The world's 10 best food countries – our favorites

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

Which are the best food countries in the world? Yes, there can of course be divided opinions on that. We have traveled a lot in the world and we love food – but choosing is really hard! Here we list 10 food countries that we like a lot, in no particular order.

10 wonderful food countries – in no particular order

Since the countries on our list have amazing food in different ways, we simply list them without ranking them among themselves. We also decided on three criteria, which we based our selection on when choosing countries.

China

Chinese cuisine is so diverse that it can't really be described as a single entity. Here you'll find everything from fiery Sichuan dishes to elegant dim sum traditions. Ever since I first visited China, 30 years ago, I've loved Chinese cuisine.

• Unique food culture: Extreme regional variation and strong food culture
• Local ingredients: Noodles, rice, soy, vegetables, meat and seafood
• Innovation: Growing modern scene both in China and internationally

Spain

Spanish cuisine is a favorite of ours. The country combines the social with the gastronomic in a way that few other countries do. Here it's all about eating together, preferably in the form of tapas or pintxos. Small dishes to try and lots of fresh ingredients. Could it get any better?

• Unique food culture: Social and regionally influenced
• Local ingredients: Seafood, vegetables, olive oil and charcuterie
• Innovation: Strong tradition of innovation in the kitchen

Sweden

We choose to highlight our own homeland in this list! Swedish cuisine has gone from being quite anonymous to becoming something of a global reference point. The focus is on pure flavors, clear seasons and raw materials from the forest, sea and land. The tradition is there, while daring to think new things.

• Unique food culture: Simple, nature-based and seasonal
• Local ingredients: Game, fish, berries, mushrooms and herbs
• Innovation: Strong connection to modern Nordic gastronomy

Turkey

Turkish cuisine is rich, generous and deeply rooted in history. Here, influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Central Asia meet in a cuisine that is both varied and accessible. We have many fantastic food memories from Turkey, and not least we love the small dishes that often begin the meal.

• Unique food culture: Historically rooted and social
• Local ingredients: Vegetables, yogurt, meat, olive oil and spices
• Innovation: Growing contemporary interpretations of classics

Japan

Unfortunately, we haven't visited Japan yet, but one of the reasons we want to go there is the food. Japanese cuisine ranges from the extremely simple to the perfectly precise. The ingredients are very important, as are the season and the presentation. A very exciting cuisine that stands out!

• Unique food culture: Minimalist, seasonal and deeply traditional
• Local ingredients: Fish, rice, algae and seasonal vegetables
• Innovation: Subtle but consistent development, also in fine dining

France

France is a classic in this context, but nonetheless one of our absolute favorites. French cuisine is still a reference point for classic gastronomy. Technique, precision and respect for the raw material permeate everything from simple bistros to top restaurants.

• Unique food culture: Technology-driven and tradition-based
• Local ingredients: Cheese, wine, meat, butter and seasonal vegetables
• Innovation: Evolution rather than revolution

Mexico

We have never visited Mexico, but we have become familiar with the food culture both through "Swedishified" versions and through cooking evenings with friends with Mexican roots. The Mexican food is both folk and complex, where simple ingredients like corn, chili and beans take on an exciting depth. The traditions are strong and vibrant, but far from static.

• Unique food culture: Deeply rooted and built around corn and chili
• Local ingredients: Corn, beans, chili, cocoa and fresh herbs
• Innovation: New generation of chefs reinterpreting classics

Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by its lightness and balance. Fresh herbs, acidity and umami interact in a way that makes the dishes both healthy and exciting. We visited Vietnam during our honeymoon many years ago, and the food we will never forget!

• Unique food culture: Balanced, varied and full of herbs
• Local ingredients: Rice noodles, herbs, fish, lime and fish sauce
• Innovation: Modernizing classic dishes in street settings

Georgia

Georgia is perhaps a bit of a bubbler in this context, but at the same time an exciting food country where you can discover everything from historical wine culture and traditionally rustic dishes to a cautious interest in new interpretations. Georgian cuisine offers bread, meat, soups and herbs.

• Unique food culture: The Supra tradition and strong identity
• Local ingredients: Walnuts, herbs, cheese, pomegranate and wine
• Innovation: Growing interest and cautious reinterpretations

Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is robust, flavorful and clearly marked by its history. Paprika, slow cooking and rich flavors dominate, often in dishes that feel both rustic and filling. At the same time, a younger generation of chefs is starting to experiment with lighter and more modern expressions. This gives the cuisine an interesting tension between then and now.

• Innovation: Budding modern scene, especially in Budapest
• Unique food culture: Rustic and rich as well as wines, such as Tokaj wine
• Local ingredients: Peppers, meat, root vegetables and dairy products

The world's best food countries - why did we choose these?

So, why did we choose these countries as the ”world’s best food countries”? The fact is, it’s hard to choose! We’ve based our selection on personal preferences and experiences, while also trying to include a variety of different types of cuisine.

Some may wonder why Italy – which is a popular food country – did not make our list, and the explanation is that we have personally experienced the cuisines of other countries as more innovative, although Italy of course also has a lot to offer, not least fantastic ingredients.

There are also many more cuisines that we like in Europe and Asia, among other places, but it's impossible to choose them all... If you had to choose: Which are the best food countries in the world?