• British Woman Reclaims Guinness World Record by Devouring a Burrito in 30 Seconds

  Leah Shutkever, 36, from Birmingham, already held 42 records when she set her latest world-best time. Her previous achievements include eating a Domino’s pizza in under a minute and polishing off an entire chocolate orange in just 57 seconds...

• A year aboard a luxury liner: £56,000 cruise spans the globe from Alaska to Zanzibar

  A two-week cruise may sound like the ultimate luxury. But what if you could spend an entire year at sea, waking up every day in a different corner of the planet...

• Japanese Ice at $1.50 a Cube: The New Luxury Status Symbol at the World’s Best Bars

  In the historic Japanese city of Kanazawa, craftsmen carefully shape and carve enormous blocks of ice destined to chill Negronis in some of the world’s most fashionable bars, AFP reports...

• The Unappetizing Truth About Sushi: Scientists Find Parasites in 96% of Tuna

  If you were planning to order a sushi platter tonight, you may want to reconsider. A new study has found that tuna can be teeming with parasitic worms...

• The Ultimate Adventure: Superyachts and Luxury Expedition Ships Take the Ultra-Rich to the Ends of the Earth

  A new trend is taking over the luxury travel world: high-end expedition cruises designed for travelers who have already been everywhere but are now craving untouched wilderness and adrenaline-fueled adventure — without sacrificing comfort, according to the New York Post...

• “Wealth Has Turned Into a Zoo”: Why Luxury Travel Is Starting to Rebel Against The White Lotus

  Few television shows have had as profound an impact on the luxury travel industry as The White Lotus. Each new season sends viewers rushing to book the real-life hotels featured on screen, turning secluded resorts into must-visit destinations almost overnight...

• “Hell on Earth”: Greek Paradise Beach Turns Into a Nightmare as Tourists Swarm the Shore

  A picturesque beach in Greece has been branded “hell on Earth” after being overrun by seemingly endless crowds of tourists...

• Escape From Civilization: Why the World’s Wealthiest Are Choosing the Wilderness Over Luxury Resorts

  As ultra-wealthy travelers increasingly seek truly authentic experiences, remote destinations are climbing to the top of their wish lists...

Food has long been one of the key factors influencing travelers’ choice of destination. According to various estimates, between 71% and 80% of tourists say local cuisine significantly influences their decision about where to travel, and for many, it has become a primary reason for taking a trip, Forbes reports.

According to the 2026 Food Travel Monitor, around 75% of travelers can now be classified as culinary tourists. The importance of food and drink while traveling has reached a record high of 8.2 out of 10.

There are countries whose names are almost impossible to separate from their cuisine. Italy, France, Japan, Mexico, India and Thailand remain global culinary leaders and consistently rank among the world’s top destinations for food-focused travel.

Solo Travel and Food

The growing interest in culinary travel is particularly noticeable among those traveling on their own. Tour operator Solos, which specializes exclusively in group trips for solo travelers, has seen rising demand for less obvious destinations where visitors can experience a country’s culture through food.

According to Hannah Siddiqui, Head of Product & Operations at Solos, travelers increasingly want to explore not only the best-known culinary regions but also other parts of popular countries.

Italy: More Than Rome and Naples

Italy remains the most popular culinary destination among Solos’ offerings. Its most sought-after programs include Trails & Truffles of Italy and Tastes of Umbria.

However, travelers are beginning to discover new Italian regions. One of the biggest favorites in recent years has been Puglia.

The region’s cuisine has historically been built around the principles of cucina povera — “peasant cooking” based on simple, affordable ingredients and making the most of local produce.

The region’s signature dish is orecchiette, meaning “little ears.” Particularly popular is orecchiette con cime di rapa — pasta served with turnip greens, garlic, anchovies, chili and olive oil.

Even better is the chance to learn how to make the pasta yourself under the guidance of local women. In Puglia, you can still see women hand-making orecchiette right on the streets.

For true food enthusiasts, Italy also offers the famous experience of truffle hunting. The mushrooms can then be transformed into a traditional regional dish such as tagliolini al tartufo, thin pasta tossed with butter, Parmesan and fresh truffle.

Northern Greece: An Unexpected Culinary Side of the Country

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, offers a very different experience from the country’s more familiar southern tourist destinations. Its cuisine still bears strong Ottoman and Balkan influences.

Visitors should try:

• Trigona panoramatos — crispy phyllo pastry cones soaked in syrup and filled with delicate custard;
• Koulouri — sesame-covered bread rings sold on practically every street corner;
• Bougatsa — a warm breakfast pastry or dessert made with phyllo dough and semolina custard, typically dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Cyprus: Cuisine at the Crossroads of Cultures

Cyprus is a true dream destination for fans of Mediterranean cuisine. Greek and Middle Eastern culinary traditions come together on the island.

The local cuisine reflects Cyprus’ complex history. Signature dishes and snacks include plates of roasted meats served with local olive oil. In coastal areas, traditional dishes are often accompanied by seafood.

Cyprus is also rapidly emerging as a popular destination for wine tourism. The island is considered one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions and is home to indigenous grape varieties, some of which are virtually impossible to find anywhere else.

South Korea: Kimchi and Bulgogi

Among South Korea’s culinary icons are bulgogi, thinly sliced and marinated beef, and kimchi, fermented vegetables, most notably napa cabbage.

For travelers, cooking classes are particularly appealing, offering the chance not only to taste local dishes but also to prepare them themselves.

South Africa: Dinner Around the Fire

To experience South African culture, travelers are encouraged to attend an authentic braai — the local version of a barbecue, which is both a method of cooking and an important social tradition.

Such dinners typically take place outdoors around a wood-burning fire. Meat is cooked right in front of guests, with chicken, lamb, sausages and beef served alongside rice, vegetables, stews and salads.

For the most adventurous foodies, there is also an unusual delicacy: mopane worms, the dried caterpillars of moths that feed on the leaves of mopane trees. They may be added to salads, sauces and stews. Despite their unusual appearance, mopane worms are considered a valuable source of protein.

For dessert, visitors are often served malva pudding — a warm, spongy dessert soaked in a creamy butter sauce and served with hot custard.

Braai is more than just a meal; it is an important part of South African culture. The tradition brings families, friends and neighbors together, encouraging them to slow down and spend time with one another.

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram