In total, 10 cities around the world were included in the ranking of the best gourmet destinations.
Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region of China, previously recognized as the world’s city with the most skyscrapers, has been awarded the new title of World Culinary Capital in 2026.
Why Hong Kong is the Best City for Gourmets in 2026
To determine the best gourmet destinations in the world, Food & Wine magazine surveyed more than 400 chefs, travel experts, food and travel writers, and wine experts from around the world to find out about their top culinary travel experiences.
The unique metropolis of Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading financial centers, takes the top spot on the list due to its ability to seamlessly blend ancient Chinese traditions with modern global influences, despite its small geographical size. On the same street, a hungry visitor can indulge in carefully crafted dumplings at a bustling dim sum bar, followed by a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in exquisite Italian cuisine.
It is this unprecedented variety of restaurants that makes Hong Kong a place to remember for a lifetime, and one that you will want to return to again and again. The street food culture thrives in the city’s night markets, where Cantonese, Sichuan, and international vendors offer perfectly cooked noodles and fish balls.
The city is also pushing the boundaries of drinks, offering non-alcoholic and low-alcohol cocktails, along with signature cocktails served with the best views of Victoria Harbour. There are plenty of options for daytime and nightlife, the only challenge is choosing the right one.
The 10 best cities in the world for delicious food and drinks
- Hong Kong.
- London, United Kingdom.
- Tokyo, Japan.
- Mexico City, Mexico.
- Bangkok, Thailand.
- Lima, Peru.
- Barcelona, Spain.
- Paris, France.
- Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Istanbul, Turkey.