Food is more than just a necessity – it’s a cultural language that can bring people together. These are the best capital cities in the world for foodies
Dublin has been hailed as one of the top 10 foodie capitals worldwide, and it’s all down to its culinary delights. Food isn’t just a vital necessity for survival, but it also serves as a cultural language. Cities globally offer unique dining experiences that incorporate local ingredients and time-honoured traditions.
Eating out at restaurants, cafes, bistros, and other food spots is a popular social activity. It’s ideal for first dates, catching up with mates, celebrating special occasions, and more.
For some holidaymakers, the local cuisine is a key factor when planning a trip. Research indicates one in three people would travel to new places solely to sample the local food.
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The culinary tourism market, worth billions of pounds, is predicted to grow by nearly a fifth (19%) by 2032. This suggests experiencing new cuisines is a crucial part of travelling, reports the Express.
With plenty of iconic places well worth visiting, which destinations stand out when it comes to food? JR Pass, a rail company specialising in Japanese exploration, was keen to find out.
To determine the best capital cities for food enthusiasts, JR Pass evaluated various factors. These included the number of 5-star restaurants, culinary tourist attractions, and the amount of Michelin Guide restaurants.
While Paris in France claimed the top spot with an overall score of 93.1 out of 100, Irish capital Dublin secured a respectable eighth place on the list. Dublin is not only a hotspot for a dynamic nightlife encompassing bars, clubs and pubs for natives and visitors alike but also beats with a vibrant cultural rhythm, echoing its musical and literary legacy.
Yet it’s Dublin’s food offerings that are surprisingly stellar, often outshone by such majestic sights as Dublin Castle or the storied walls of the Guinness Storehouse.
Recognising the city’s gastronomic prowess, JR Pass has rated Dublin with an admirable 76/100, highlighting its vast spread of culinary delights; from 39 five-star dining experiences and 10 foodie attractions to six prestigious Michelin Guide restaurants, not to mention classic local fares like Irish Stew and Coddle.
The research pins the average cost for a couple dining out in Dublin at £75.67. On the social media front, Dublin’s culinary delights have been similarly celebrated. The video shared by @eat.snack.repeat on the platform presents a carefully curated list of Dublin’s 10 “great places to eat”.
The selections featured include health-focused eatery Urbanity, quirky pizzeria Bambino, authentic bakery Bread 41, upscale Chinese diner Hang Dai, amongst others.
The responses showcase a swath of praise for Dublin’s rich array of eateries, with adoring comments ranging from a hearty “Wow looks delicious” to a simple and elegant “Beautiful”.
A cheeky Dublin local chimed in with a confession: “I’m from Dublin and haven’t tried half these places [crying laughing emoji] thanks for sharing”.
Many were moved to tag their mates directly in hopes of sharing the culinary adventure, while some enthusiasts took the opportunity to offer their two cents on their preferred bites in Dublin’s diverse dining landscape.