Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration has announced that Vietnam has been honored with first place on the list of the World’s Top Culinary Destinations 2026, part of the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. Vietnamese cuisine was praised for its strong identity, combining fresh flavors with rich, flavorful broths.

The Top Culinary Destinations ranking is voted on by readers of The New Zealand Herald (NZ Herald).

The New Zealand Herald, the country’s largest newspaper, noted that culinary tourism is a growing trend, with travelers increasingly seeking out not just fine dining but experiences connected to local life. Today’s travelers want to explore traditional markets, taste local and street food, take part in cooking experiences with local residents, learn how dishes are prepared, and discover culture through food.

Surpassing well-known culinary destinations such as Italy, Japan, Thailand and France, Vietnamese cuisine has genuinely won over food lovers worldwide. The Top Culinary Destinations category is part of the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, a reader-voted award recognizing the world’s most-loved destinations and travel experiences.

In the top 10 culinary destinations ranking, Vietnam placed first, followed by Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Melbourne (Australia), France, and Auckland, Wellington and Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand).

Vietnam brings together all the culinary trends favored by global travelers today. Readers of The New Zealand Herald praised Vietnam for its rich culinary identity, noting the harmonious combination of fresh flavors, herbs, varied textures and rich broths.

From roadside food stalls to bustling eateries and cafés, food is present in everyday life and has become an inseparable part of the experience of exploring Vietnam. Familiar dishes such as phở, bánh mì, spring rolls, bánh xèo, noodle dishes and rice dishes, along with many other rustic foods, can easily be found in neighborhoods, traditional markets and local eateries.

The NZ Herald suggested that visitors to Vietnam experience traditional markets and take part in cooking classes to better understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and the stories behind each dish.

The NZ Herald also emphasized clear differences between Vietnam’s regional cuisines. Northern cuisine, represented by the capital Hanoi, stands out for its elegant, refined flavors. Central Vietnamese cuisine, exemplified by Huế, impresses with bold, rich and elaborate flavors tied to royal court cooking traditions. Southern cuisine, meanwhile, tends to be richer, sweeter, and makes generous use of fresh herbs.

This regional diversity has created a rich culinary journey, where each destination offers travelers distinctive experiences and stories.

Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration stated that Vietnam’s number one ranking in the NZ Herald Travel list further affirms recognition by international media and travelers of Vietnam’s tourism appeal, particularly its culinary strength. Beyond its variety of dishes, Vietnamese cuisine also carries strong cultural, regional and local imprints, creating rich, identity driven experiences for visitors.

Together with its heritage sites, diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural traditions, cuisine is becoming a standout strength of Vietnam’s tourism sector. Through its ability to connect travelers with culture, people and place, food not only leaves an impression during the journey but also helps inspire further exploration of more destinations.

As a result, stories about dishes, ingredients, preparation methods and dining culture are becoming a way of promoting Vietnam’s image, one that is relatable, vivid and rich in identity, contributing to strengthening Vietnam’s competitiveness on the world tourism map.