It comes as no surprise to us that 27% of US travelers say indulging in local cuisine ranks high on their activity lists when exploring a new destination (Hilton).

As a boutique travel company that specializes in food-focused travel, our small group trips highlight local cuisines and how to enjoy them in the most authentic way possible. This means eating regional and seasonal fare, getting our hands dirty in cooking classes, joining our friends for a home-cooked meal, and so much more.

We’ve done extensive research on the best restaurants, street food, and food tours in destinations around the world and we could confidently recommend the best places to eat in dozens of cities. All that said, these three culinary destinations for 2024 have our stamp of approval.

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Sometimes we lump all Italian food together and don’t recognize that different regions of Italy have been specializing in specific Italian dishes and products for hundreds of years. Emilia-Romagna is a culinary destination for 2024 because it is home to some of the most iconic and delicious Italian dishes - oh, and some of the best wines in the world.

Did you know that Emilia-Romagna is home to the factories and farms of DOP Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and Prosciutto di Parma? DOP acts as a legal guarantee by the European Union that you are getting the real authentic stuff. It’s only given to the farms and factories that are family-owned and have been doing this for generations, are still passing down the traditions associated with these ingredients, and are producing the most authentic versions.

Not only are they producing the best of the best when it comes to those ingredients, but Emilia-Romagna is also home to famous wines, ranging from Lambrusco to Sangiovese. These wines complement the food that you’ll eat here and we recommend adding a wine tasting to your itinerary.

If you’re looking to taste the best that Emilia-Romagna has to offer, join our Heart of Italy Food Tour in 2024. You’ll visit family-owned farms, factories, and vineyards and sample each of their delicious offerings right there where they’re being made. You’ll talk to the owners and families and hear about their history, culture, and the process that goes into production. It’s an educational and mouth-watering experience.

Foods to Try in Emilia-Romagna: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Tagliatelle, Tortellini, Ragù Bolognese, Lambrusco

Lima, Peru

Lima might be a surprising addition to our list of recommended culinary destinations for 2024, but you are in for a treat. With flavors crafted from the freshest Pacific Ocean and Andean ingredients and a fusion of Peruvian, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, Lima is home to some of our favorite dishes.

We encourage you to explore not only the culinary dishes of famously renowned chefs like those at Central, Maido, and Astrid & Gastón, but also sample street food to experience famous Peruvian foods.

Another foodie experience that puts Lima on the map as a culinary destination for 2024 is the Andean tradition of a Pachamanca. Pachamanca often translates to “earth oven” or “earth pot” from the Quechua language and is a traditional Inca meal cooked on hot rocks in the ground. What is included in a Pachamanca varies depending on who is preparing it, but often there will be two to three different types of meat (pork, chicken, and lamb are common), sweet potatoes, different varieties of Andean potatoes, Andean corn, and fava beans. Pachamanca is more than just a meal, it’s an experience full of history and tradition.

We designed our Taste of Peru small group trip to intertwine these two different culinary experiences. We love to show travelers the home style of Peruvian cooking AND the creative genius at restaurants from Pellegrino's list of "The World's 50 Best Restaurants".

Foods to Try in Peru: Ceviche, Anticuchos, Picarones, Lomo Saltado, Choclo con Queso

Check out our blog post “5 Favorite Peruvian Foods and Easy Places to Find Them” for a more detailed description of each dish and our favorite places to enjoy them.

Osaka, Japan

Did you know that Osaka is known as the "Kitchen of Japan"? That is definitely a culinary destination for 2024 criteria. There you will find a unique blend of traditional and modern cuisine, from street food culture to Michelin-star restaurants.

We recommend taking a walking food tour through street markets like the Kizu Market which is a real market for retailers or Tenma Shopping Street which is the longest shopping street in Japan to try iconic Japanese dishes and to sample cuisines that you might not find on your own. Osaka is also home to a thriving sushi and seafood scene in the Dotonbori district.

The perks of traveling to Japan with a 24/7 tour host means that you have someone to guide you through all your culinary choices. In fact, on our Inside Japan tour, we have strategically planned out each meal and experience to give you the most well-rounded culinary experience while exploring the country.

Foods to Try in Osaka: Tamago Kake Gohan, Shabu Shabu, Yoshoku, Shojin Ryori, Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu

Check out our blog post “5 Foods to Try in Japan that Aren’t Ramen, Sushi or Tempura” for a more detailed description of each dish, how to eat them, and where you can find them. (And we do think you should also try ramen, sushi, and tempura while you’re there, but don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never heard of before!)

Honorable Mention

Florence, Italy is another culinary destination for 2024 that we have to include. There are so many good bites that you should check out our blog post “6 Foods to Eat on a Florence Food Tour”. That article will ensure that you don’t waste a single bite on something that’s not delicious, local, and highly recommended.

As a boutique travel company that specializes in food-focused travel, culinary destinations for 2024 are our expertise. Travel with us on a small group trip where we take you to some of the best culinary destinations in the world and ensure that every bite is highly curated and unique. (Seriously, every meal except for two is included in your trip.) Check out all our 2024 small group trips.

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.

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