10 summer destinations for foodies

Summer is almost here, and that means it’s time to start planning your summer getaway! If your life motto is ‘will travel for food’ you need to check out these 10 epic summer destinations for foodies.

From Singapore’s bustling hawker markets to Brighton’s seaside fish & chips, exploring a city through its cuisine is one of the best ways to truly get to know the local culture.

1. Singapore

Singapore’s rich cultural heritage is what makes it such an exciting city for foodies. Its food scene represents its diverse population – with Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Indonesian and European influence.

While the city has a number of fine dining establishments, it’s the local hawker markets that offer up the best local cuisine at great prices. Don’t miss Singaporean specialities: chicken rice, satay skewers, chilli crab and nasi lemak. These bustling outdoor markets are scattered throughout the city, and are open til late on balmy summer evenings. And when you need to cool down, Sentosa Island offers the perfect beachside escape.

2. Sliema, Malta

The isle of Malta is a hidden gem for those in search of a European summer escape without the crowds. The small fishing port of Sliema is a charming, colorful resort town with rocky coves and a long promenade packed with local eateries. So what exactly is Maltese food? Drawing inspiration from its close proximity to Sicily and North Africa, laden with Mediterranean flavors Maltese food is truly mouthwatering. Look out for lampuki pie (fish pie), rabbit stew, bragioli (beef olives), kapunata, (Maltese version of ratatouille) and kannoli for dessert.

3. Toronto, Canada

Summer in Toronto is a vibe: long nights, food festivals, concerts, pop up markets, movies under the stars and picnics by the water. Locals flock to the shores of Lake Ontario to cool off, before returning to the city to feast their way through the summer food festivals. Head to TacoFest and RibFest in June, Summerlicious fixed price menu deals in July and Sweetery and Taste of the Middle East in August.

4. Seoul, South Korea

Korean culture has entered the mainstream thanks to K-Pop and series like Netflix’s Squid Game so now is the perfect time to take a trip to this fascinating country. Koreans are proud of their culinary culture, meaning travelers will be rewarded with a smorgasbord of local dishes, flavors and aromas. Street food stalls line every corner, serving up cheap treats such as hotteok (stuffed pancake), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng (fish cake). During the warm summer months, the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market on Friday and Saturday nights is the place to eat, shop and drink like a local.

5. Brighton, UK

Nothing says summer in the UK like fish & chips on the beach. And Brighton, one of the most popular beachside towns in the UK, has got you covered, with no shortage of great takeaway outlets along the seafront. If you’d prefer something a bit less greasy, check out Brighton's iconic Shelter Hall which houses seven of the region's best restaurants, from authentic Italian pizza, to fresh Vietnamese, and spicy Korean. Best of all, it spills right out on the beach, so you enjoy your lunch while soaking up the stunning views.

6. Honolulu, Hawaii

Enjoy the buzz of the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu and watch expert surfers ride the waves, before heading off to a luau and watch traditional hula. Sounds idyllic? Hawaii is a tropical paradise and its capital Honolulu is the perfect summer destination for foodies. Whether you opt for locally-caught sashimi and poke bowls, poi (taro root paste) or a massive sampler plate of traditional Hawaiian meats from Helena’s Hawaiian Food, you won’t be left hungry. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert: Chocolate haupia pie, custard-filled malasadas or shaved ice.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a summer paradise in the Southern Hemisphere, with balmy temperatures and endless sunny days stretching from November to February. And if Cape Town hasn’t crossed your foodie radar, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. While game meats cooked on a South African braai (barbecue) are certainly worth sampling, the city’s multicultural heritage has created a truly international food scene rich in flavors and styles.

Stop in at Neighbourgoods Market on a Saturday and pack an epic picnic to enjoy while watching a spectacular sunset from one of the city beaches.

8. Berlin, Germany

In summer, Berlin’s streets turn into alfresco dining terraces, and its parks and lakes are the place to picnic and cool off. The city’s cosmopolitan vibe is echoed in its incredible food scene and epic nightlife. The hipster neighborhood of Kreuzberg has no shortage of international restaurants and bars to take your fancy. Or if you want a quick bite in between sightseeing, grab a Berlin cult fave Currywurst mit Pommes (sausage pieces with curry powder and fries), Döner kebab or a salty Brezel.

9. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a city that never sleeps – especially in summer. With one of the best city beaches in Europe and thousands of bars and restaurants dishing up Spanish cuisine all night long, summer is the perfect time to explore this lively Spanish city. Spend the day bar-hopping your way to the beach, sampling tapas such as croquettes, Iberico ham, patatas bravas, bocadillos and chorizo as you go. And when you need to rehydrate, a big jug of ice cold sangria should do the trick!

10. Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is one of Australia’s biggest cities, lying on Queensland’s golden coastline. Its year round warm weather lends itself to living life outdoors, and the city is known for its laid-back vibe. Brunch is considered an institution, so be prepared to cross the city in search of the best coffee and avocado on toast.

Seafood lovers should sample the most loved seafood in Brisbane – Moreton bay bugs, a small lobster that’s often served grilled on the BBQ. And for cheap eats, the Eat Street Markets in an old shipped container terminal serves up international cuisine and live music every weekend. Just don’t forget the Aussie summer runs from December to February, so it’s the perfect place to visit when it turns cold everywhere else.