Taste Atlas recently released its list of the top 100 cuisines in the world, and, much like the idea of drinking room-temperature beer, it’s wrong on so many levels. This list is not just contentious; it’s borderline offensive to anyone who’s spent time actually eating their way around the globe. Let’s break it down and see why some of these rankings are downright absurd.
Indonesian Cuisine at Number 7?
Ranked above Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine, Indonesian food somehow lands in the top 10. Look, I’ve been to Indonesia, and while there are some decent dishes, calling it one of the best cuisines in the world is laughable. Try eating there for more than a week, and you’ll be dreaming of almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia. If you’re curious about better options in the region, check out my take on the best Southeast Asian street food.
Polish Cuisine at Number 11?
Pierogi are nice, but Polish food as the 11th best cuisine in the world? Better than Vietnamese or Thai? Come on. This ranking feels like someone in Warsaw slipped the editors a bribe.
American Food Better Than Vietnamese?
Taste Atlas places American cuisine higher than Vietnamese. Sure, burgers and BBQ are great, but they’re not pho, banh mi, or fresh spring rolls. If you’ve walked the streets of Hanoi and tried the street food, you’d know this ranking is pure madness.
Taste Atlas’ Top 10 Cuisines
Here’s what Taste Atlas claims are the world’s best cuisines:
1. Greek Cuisine
Greek food is street food heaven: gyros, souvlaki, and tangy tzatziki. Athens is a must for foodies.
2. Italian Cuisine
Pizza, arancini, and cannoli—Italy is the ultimate carb-loading destination.
3. Mexican Cuisine
Tacos, tamales, and elotes. Mexico’s street food scene is vibrant and unbeatable.
4. Japanese Cuisine
From takoyaki to sushi, Japan’s street food is as diverse as it is delicious.
5. Chinese Cuisine
Dumplings, baozi, and Peking duck. China’s street food reflects its incredible culinary diversity.
6. Turkish Cuisine
Kebabs, baklava, and stuffed mussels. Istanbul’s street food is steeped in history.
7. Indonesian Cuisine
Honestly, this ranking feels like a joke. Sure, rendang and satay are good, but better than Chinese or Japanese? No way.
8. French Cuisine
Croissants, crepes, and gourmet baguettes. French street food might be fancy, but it’s still accessible.
9. Vietnamese Cuisine
This should be higher. Pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls dominate the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
10. Indian Cuisine
Chaat, samosas, and vada pav. Indian street food is a spice-laden paradise.
Where’s the Respect for Cambodia and Thailand?
Taste Atlas’ full list doesn’t even include Cambodian cuisine in the top 100. That’s right—no mention of amok curry, kuy teav, or beef lok lak. Click the link for my take on Cambodian cuisine.
And then there is Thailand which not only does not make the top 10, but comes below Polish and American food. Honestly I could go on…
My Take on the Best Cuisines
Taste Atlas’ list might be entertaining, but it’s far from accurate. I’ll be compiling my own list of the world’s best cuisines later this year, and trust me, it will reflect reality—not whatever bizarre metrics Taste Atlas is using.
We will look into doing our take on the best cuisines in the world because after all we probably could not get it anywhere worse than they do at Taste Atlas.
And of course YPT offer e number of trips yo sample the best cuisines of the world!
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