Being a foodie in a world full of endless travel possibilities is the perfect excuse to visit one of the best food festivals on earth. From chocolate extravaganzas in Europe to lobster tasting in the United States, we’ve narrowed down 12 the best global food festivals for the ultimate food crawl across the world.
1. Maine Lobster Festival
One of the best seafood festivals worldwide that takes place the first weekend of August every year in Maine in the United States. For five days, indulge on the best seafood at Maine Lobster Festival, take part in delicious events like the All–You–Can–Eat Pancake Breakfast, watch cooking contests and Maine’s biggest parade, as well as a host of entertainment and plenty more.
2. India’s National Street Food Festival
The National Street Food Festival in India has been celebrated in various regions for more than a decade. Organised by NASVI, it showcases a wide range of street food from across India, in cities such as New Delhi in January, Noida in February, and a new edition in Bengaluru since March. Visitors can immerse themselves in a rich cultural atmosphere and tuck into regional specialties such as kebabs, tikkas, sweet treats, and more. Definitely, a top food event near Singapore. Plus, you can book a cheap holiday too!
3. Oktoberfest
Held annually for three weeks from the end of September in Munich, Germany…Oktoberfest is unmissable for beer lovers and foodies. Normally the event attracts over six million people worldwide for its massive beer tents serving different Bavarian beers, alongside an array of activities and an epic funfair. Foodies can devour German pretzels, traditional sausages, roast chicken and more.
4. Pizzafest
Go on an Italian summer adventure and enjoy the world’s largest pizza celebration at Pizzafest in Naples. Located in Napoli Pizza Village since its conception in 1984, it is celebrated for 11 days every June and attracts pizza lovers from across the world. Watch as top pizza chefs prepare different choices of pizza, taste diverse flavours, take part in masterclasses and much more. Certainly, one of the best global food festivals worth travelling for.
5. Salon Du Chocolat
Discover scrumptious chocolate delicacies at the largest cocoa festival hosted in numerous cities worldwide. Although, the Paris show is one of the best to visit. Over five days in October, meet key playing chocolatiers, see live demos, fashion shows, international competitions and fill yourself with chocolate. Certainly, an unforgettable experience for chocoholics.
6. Taste of Chicago
Taste of Chicago is a significant festival in the United States that normally takes place on Chicago every September. The free-to-enter event is known as the largest food festival worldwide featuring a wide variety of regional American dishes, free concerts, dance lessons, karaoke competitions, and other family-friendly activities. From hot dogs to cheesecakes, pizzas, and more delights…you’ll be spoilt for choice at this food festival.
7. Dumpling Festival
Known as the Dragon Boat Festival in China, this alluring event happens in Hong Kong every June. Taste the most authentic dumplings globally from steamy rice dumplings to deliciously wrapped and filled dumplings…it’s the perfect place to indulge on Chinese delicacies.
8. Vegetarian Festival
This colourful Taoist celebration in Phuket in Thailand takes place over nine days in September or October yearly. Popular among local Chinese descendants, the Vegetarian Festival is about spiritual cleansing and ensuring longevity in life with the whole town turning vegan for the duration of the festival. Indeed, an ideal place to taste the most delicious vegan street food on the planet even if you’re a meat lover.
9. Madrid Fusion
Visit the glorious Spanish capital of Madrid for three days of gastronomical excellence in January. Expect to see top visiting rotating global chefs such as Hisato Hamada from Northern Italy, identify trends in the haute cuisine market, taste authentic wines and watch in awe at the Madrid Fusion Pastry baking contest. A perfect festival for networking among food lovers.
10. New Orleans Wine Food Festival
Jet off to New Orleans in Florida to indulge on the best food and wines from all corners of the globe and hundreds of participating eateries. With an array of unique events, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For instance, past events have included Build–A–Board a charcuterie workshop, Burlesque, VIP tasting packages and much more. Certainly, one of the best global food festivals held in June every year.
11. Galway Oyster Seafood Festival
Ever wanted to visit Ireland? Well you need to attend the world’s oldest oyster festival. First launched in 1954, the gourmet extravaganza takes place in one of Ireland’s friendliest cities, Galway, on the final weekend of September annually. Eat your way through the finest cuisine while listening to live music, watching competitions and more, against the backdrop of the Atlantic ocean. Indeed, a truly magical experience with the added bonus of the hilarious Irish folk.
12. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
For more than 30 years, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival has been one of the best global food festivals thriving and attracting foodies to Australia. Running from 10 days between March and April, food worshipers can appease their senses with over 150 events offering the best foods. Think indulgent pastas, pizzas, vegan eats, and alcoholic beverages to sample.