Top 10 Countries for Expat Foodies

In choosing your country for expatriation, two of the things you should mainly consider is the food and your interests. For expat foodies, these two important things just happen to go hand in hand. While food is always a major part of any culture, there are some countries in the world that have a special connection— some can even say ‘love affair’ with food and cuisine. Here are 10 of the world’s countries that expat foodies would love to gastronomically explore and experience.

1. Italy

Photo: Amelie

No country has quite the same enthusiasm for food as the Italians. As one of the most well-known cuisine in the world, Italy has many things to offer expat foodies. Whether it’s high end gourmet restaurants, like the three-star Michelin Restaurant “Enoteca Pinchiorri”, local charming bistros or even a few of the finest wine bars in the world, foodies will be in culinary heaven in Italy.

2. Mexico

Photo: Justine Sanderson

If Italy is paradise for the gourmet foodies, Mexico is the eden of exotic cultural cuisine. Food in Mexico is really deeply rooted in their culture and way of life. Even the way you eat Mexican food says a lot about their culture. But just because most of their food is very localized and casual, does not mean that they don’t have their own version of gourmet dishes and restaurants. There are also gourmet Mexican restaurants like the very famous “Izote” by Mexican chef and cookbook author, Patricia Quintana. But for the best local food and experience, it’s still best to hit the local taco stands and cantinas you can easily spot in any Mexican city.

3. Japan

Photo: 18r

Japanese cuisine is more than a fascination or a lifestyle, it is a ritual and it’s an art. Whether it be drinking and serving tea, making noodles or building sushi, Japan’s relationship with their food can sometimes border on a spiritual level. The Japanese are very serious when it comes to their food. You don’t just cook and serve food in this country, there’s always a certain way to prepare their signature dishes like sushi or ramen that can even take a lifetime to master. Expats in Japan know that food does not come cheap in this country, but if you want to experience a higher level of taste, commitment and passion when it comes to food, then there’s no other place for you. One of the most famous restaurants in Japan is Jiro Ono’s three-star Michelin sushi restaurant “Sukibayashi Jiro”. This restaurant has also been the subject of a famous award-winning documentary film “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”. 

4. France

Photo: Adam Franco

France is a country well-known for its passion for food— and love. French cuisine is world-renowned as one of the finest and most traditional cuisines in the world. Have some coffee and fancy desserts at Ladurée, or experience the finest French food at the famous L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges by Chef Paul Bocuse. Expat foodies would just love the food culture in France; where the food is exquisite, the ambiance is excellent and the people stay and talk in restaurants longer than most people should. Food and company go hand in hand in this country, and it is the best way to meet new people once you move in as an Expat in France.

5. India

Photo: Garrett Ziegler

India has a lot to offer to expats, and most especially expats who have a fascination for cultural and exotic cuisine. Any foodie would know that India has one of the most interesting cuisines in the world, and living in India immerses you to the cultural and gastronomic sensation that Indian food offers. Get the best clay tandoor in the famous Bukhara Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in India where prominent figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton and even Arnold Schwarzenegger go for the best gourmet Indian food. Foodies would definitely enjoy the best of sensational cuisine in India.

6. Spain

Photo: Escuela Taronja Learn Spanish in Spain

Spanish cuisine is one of the most influential cuisines in the world because of the many Spanish colonies in the middle-ages. Food in Spain today, is known for its sensual flavours and cultural tastes. There are a variety of specialty Spanish dishes depending on the Spanish region Tapas and Paellas are usually the first few dishes that come to mind when you say “Spanish meal” and you can enjoy these dishes in the best Flamenco restaurants in Spain, like La Corral de la Morería for the perfect culinary culture experience in the country.

7. Greece

Photo: Dimitris Papazimouris

Greece offers the finest of Mediterranean cuisine served with the freshest ingredients in one of the most beautiful locations on earth. Greece is simply one of the best expat foodie paradise especially for foodies who are particularly fond of healthy food. Enjoy the best seaside view and the best traditional gourmet Greek food on yet another Michelin award winner, Varoulko in Athens. The country offers fantastic food choices coupled with the best ambience.

8. Thailand

Photo: superkimbo

Thai food has been slowly gaining popularity all over the world in recent years and it’s become one of the favourites in the foodie community. Thailand offers many opportunities for expats and also has one of the lowest costs of living in the world, but it also offers a variety of fantastic food and restaurant for a full gastronomic adventure. Dine at one of the best Thai restaurants in the country, Issaya Siamese Club which was voted as one of the 50 best restaurants in Asia or simply try the local street food delicacies for an in-depth cultural food experience.

9. Morocco

Photo: simon_music

Morocco is probably one of the countries in this list that is not very well-known for its food and cuisine, but Moroccan cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the world with many cultural influences and interesting combination of flavours and spices. A variety of herbs and spices for local food are always available in Moroccan markets, filling the area with fragrant musk. Morocco’s most famed and exclusive restaurant is “Gastro MK” headed by world-renowned chef Omar El Ouahssoussi.

10. Korea

Photo: Joey Rozier

Korean cuisine may have originated from Manchurian China with a few influences of Japanese cuisine, but the current Korean flavours and dishes completely excel from its roots of origin. Korean food may not be the most glamorous and refined as the rest of the cuisine mentioned in this list, but Korean food has a lot of heart, and like most of its Asian neighbours, it is built with tradition. Seoul, South Korea is now becoming one of the best countries to go in Asia for gourmet food, where you can find a wide range of choices for a food adventure when you live in the city. Have the best Korean Barbeque or the most beautiful traditional Korean dished in Si Hwa Dam for the best gastronomic delights in the country.

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