Chapter 17 — Travel & Places

Which cities are worth visiting just for food?

Tokyo, Bangkok, Mexico City, Istanbul, San Sebastián, New Orleans, Lima, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Bologna consistently top serious food-travel lists. All have deep street-food cultures and high-end scenes for one splurge meal.

Follow-up questions

How do I find good local food?

Skip TripAdvisor's top 10. Use Eater guides, Reddit local subs, and 'best' lists from local newspapers. Ask hotel staff where their family eats, not where they send tourists.

Are food tours worth it?

For the first day in a food city, yes — they teach you what to order for the rest of the trip. Book locals, not tour companies.

Is street food safe?

In most food-culture cities, yes — high turnover means fresh ingredients. Pick stalls with long local queues and visible cooking.

How do I eat well solo?

Sit at the bar or counter. Chefs and bartenders talk to solo diners, and small plates let you try more without a group.

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