisor reviews.
1. Oaxaca, Mexico
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Oaxaca is the birthplace of mole, mezcal, and some of Mexico’s most complex and diverse flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Negro – A rich, dark sauce made with over 30 ingredients.
Tlayudas – Oaxaca’s version of a Mexican pizza, topped with cheese, beans, and meat.
Chapulines (Grasshoppers) – Crunchy, seasoned, and surprisingly addictive.
Where to Eat:
Casa Oaxaca – A refined take on traditional dishes.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre – Street food heaven for tlayudas and grilled meats.
2. Bologna, Italy
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Forget Rome and Florence—Bologna is Italy’s true food capital, home to some of the world’s best pasta.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragù – The original (and superior) version of spaghetti Bolognese.
Tortellini in Brodo – Handmade pasta served in rich broth.
Mortadella – The inspiration behind American bologna but infinitely better.
Where to Eat:
Trattoria Anna Maria – Old-school pasta perfection.
Mercato di Mezzo – A lively food market filled with local specialties.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Georgia’s cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Eastern European flavors, with an emphasis on bread, cheese, and spices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khinkali – Juicy dumplings filled with meat and broth.
Khachapuri – A boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, butter, and egg.
Pkhali – A colorful spread of walnut-based vegetable pâtés.
Where to Eat:
Shavi Lomi – A modern twist on Georgian classics.
Cafe Littera – A charming spot with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
4. Lyon, France
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Lyon is considered the gastronomic capital of France, with deep-rooted food traditions and world-class markets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quenelles – Light and airy fish dumplings in a creamy sauce.
Saucisson Brioché – Sausage baked inside a brioche.
Bresse Chicken – One of the world’s most prized chickens, served simply but perfectly.
Where to Eat:
Bouchon Les Lyonnais – A classic Lyonnais dining experience.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse – A food market showcasing the region’s best products.
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Vietnam’s biggest city is packed with street food stalls, bustling markets, and bold flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bánh Mì – The perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors in a sandwich.
Phở – A fragrant beef noodle soup with fresh herbs.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Strong Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk.
Where to Eat:
Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa – Arguably the best bánh mì in Vietnam.
Ben Thanh Market – A must-visit for authentic street food.
6. Lima, Peru
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Lima is the undisputed culinary capital of South America, blending indigenous, Spanish, and Asian influences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche – Fresh fish cured in citrus juice, with a spicy kick.
Lomo Saltado – A Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes.
Anticuchos – Grilled skewers of marinated beef heart.
Where to Eat:
Maido – One of the world’s best restaurants, specializing in Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion).
Punto Azul – A local favorite for ceviche.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Istanbul is where East meets West, creating a blend of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lahmacun – Thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs.
Menemen – A rich, tomato-based Turkish scrambled egg dish.
Baklava – The best you’ll ever taste, layered with pistachios and honey.
Where to Eat:
Karaköy Lokantası – Classic mezes and seafood.
Spice Bazaar – A must-visit for trying local sweets and teas.
8. Penang, Malaysia
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Penang is a street food paradise, where Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian flavors come together.
Must-Try Dishes:
Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried noodles with prawns, egg, and soy sauce.
Laksa – A spicy, tangy noodle soup with coconut milk or tamarind.
Roti Canai – A flaky, buttery flatbread served with curry.
Where to Eat:
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre – The best place for local street food.
Line Clear Nasi Kandar – Famous for its rice and curry combinations.
9. Belgrade, Serbia
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
Belgrade’s rich, meat-heavy cuisine is influenced by Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman traditions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ćevapi – Grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread.
Ajvar – A smoky red pepper spread.
Pljeskavica – A Serbian-style burger with bold flavors.
Where to Eat:
Zavičaj – Traditional Serbian comfort food.
Kafana Question Mark – A historic tavern serving classic Balkan dishes.
10. San Sebastián, Spain
Why It’s a Foodie Paradise:
This Basque city has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world and is famous for its pintxos (small bites).
Must-Try Dishes:
Pintxos – Small, flavorful tapas served on bread.
Txuleta – Basque-style grilled steak.
Basque Cheesecake – A burnt, creamy delight.
Where to Eat:
Bar Nestor – Known for legendary txuleta steaks.
Ganbara – Famous for its mushroom and foie gras pintxos.
Final Thoughts
In a world of predictable food destinations, these underrated cities are a refreshing reminder that culinary magic doesn’t only happen in five-star kitchens. Sometimes, it’s in a grandmother’s backyard restaurant, a hole-in-the-wall bakery, or a corner stall frying up something unforgettable.
Exploring lesser-known food cities also supports local economies in a more sustainable way. You’re not just eating—you’re learning about heritage, identity, and the kind of pride that turns simple meals into powerful stories.
So next time you plan a foodie trip, skip the obvious and go for the deliciously unexpected. Your taste buds will thank you—and your travel stories will be way more interesting.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.