Let’s face it: food is the universal language.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. A good meal can bring people together faster than anything else. And some places in the world take this whole “good food” thing to another level.
To be honest, these aren’t just countries with great restaurants—they’re entire cultures built around flavor, tradition, and innovation.
So, if you’re ready to eat your way across the globe, these five destinations are spots that you must go for.
Singapore
Singapore might be tiny, but when it comes to food, it goes way above its weight.
This place is basically Disneyland for food lovers.
Now, just forget all those fancy Michelin-starred restaurants (though they have those too).
The real magic happens at hawker centers—open-air food courts that serve up some of the best meals you’ll ever have.
Trust us, you can’t leave there without trying Hainanese chicken rice. Sounds simple, right? But believe us, it’s life-changing.
The reason for that is tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth is quite yummy and kind of an art in a way.
Then there’s chili crab, a messy but totally worth-it dish of fresh crab smothered in a sweet-spicy sauce.
Tip: Grab some mantou buns to get all that chili crab.
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Malaysia
Malaysia is like a cool spot that always knows how to throw a party—and in this case, the party is happening in your mouth.
Speaking of which, the food side here is all about balance.
This means that sweet, sour, salty, spicy—it’s all there, which is quite amazing.
So, let’s start with nasi lemak. This is Malaysia’s unofficial national dish, and we can say that it’s worth that title.
Whereas fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with crispy anchovies, peanuts, a boiled egg, and sambal (a fiery chili paste). It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to write poetry. Seriously.
Then there’s char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, cockles, eggs, and bean sprouts.
Speaking of which, the smoky wok hei (that magical “breath of the wok”) flavor is what sets it apart.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling like eating something unique, try rendang—a slow-cooked meat dish (usually beef) simmered in coconut milk and spices.
Moving on, roti canai is another must-try.
This flaky, buttery flatbread is perfect for dipping into dhal or curry. And don’t skip the street food stalls that sell satay skewers.
In other words, it’s grilled meat marinated in spices and served with peanut sauce.
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Dubai
Dubai gets a lot of attention for its skyscrapers and luxury shopping, but let us tell you, the food side is where it really shines.
This city is a spot of cultures, and that diversity shows up on every plate.
So, once you are there, start your day with balaleet, a traditional Emirati breakfast dish.
It’s sweet vermicelli noodles flavored with cardamom and saffron, with a savory omelet.
We know, this must sound weird? But, to be honest, it’s quite delicious.
Anyway, for lunch, you can head to one of Dubai’s many shawarma spots.
Whereas juicy meat shaved off a spit, wrapped in warm pita with garlic sauce as it’s the perfect handheld meal that you will ever try.
On the other hand, for seafood lovers, there’s a part for you as well.
Dubai’s coastal location means fresh fish is everywhere.
Therefore, you can try hammour, a local fish often grilled or fried and served with rice and tangy tamarind sauce. And if you’re in the mood for something new, order machboos.
This spiced rice dish is similar to biryani and usually comes with chicken, lamb, or seafood.
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Thailand
Ah, Thailand. The land of smiles—and some of the most incredible food on the planet.
Trust us, Thai cuisine is all about bold flavors and different colours.
It’s the kind of food that makes you sit back and say, “Wow.”
Speaking of which, Pad Thai is probably the most famous Thai dish worldwide, and that is not a surprise to hear.
Whereas Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, eggs, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a yummy tamarind sauce is quite yummy.
But don’t stop there. Tom yum soup is a must-try as well. This hot-and-sour broth comes with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, and chili. So, don’t forget to try that.
Moving on, if you’re a fan of curries, Thailand will blow your mind.
The reason for that is green curry, red curry, massaman curry—they’re all fantastic.
This is because each one has its own unique blend of herbs and spices, which shares that creamy coconut milk base.
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Japan
Japan is a dream come true for foodies.
This is because the Japanese approach to food is almost as amazing as it sounds.
Whereas every ingredient is treated with respect, and every dish is made with precision.
So, it’s no wonder that Japan has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country.
With that being said, sushi is obviously a highlight in Japan, but there’s so much more to eat if you are going for something unique.
Ramen, for example, is a national approach when it comes to food.
This is because ramen is prepared with broth, springy noodles, and toppings like chashu pork and soft-boiled eggs as it’s the comfort that everyone is looking for when it comes to food.
Anyway, remember that each region has its own style, so don’t hesitate to try a few variations.
Speaking of which, tempura is another dish. That is lightly battered and deep-fried with seafood or vegetables. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So you can dip it in tentsuyu sauce for an extra touch of umami.
And then there’s okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with cabbage, meat, and seafood. It’s like a Japanese version of pizza, and it’s absolutely addictive.
Plus, desserts in Japan are just as delightful as it sounds.
In fact, matcha flavour from ice cream to mochi—is a must-try. And taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard, is both delicious and yummy.
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Conclusion
And there you have it—five foodie paradises that will make you to eat more than you ever did before.
Anyway, the best part is that you don’t need to be a culinary expert to enjoy any of this.
All you need is an appetite and a willingness to try something new.
Remember that these places welcome food lovers with open arms (and open kitchens).
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure—and don’t forget to pack stretchy pants.
Editorial Staff at Travelco are experts in Global Tourism.