Best Culinary Vacations: A Curated Guide for Gastronomy-Led Luxury Travel

Argentina is the original meat and wine lovers’ destination. The fertile land has made this country a paradise for feeding cattle and cultivating first-class grapes in Mendoza. The incredible varieties produced here are best enjoyed alongside a sumptuous steak in foodie capital Buenos Aires.

Curry fans will be spoilt for choice in India. Every region specialises in different flavours and styles, so tuck in and enjoy your curry with plain rice or flatbread, raitha to cut through the spice, chutney or poppadoms. Nothing beats the real, authentic flavours of India, and you can prepare yourself for a flavour explosion that goes far and above anything you’ve ever tasted back home.

With influences originating from India, China and Oceania, Thai cuisine brings together a diverse array of flavours and globally beloved dishes. Its capital, Bangkok, is regarded as one of the best dining destinations on the planet, famed for its authentic street food scene – which you can discover on a private tuk-tuk tour. Favourites such as Thai Green Curry and Pad Thai are elevated by fresh and authentic spices, while the more adventurous may be tempted by more delicacies such as fried scorpions and other insects.

The pretty Basque seaside town of San Sebastian is nothing short of heaven for gourmands, specialising in pintxos. This truly delectable form of tapas is traditionally served resting on a slice of baguette and ranges in variety from Spanish omelette to scampi, ham, chillies and risotto squares. People will typically visit three or four bars, and pair their pinxtos with a glass of txacolí – the lightly sparkling wine typical of the Basque country.

One of the best foodie cities, Tokyo is a constellation of Michelin stars. It may have more starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but you don’t have to blow the bank to satisfy your tastebuds here. The atmospheric local izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) can serve up tastes as exciting as those in the city’s top restaurants, and you’ll find some of Japan’s most authentic sushi at the Tsukiji Market. Beyond the capital, you can learn about Kyoto’s kaiseki heritage, sample street food in Osaka and participate in traditional tea ceremonies across the country.

As the birthplace of chocolate, and boasting some of the world’s most popular dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas, Mexico certainly is a top-notch culinary destination. For some of the country’s finest restaurants – not to mention mezcal tastings – foodies should head to the historic region of Oaxaca. However, laid-back food markets and street stands also offer delicious, dynamic cuisine.

If food is important to any country, it’s Vietnam. Rice is the nation’s staple product, providing the backbone for Vietnam’s economy and forming an inextricable part of its culture. Eating authentic street food alongside locals in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

Arguably some of the most universally loved culinary traditions in the world hail from Italian cuisine. As the land that gave birth to pasta, pizza, gelato, mozzarella, chianti and prosecco, it’s no surprise that Italy is one of the food capitals of the world. Practically every region has its own specialities, so get ready to do the rounds and feast your way through Italy.

Malaysia’s colourful cuisine draws on Chinese, Portuguese and Indian influences, alongside a wealth of rice due to its fertile terraced land. The cooking style is simple, but dishes are still packed with a depth of flavour. Fiery chillies and spices are both well represented in Malay cuisine, and dance across the tastebuds with each mouthful.

The island of Mauritius fuses Creole, Chinese, European and Indian flavours for a rich range of cuisine. Curries and chutney are taken from India, rice and noodles from China, and the French influence means dishes such as Coq au Vin are also on the menu.

One of the best vacations for foodies, South Africa’s Winelands serve up superb cuisine, top-class wines and scenic vineyard tours. This gourmet hotspot, with its lush boutique vineyards of delectable Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, is a must for any wine buff. Meanwhile the restaurants here, such as La Residence, are deemed some of the best in all of Africa, promising an abundance of delicious dishes and expert wine pairings. A self-declared ‘Rainbow Nation’ South Africa also enjoys a rainbow food industry that is constantly expanding, with farm-to-fork cuisine in Franschhoek and a booming eating scene in Cape Town.

Known for its superfoods, Peruvian cuisine is made up of high quality ingredients, exceptional flavours and exciting fusion dishes. The Peruvians are fiercely proud of their national dishes, and rightly so. Ceviche, made from fresh seafood and zesty lime juice, is popular throughout the country and beyond, while amaranth, quinoa, maca and lucuma are all native to Peruvian soil.

Melbourne should be on anyone’s list of cities to dine in, and the foodie scene in Australia is rapidly gaining momentum. The cultural vibrancy and restaurant diversity make for some delicious dining experiences, and rules go out the window when it comes to what you can and can’t do with food. Melbourne’s standout though is its coffee, with the delicious scent of roasting coffee beans filling the air wherever you go. With hipster cafes on every corner and delicious delis filling the streets, you won’t ever eat the same thing twice (unless, of course, you want to).

Long and vast, Chile is home to a wide array of food and drink, ranging from the Pacific coastline’s scrumptious seafood to Santiago’s haute cuisine restaurants to the globally renowned central wine valleys. Pisco Sours, Pastel de Choclo and Curanto are some popular culinary treasures.

Some of the world’s best food and wine hails from New Zealand, with its rich soil and favourable climate. From stunning vineyards to artisan food producers, there’s a lot to get stuck into here. For a particularly sumptuous experience, dive into the wineries of Hawke’s Bay.

The word “cuisine” quite literally comes from France, so intertwined is the nation with the very concept of gastronomy and fine food. For the most delicious experiences that France has to offer, take yourself to Lyon, possibly the most gourmet city in all of France and loved by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux Jr.

Set at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia, it’s no surprise that Turkish cuisine blends a flavoursome mixture of culinary influences from across the globe. Not to be missed during your stay, a traditional Turkish breakfast is a feast of eggs, often cooked with tomato, green peppers and spices, an assortment of breads, cured meats and cheeses, and complemented by fresh tomatoes, cucumber and olives.

Moroccan food is defined by flavourful staples like spices and herbs, plus world-famous dishes such as couscous and tagine. You can taste the latter on a trip to the High Atlas Mountains, or learn how to prepare iconic treats with cooking classes at opulent riads. We can also organise food-focused tours of Marrakesh’s souks, desert dining experiences and private rooftop feasts. Visit Morocco in spring or autumn for the best weather conditions for eating al fresco.

Portugal is a paradise for lovers of seafood, pastries and wine. Lisbon and Porto boast the best restaurant scenes, but every region has its own delicacies. In the Douro Valley you can embark on private vineyard cruises and wine tastings, while larger cities offer experiences like pastel de nata (custard tart) tours and market visits with chefs. The best time to visit is just outside of the peak summer season in late spring or early autumn.