(TITC) – Vietnam has clinched the number one spot as the world’s best foodie destination in the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, presented by Southern Cross Travel Insurance. The Southeast Asian nation led a competitive top 10 list that included global culinary heavyweights such as Italy, Japan, France, and Thailand.
The award comes at a time when culinary choices are driving global tourism trends. Recent industry research reveals that nearly 80% of international travellers select their holiday destinations based on local food culture. Furthermore, modern travellers are increasingly prioritizing authenticity over prestige, favouring casual street food (66%), neighborhood spots, and food halls (64%) over formal fine dining.
Why Vietnam captured the top spot
Vietnam’s victory highlights a growing global appetite for immersion, storytelling, and cultural connection through food. NZ Herald travel writer Ewan McDonald noted that while iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, and crispy spring rolls are widely available worldwide, nothing compares to experiencing them in their birthplace.
“We’re landing in Vietnam… where dishes blend fresh herbs, crisp textures and deep broths, eaten in just about every possible nook and cranny from streetside stalls to bustling cafes,” McDonald shared, recommending that travellers pair their visits with local wet-market tours and hands-on cooking classes.
The publication emphasized Vietnam’s rich, region-specific culinary landscape:
- The North (Hanoi): Known for clean, subtle, and pepper-focused flavour profiles.
- The Central (Hue): Bold, spicy, and complex dishes rooted in historic royal banquet traditions.
- The South (Ho Chi Minh City): Characterized by sweeter, richer flavours accompanied by abundant fresh herbs.
Following Vietnam in the top 10 rankings are Italy, Japan, Thailand, Auckland, Singapore, Wellington, Melbourne, France, and Hawke’s Bay. Vietnam’s top position underscores its growing reputation as an essential paradise for global food enthusiasts in 2026.
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