beyond the capitals: foodie cities
- Bebhinn Flanagan
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
We’ve all been there: scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, salivating over snaps of Parisian pastries 🥐 and the perfect sushi 🍣 in Tokyo. The world’s capitals are iconic for a reason, but here’s the thing: some of the best culinary adventures lie in cities that don’t wear the capital crown - yet absolutely hold their own on the global food stage.
Let’s take a detour from the usual suspects and discover foodie cities that should be high on your must-eat list. Hungry yet? 😋
osaka: the kitchen of japan 🍜
Ah, Osaka. While Tokyo struts around with its Michelin stars, Osaka is joyfully - ok, noisily - serving up Japan’s soul food. Here, street food is not an afterthought; it’s centre stage.
Picture sizzling takoyaki 🐙: crispy octopus balls drizzled in tangy sauce and topped with bonito flakes that shimmy like they’ve heard your favourite song. And then there’s okonomiyaki, my absolute favourite pancake - packed full of shrimp, pork, and whatever else you fancy. It’s comfort wrapped in chaos, especially when eaten amid the neon brilliance of Dotonbori.
san sebastián: a pintxos paradise 🍤
Over in Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastián doesn’t exactly whisper about its culinary credentials - it practically sings them. This coastal city boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else, and the magic happens casually, in pintxos bars where bite-sized wonders like skewered shrimp and delicate foie gras are paired perfectly with the local fizz of txakoli (cha-kuh-lee) wine 🥂.
It’s not exactly a secret, but it still feels thrillingly special every single time.
bologna: the stomach of italy 🍝
Bologna’s nickname, “La Grassa” (The Fat One), isn’t a criticism - it’s a promise. This city is where ragù was born, a sauce so indulgent it practically demands you loosen your belt.
Here, tagliatelle replaces spaghetti, tradition reigns supreme, and every meal feels like an embrace. Visit the bustling markets and load up on mortadella, fresh tortellini in rich brodo, and cheeses 🧀 that will make your heart (and stomach) sing.
lyon: france’s culinary heartland 🇫🇷
Lyon has always quietly outshone its flashier neighbours by doing what it does best - serving incredible food without fuss. Known as the gastronomic heart of France, this city is home to bouchons: cosy, family-run restaurants where dishes like quenelles and Lyonnaise sausages tell deliciously rich stories.
Better still, Lyon delivers Michelin-starred 🌟 excellence without emptying your wallet.
Finally, stop by Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for all those edible souvenirs that'll make you the favourite [family member | friend | coworker | neighbour | insert relationship here].
gaziantep: turkey’s spice haven 🌶️
If spices speak your language, Gaziantep is fluent. This city in southeastern Turkey isn’t shy with its flavours; it’s home to the world’s best baklava, unforgettable kebabs 🥙, and mezes that could turn a snack into a banquet.
With its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status, Gaziantep makes it clear that each dish isn’t just food - it’s a cultural masterpiece.
your turn
Which non-capital foodie gem do you think deserves recognition? Or maybe you've tasted something unforgettable in one of these cities?
Drop your thoughts in the comments - I’m always hungry for more recommendations. 🍽️
Bon appétit,
Bebs
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