Agoda reveals Asia's leading culinary destinations

Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed its findings on Asia's top destinations for culinary tourism, highlighting South Korea as the leading choice, with 64 per cent of travellers citing food as their primary motivation for visiting. Following South Korea, Taiwan (62 per cent), Thailand (55 per cent), Japan (52 per cent), and Malaysia (49 per cent) round out the top five food destinations.

Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda said, "Food is more than just sustenance; it's a cultural experience. Some travellers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that travellers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing. Agoda is proud to offer great value deals to visit these foodie heavens so that there’s more left to spend on the tastiest local dishes.”

The data, derived from a survey of over 4,000 Agoda users post-booking, indicates a significant trend where travellers prioritise local cuisine and cultural experiences over mere sightseeing. 

The report also highlights unique culinary offerings from each destination: South Korea features traditional dishes like kimchi and Korean barbecue; Taiwan is known for its bustling night markets and local delicacies; Thailand boasts a vibrant street food scene; Japan is popular for diverse dining experiences, from street food to kaiseki; while Malaysia offers a rich variety of flavours reflecting its multicultural heritage.

Additionally, the preferences of Indian travellers lean towards Thailand, followed by Turkey and Laos, with foodies from Vietnam and Japan frequently visiting India for its culinary experiences.