Culturally, Japan is the most high end in general of just about anything I can think of. This is why they are so good at food, and really in terms of presentation, they are good at everything! They go to great lengths for quality, not just in food, so I'm not surprised by all the Japan references.

Personally I liked the food there but I was never awed. But I am also Asian I would say in general, Japan was the best in terms of consistently high quality food with never a bad place but Taiwan was the most amazing place for food in general. Chinese cuisine is by all accounts, what most chefs would deem the "best" in terms of amazing food, whether it's your taste or not. Technically, it is all that. I don't know that westerners would be all into it but you know, it's more than just stir fry LOL

Amalfi/Positano Italy had the the most delicious pastries I've ever had in my life even incl many places I've had them in France. I also had the best chai of my life in the Lake Louise/Banff area.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thailand
Japan
South Korea


There's really no competition and it's not even close. On a per dollar basis, no better place in the world for food than Asia.

And it's even Asian foods....best Italian, Indian and French food I've ever had were in countries like Thailand or Japan.

On the Netflix show Ugly Delicious, half of the episodes end with David Chang finding the platonic ideal of whatever food he was discussing on that episode, in Japan.

Also, yes, it's truly remarkable how the Japanese can take French food tons whole different level. They really master pastries and doing basics like getting Maillard reactions perefect to make the best pastries ever. We popped into a bakery near the foot of Mt. Fuji where it had a line out the door before it opened. Had no idea what we were in store fore, but OMG, the most delicious breads and pastries I've ever eat, period. They used wild yeast and wild berries from around Mt Fuji for fillings in one of the pastries. Absolutely *perfect* Mallard reactions and browning of the pastry crusts. Top notch butter used from Japan. So, soooo amazing. And then there are places like this for bread in small towns in Japan:




Just imagine this quality for Italian foods, pizzas, burgers, etc.etc. and Japanese foods themselves......Japan is unreal for food of all types.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thailand
Japan
South Korea


There's really no competition and it's not even close. On a per dollar basis, no better place in the world for food than Asia.

And it's even Asian foods....best Italian, Indian and French food I've ever had were in countries like Thailand or Japan.

On the Netflix show Ugly Delicious, half of the episodes end with David Chang finding the platonic ideal of whatever food he was discussing on that episode, in Japan.

Best Italian in my life was in this small ass village in Northern Thailand in a straw hut. The guy running the shop was an ex-pat from Italy who imported all his ingredients from Italy. I tried to order a dish and he said no, because he said he made another dish the best. Ended up being one of the best pastas I've ever eaten in my life. I think the grand total of the bill was like $30 for 4 people.

Anonymous wrote:Iceland was a really surprising one for me! I wasn't necessarily thinking of the food when we booked the trip and it far exceeded my expectations.

Same here, though it's not on par with some of those other places.

Thailand and Paris. But I am planning a trip to San Sebastian and the Basque region of Spain, and expect to add that to the list.

Anonymous wrote:Thailand
Japan
South Korea


There's really no competition and it's not even close. On a per dollar basis, no better place in the world for food than Asia.

And it's even Asian foods....best Italian, Indian and French food I've ever had were in countries like Thailand or Japan.

On the Netflix show Ugly Delicious, half of the episodes end with David Chang finding the platonic ideal of whatever food he was discussing on that episode, in Japan.

Thailand
Japan
South Korea


There's really no competition and it's not even close. On a per dollar basis, no better place in the world for food than Asia.

And it's even Asian foods....best Italian, Indian and French food I've ever had were in countries like Thailand or Japan.

Israel

Anonymous wrote:Switzerland

Surely you jest. Food in Switzerland is extremely boring

Thailand

Budapest has an innovative food scene at very reasonable prices. Excellent local ingredients contribute to the quality.
Fresh fruit and seafood in Greece is amazing - anywhere but Athens (too many tourist traps). Ditto coastal Croatia.
French side of St.Martin.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Georgia (the country).

The wine there is excellent. The food didn't make a big impression - but if you get tired of Cabernet and Pinot Noir after awhile they have some indigenous varietals that are world class, in my humble opinion.

Agreed on the wine. Incredible. Disagree on the food, everything I ate was exceptional (with the exception of one very strange walnut stew) and very unique.

Anonymous wrote:Georgia (the country).

The wine there is excellent. The food didn't make a big impression - but if you get tired of Cabernet and Pinot Noir after awhile they have some indigenous varietals that are world class, in my humble opinion.

Iceland was a really surprising one for me! I wasn't necessarily thinking of the food when we booked the trip and it far exceeded my expectations.

Anonymous wrote:Switzerland

I’d have to say, Switzerland had by far the most unimpressive food that I’ve experienced internationally.

My favorite is Thailand, specifically Northern Thailand. It’s so good.