The 2026 ranking of the world's leading culinary destinations is based on votes from The New Zealand Herald (NZ Herald) readers.

New Zealand's largest newspaper notes that the culinary tourism trend is growing as travelers seek not only high-end restaurants but also experiences that are closer to local life.

A destination becomes attractive to tourists as they enjoy exploring traditional markets, local dishes and street food, experiencing cooking with locals, partaking in the food preparation, and especially discovering the culture through cuisine.

Quang noodles - a dish widely loved and enjoyed by international tourists when they visit Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Among many famous culinary destinations such as Italy, Japan, Thailand, and France, Vietnamese cuisine has truly captivated diners worldwide.

In the ranking of the top 10 culinary destinations, honoring the world's most beloved travel destinations and experiences, Vietnam ranks first, followed by Italy; Japan; Thailand; Singapore; Melbourne (Australia); France; Auckland, Wellington and Hawke's Bay (New Zealand).

Vietnamese cuisine embodies all the culinary trends favored by global travelers. Readers of The New Zealand Herald highly praised its rich and distinctive cuisine, harmoniously blending fresh flavors, aromatic herbs, diverse dish textures, and rich broths.

From vendor stalls to bustling restaurants and cafes, local cuisine represents an integral component of the Vietnamese travel experience. Familiar dishes such as pho, banh mi, nem, banh xeo, various noodle dishes, rice dishes, and many other local specialties can easily be found everywhere, from traditional markets to local eateries.

The NZ Herald suggests that tourists should experience traditional markets and participate in cooking classes to better understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and the stories behind each dish.

Also, the author highlighted the distinct differences between the regional cuisines of Vietnam. Northern cuisine, with Hanoi as a prime example, is characterized by its delicate and refined flavors. Meanwhile, central cuisine, particularly Hue, impresses with its spicy, rich, and elaborate dishes, linked to royal court cuisine. In addition, Southern cuisine tends to be richer, sweeter, and makes abundant use of aromatic herbs.

Regional diversity has created a rich culinary journey, where each destination offers visitors exciting experiences and unique stories.

The Vietnam National Tourism Administration believes that Vietnam's ranking as number one in the NZ Herald Travel rankings further affirms the recognition by international media and tourists worldwide of the attractiveness of Vietnamese tourism, especially its culinary strengths. The combination of the diverse dishes, the culture, regions, and local life, creates rich and unique experiences for visitors.

Along with its heritage sites, diverse natural landscapes, and rich cultural traditions, cuisine is becoming a prominent advantage of Vietnamese tourism. Thanks to its ability to connect tourists with the culture, people, and regions, the local cuisine not only leaves a lasting impression on their travel experiences, stimulating a desire to explore more destinations.

Food, ingredients, cooking, and culinary culture have become a way to promote the image of Vietnam in a close, vibrant, and distinctive manner, enhancing Vietnam's competitiveness on the world tourism map.

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