The Best Foods in the World are more than just meals — they’re experiences shaped by history, geography, and tradition. In 2025, food lovers continue to explore the most flavorful corners of the planet, seeking out the top 10 best foods in the world and discovering new favorites along the way.
Top 20 Best Foods in the World in 2025
Each year, international polls and culinary experts release the best foods in the world ranking, showcasing which dishes people are loving the most. Whether it’s a spicy curry or a delicate sushi roll, these rankings reflect changing tastes and timeless classics alike. Here are the top 20 best foods in the world for 2025 that you absolutely must try:
1. Pizza (Italy)
Pizza is Italy’s most iconic culinary export, beloved worldwide for its versatility and simplicity. Originating in Naples, traditional Neapolitan pizza features a thin, chewy crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil — embodying the colors of the Italian flag. Beyond the classic Margherita, global variations include deep-dish Chicago pizza, thin-crust New York-style, and innovative toppings like tandoori chicken or pineapple. It’s the ultimate comfort food that appeals to all ages.
2. Sushi (Japan)
Sushi represents Japanese elegance and discipline. This dish isn’t just raw fish — it’s an art form. It combines vinegared rice with fresh seafood, vegetables, or eggs, often paired with wasabi and soy sauce. Sushi includes different styles like nigiri (fish over rice), maki (rolled in seaweed), and sashimi (just raw slices). It originated as a method to preserve fish, but today, sushi bars around the world have elevated it into a luxurious dining experience.
3. Tacos (Mexico)
Tacos are a quintessential street food from Mexico, with a history dating back to indigenous times. A taco consists of a tortilla (corn or flour) filled with anything from grilled carne asada to fried fish or beans. Popular regional styles include al pastor (pork with pineapple), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), and barbacoa (pit-cooked meat). Topped with salsa, cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime, tacos are fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
4. Biryani (India)
Biryani is a festive, layered rice dish that blends aromatic basmati rice with marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef), saffron, fried onions, and a complex mix of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Originating from Persian and Mughal influences, it’s a staple of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Different regions have their signature styles — Hyderabadi, Lucknowi (Awadhi), or Sindhi — each offering unique flavors. Biryani is often served during special occasions and festivals.
5. Croissant (France)
The croissant is a buttery, crescent-shaped pastry born in Austria and perfected in France. Made with laminated dough — folded multiple times to create flaky layers — it’s both delicate and rich. Freshly baked croissants are often enjoyed at breakfast with jam or chocolate. Variants include almond croissants or savory versions filled with cheese or ham. It’s a staple of French patisseries and a symbol of refined European baking.
6. Pad Thai (Thailand)
Pad Thai is Thailand’s national dish and a favorite among travelers. Stir-fried rice noodles are tossed with eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind-based sauce. Often served with lime wedges and chili flakes, Pad Thai balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. It’s commonly found in Thai street markets, but upscale versions also grace fine-dining menus.
7. Peking Duck (China)
Peking Duck is a centuries-old Chinese dish renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat. Originating in Beijing, the duck is seasoned, air-dried, and roasted until the skin turns golden and crackling. It’s traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. The dish is typically carved tableside and eaten in small rolls — a highlight of imperial cuisine and often reserved for banquets.
8. Kimchi (South Korea)
Kimchi is a spicy, fermented side dish made from napa cabbage, radish, or cucumber, mixed with chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. It’s a staple in Korean households, eaten with nearly every meal. Kimchi’s fermentation process enhances its probiotic content, making it great for gut health. Variants range from mildly spicy to intensely fiery, and it’s used in everything from stews (kimchi jjigae) to pancakes (kimchi jeon).
9. Shawarma (Middle East)
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food made by stacking marinated meat (typically lamb, beef, or chicken) on a vertical spit. The meat is shaved off as it roasts, then wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, tomatoes, and sometimes fries. Popular in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Turkey, it has spread globally, evolving into various regional adaptations, and is beloved for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
10. Paella (Spain)
Paella originated in Valencia, Spain, and is made by simmering short-grain rice with saffron, olive oil, and a mix of seafood, meats, or vegetables. Traditional versions use rabbit and snails, while seafood paella is a tourist favorite. Cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paellera, it’s often enjoyed communally. Paella is festive, vibrant, and deeply tied to Spanish heritage — one of the most colorful and hearty meals you’ll ever try.
11. Argentinian Asado (Argentina)
Asado is more than just a barbecue in Argentina — it’s a social and culinary ritual. Thick cuts of beef, ribs, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage) are slow-cooked over a wood-fired grill called a parrilla. The meat is seasoned simply with salt and paired with chimichurri, a zesty herb sauce. Asado gatherings are weekly traditions in Argentine households and symbolize hospitality, family, and national pride.
