It is therefore impossible for foodies like us to miss out on the best cuisines in the world during our travels. But what are the best gastronomy in the world, those which are recognized throughout the world?
Here is our ranking of the 10 global cuisines to absolutely discover in 2026! 10 countries that we recommend you discover if you have a foodie!
1. French cuisine 🇫🇷
We naturally begin our 2026 ranking of the best cuisines in the world with our country, France. French cuisine is a world reference, listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. It is renowned for its diversity, finesse and refinement.
Each region has its specialties, highlighting quality products. We love traveling around our country to discover all the French gastronomy and one thing is certain, we are lucky to live in France! If you are passing through the capital, we recommend our selection of the best unusual restaurants in Paris.
Some emblematic French specialties:
Boeuf bourguignon: Beef simmered in red wine with carrots, mushrooms and onions, accompanied by potatoes or pasta. This is one of our favorite French dishes!
Cassoulet: A generous dish made with white beans, duck confit and Toulouse sausage.
Ratatouille: A mixture of sunny vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers) simmered in a tomato sauce flavored with Provence herbs.
Tartiflette: Potatoes gratinated with reblochon cheese, bacon and onions. Impossible to spend the winter without tasting one (this also applies to raclette 🤫).
2. Italian cuisine 🇮🇹
If there is a country where you eat well, even very well, it is undoubtedly Italy! This country is a true paradise for foodies like us!
Each region has its own specialties, and Italian cuisine is a mixture of flavors, traditions and fresh produce. Lovers of pizza, pasta and other risottos, this is the destination you absolutely need to discover! For us, it is one of the best cuisines in the world and it even deserves to be on the podium!
Some emblematic Italian specialties:
Neapolitan Pizza: Thin pizzas, with soft dough and a simple topping (tomatoes, bufala mozzarella, basil).
Osso Buco: Veal shank simmered in a tomato and white wine sauce, often served with risotto.
Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal escalopes garnished with Parma ham and sage, cooked in white wine.
Tiramisu: The famous Italian dessert made from mascarpone, coffee and soaked biscuits.
Cannoli: Small rolls of crispy dough filled with sweet ricotta.
the best cuisine in the world
3. Japanese cuisine 🇯🇵
Japan is a country where the cuisine is refined, tasty and balanced. Between sushi, ramen and tempura, each region has its specialties, and each dish is an art in itself!
We really like this cuisine that we loved discovering during our last trips to Japan, and we often try to make little Japanese dishes ourselves from home!
Some emblematic Japanese specialties:
Sushi and sashimi: Finely prepared pieces of raw fish.
Ramen: Noodles served in a tasty broth (shoyu, miso, tonkotsu or shio), accompanied by meat, marinated egg and seaweed.
Tempura: Light and crispy shrimp, vegetable or fish fritters.
Donburi: Rice bowls garnished with different meats or fish:
Mochi: Small balls of glutinous rice dough, sometimes filled with sweet red bean paste.
4. Thai cuisine 🇹🇭
Thai cuisine is a festival of flavors, skillfully mixing sweet and savory. With its fresh herbs, spices and tasty sauces, each dish is an explosion in the mouth! No wonder it is included in our selection of the best cuisines in the world.
We are big fans of Pad Thai and we are happy to find very good Thai restaurants in Paris, notably the delicious Tïger Thaï in Batignolles.
Some emblematic Thai specialties:
Pad Thai: The most iconic Thai dish! Fried noodles with shrimp or chicken, egg, tofu, peanuts and tamarind sauce.
Tom Kha Kai: A sweet and fragrant soup with coconut milk, galangal and mushrooms.
Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice): Fried rice with eggs, vegetables and pieces of meat or shrimp.
Massaman Curry: A mild and fragrant curry with Muslim influences, made from beef or chicken, with potatoes and peanuts.
Kaeng Khiao Wan (Thai Green Curry): A creamy curry made with coconut milk, green curry paste and meat (often chicken).
5. Mexican cuisine 🇲🇽
Mexican cuisine is one of the richest and most varied in the world! Between tacos, guacamole, enchiladas and spicy stews, it mixes intense flavors, fresh ingredients and recipes handed down for centuries.
Mexican cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most popular in the world and one of our favorite gastronomies!
Some emblematic Mexican specialties:
Burritos: Wheat tortilla stuffed with meat, rice, beans and cheese, often rolled up to be more substantial.
Quesadillas: Corn or wheat tortillas topped with melted cheese, sometimes with mushrooms, chicken or chorizo.
Pozole: A stew of corn and meat (pork or chicken), seasoned with spices and served with cabbage, radishes and avocado.
Enchiladas: Tortillas rolled and filled with meat or cheese, topped with spicy sauce (red or green) and baked in the oven.
