Best In Travel’s Guide to the Best Destinations in the World for Food-Themed Group Trips

Few things spark connection like sharing a meal – and food-themed group trips are the ultimate way to combine culture, adventure, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re cooking with locals, wandering spice markets, or sitting down for a slow meal with new friends, food brings travel to life. Here’s a look at the best destinations in the world for culinary group travel – including the classics and some under-the-radar gems.

🇮🇹 Italy: Pasta, Pizza & Prosecco

Italy is the gold standard of food travel. From truffle hunting in Piedmont to making fresh tagliatelle in a Tuscan farmhouse, food is at the heart of every experience. Sip Prosecco in the vineyards, explore colorful markets, and eat gelato every chance you get.

Top activities: Pasta-making, olive oil tastings, vineyard dinners
Regions: Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Amalfi Coast, Sicily

🇲🇽 Mexico: Street Food, Tradition & Mezcal

Mexico’s food is bold, diverse, and steeped in history. Oaxaca is a top choice for food trips – home to mole, chocolate, and mezcal. Group taco crawls, market tours, and cooking workshops with local chefs make it the ultimate flavor immersion.

Top activities: Mole-making, tortilla workshops, mezcal tastings
Regions: Oaxaca, Mexico City, Yucatán

🇹🇭 Thailand: Spice, Street Eats & Thai Hospitality

In Thailand, food is everywhere – and it’s amazing. Join group cooking classes in Chiang Mai, eat your way through Bangkok’s street food scene, or dine beachside on fresh seafood. Thai cuisine is bright, balanced, and full of life.

Top activities: Thai farm cooking classes, floating markets, food crawls
Regions: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi

🇯🇵 Japan: Seasonal Perfection & Culinary Artistry

Japan turns eating into an art form. Join sushi-making workshops in Tokyo, sip sake in rural breweries, or experience a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal in Kyoto. Even convenience store snacks here are gourmet.

Top activities: Sushi classes, izakaya nights, food markets, tea ceremonies
Regions: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido

🇲🇦 Morocco: Spice Markets, Tagines & Mint Tea

Tagines, flatbreads, saffron, and sweet mint tea – Morocco’s food scene is a sensory journey. Explore vibrant souks, cook with Berber families, and enjoy rooftop meals under the stars. Group meals are central to Moroccan hospitality.

Top activities: Market tours, tagine cooking, rooftop feasts
Regions: Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains

🇵🇹 Portugal: Seafood, Sweets & Wine Country

Portugal is packed with culinary treasures. Feast on grilled sardines in Lisbon, taste pastel de nata in every bakery, and sip Port wine in the Douro Valley. A food trip here is slow, soulful, and deeply satisfying.

Top activities: Seafood cooking classes, market visits, winery tours
Regions: Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Alentejo

🇰🇷 South Korea: Barbecue, Banchan & Night Markets

From sizzling Korean BBQ to bubbling hot pots, South Korea is a food lover’s paradise. Street food culture is strong – try tteokbokki, hotteok, and kimchi pancakes. Plus, join group cooking classes or eat your way through late-night markets in Seoul.

Top activities: Kimchi-making, food markets, BBQ experiences, soju tastings
Regions: Seoul, Busan, Jeonju

🇮🇳 India: Spices, Street Food & Regional Richness

India’s culinary diversity is unmatched. From the chaats of Delhi to Goan seafood curries and Kerala’s banana leaf feasts, each region has its own unique palette. Spice market tours and hands-on cooking sessions are must-dos.

Top activities: Curry cooking classes, spice walks, street food tours
Regions: Delhi, Jaipur, Kerala, Goa, Mumbai

🇪🇸 Spain: Tapas, Wine & Slow Meals

Spain was made for long, shared meals. In Barcelona, join tapas crawls through the Gothic Quarter. In Andalusia, sip sherry and snack on jamón. Food trips here are rich in culture, history, and social connection.

Top activities: Tapas tours, paella-making, wine tastings
Regions: Barcelona, San Sebastián, Andalusia, Valencia

🇻🇳 Vietnam: Fresh, Flavorful & Full of Culture

Vietnam is all about balance and freshness. Slurp pho at sunrise, roll your own spring rolls in a riverside class, or explore floating markets by boat. Group food tours here are immersive and delicious.

Top activities: Pho and noodle classes, market tours, cooking schools
Regions: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City

Bonus Mentions 🌎 (Still Worthy of a Feast)

• 🇵🇪 Peru: Lima is Latin America’s culinary capital. Try ceviche, Amazonian fusion, and Indigenous ingredients in the Sacred Valley.

• 🇹🇷 Turkey: Meze spreads, baklava, and traditional tea rituals – Turkey’s food culture is both ancient and exciting.

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia (Bali): Coconut curries, satay skewers, and food rituals wrapped in banana leaves make Bali ideal for mindful food travel.

• 🇬🇪 Georgia: Wine, khachapuri (cheese bread), and supra feasts in the Caucasus Mountains – a warm, lesser-known gem.

• 🇱🇧 Lebanon: Levantine cuisine at its finest, with shared mezze, mountain feasts, and culinary traditions shaped by resilience and richness.

The Final Bite 🍽

Food-focused group trips don’t just feed your belly – they nourish your sense of adventure, culture, and connection. With hands-on experiences, unforgettable meals, and plenty of laughs around the table, culinary travel is the most delicious way to explore the world.

Hungry to plan your own trip and want to know more? Click here to learn more about why hosting a group foodie trip is such a great idea, and the let’s cook something up! 🤤