20 Countries Voted To Have The World’s Best Cuisine

Ready to taste your way around the world without leaving your seat? These 20 countries were voted for having the world’s best cuisine, and each one brings a signature flavor, story, and soul to the table. You will find comfort classics, bold street food, and delicate dishes that reward slow savoring. Let this list guide your next craving or inspire a culinary adventure at home.

1. Italy

Italian cuisine celebrates simplicity, seasonal produce, and family traditions passed down through generations. You taste sun ripened tomatoes, peppery olive oil, and fragrant basil in every bite. Whether it is silky tagliatelle al ragù or a blistered Neapolitan pizza, balance matters.

Regionality keeps things exciting, from creamy risotto in the north to seafood laden specialties along the coasts. You can linger over antipasti, sip espresso, and finish with gelato that melts perfectly. It feels generous, comforting, and endlessly craveable.

2. France

French cuisine is elegance paired with technique, where butter, herbs, and careful sauces transform humble ingredients. You notice precision in a perfect omelet and depth in slow braises like boeuf bourguignon. Even simple baguette and cheese feel like ceremony.

Regional cuisines offer variety, from Provençal sunshine to Normandy’s cream and apples. Bistro classics comfort, while haute cuisine dazzles. You finish with crème brûlée or tart tatin, and everything seems quietly celebratory.

3. Japan

Japanese cuisine champions seasonality, craftsmanship, and balance. You taste purity in sashimi, precision in sushi rice, and comfort in ramen’s layered broth. Tempura crackles lightly, and kaiseki reveals nature on a plate.

Umami guides everything, from miso and soy to kombu dashi foundations. Street favorites like takoyaki and yakitori bring joy and casual charm. Dessert might be mochi or matcha soft serve, leaving a clean, satisfying finish.

4. Thailand

Thai food dances between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, with herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and kaffir lime leading. You get fireworks from papaya salad and soothing comfort from coconut curries. Street vendors toss noodles with incredible speed.

Regional specialties matter, from Isaan heat to southern seafood richness. A squeeze of lime or spoon of chili lifts everything. Desserts like mango sticky rice cool the palate and keep you smiling.

5. Mexico

Mexican cuisine is corn, chiles, and time honored techniques that turn simple ingredients into layered masterpieces. You taste smoky depth in mole and bright zest in salsas made fresh. Tacos al pastor spin on the trompo, irresistible and juicy.

Regional dishes span Oaxacan complexity to coastal ceviches. Fresh tortillas cradle everything with warmth. A sip of horchata or agua fresca balances the heat and invites another bite.

6. Spain

Spanish cuisine invites grazing and sharing, from tapas bites to festive paella. You taste paprika warmth, olive oil fruitiness, and sherry tinged sauces. Jamón ibérico melts, and pan con tomate whispers simplicity done right.

Each region shines, like Basque pintxos and Andalusian gazpacho. Seafood, rice, and rustic stews keep the table lively. Churros and chocolate seal the night with cozy indulgence.

7. Greece

Greek cuisine feels sunlit, fresh, and communal. You savor tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and tangy feta in crisp salads. Grilled meats and seafood kissed by lemon and oregano taste straightforward and soulful.

Comfort dishes like moussaka and spanakopita add heartiness. A drizzle of olive oil and squeeze of lemon bring magic. Finish with honey soaked baklava and a seaside breeze in your mind.

8. India

Indian cuisine is a tapestry of spices, regional techniques, and vegetarian brilliance. You find comforting dals, fragrant biryanis, and crisp dosas with chutneys that pop. The balance of heat, sweetness, and tang keeps you exploring.

North, south, east, and west each contribute distinct flavors and breads. Street food like chaat delivers crunchy, tangy joy. Gulab jamun or kulfi makes a sweet, soothing finish.

9. Turkey

Turkish cuisine bridges Asia and Europe with generous hospitality. You nibble through meze, then savor succulent kebabs and pide from blazing ovens. Herbs, yogurt, and spices create harmony without heaviness.

Breakfasts are lavish with cheeses, olives, eggs, and honeyed pastries. Street foods like simit and balik ekmek keep you fueled while wandering. Baklava and Turkish tea complete a sweet, comforting ritual.

10. China

Chinese cuisine spans vast regions and techniques, each with signature flavors and textures. You love the numbing tingle of Sichuan pepper, the crisp lacquer of Peking duck, and delicate dim sum. Wok hei adds irresistible smokiness.

From noodles to dumplings, variety is endless and satisfying. Vegetables shine alongside pork, seafood, and tofu. Dessert might be mango pudding or sesame balls, rounding a memorable feast.

11. Vietnam

Vietnamese food is light, aromatic, and deeply comforting. You sip pho with bright herbs and balanced broth, then crunch into banh mi with pickled vegetables. Fish sauce adds savory depth without heaviness.

Fresh rolls, grilled pork, and bun bowls keep things lively and fresh. A squeeze of lime and handful of herbs finish many dishes. Che desserts and iced coffee deliver sweet, energizing endings.

12. Lebanon

Lebanese cuisine is vibrant, herb forward, and social. You scoop creamy hummus, bright tabbouleh, and smoky baba ghanoush with warm bread. Grilled meats are juicy, seasoned, and perfectly charred.

Pickles, lemon, and pomegranate molasses add sparkle to every bite. Meals stretch out with conversation and shared plates. Baklava and strong coffee make a sweet, thoughtful farewell.

13. Morocco

Moroccan cuisine layers spices, preserved lemons, and slow cooking into aromatic comfort. You lift tagine lids to find tender meats and vegetables perfumed with saffron and cumin. Couscous is fluffy and welcoming.

Salads, olives, and breads start the meal with variety. Sweet mint tea refreshes and punctuates conversation. For dessert, pastries with honey and almonds create a fragrant finish.

14. Peru

Peruvian cuisine is adventurous and bright, fusing Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences. You taste citrusy ceviche, peppery aji, and satisfying lomo saltado. Potatoes and corn appear in countless delicious forms.

Nikkei and Chifa traditions add technique and flair. From the Andes to the coast, ingredients shine with freshness. Picarones and lucuma desserts bring a playful, sweet ending.

15. United States

American cuisine is a mosaic shaped by waves of immigration and regional pride. You find smoky barbecue, iconic burgers, and soulful fried chicken. Coastal chowders and Southwestern flavors keep things diverse and delicious.

Farm to table cooking highlights local ingredients and creativity. Food trucks, diners, and fine dining all have a place. Pie or soft serve finishes with nostalgic sweetness.

16. Argentina

Argentinian cuisine centers on the asado, where beef meets patient fire and skill. You taste juicy steaks, chimichurri brightness, and flaky empanadas. Simplicity lets quality shine.

Pasta and pizza show Italian heritage, while dulce de leche sweetens everything delightfully. Mate tea fuels long conversations. The experience feels hearty, social, and deeply satisfying.

17. Ethiopia

Ethiopian cuisine is communal and bold, built around tangy injera and richly spiced stews. You pinch bites with your hands, sharing from a large platter. Berbere heat and niter kibbeh depth create memorable flavors.

Lentil dishes stand proudly beside chicken and beef. The coffee ceremony adds warmth and ritual to the meal. Freshness comes from salads and crunchy textures that balance richness.

18. Korea

Korean cuisine balances fermented tang, chili warmth, and smoky char. You build bites with banchan, savor bibimbap’s textures, and grill marinated meats at the table. Kimchi brightens everything.

Street favorites like tteokbokki bring chewy heat and fun. Soups and stews comfort through the seasons. A cold beer or soju pairs perfectly with bold flavors.

19. Portugal

Portuguese cuisine celebrates the sea, preserved traditions, and soulful simplicity. You enjoy bacalhau in countless preparations and grilled sardines on summer nights. Caldo verde warms with potatoes and greens.

Piri piri chicken and seafood rice satisfy heartily. Pastel de nata offers creamy sweetness with caramelized tops. It feels welcoming, honest, and deeply tasty.

20. Indonesia

Indonesian cuisine is diverse, aromatic, and fiery when you want it. You savor rendang’s slow cooked richness, satay with peanut sauce, and nasi goreng’s comforting savoriness. Sambal brings customizable heat.

Island by island, flavors shift with spices, coconut, and herbs. Tempeh and tofu shine in many dishes, offering great texture. Es cendol or tropical fruits close the meal refreshingly.