Food as a global travel driver
Global Food City Rankings 2025–26: Food has emerged as a decisive factor in global tourism decisions. Travellers increasingly prioritise dining experiences even before finalising flights or hotels. The Global Food City Rankings 2025–26, released under the TasteAtlas World Food Awards, reflect this shift clearly.
These rankings focus on cities where food represents culture, identity, and everyday life. In this context, Italian cities dominate the global list, while Mumbai’s 5th rank places India prominently on the world culinary map.
Static GK fact: Italy is often called the “culinary capital of Europe” due to its strong regional food identities across its 20 regions.
Top 10 food cities of the world
The top 10 list is heavily dominated by Europe, especially Italy. Out of the ten cities, six are Italian, underlining the global appeal of Italian cuisine.
The top-ranked city is Naples, globally recognised as the birthplace of Pizza Margherita. Other Italian cities like Milan, Bologna, Florence, Genoa, and Rome reinforce Italy’s leadership in global food culture.
Alongside Europe, Mumbai stands out as the only South Asian city in the top 10, showcasing the strength of Indian street food traditions.
Static GK Tip: Bologna is often referred to as “La Grassa” (The Fat One) due to its rich food heritage.
Mumbai’s global culinary recognition
Mumbai securing the 5th position globally highlights the cultural and economic importance of Indian street food. The city’s food ecosystem is affordable, diverse, and deeply integrated into daily urban life.
Iconic dishes such as Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhelpuri, Ragda Pattice, and Modak reflect regional migration, colonial history, and local innovation. Mumbai’s food culture thrives not in luxury spaces but on streets, local eateries, and community festivals.
Static GK fact: Vada Pav is popularly called the “poor man’s burger” and originated in Mumbai during the 1960s.
Other Indian cities in global top 100
India’s presence extends beyond Mumbai. Six Indian cities feature among the world’s top 100 food cities, reflecting the country’s regional diversity.
Delhi, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai represent North, South, East, and Central Indian food traditions. From butter-rich Punjabi cuisine to rice-based South Indian meals, India’s food landscape remains one of the most diverse globally.
Static GK Tip: Hyderabad is globally known for its unique blend of Mughal, Persian, and Telugu culinary traditions.
Why Italian cities dominate
Italian cuisine once again ranked as the best cuisine globally for 2025–26. The dominance is rooted in simple recipes using high-quality local ingredients, strong regional food identities, and generational transmission of cooking traditions.
Pizza, pasta, cheeses, and desserts enjoy unmatched global popularity. Italian food culture balances comfort, heritage, and consistency, making it universally appealing.
Food tourism shaping travel trends
Food tourism is now a major economic and cultural force. Nearly 50% of travellers reportedly book restaurants before flights, while one in five choose destinations primarily for food experiences.
Such trends explain why global food rankings increasingly influence tourism flows, city branding, and local economies.
Static GK fact: Culinary tourism is officially recognised by UNWTO as a niche tourism segment.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Global Food City Rankings 2025–26:
| Topic | Detail |
| Ranking Name | Global Food City Rankings 2025–26 |
| Released By | TasteAtlas World Food Awards |
| Top Ranked City | Naples |
| Indian City in Top 10 | Mumbai (Rank 5) |
| Total Cities Evaluated | 18,828 |
| Ranking Basis | Average ratings of local and regional dishes |
| Indian Cities in Top 100 | Mumbai, Delhi, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai |
| Key Trend | Rising importance of food tourism |
