The world's 10 best food countries - according to us

A few days ago, our blog colleagues wrote 4000 miles about best food they have eaten while travelling. The post took us on a journey from Japan to Croatia, and we started thinking... in which countries have we had the best food experiences? Today we present the 10 best food countries in the world - according to us.

Our list is based entirely on our own experiences and preferences. We start with the 10th best food country and slowly work our way up... to number one on the list of the 10 best food countries in the world.

10th Poland

What, Poland - a food country, you might think. Poland isn't the land of fine dining, but nowhere else have we encountered such good roadside restaurants and so much fast food that tastes homemade. Here you'll find everything from smoked fish to steamed pies, soup and duck with cabbage. Usually simple, but always cooked with love!

• Don't miss out: Soppan Zurek
• Best restaurant memory: Spacialy Regionalne in Warsaw

9. Vietnam

When we think of Asian food, we immediately think of Vietnam! The food here is crisp and fresh and it feels like every dish is made with ingredients straight from the market. Lots of flavour, but not strong. Best of all, of course, are the wonderful fresh spring rolls.

• Don't miss: Fresh spring rolls
• Best restaurant memory: Cookery course in Hoi An

8. China

Chinese food has an unfairly bad reputation in Sweden. Sure, a suburban Chinese restaurant can cough up an acceptable meal, but it can't be mentioned in the same sentence as right Chinese food. Many small dishes in the middle of the table, lots of vegetables and an explosion of flavours. I can really longing for real Chinese food.

• Don't miss: Peking duck
• Best restaurant memory: Peking Duck in the centre of Beijing

7. Spain

Spain is of course associated with things like air-dried ham, olives, tapas and pinxtos. And what could be better than sun-ripened flavours and picnic food? We also want to highlight Iberico meat, which is awesome!

• Don't miss: Meat from Iberico pigs
• Best restaurant memory: Cosy tapas shop in Barcelona

6. Greece

Peter only spent a few days in Kassandra, Greece, but he was hooked. There were two things that made him love Greece: the people and the food. He brought home Greek olive oil, spices and a desire to cook sardines.

• Don't miss: Sardines
• Best restaurant memory: Eat7 in Kassandra, Greece

5. Czech Republic

Are you surprised that the Czech Republic got such a high ranking? We are too! In the Czech Republic you can partly get down-to-earth basic home cooking like duck and soup, and partly modern and creative cooking with many interesting small dishes using the country's local produce.

• Don't miss out: Czech white wine
• Best restaurant memory: Entrée in Olomouc and Oblaca in Prague

4. Sweden

Let's not forget Sweden as a food country! How about fresh Smögen prawns, char and perch? Or maybe some fresh wild mushrooms? A lot of good things can be made with Swedish ingredients, and Swedish restaurants are often creative and brave.

• Don't miss out: All good fish
• Best restaurant memory: Tasting menu at the Stadshuskällaren restaurant

3. France

What we like about the food in France is that the lowest level is high, the highest level is even higher and you don't have to deal with identical menus in every restaurant. The French have fantastic seafood to offer, and they also know how to make sauces, soups and gratins. Yum!

• Don't miss out: Duck liver pâté and mussels
• Best restaurant memory: An interesting lunch in Sète

2nd Latvia

Riga, the capital of Latvia, has become a foodie city like no other. It has evolved from a Soviet state with empty supermarket shelves to a highly conscious city. Its many good restaurants utilise local ingredients and develop traditional recipes to suit the modern globetrotter. As a result, they come second on our list!

• Don't miss out: Black balsam
• Best restaurant memory: Restaurant Elements in Riga

1st Iceland

Drumroll! Of all the great countries and all the great flavours, Iceland is the winner. That's because hardly on the traditional Icelanders' Porra dishesbut on their ability to combine fresh local ingredients, such as fish, poultry and lamb, with modern influences from other cultures. We tried tasting menu after tasting menu in the restaurants in town and never wanted to leave the country ...

• Don't miss: Seafood
• Best restaurant experience: Fish Market