Unearth The Voyage
Ever wonder which countries truly serve up the best food on the planet? Thanks to global surveys, expert rankings, and millions of taste testers, we now have solid data pointing to the culinary champions. From Mediterranean coasts to Asian street markets, these destinations have earned their spots through flavor, tradition, and sheer deliciousness.
1. Italy
Italy sits at the very top of nearly every global food ranking you can find. TasteAtlas crowned Italian cuisine number one in their 2025-2026 awards, while WorldPopulationReview gave it an impressive 4.59 out of 5 stars.
A massive YouGov survey of 25,000 people also picked Italian food as the world’s favorite. In 2025, Italian cooking even became the first national cuisine recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Pizza Napoletana, fresh pasta, risotto, and gelato are just the beginning of Italy’s endless regional treasures.
2. Greece
Greece dominates the data charts with jaw-dropping scores across the board. TasteAtlas placed Greek cuisine at number two worldwide, while WorldPopulationReview actually ranked Greece as the top country for best food with a perfect 4.6 out of 5 average.
Greek cooking forms the heart of the famous Mediterranean diet. Olive oil, tomatoes, grilled fish, feta cheese, and creamy yogurt appear in almost every meal.
Classics like moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, and tzatziki have won over taste buds around the globe for generations.
3. Peru
Peru jumped from underrated gem to chef’s darling in just a few years. TasteAtlas Awards 2025-2026 rank Peruvian cuisine third in the entire world, which is absolutely remarkable.
What makes Peru special is its incredible fusion of flavors. Andean ingredients meet Spanish influence, while Japanese and Chinese immigration created unique styles called nikkei and chifa.
Signature dishes include fresh ceviche, juicy pollo a la brasa, savory lomo saltado, and countless recipes featuring Peru’s thousands of native potato varieties.
4. Portugal
Portugal might not grab headlines like Italy or Japan, but the numbers tell a different story. Portuguese cuisine ranks fourth on TasteAtlas’ prestigious global list, proving its world-class status.
WorldPopulationReview places Portugal in the top ten globally with a strong 4.5 out of 5 average score. Seafood rules the menu here, especially grilled sardines and bacalhau, the famous salt cod.
Hearty soups, quality olive oil, and legendary pastries like pastel de nata round out Portugal’s impressive culinary portfolio.
5. Spain
Spain’s food scene is just as powerful in data rankings as it is in bustling tapas bars. TasteAtlas places Spanish cuisine at number five, tied on rating with Portugal for excellence.
WorldPopulationReview’s 2025 ranking lists Spain with a cuisine score of 4.5 out of 5, putting it in the very top group worldwide. Spanish food celebrates regional diversity like few others.
Highlights include jamón ibérico, paella, gazpacho, pintxos, tortilla española, and olive-oil-heavy Mediterranean cooking that varies beautifully from region to region.
6. Japan
Japan’s food reputation is absolutely massive, and the numbers completely match the hype. TasteAtlas puts Japanese cuisine at number six globally, while WorldPopulationReview ranks Japan in the top tier with a 4.47 out of 5 score.
In the YouGov survey, Japanese food was among the top-rated cuisines worldwide. From sushi and sashimi to ramen, tempura, yakitori, and wagyu beef, Japan combines precision with deep tradition.
Its traditional food culture, washoku, is even recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
7. Türkiye (Turkey)
Turkish cuisine is a giant in both street food and home cooking traditions. TasteAtlas Awards 2025-2026 rank Turkish cuisine seventh in the world, which is a huge achievement.
WorldPopulationReview lists Turkey as one of the top five countries for best food, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5. Turkish food offers incredible variety and flavor depth.
Think kebabs, meze spreads, baklava, Turkish breakfast called kahvaltı, pide, döner, and endless regional pastries and sweets that showcase centuries of culinary tradition.