Churros: Deep-fried elongated donuts, sprinkled with sugar and often dipped in hot chocolate.
6. Indian cuisine 🇮🇳
Rich in spices and flavors, Indian cuisine is a cuisine that we particularly love. We are big fans of Butter Chicken and Naan Breads and it’s always a joy to eat Indian! No wonder Indian gastronomy is one of the best cuisines in the world!
Some emblematic Indian specialties:
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce.
Chicken Tikka Masala: Diced chicken grilled in the tandoor, topped with a spicy and creamy tomato sauce.
Naan: Soft bread baked in a tandoor oven, often topped with garlic or cheese.
Aloo Tikki: Spicy potato croquettes, often served with yogurt and chutney.
Gulab Jamun: Fried milk balls dipped in a syrup flavored with rose and cardamom.
7. Chinese cuisine 🇨🇳
Chinese cuisine is one of the best in the world thanks to its diversity and its many cooking techniques (wok stir-fry, steam, simmer, fry).
Rich in vegetables, spices and natural ingredients, it combines pleasure and health benefits. Friendly and focused on sharing, it has conquered the world with its emblematic dishes such as Peking duck, ravioli or mapo tofu.
Some emblematic Chinese specialties:
Peking Duck: One of the most famous dishes, with crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
Beef Stir-Fry with Onions: Tender slices of beef sautéed with onions and a soy-oyster sauce.
Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings): Pasta stuffed with pork, shrimp or vegetables, steamed, fried or boiled.
Xiaolongbao: Juicy dumplings from Shanghai, with a broth inside that explodes in your mouth!
Sauteed eggplants in soy sauce: Soft eggplants cooked with garlic, ginger and thick soy sauce.
8. Spanish cuisine 🇪🇸
There is no debate, Spanish cuisine is one of the tastiest and most convivial in the world! Just thinking about emblematic dishes like paella, tapas, jamón ibérico or tortilla directly makes us think of vacations...
As in many countries, each region of Spain has its unique specialties, from Valencian paella to Basque pintxos. Warm and focused on sharing, Spanish gastronomy celebrates the simplicity of good ingredients and the art of eating well together.
Some emblematic Spanish specialties:
Paella: Originally from Valencia, this dish made from saffron rice is available with seafood or meat.
Tortilla de patatas: A thick omelette with potatoes and sometimes onions, served as a tapa or main course.
Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes served with spicy tomato sauce and aioli sauce.
Pintxos: Small bites served on bread, typical of the Basque Country.
Pulpo a la gallega: Octopus cooked and seasoned with paprika, salt and olive oil, a classic from Galicia, Spanish Brittany.
Croquetas: Soft croquettes filled with ham, cheese or cod.
9. Turkish cuisine 🇹🇷
Turkish gastronomy is one of the best cuisines in the world thanks to its richness and diversity, inherited from the Ottoman Empire and influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Balkan traditions.
Combining spices and fresh ingredients, it offers a perfect balance between grilled meats, tasty mezzes, crusty breads and sweet desserts. The generosity of its dishes, the pleasure of sharing and the variety of its flavors make it an essential gastronomy!
Some emblematic Turkish specialties:
Kebap: Skewers of grilled meat (lamb, beef or chicken), including the famous doner kebab, served in pita bread or with rice.
Manti: Small Turkish ravioli stuffed with meat, served with garlic yogurt and paprika butter.
Cacık: Yogurt with cucumber, garlic and mint, close to Greek tzatziki.
Kumpir: Baked potato topped with cheese, vegetables, olives and sauces of your choice.
Baklava: Puff pastry with nuts and honey, a sweet and crunchy must-have.
10. Greek cuisine 🇬🇷
We end this top 10 of the best cuisines in the world with one of our favorites, Greek cuisine. It’s simple, for us, Greek specialties are all delicious. From varied mezzes to emblematic dishes like moussaka, souvlaki or spanakopita, each recipe celebrates the taste of sunshine and sharing.
Friendly and generous, Greek gastronomy is an invitation to travel and to the pleasure of sharing a good meal with others.
Some emblematic Greek specialties:
Moussaka: A gratin made with layers of eggplant, minced meat and béchamel sauce, a great classic.
Souvlaki: Skewers of grilled meat (lamb, pork or chicken), often served with pita bread and tzatziki.
Tzatziki: Refreshing sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic and olive oil.
Spanakopita: Crispy puff pastry stuffed with spinach and feta.
Baklava: Puff pastry with nuts and honey, a sweet and crunchy delight.
Loukoumades: Fried donuts topped with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
world cuisine ranking
Thanks for reading
We hope this article will make you want to discover the best cuisines in the world!
