This city has been named the number 1 food destination in the world

Research shows that one in five tourists goes on holiday to discover new restaurants and enjoy culinary experiences. Where can you do that fantastically? In Melbourne (Australia)! This city has been named the number 1 food destination in the world by travellers and foodies. What makes this city such a culinary favourite? And which spots should you not miss? We’ll tell you.

A study by British travel agency Travelbag found that Melbourne is currently the most beloved food destination, followed by Toronto, Dubai and Sydney. While European classics such as pasta and paella have been attracting foodies for years, according to this study, you have to go a little further afield for international flavours and unique dining experiences. Melbourne, to be precise.

Why Melbourne is so special for foodies

Melbourne is Australia’s culinary capital, with an enormous variety of international cuisines. The city has more than 3,500 restaurants where you can sample 100 different cuisines. In short, a true paradise for anyone who loves good food!

Because yes: in Melbourne, fresh sushi is served as street food, brunch is a lifestyle and coffee is practically a religion. Whether you’re looking for authentic Ethiopian food in Thornbury or a Japanese market in Collingwood, the green trams will take you all around the world.

Chinatown: gigantic

In Melbourne, you’ll find one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in the world, established during the Australian gold rush in the 1850s. Every local naturally has their own favourite dumpling spot; ask around and you’ll undoubtedly end up in one of the graffiti-filled laneways of Little Bourke Street. Definitely try the gigantic dim sims from Dim Sims in Melbourne.

Largest Greek community outside Greece

Melbourne is also home to the largest Greek community outside Greece, which emerged during the same period. Melbourne is also sometimes called the world’s third-largest “Greek city”, after Athens and Thessaloniki, because of the enormous number of Greeks who live there (400,000!).

A popular place for Greek hospitality is Jim’s Greek Tavern, where it feels as though you’re sitting down at a Greek family’s home. Stalactites is another hotspot beloved by the local Greek community. Whether you can also find the viral “Greek” feta wrap here remains doubtful.

Our insider tips: the ultimate Melbourne hotspots

We asked Australia-based Jaap Sonnemans, Global Business Development & Trade Activation Director at Maison Saint Aix, for his ultimate culinary tips in Melbourne. These are his favourites – and yes, you can enjoy a glass of AIX rosé there.

Gimlet at Cavendish House

“An iconic spot in the heart of Melbourne, with a timeless atmosphere. Here you’ll find the perfect balance of elegant service, refined dishes and a wine list that radiates class. Ideal for an evening out where everything is just right.”

Belvedere Bar & Grill

“A stylish spot overlooking the river, perfect for a long lunch in the sun with a glass of AIX Rosé. Classic, but with a modern twist: from the dishes to the ambience, everything feels carefully designed.”

Freyja

“Luxury Scandi-style dining with ingredients sourced directly from local farms or nature. Pure flavours, combined with sleek design, make this a unique culinary experience. This is where you taste Melbourne at its most refined.”

Even more great food destinations

Curious which other cities around the world are praised for having the very best food? Popular lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler previously published a mouth-watering list of culinary destinations, both nearby and farther afield, that will have you salivating instantly. And yes, Melbourne is on this list too.

We’re missing Istanbul from the list – and where is Amsterdam? These cities also have an impressive culinary offering. But whether you prefer refined dishes, street food or exciting fusion cuisines, Condé Nast Traveler’s 10 popular food cities offer unforgettable dining experiences that will have you longing for your next holiday straight away.

Also read:

• 6 things you shouldn’t do when you’re in Spain but probably will
• This is once again the happiest country in the world (and the Netherlands has risen one place)
• This is the IKEA kitchen gadget everyone is raving about right now

Source: Travel + Leisure