Voted on by readers of New Zealand's leading newspaper, the awards highlight travellers’ favorite culinary experiences worldwide. Vietnam led the top 10 list, followed by Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Melbourne, France, and New Zealand’s Auckland, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay.

According to the NZ Herald, global food tourism is shifting away from fine dining toward authentic local experiences, such as exploring traditional markets, enjoying street food, taking cooking classes, and connecting with local culture through cuisine. The publication praised Vietnam for fulfilling these preferences through its distinctive culinary traditions, which combine fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, varied textures, and rich broths.

Food forms an integral part of daily life across the country, served at roadside stalls, bustling eateries, and neighborhood cafés. Staples such as phở, bánh mì, nem (spring rolls), and bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) remain widely accessible at street markets and local diners. The NZ Herald advised visitors to join cooking classes and visit traditional markets to better understand local ingredients, preparation methods, and the heritage behind each dish.

The newspaper also highlighted Vietnam's regional diversity. Northern cuisine, centered in Hanoi, features subtle and refined flavors. Central food, particularly from the former imperial capital of Hue, offers spicier, richer, and more elaborate dishes. Southern cooking presents bolder, sweeter tastes with an abundant use of fresh herbs.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) stated that the award underscores the growing global appeal of Vietnamese tourism. Beyond culinary variety, food serves as a gateway to local identity, culture, and traditions, strengthening the country’s brand on the global tourism map.

Hue among Top 8 most underrated foodie cities in Asia

VOV.VN - Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue has come third on the list of the Top 8 most underrated foodie cities in Asia, according to Tatler Asia, a leading luxury platform which celebrates the best of Asia.