12 Bucket List-Worthy Festivals Around the World for Food Lovers
Travel isn’t just for finding new cities to visit or see the landscapes, foodies can experience the food that makes the place what it is. Whether it’s a street food feast, or a gourmet extravaganza, festivals all around the world celebrate food in all of its forms. As the events give people a taste of full fledged dishes cooked by people at home, they can also enjoy local traditions and practice new cooking methods from famous chefs.
For those of you who love food, these 12 food festivals around the world will add a little spice to your travel adventures. These events feature the best of local cuisine, and are a true taste of culture, from decadent food centric celebrations to vivacious markets.
La Tomatina – Spain
The small town of Buñol is a battleground every August for one of the world’s most famous food festivals: La Tomatina. People from all over the world come to hurl overripe tomatoes at each other in an unbridled, messy free for all. Though it’s not the most traditional of culinary feasts, La Tomatina is very much part of the region’s agricultural heritage and the event is a fun way of experiencing Spanish food culture. Celebrant revelers wash off tomato pulp that splashed them after the fight and have local dishes, paella and sangria.
Oktoberfest – Germany
Germany’s iconic Oktoberfest is a must mention on any list of food festivals. As renowned as the brews, this annual event in Munich is known just as much for the food. Though the traditional fayre is hearty Bavarian staples like pretzels, sausages, roast chicken and schnitzel, all washed down with frosty steins of lager, you could also choose from pizzas, pastas and light bites such as salads and a braised fennel and asparagus risotto.
Bologna Food Festival – Italy
If you love Italian food, Bologna is the culinary capital of Italy and visiting the Bologna Food Festival should be top of your must see list. The event commemorates the area’s robust food culture in honor of famous dishes such as tortellini, ragu (Bolognese sauce) and even a little mortadella. It’s a great way to experience the best of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary offerings with visitors participating in cooking classes, food tours and tastings of local wines and cheeses
Australia’s Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Every year, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival celebrates just how diverse and dynamic Australia’s culinary scene really is. From pop up restaurants to wine tastings and cooking masterclasses, this month long celebration showcases the best of Australia’s food culture. A cafe or restaurant scene that has local favourites on offer such as meat pies, seafood and gourmet coffee and then mixes in international influences is perfect. There are more than 250 events at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, catering for all types of foodie.
Korea Food Festival – South Korea
Every year, the Korea Food Festival breathes new life into South Korea’s lively food scene that showcases the country’s cuisine. This festival is held in Seoul. Visitors can attend cooking classes, go to food markets and taste the regional delicacy from around the country. For anyone wishing to taste the flavors of this dynamic and diverse cuisine the Korea Food Festival is a must.
The International Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan
Though Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, the International Cherry Blossom Festival held in Yoshino city is also about food. Next time you go flower gazing at the sakura, which are breathtaking, you can enjoy a plethora of Japanese traditional delicacies like bento boxes, sushi, and street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (a fish shaped dessert pastry or cake, containing sweet red bean or custard filling). A picturesque, delicious way of enjoying Japanese seasonal cuisine is through visiting Japan’s festival.
Salon du Chocolat – France
If you love chocolate, it doesn’t get better than the Paris Salon du Chocolat. It’s the annual luxurious festival that celebrates all things chocolate in the French capital. They can sample the best chocolates from the best chocolatiers of the world, join workshops in chocolate cooking, and watch at the close by look of the top chocolate pastry masters. While the Salon du Chocolat focuses mainly on a display of dark food art, there are also plenty of decadent truffles and chocolate sculptures for you to indulge in, and it is a must visit for any chocaholic.
Food and Wine Classic – USA
The Food and Wine Classic has been a staple of big food festivals in the United States, and this year it was held in Aspen, Colorado. For three days of culinary excellence, it brings in world class chefs, winemakers and food critics. With celebrity chefs now in attendance guests can join cooking demonstrations and wine tastings and access exclusive events. All in all the festival has everything from the classic American comfort food to the international gourmet fare, hence it is the best place to try the food lovers’ best in global food.
Italy’s Battle of the Oranges
Of all the food festivals that Italy holds, none is as strange as the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea. This once–a–year festival during Carnival has locals and visitors pelting each other with oranges in a reenactment of an historical rebellion. More than eating, the festival is about showing off, but oranges remain a feature of the celebration, in dishes and drinks throughout the event. If you’re looking for something a little different on your foodie journey, then it’s a fun and zesty event.
World Gourmet Summit – Singapore
Every year, the country’s culinary innovation and excellence are celebrated via Singapore’s World Gourmet Summit. The place is a magnet for world class chefs, restaurateurs and food critics from all over the globe. Over 20 events are held including private dinners and cooking competitions, mingling luxury and the cultural exploration of all things DMC. Whether you’re eating in fine dining, learning from the best in industry or on a street food tour, the World Gourmet Summit is a must place to visit if you want to experience the best global cuisine condensed in one vibrant city.
Street Food Asia – Thailand
Street Food Asia Festival is a celebration of Bangkok’s famous street food culture. This annual event unites food vendors from across the region, and showcases the best of Southeast Asian street food. Everything from Thai satay and pad Thai to Vietnamese pho and Cambodian barbecue is available for visitors to sample. Culture performances, music and, of course, cooking demonstrations are also part of the festival so there is a bit more to enjoy than just trying out new food.
Maine Lobster Festival – USA
If you are seafood lover, the Maine Lobster Festival is your dream opportunity. The five day event is held annually in Rockland, Maine and is a celebration of all things lobster. For example, ore will feature lobster rolls, lobster bisque and whole lobsters cooked to perfection. But the festival is much more, with live music, cooking demonstrations and seafood competitions making it a fun and interactive way to attend to this New England favorite. If you’re a lobster aficionado or a first timer, the Maine Lobster Festival is not to be missed.
Thailand’s World Food Festival
Popular as a street food country, Thailand celebrates this singular culture with the World Food Festival in Bangkok every year. This festival is a heaven for anyone who wants to taste the authentic Thai flavor, this festival has dozens of food stalls which offers you pad Thai and mango sticky rice which originated from Thailand. Besides the product exhibition, the event has cooking competitions, food challenges and cultural performances, making the event a large and lively celebration of Thai food. If you’re interested in taking your Asian food adventure to a whole new level, the World Food Festival is a must see.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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