Travel is inseparably and intrinsically linked to food. It transcends the boundaries of language and geography and offers a window through which the culture and soul of a place can be observed. These 4 destinations exemplify that, with food forming an integral part of their culture, and that integration being one of the key reasons for their culinary success.
1. Osaka, Japan
Tokyo may be regarded the the Mecca for sushi lovers, but it's Osaka that really steals the show when it comes to Japanese food. And it's not just sushi that Osaka Excels at. Located just 30 minutes away from Kobe, the home of the worlds best beef, its not surprising that the quality of meat in Osaka is of the highest possible level. Apart from the sushi and beef, the ramen, okonomiyaki, or rice pancakes, and tempura are great in Osaka, but the most famous thing to eat in Osaka are Takoyaki. These batter balls stuffed with octopus are ubiquitous, with vendors in almost every marketplace. Make sure you eat them hot while they're still crisp.
2. Lima, Peru
There are four cities which have 3 restaurants on the Worlds 50 best List, London, New York, Mexico City and Lima. Of these the city with the highest average Ranking was Lima, beating New York by more than 8 points. Peru's diversity of ingredients and geography plays a key role in this culinary excellence with the worlds fourth best restaurant Central featuring ingredients from 20m below sea level all the way to 4100 meters above sea level. Apart from the award winning fine dining, Lima has a great street food scene, featuring among other things Ceviche, the now world famous cured fish dish, so your taste buds are bound to enjoy the trip no matter what your budget is,
3. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian only has 2 restaurants in the top 50 but has 2 more within driving distance, putting it a close second to Lima. This excellence is a testament and direct result of the close, almost amorous relationship the basque have with their food. From fresh seafood caught off one of the worlds best beaches, to the fiery cuisine of world famous Asador Extebarri, and pinxtos, the basque answer to tapas, this gem of a city has it all. Make sure you don't miss it on your next trip to Spain
4. Bairsbronn, Germany
German food often brings to mind images of beer, bratwurst and schnitzel. But this little town in the black forest puts that misconception to bed in style. With 2 3 Michelin Star restaurants, and 2 2 michelin star restaurants nearby, this little town undoubtedly has the highest number of Michelin stars per Capita. In Restaurant Bariess, a meal is described as a blow out for al the senses, with each dish telling a story. At Schwarzwaldstube, Harald Wohlfahrt, one of Europe's best chefs, creates an incredibly light and perfect cuisine – delicate, intense, full-flavoured and delicious at the same time.
