For many the food is the best part of traveling as you discover local ingredients, savor distinctive cuisine, and taste wine indigenous to a region for the first time. This opens a window to a country’s soul, helps you understand its culture, and even breaks down language barriers. So take a tour of the food capitals of the world, and if you’re planning to travel, mark these hot spots so you too can experience the best destinations for food lovers.

1. Food Capitals of the World
Part 1: A European Gastronomic Itinerary
Whoever said “Eat well. Travel often” sure knew what he was talking about.
For gastronomes, of course, eating is the best part of traveling as you discover local
ingredients, savor distinctive cuisine, and taste wine indigenous to a region for the first
time. All this not only satisfies your gourmet cravings; it also opens a window to a
country’s soul, helps you understand its culture, and even breaks down language barriers.
So take a tour of the food capitals of the world, and if you’re planning to travel, mark these
hot spots to experience the crème de la crème of their gastronomic offerings.
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2. France: Lyon – Traditional fare meets nouvelle cuisine
Touted as France’s (and even the world’s) capital of gastronomy, this southern French city
is a favorite destination of gourmands around the world. Lyon boasts over 2,000
restaurants, including a number of Michelin-starred establishments. It is also home to
world-renowned Paul Bocuse, father of “nouvelle cuisine”. The superstar chef owns a
namesake gourmet restaurant (3 Michelin stars, of course), plus a number of more
affordably-priced brasseries. You can also pop into his always-packed food market if
you’re in the mood for oysters, foie gras, truffles and other exotic (and unusual) goodies.
For epicures with a more traditional bent, there are also the cozy bouchons (casual
eateries), where Lyon’s classic specialties – quenelle, gateau de foie, saucisson brioche,
salade lyonnaise, gratins, cervelle de canuts – are to be had.
Italy: Emilia Romagna – Home of parmesan cheese and Bolognese sauce
You probably never realized it, but many of the foods you love to eat have their origins in
a little-known region in the heart of Italy – Emilia Romagna, birthplace of an array
of famous Italian foods. Love your mom’s spaghetti Bolognese? You can thank the city of
Bologna – where the namesake sauce was first created. Can’t resist putting parmesan
cheese into many of your recipes? Plan a trip to where it all began – the town of Parma.
Must have balsamic vinegar in your risotto? Get the real McCoy in Modena, another
regional landmark. How about that tortellini you love to make for quick suppers? Yes, if it
lies in the heart of Italian cooking, it lies in Emilia Romagna.
Spain: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Spanish Gastronomy Capital 2014
Numerous professional chefs. Countless gourmet food festivals. More than 200
gastronomy societies and over 400 wineries. And more than 20 routes within the city to
take a traditional aperitif. With all these advantages, it’s no wonder Vitoria-Gasteiz in
Spain’s Basque Country has scooped up the prestigious award. Less famous than its sister
cities Bilbao and San Sebastian, Vitoria nevertheless entices the traveling gourmand with
its Basque-influenced cuisine, famous Rioja wines, prize-winning restaurants, and endless
opportunities to enjoy pintxos (the Basque take on pincho, a small snack typically eaten in
a bar). Among Vitoria’s best-known products: olive oil, wild mushrooms, black truffles,
pinto beans, and Alavesa wine.
Greece: Thessaloniki – East meets West in a delicious crossroad
Greece’s second-largest city was once dominated by the Macedonians, Romans, and
Byzantines. And this legacy is reflected in a cuisine that blends Mediterranean flavors with
eastern spices. Experience the essence of Thessaloniki at Modiano, the city’s main street
market – a haven for bougatsa (cream- or cheese-filled phyllo dough, perfect for
breakfast), fresh fish and seafood, and the most sought-after varieties of olives. The
gastronomic tour of Thessaloniki continues with Greek mezethes – unique, often salty,
dishes best washed down with a glass of Ouzo or wine. Then move on to souvlaki (like
Turkish kebabs) with sadziki (cucumber-yogurt-garlic sauce), and soutzoukakia (meatballs
with cumin and tomato sauce). To end the tour, a whole range of honey-infused or cream-
filled desserts.

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Switzerland: Lausanne – Gastronomic paradise
If you’re a wine and food aficionado, then Lausanne is a must-visit. With over 320
auberges, brasseries, trendy venues, and ethnic establishments to choose from, the city
has something for every taste and every budget. The food landscape is enriched with
Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants. Diverse regional menus serve everything from
cochonnaille and tarte à la raisinée to authentic perch fillets from Lake Geneva. Wash it all
down with Chasselas and other grape varieties from the Lavaux wine region (a Unesco
world heritage site). Then visit nearby Gruyeres to take a bite of its renowned cheeses or
one of Switzerland’s famous chocolatiers – a great way to end a great meal.
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