Thailand Crowned World's Top Gastronomic Destination in Condé Nast Traveller's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards

The Kingdom of Thailand has secured the coveted top spot in the annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards for 2025. Achieving an impressive score of 98.33 out of a possible 100, this recognition underscores the escalating global prestige of Thai cuisine and its deep cultural roots, drawing food enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. The nation’s culinary success is attributed to its vast array of gastronomic offerings, spanning everything from vibrant street food stalls to elite, world-class fine dining establishments.

According to the readers’ assessment, Thailand’s food scene perfectly balances the essential flavor profiles—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—delivering a truly distinctive sensory journey. The capital city, Bangkok, significantly contributed to this high ranking, boasting seven of its restaurants among the global top 35 best venues. Iconic dishes that continue to captivate connoisseurs include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, green curry, and mango sticky rice, all of which beautifully showcase the mastery inherent in regional traditions. Furthermore, the country’s increasing commitment to sustainable practices and healthy eating options has undoubtedly bolstered its standing in this prestigious ranking.

Following closely behind, Italy claimed the second position with a score of 96.92%. The nation was celebrated for its quintessential pasta and pizza, with particular praise directed toward the culinary excellence found in the Emilia-Romagna region. Japanese cuisine secured the third rank, scoring 96.77%. This placement reflects global admiration for the technical precision involved in preparing sushi, tempura, and ramen. Tokyo, in particular, maintains its status as the city hosting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. These results collectively highlight the high regard in which culinary authenticity and cultural depth are held.

Vietnam captured the fourth spot with a score of 96.67%, winning travelers over with its dishes rich in fresh herbs, such as Pho and fresh rice rolls. Spain rounded out the top five leaders, scoring 95.91%, recognized for its vibrant tapas culture and gastronomic hubs like San Sebastián. The remainder of the top ten included New Zealand (95.79%), Sri Lanka (95.56%), Greece (95.42%), South Africa (94.76%), and a tie for tenth place between Peru and the Maldives (94.55%).

The weight of this ranking is substantial, as Jesse Ashlock, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast Traveller, confirmed that over 700,000 reader votes were processed to determine the 2025 favorites. This massive participation lends significant authority to the results. The awarding of this accolade serves as a clear confirmation that culinary tourism has become an indispensable element in how many travelers plan their journeys, motivating them to explore rich local flavors and heritage.