Food has always been a central part of travel, but in 2025, culinary tourism is evolving into something even more exciting, with innovative trends and new destinations emerging as global food hotspots. As travelers continue to seek out experiences that are both memorable and sustainable, culinary tourism is expanding beyond traditional food tours to include plant-based movements, sustainable dining, and fusion cuisine that reflects diverse global influences.
If you consider yourself a foodie or simply want to savor the world’s flavors, 2025 is an excellent year to embark on a culinary journey. From plant-based food to authentic local dishes, here are the top food trends, festivals, and destinations you won’t want to miss.
1. Rise of Plant-Based and Sustainable Eating
The demand for plant-based foods has skyrocketed in recent years, and 2025 will see this trend reach new heights, with cities around the world embracing more sustainable dining options. From vegan fine dining to casual plant-based street food, expect to see plant-based menus becoming mainstream in most major cities.
- Destinations to Visit:
- Berlin, Germany: Known for its incredible variety of vegan options, Berlin will continue to be a plant-based paradise in 2025. The city’s vibrant vegan food scene spans from trendy cafes to upscale restaurants. The Vegan Summer Festival draws thousands of food lovers each year, showcasing the best in cruelty-free eating.
- Los Angeles, USA: LA has long been a hub for health-conscious dining, but in 2025, it will also become a leader in plant-based innovation. Look out for creative takes on traditional comfort foods, such as plant-based sushi, tacos, and burgers, in spots like Crossroads Kitchen and Gracias Madre.
- Tel Aviv, Israel: Widely regarded as the vegan capital of the Middle East, Tel Aviv will continue to offer a wealth of plant-based options in 2025. Israeli cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains, makes it an ideal destination for anyone seeking both flavor and sustainability.
- Sustainable Dining: As sustainability becomes an integral part of the culinary world, look for farm-to-table restaurants and eco-friendly initiatives that reduce food waste and support local farmers. In 2025, many restaurants will focus on zero-waste practices and ethical sourcing of ingredients, ensuring that their impact on the environment is as minimal as possible.
2. Top Food Festivals to Experience in 2025
Food festivals are the perfect way to immerse yourself in a destination’s culture while tasting its most iconic dishes. Here are some of the must-attend food festivals in 2025:
- The Taste of London (London, UK): London’s premier food festival is set to return in 2025 with even more celebrated chefs, culinary experiences, and food trends. Expect to sample everything from Michelin-starred dishes to innovative street food, with a special emphasis on plant-based eating and global flavors.
- Tokyo Ramen Show (Tokyo, Japan): For ramen lovers, the Tokyo Ramen Show is an unmissable event. Held every year in the Japanese capital, this festival brings together top ramen chefs from all over Japan, showcasing regional variations and new takes on this beloved dish. If you’re in Tokyo in 2025, don’t miss this celebration of noodles!
- Viva la Comida (Mexico City, Mexico): Mexico City is already a food lover’s dream, and in 2025, its Viva la Comida festival will be one of the most exciting events to experience. This festival celebrates Mexico’s street food culture with an emphasis on indigenous ingredients and regional specialties. Whether it’s tamales, tacos, or mole, the vibrant flavors of Mexico City’s food scene will be on full display.
- Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (Melbourne, Australia): Australia’s culinary capital will host an annual food and wine festival that brings together the best of local produce, international flavors, and sustainable practices. From food trucks to celebrity chef pop-ups, the festival in 2025 will have something for every taste.
3. Emerging Food Hotspots Around the World
In 2025, several destinations are set to rise to prominence as culinary hotspots, offering unique dining experiences that are both innovative and deeply rooted in local tradition.
- Lima, Peru: Already a standout culinary destination, Lima will continue to captivate foodies with its combination of ancient Incan flavors and modern gastronomy. The city is home to Gastón Acurio, the celebrated chef behind Astrid y Gastón, and the Miraflores district, where you can enjoy creative takes on classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. Don’t miss Central and Maido, both regularly ranked among the best restaurants in the world.
- Mexico City, Mexico: In 2025, Mexico City will continue to emerge as a leading culinary hub, offering everything from sophisticated fine dining to authentic street food. At the forefront of this trend is Mexico’s indigenous ingredients, such as native corn and heirloom chilies, which will be celebrated in top restaurants and food markets. The Mercado de San Juan is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a fascinating selection of rare meats, cheeses, and fresh produce.
- Seoul, South Korea: Seoul’s food scene has evolved into a globally renowned culinary destination, thanks to its balance of tradition and innovation. In 2025, Korean cuisine will continue to be in the spotlight with dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and samgyeopsal at local eateries and high-end restaurants. Look for hanjeongsik (traditional Korean multi-course meal) and modern twists on classic dishes in Seoul’s trendy Gangnam district.
- Porto, Portugal: While Lisbon often steals the spotlight, Porto in the north of Portugal is becoming increasingly popular for its excellent wine and food scene. In 2025, Porto’s growing culinary reputation will be centered on seafood, with traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and francesinha (a hearty sandwich) featuring heavily. Pair these dishes with some of the best Port wine in the world.
4. Must-Try Dishes in 2025
When you’re traveling, there are certain dishes that define the culture of a region. In 2025, these must-try dishes should be on your list:
- Peru: Ceviche – This tangy dish made with fresh fish marinated in citrus juice, chiles, and onions is a staple of Peruvian cuisine. Try it with a side of sweet potatoes and corn.
- Japan: Sushi Burrito – A fusion dish gaining popularity, the sushi burrito blends the freshness of sushi with the convenience of a burrito. Expect an explosion of flavors with fillings like tuna, avocado, and wasabi.
- Italy: Plant-Based Pizza – As more people adopt plant-based diets, Italy is responding with inventive, meat-free pizzas that still stay true to Italian traditions. Try a mushroom or vegan mozzarella pizza in Naples for a delicious twist on the classic.
- Thailand: Som Tum – A spicy green papaya salad, som tum is a vibrant dish of crunchy vegetables, peanuts, and chili. It’s a must-try in Thailand’s street food markets and a great example of the balance of flavors that define Thai cuisine.
- South Korea: Bibimbap – A delicious and healthy Korean dish, bibimbap features a bowl of rice topped with assorted vegetables, meat (often beef), and a fried egg, all mixed together with spicy gochujang sauce. A classic Korean comfort food.
- Turkey: Baklava – This rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and drenched in syrup or honey is a staple in Turkish desserts.
5. Food and Travel in the Age of Sustainability
2025 will see a deeper focus on sustainability in the culinary world. Many travelers are looking for dining experiences that are not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. Look for restaurants that prioritize:
- Zero-Waste Kitchens: Many top restaurants are adopting zero-waste practices, using every part of an ingredient and finding creative ways to minimize food waste.
- Locally Sourced, Seasonal Menus: Sustainable dining means eating what’s in season and supporting local farmers. Expect more menus featuring ingredients that are grown nearby, reducing the carbon footprint of your meals.
- Plant-Based Innovation: The future of food will continue to be plant-based, with more chefs innovating and creating plant-forward menus that highlight the rich flavors and textures of vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Culinary Travel in 2025
Culinary tourism in 2025 is all about celebrating innovation while honoring tradition. Whether you’re savoring sustainable plant-based dishes, attending a local food festival, or visiting up-and-coming food destinations like Lima, Seoul, and Porto, there’s never been a better time to explore the world through its flavors. With sustainability, plant-based options, and a deeper focus on local ingredients, 2025 promises to be a year of mouthwatering culinary experiences. So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat your way through some of the world’s most exciting food destinations.