World’s best cities for foodies in 2025 revealed by Time Out; settles Mumbai vs Delhi food fight

Time Out, the renowned publishing giant, has unveiled its latest list of the best cities around the world for food lovers. Topping the global survey, which included over 18,500 participants, is New Orleans. The city’s rich culinary scene, shaped by a fusion of French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African influences, earned it the top spot. Iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets perfectly showcase this delicious blend of cultural flavours.

India’s financial capital, Mumbai, secured the 14th spot on the list.

Bangkok, Thailand, claimed the second spot, thanks to its vibrant food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining at renowned restaurants like Gaggan Anand to an array of street markets offering delicious $3 street-food delights.


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Claiming the third spot is Medellín, Colombia, which impressed Time Out’s readers with its affordability and excellent, budget-friendly coffee. At No. 4, Cape Town, South Africa, stands out for its diverse food scene, with seafood being a particular local favorite.

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Madrid, ranking No. 5, is celebrated for its "diverse" and "experimental" culinary offerings, while Mexico City, at No. 6, has recently emerged as a must-visit destination for international food enthusiasts.

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Lagos, Nigeria, comes in at No. 7, where locals savor dishes like Jollof rice and smoky suya. Shanghai, China, lands at No. 8, showcasing thousands of years of culinary history in its dynamic and adventurous food culture.
It’s no surprise that Paris, the birthplace of haute cuisine, makes the top 10 at No. 9. Rounding out the list is Jakarta at No. 10, adding further global flavor to the rankings.