The latest global culinary rankings are out, and they bring fantastic news for Indian food lovers. Mumbai has been declared the world's 5th best food city for 2025-26 by the prestigious food and travel guide, TasteAtlas. The city's vibrant street food culture, featuring iconic dishes like bhelpuri, pav bhaji, and vada pav, has earned it this high honour on the world stage.
European Dominance and a New South American Entry
The 2025-26 World Food Awards by TasteAtlas evaluated a staggering 18,828 cities before shortlisting the top 100. The list reveals a strong European foothold, with cities from the continent claiming eight of the top ten positions. The standout performer is Italy, whose cities occupy six spots in the elite top ten. This culinary supremacy is further cemented by Italian cuisine being ranked the world's best for the same period.
An interesting shift this year is the entry of Lima, the capital of Peru, into the top ten. Its arrival pushes Osaka, Japan, from the 10th to the 11th position. The top of the chart is led by Italian powerhouses: Naples and Milan share the top spot with a perfect 4.99-star rating, followed by Bologna, Florence, and then Mumbai.
India's Strong Culinary Presence on the Global Map
While Mumbai shines at number five, India's gastronomic diversity is well-represented across the broader list. A total of six Indian cities have found a place in the Global Top 100, showcasing the country's rich and varied food heritage. Following Mumbai, Delhi is ranked at 48, celebrated for its Mughlai and street food wonders. Amritsar, the heart of Punjabi cuisine, follows closely at 53.
Hyderabad, famous for its biryanis, is ranked 54, while Kolkata, with its unique Bengali and colonial-era dishes, holds the 73rd spot. Chennai, offering the flavours of South India, completes the Indian contingent at rank 93. This collective recognition underscores how India's regional cuisines are captivating global audiences.
The Growing Trend of Culinary Tourism
This ranking aligns with a significant shift in global travel patterns, where food is becoming a primary motivator. A 2025 Hilton Trends report highlighted that nearly half of all travellers now book restaurant reservations before even securing their flights. Furthermore, approximately one in five travellers choose their destination specifically to explore new restaurants and unique culinary experiences.
The TasteAtlas ranking methodology focuses on the average ratings for the most commonly served regional and national dishes in each city. This approach moves beyond fine dining to celebrate authentic, local food cultures that offer meaningful cultural exchanges and bring people together through shared meals.
The complete list of the World's Top 10 Best Food Cities for 2025-26 is:
- Naples, Italy (4.99 ★) – Must-try: Pizza Margherita, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
- Milan, Italy (4.99 ★) – Must-try: Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese
- Bologna, Italy (4.98 ★) – Must-try: Tagliatelle al ragù, Tortellini in brodo
- Florence, Italy (4.89 ★) – Must-try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita
- Mumbai, India (4.78 ★) – Must-try: Bhelpuri, Pav bhaji, Vada pav
- Genoa, Italy (4.78 ★) – Must-try: Trofie al pesto, Farinata di ceci
- Paris, France (4.77 ★) – Must-try: Foie gras, Steak tartare
- Vienna, Austria (4.76 ★) – Must-try: Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel
- Rome, Italy (4.74 ★) – Must-try: Cacio e pepe, Carbonara
- Lima, Peru (4.74 ★) – Must-try: Ceviche, Lomo saltado
The announcement was made on December 24, 2025, offering food enthusiasts a fresh guide for their future travel plans and affirming Mumbai's status as a world-class culinary destination.
