Vietnam tops global culinary destination rankings for 2026
DNO - Vietnam has been named the world’s No. 1 culinary destination for 2026 in the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards, voted by New Zealand Herald readers, surpassing renowned food destinations including Italy, Japan, Thailand and France.
According to the NZ Herald, culinary tourism is attracting growing interest among travellers.
Rather than limiting themselves to fine-dining restaurants, visitors are increasingly seeking experiences that bring them closer to local life, such as exploring traditional markets, sampling local specialities and street food, cooking alongside residents, and learning how dishes are prepared.
In this way, food offers travellers a deeper insight into the culture of each destination.
This is also one of Vietnam’s standout strengths. According to the NZ Herald, Vietnam (readers’ top choice in this year’s rankings) boasts a distinctive culinary tradition characterised by a harmonious combination of fresh flavours, aromatic herbs, varied textures and richly flavoured broths.
From roadside food stalls to bustling eateries and cafés, food is woven into everyday life and forms an integral part of the experience of exploring Vietnam.
Familiar dishes such as pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), nem (Vietnamese spring rolls), banh xeo (Vietnamese savoury pancakes), various noodle dishes and rice-based meals, along with a wide range of other traditional favourites, can be readily found on neighbourhood streets, at traditional markets and in local eateries.
The NZ Herald recommends that visitors to Vietnam explore traditional markets and take part in cooking classes to gain a deeper understanding of local ingredients, preparation techniques and the stories behind each dish.
One of the defining features of Vietnamese cuisine is the marked diversity among the country’s regions.
According to the NZ Herald, northern cuisine, exemplified by Hanoi, is known for its delicate and refined flavours.
Central Vietnamese cuisine, particularly that of Hue, stands out for its bold, spicy flavours and elaborate preparation, reflecting the legacy of the former imperial court. Meanwhile, Southern cuisine tends to feature richer, sweeter flavours and makes generous use of fresh herbs.
Vietnam’s No. 1 ranking among the world’s leading culinary destinations for 2026 further underscores the appeal of the country’s tourism sector, particularly its strength in gastronomy.
Beyond the diversity of its dishes, Vietnamese cuisine embodies the country’s cultural traditions, regional identities and local ways of life, offering travellers distinctive and deeply rooted cultural experiences.