8. China
Chinese cuisine is one of the most influential food cultures on Earth. TasteAtlas ranks Chinese cuisine eighth worldwide, while WorldPopulationReview gives China a cuisine score of 4.45 out of 5.
In the YouGov 25,000-person survey, Chinese food was among the top-liked cuisines globally. Chinese cooking is almost a universe of its own, with incredible regional diversity.
From dim sum and dumplings to Sichuan hotpot, Lanzhou noodles, Cantonese roast meats, and countless regional styles, Chinese food offers endless exploration.
9. France
If you think fine dining, you probably think France first. In TasteAtlas, French cuisine ranks ninth in the world, which is impressive considering the competition.
WorldPopulationReview lists France with a cuisine score of 4.48 out of 5, again among the top ten globally. French gastronomy has also been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
From croissants, baguettes, and cheeses to coq au vin, bouillabaisse, crème brûlée, and world-class wine, French food shaped modern restaurant culture.
10. Indonesia
Indonesia’s ranking shows how strong Southeast Asian food really is on the global stage. TasteAtlas places Indonesian cuisine at number ten, which is a testament to its bold flavors.
WorldPopulationReview gives Indonesia a high score of 4.48 out of 5, right behind the Mediterranean heavyweights. Indonesian food is all about rich spice blends, coconut, peanuts, and chili.
Dishes such as nasi goreng, nasi padang, satay, rendang, gado-gado, and countless sambals showcase the country’s incredible culinary diversity.
11. Mexico
Mexico is another cuisine that’s not just popular but officially protected. TasteAtlas ranks Mexican cuisine eleventh worldwide, while WorldPopulationReview lists Mexico in the top group with a 4.52 out of 5 score.
Traditional Mexican cuisine, specifically the Michoacán paradigm, was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010. This recognizes its deep cultural and culinary importance.
Think tacos, mole, tamales, pozole, salsas, corn, beans, and chili-based dishes, with huge regional diversity from Oaxaca to Yucatán.
12. Serbia
This one surprises a lot of people, but it’s completely data-backed. TasteAtlas puts Serbian cuisine at number twelve globally in its 2025-2026 ranking, which is remarkable.
WorldPopulationReview’s table also gives Serbia a strong average food score of 4.4 out of 5. Serbian food features grilled meats like ćevapi, hearty stews, stuffed peppers, and ajvar, the famous roasted pepper spread.
Breads and pastries complete the picture, with influences from the Balkans, Central Europe, and the Ottoman world creating unique flavors.
13. India
India is a spice powerhouse, and the rankings reflect that truth. In the TasteAtlas Awards 2025-2026, Indian cuisine ranks thirteenth, while WorldPopulationReview gives India a cuisine score of 4.42 out of 5.
Indian food is incredibly diverse across regions, religions, and climates. Each area offers its own unique flavors and cooking styles.
From curries, dals, and biryanis to dosas, chaats, tandoori dishes, and an endless variety of breads and sweets, Indian cuisine offers a lifetime of discovery.
14. Poland
Poland is another quiet high-performer in global food rankings. TasteAtlas places Polish cuisine at fourteenth worldwide, while WorldPopulationReview shows Poland tied with the US and India at 4.42 out of 5.
Core comfort foods include pierogi dumplings, kielbasa sausages, hearty soups, and stews. Fermented vegetables, breads, and rich cakes also play important roles.
Polish cuisine reflects a cold-climate, home-cooking tradition that emphasizes warmth, comfort, and family gatherings around the table.
15. United States
The US is sometimes underestimated because its cuisine is so familiar, but the global ratings are high. In TasteAtlas 2025-2026, American cuisine ranks fifteenth.
WorldPopulationReview lists the United States with an average cuisine score of 4.42 out of 5, equal to India and Poland. US food combines regional traditions beautifully.
Southern barbecue, Cajun and Creole cuisine, New England seafood, and Tex-Mex, plus immigrant influences, created iconic dishes like burgers, fried chicken, brisket, and lobster rolls.
