NZ Herald: Vietnam tops the list of the world's best food destinations in 2026

NZ Herald: Vietnam tops the list of the world’s best food destinations in 2026

Vietnam was recently honored as the number one destination in the 2026 World’s Top Culinary Destinations ranking of the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, voted by readers of the international travel site The New Zealand Herald (NZ Herald), beating many famous food destinations like Italy, Japan, Thailand, and France.

The category of Top Culinary Destination in the World is part of the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, voted by readers to honor popular travel destinations and experiences around the world. In the top 10 culinary destinations ranking, Vietnam takes the first spot, followed by Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Melbourne (Australia), France, Auckland, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand).

According to the NZ Herald, the trend of food tourism is increasingly growing as travelers not only look for high-end restaurants but also seek experiences that are close to local life. Tourists want to explore traditional markets, enjoy local dishes and street food, experience cooking with locals, learn how dishes are prepared, and especially discover culture through food.

This is also Vietnam’s standout advantage, bringing together all the culinary trends that global travelers are looking for. Vietnam – the top destination choice of NZ Herald readers – is highly praised for its rich, distinctive cuisine, perfectly blending fresh flavors, aromatic herbs, diverse textures, and flavorful broths.

From street stalls to busy restaurants and cafés, food is a part of everyday life and becomes an inseparable part of the experience of exploring Vietnam. Familiar dishes like pho, banh mi, nem, banh xeo, various noodle and rice dishes, along with many other simple local foods, can be easily found in neighborhoods, traditional markets, and local eateries.

NZ Herald suggests that when visiting Vietnam, travelers should experience the traditional markets and join a cooking class to better understand the ingredients, how dishes are prepared, and the stories behind each meal.

International tourists experience Vietnamese cuisine

The NZ Herald also highlights the clear differences between Vietnam’s regional cuisines. Northern cuisine, with Hanoi as the typical representative, stands out for its subtle and delicate flavors; Central cuisine, especially Hue, impresses with its spicy, rich, and sophisticated dishes, associated with royal cuisine; while Southern cuisine tends to be richer, sweeter, and makes abundant use of fresh herbs. This regional diversity creates a rich culinary journey, where each destination offers visitors unique experiences and stories.

(Collected photos and news)