15:41 03-12-2025

Conde Nast Traveler: top national cuisines 2025, Thailand #1

Explore Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 ranking of the best national cuisines: Thailand tops the list. See direct flights for Russians, prices, and must-try dishes.

Conde Nast Traveler has unveiled its roster of countries with the most distinctive national cuisines for 2025, compiled from reader votes. For Russian travelers, there’s a welcome bonus: six of the destinations are reachable on direct flights, as the Turistas portal notes. The most affordable pick is Turkey, which placed 15th, with package prices starting at roughly 72,000 rubles. A trip to the top-ranked country will set you back more than 130,000 rubles.

Thailand Tops the List

Thailand emerged as the clear favorite, scoring 98.33 out of 100. Readers highlighted not just the range of food — from street snacks to Michelin-decorated restaurants — but also the distinctive atmosphere around its cuisine. Bangkok stood out in particular: seven of its restaurants made the world’s top 35.

Familiar Favorites Among the Front-Runners

Several perennial choices for Russian tourists also ranked near the top. Turkey, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Japan, and Greece earned high marks for bold flavors and deep-rooted culinary traditions. These are places where a relaxed holiday naturally pairs with an authentic food experience.

The Full Top 15, According to Conde Nast Traveler

The final lineup spans everything from Asia’s street-food hubs to European and South American standouts.

Thailand
Italy
Japan
Vietnam
Spain
New Zealand
Sri Lanka
Greece
South Africa
Peru
Maldives
Colombia
Morocco
France
Turkey

What Trips Cost to Countries with Direct Flights

For those planning to travel soon, here’s the ballpark. Turkey remains the most accessible — from 72,000 rubles. Packages to Thailand start at 130,000. Vietnam begins around 166,000, and Sri Lanka from 180,000. The Maldives stay in the premium bracket — from 235,000 rubles. The most expensive among destinations with direct service is Morocco, where tours start at 270,000.

What You’ll Pay with Connections

For routes that require a connection, expect Greece from about 170,000 rubles. Spain comes in near 220,000. Italy starts at 260,000, Japan from 295,000. The priciest in this category is France, with prices starting from 380,000 rubles.

What to Taste in the Leading Countries

Each destination earns its spot with unmistakable flavors.

In Thailand, the classics most often named are tom yum, pad thai, and green curry.
Italy is synonymous with pizza, pasta, risotto, and the sweet finish of tiramisu.
In Japan, travelers point to sushi, ramen, and tempura; in Vietnam — fragrant pho and banh mi.
Spain is famed for paella and tapas, while New Zealand is known for battered fish and the Pavlova dessert.
Sri Lanka highlights rice with curry and hoppers; Greece is known for moussaka, souvlaki, and the traditional salad.
South Africa stands out for bobotie and open-fire cooking, and Peru for its iconic ceviche.
In the Maldives, tuna-based dishes are the mainstay; in Colombia — bandeja paisa and arepa.
Moroccan cuisine evokes tagine and couscous, while French cooking brings to mind onion soup, croissants, and crème brûlée.
Turkish food remains a byword for kebab, baklava, and strong, aromatic coffee.

The Conde Nast Traveler findings underscore how diverse and layered the global food map has become. The ranking tracks what travelers crave and also reminds us that cuisine has become part of the cultural experience people are willing to set out for. For Russians, the list is especially practical — many destinations are accessible by direct flights, making it easier to discover new flavors. With vivid culinary identities, recognizable traditions, and a broad choice of packages, there’s every reason to plan a journey built around the table.