Food has always been a universal language that connects people from different parts of the world. Whether you are a foodie or not, the aroma and taste of delicious food have the power to transport you to a different place altogether. If you are someone who loves to explore new cultures through their cuisine, then attending a food festival should definitely be on your bucket list. In this article, we have compiled a list of the Best 10 Food Festivals in the World that you simply cannot miss.
1. Taste of London
City: London, UK
Date: June 14-18, 2023
Regent's Park in London is the venue for the Taste of London food festival, which will run from June 14th to June 18th, 2023. This festival showcases over 50 restaurants and more than 200 artisanal food and drink vendors. Dishes range from traditional British cuisine to international delicacies. Make sure to try the famous beef Wellington, fish and chips, and locally brewed ales. You can also learn about food and drink trends, attend cooking demonstrations, and even interact with top chefs in the industry.
WHERE TO EAT FROM?
- Burger and Lobster
- Treats Club
- Bone Daddies
- Hoppers
- Seoul Bird
2. La Tomatina
City: Bunol, Spain
Date: August 30, 2023
La Tomatina is a unique food festival held in Bunol, Spain, on the last Wednesday in August. In 2023, the festival will be held on August 30th. The highlight of this festival is a massive tomato fight where participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other, covering the streets with tomato pulp. Beyond this, visitors can try traditional Spanish dishes like paella, a saffron-flavored rice dish with chicken and seafood. La Tomatina is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings people together in a fun and messy way.
WHAT TO TRY?
- Paella
- Gazpacho
- Bocadillos
- Sangria
- Buñuelos
3. Oktoberfest
City: Munich, Germany
Date: September 16 - October 3, 2023
The world's largest beer festival, Oktoberfest, takes place every year in Munich, Germany. From September 16th to October 3rd, 2023, the festival will feature a wide range of German beers and traditional foods like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels. There's a festive atmosphere throughout the festival with live music, dancing, and carnival rides. Visitors can also take part in beer-drinking contests or watch a parade of decorated floats.
WHAT TO TRY?
- Weißwurst
- Käsespätzle
- Currywurst
- Schweinhaxe (Roasted Pork Knuckle)
- Pretzels
4. Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
City: Hong Kong
Date: October 26-29, 2023
This food festival takes place at the Central Harbourfront Event Space in Hong Kong from October 26th to October 29th, 2023. The festival boasts an impressive array of over 400 wines and culinary delights from around the world. In addition to the food and drink, the festival offers cooking demonstrations, tastings, and even classes for budding sommeliers. The atmosphere is electric, with a backdrop of the stunning Victoria Harbor.
5. Ubud Food Festival
City: Ubud, Bali
Date: June 30 - July 2, 2023
Bali's Ubud Food Festival, which celebrates Indonesian cuisine's diversity, is held every year from June 30th to July 2nd, 2023. Visitors can sample traditional Balinese dishes like nasi goreng and satay, as well as fusion cuisine that combines Indonesian flavors with global influences. The festival also includes cooking demonstrations, workshops, and talks by culinary experts. In addition, there's a marketplace where visitors can purchase unique ingredients and handmade goods.
SPECIAL EVENTS TO ATTEND
- Balinese cooking class with Chef Petty Elliott at the Lotus Pond
- Dapur Mama’s Long-Table Lunch at Casa Luna
- Balinese family-style feast
- Hola! Argentina!: Latin American night
- Filipino Young Chefs takeover at Indus
6. Taste of Chicago
City: Chicago, USA
Date: September 8-10, 2023
Grant Park in Chicago hosts the Taste of Chicago food festival, which takes place from September 8th to 10th, 2023. The festival features over 80 food vendors, offering everything from Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to hot dogs. Besides the food, there's live music, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Visitors can also learn about Chicago's culinary history and how the city became a hub for international cuisine.
WHERE TO EAT FROM?
- Connie’s Pizza
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Harold’s Chicken Shack
- The Fat Shallot
- Mr. Quiles Mexican Food
7. Chinchilla Melon Festival
City: Chinchilla, Australia
Date: February 13-16, 2025
Chinchilla Melon Festival is a quirky food festival held in Chinchilla, Australia, that celebrates the region's melon farming industry. The festival features a range of melon-themed activities, including melon skiing, melon bungee, and melon chariot racing. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Australian cuisine and live music. This takes place from February 16th to 19th and is a biannual event. Meaning it will take place next in 2025.
WHAT TO TRY?
- Melon Salads
- Melon Smoothies
- Melon Desserts
- Melon Cocktails
- Melon-inspired street food
8. Portland Feast
City: Portland, Oregon, USA
Date: September 15-18, 2023
The Portland Feast food festival takes place from September 15th to September 18th, 2023, in Portland, Oregon. This festival showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest's food and drink scene, featuring over 80 chefs and artisanal producers. Visitors can try dishes like fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced meats. The festival also includes a range of events like cooking demonstrations, talks, and even a night market.
WHAT TO TRY?
- The Reggie Deluxe
- Le Pigeon Burger
- Nong's Khao Man Ga
- Bacon Maple Bar
- Fresh Clam Chowder With Smoked Marrow Bone
9. Oyster Festival
City: Galway, Ireland
Date: September 22-24, 2023
The Oyster Festival is held annually in Galway, Ireland, and runs from September 22nd to September 24th, 2023. This festival celebrates Ireland's rich oyster farming heritage, featuring oysters from the nearby Clarinbridge and Galway Bay. Visitors can enjoy freshly shucked oysters with a variety of toppings, from classic lemon to spicy chili. Besides the oysters, the festival also features a range of seafood dishes and live music performances.
WHAT TO TRY?
- Various oyster preparations (duh)
- Turkey Leg
- Fried Shrimp
- Hot Dogs
10. Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
City: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Date: May 12-13, 2023
The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is a popular annual event held in Des Moines, Iowa, that celebrates all things bacon. The festival showcases a variety of bacon-inspired dishes, from traditional bacon strips to more unique creations like bacon-wrapped water chestnuts or bacon-wrapped mac and cheese. Visitors can also enjoy a range of bacon-themed activities, such as bacon eating contests, bacon lectures, and bacon-inspired arts and crafts. The festival attracts bacon enthusiasts from all over the world and has become a popular destination for foodies and bacon lovers alike. The next Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is set to take place on May 12th - 13th, 2023.
WHAT TO TRY?
- Double bacon-wrapped corndog
- Bacon English toffee
- Bacon Ball
- Pork Belly BBQ Sandwich
- The Elvis - Gusto Pizza