12. Pho (Vietnam)
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that blends a fragrant broth — made by simmering beef bones with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon — with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef or chicken, and fresh herbs. It’s typically served with bean sprouts, lime, Thai basil, and chili on the side for customization. Enjoyed at breakfast or any time of day, pho is Vietnam’s most comforting and internationally popular dish.
13. Tempura (Japan)
Tempura is a Japanese dish of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Shrimp tempura is especially popular, but items like sweet potato, pumpkin, and green beans are also common. The batter is airy and crisp, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. Served with dipping sauce and grated daikon radish, tempura reflects the precision and subtlety of Japanese cooking.
14. Falafel (Middle East)
Falafel consists of deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. It’s a staple of Middle Eastern street food, often served in pita bread with tahini, pickled vegetables, and hummus. Originating possibly in Egypt or the Levant, falafel is now a beloved vegetarian dish worldwide and is known for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
15. Fondue (Switzerland)
Fondue is the ultimate Swiss comfort food. A communal pot of melted cheese — traditionally a blend of Gruyère and Emmental — is placed over a heat source, and diners dip bread cubes using long forks. It’s especially popular during cold winters and ski holidays. Modern twists include chocolate fondue or oil-based versions for cooking meats. Fondue is about warmth, sharing, and indulgence.
16. Ramen (Japan)
Ramen is a rich, hearty noodle soup that comes in many regional varieties in Japan — from pork-bone tonkotsu in Fukuoka to soy-based shoyu in Tokyo. It typically features wheat noodles, broth, sliced pork (chashu), soft-boiled eggs, and toppings like bamboo shoots and nori. Ramen is a cultural icon, blending street food accessibility with gourmet innovation.
17. Moussaka (Greece)
Moussaka is a classic Greek casserole made of eggplant, ground meat (often lamb), tomatoes, and béchamel sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish reminiscent of lasagna. Spiced with cinnamon and allspice, Moussaka is rich, warming, and layered with Mediterranean charm. It’s a centerpiece of family dinners and festive meals in Greece.
18. Korean BBQ (South Korea)
Korean BBQ is a hands-on dining experience where diners grill marinated meats — like bulgogi (sweet soy beef) or galbi (short ribs) — at their table. It’s served with side dishes (banchan), including kimchi, pickled radish, and lettuce leaves for wrapping. The sizzling meat, bold marinades, and social atmosphere make Korean BBQ a global favorite.
19. Cheesecake (USA/Greece)
Cheesecake is a rich dessert with a creamy cheese filling on a graham cracker or cookie crust. The New York-style version is dense and tangy, while lighter versions exist in Japan and Europe. Its origins date back to ancient Greece, but it’s now a dessert staple around the world, topped with fruit, chocolate, or even matcha.
20. Crème Brûlée (France)
Crème Brûlée is a French dessert featuring silky vanilla custard topped with a thin, crisp layer of caramelized sugar. The contrast between the cold, creamy custard and the warm, crackling sugar is what makes this dessert unforgettable. Often infused with flavors like lavender or citrus, it’s a mainstay in fine-dining menus and an elegant way to end a meal.
These are the most popular food in the world, combining flavor, presentation, and international fanbases. If you’re planning your food adventures, these best foods in the world list should be your go-to guide. It combines comfort food, gourmet cuisine, and must-try street eats.
Top 10 Countries with the Best Food
It’s not just individual dishes — entire countries are renowned for their rich cuisines. The top 10 countries with the best food include:
- Italy
- Japan
- Thailand
- Mexico
- India
- France
- China
- Spain
- Lebanon
- Greece
Each offers the best cuisine in the world through signature dishes that represent local flavors and centuries of tradition.
Best Foods in the World for Your Health
Delicious can be healthy too! The best foods in the world for your health include:
- Greek Salad (Greece)
- Lentil Soup (Middle East)
- Ceviche (Peru)
- Miso Soup (Japan)
- Grilled Salmon (Nordic countries)
FAQs
Conclusion: Savoring Global Favorites
From the top 10 best food in the world to the most popular food in the world, this list is just the beginning of a culinary journey that spans continents and cultures. Every dish tells a unique story — from the rich history behind Italy’s pizza to the delicate artistry of Japan’s sushi. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler eager to experience new tastes, exploring the best dishes in the world is the tastiest way to understand the essence of global culture.
Embrace the opportunity to experience these best foods in the world, and let your taste buds lead you on a global adventure!
For more culinary inspiration, check out:
- Best cooking tips to help you become a master in the kitchen.
- Baking basics for perfecting your sweet and savory bakes.
- Best vegan starter meals for delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.
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