1. Bangkok Street Food Tour, Thailand
Bangkok is a paradise for food lovers, and a guided street food tour offers the best way to explore its diverse flavors. Popular tours often take you through bustling markets like Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Bang Rak, where you can savor iconic dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice, tom yum, and fresh seafood. Some tours even include a visit to floating markets, providing a deeper look into Thailand’s culinary culture.
2. Tokyo Sushi Workshop, Japan
Tokyo’s food scene is legendary, and sushi is at its heart. Culinary tours in Tokyo often include hands-on sushi workshops led by expert chefs. You’ll learn the art of selecting fresh ingredients, mastering knife skills, and crafting authentic sushi rolls. Pair this experience with visits to Tsukiji or Toyosu Market for insights into Japan’s seafood industry.
3. Penang Food Heritage Tour, Malaysia
Penang, often called the food capital of Malaysia, is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. Culinary tours in George Town focus on street food stalls and hawker centers where you can try dishes like char kway teow, laksa, and nasi lemak. Some tours also incorporate cooking classes, allowing you to recreate these flavors at home.
4. Delhi Spice Market Tour, India
India is synonymous with spices, and a culinary tour in Delhi is a feast for the senses. These tours often include a walk through Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, and visits to Old Delhi’s food hubs, where you can sample parathas, chaat, and biryani. Many tours also offer home-cooking sessions where you can learn to prepare authentic Indian curries.
5. Seoul Kimchi-Making Experience, South Korea
Kimchi is a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, and a kimchi-making experience in Seoul offers a fascinating dive into this culinary tradition. Guided tours often include visits to traditional markets like Gwangjang, where you can sample street foods like tteokbokki and bindaetteok. Pair your kimchi-making session with a Korean barbecue dinner for a well-rounded experience.
6. Saigon Street Eats, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is a vibrant destination for food enthusiasts. Culinary tours here focus on exploring street food culture in districts like District 1 and District 4. You’ll sample dishes like pho, banh mi, and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) while learning about Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Many tours include motorbike rides, adding an adventurous twist.
7. Bali Farm-to-Table Experience, Indonesia
In Bali, food tours often focus on sustainability and traditional cooking techniques. A popular choice is a farm-to-table experience where you’ll visit local farms, learn about Balinese spices, and cook dishes like nasi goreng and ayam betutu in a traditional open-air kitchen. These tours often take place in serene villages, offering a glimpse into rural Balinese life.
8. Xi’an Dumpling Tour, China
Xi’an, famous for its history and cuisine, is the perfect destination for dumpling lovers. Culinary tours in this ancient city often focus on Muslim Quarter Street, where you can sample a variety of dumplings, noodles, and grilled meats. Some tours also include dumpling-making workshops, where you’ll learn to fold and steam these delicacies like a pro.
9. Sri Lankan Curry Tour, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s curries are renowned for their complex flavors, and a culinary tour offers a chance to explore them in depth. Tours typically include market visits to source fresh ingredients and cooking classes where you’ll prepare dishes like fish curry, jackfruit curry, and coconut sambol. Visits to spice gardens in Kandy or Galle are also common, giving insights into the country’s spice trade.
10. Hanoi Food Walking Tour, Vietnam
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a haven for food enthusiasts. Walking food tours here introduce you to iconic dishes like bun cha, egg coffee, and cha ca (turmeric fish). Many tours also include visits to local markets and hidden eateries, providing an authentic taste of Vietnam’s culinary landscape.
11. Phnom Penh Culinary Adventure, Cambodia
Phnom Penh offers a blend of traditional Khmer cuisine and French influences. Culinary tours often include visits to local markets, where you’ll sample dishes like amok (coconut fish curry), kuy teav (noodle soup), and nom banh chok (Khmer noodles). Some tours also provide an opportunity to try unique delicacies, like fried tarantulas and crickets, for adventurous eaters.
12. Ubud Raw Food Tour, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali’s wellness hub, is home to a growing raw and plant-based food scene. Culinary tours here focus on organic farms, vegan cafés, and workshops where you can learn to prepare raw desserts and smoothies. These tours are perfect for health-conscious travelers seeking a different perspective on Indonesian cuisine.
13. Izmir Food and Wine Tour, Turkey
Izmir, a coastal city in Turkey, is a culinary treasure trove offering a mix of Mediterranean and Turkish flavors. Food tours here often include visits to traditional markets and vineyards, where you can taste local cheeses, olive oil, and wines. Don’t miss the chance to sample street foods like boyoz and gevrek (Turkish bagel).
14. Taipei Night Market Crawl, Taiwan
Taipei’s night markets are legendary for their variety and affordability. Culinary tours here take you to hotspots like Shilin or Raohe Night Market, where you can try stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea. Some tours also include a visit to Din Tai Fung for a taste of its famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
15. Kyoto Kaiseki Experience, Japan
Kyoto is the home of kaiseki, Japan’s traditional multi-course meal. Culinary tours often include visits to Nishiki Market to explore seasonal ingredients, followed by a dining experience in a traditional ryokan or teahouse. Kaiseki showcases the artistry and precision of Japanese cuisine, making it a memorable culinary journey.