Chiayi East marketplace at Chiayi city, Taiwan. elwynn / Shutterstock.com
Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report has identified a growing trend of food-led travel among tourists from Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea.
The report, released in celebration of World Food Day on October 16, highlights six Asian destinations where culinary experiences are becoming a primary draw for travellers.
Chiayi in Taiwan is renowned for its turkey rice, a simple yet flavourful dish that attracts visitors to its vibrant Wenhua Road Night Market.
In Vietnam, Dong Van's buckwheat pancakes and noodles offer a taste of local traditions, especially during the autumn buckwheat bloom and festival.
Andong in South Korea invites travellers to savour jjimdak, a chicken dish braised with vegetables and glass noodles, and Andong sikhye, a traditional rice drink. Meanwhile, Japan's Shodoshima island is a haven for those interested in olive groves, soy sauce breweries, and hand-stretched somen noodles, particularly during the winter production peak.
Chiang Rai in Thailand offers a culinary journey through its northern Thai dish, nam ngiao, complemented by local sausages and chilli dips. The city's Loi Krathong festival later in the year adds to its appeal.
Lastly, Iloilo City in the Philippines tempts visitors with batchoy, a noodle dish in a rich broth, and the vibrant Dinagyang Festival in January.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President Supply at Agoda, noted, "Food can put a place on someone's travel list before they know what else is there."
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
