Southeast Asia's Best Local Food Cities, 2024/2025

TasteAtlas has announced its list of the "100 Best Food Cities in the World" for 2024-2025, and Indonesia's culinary reputation shines brightly with six cities included. Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Padang, Solo, and Yogyakarta have been recognized for their diverse and flavorful culinary offerings, standing out from a global database of 17,073 cities.

This comprehensive list is based on 477,287 food ratings across 15,478 dishes, showcasing cities that excel in local and national cuisines. The rankings reflect the enthusiasm and preferences of TasteAtlas readers, making the recognition a testament to the popularity of these culinary hubs.

Indonesia's Strong Presence in Southeast Asia

Among the Southeast Asian cities in the rankings, Indonesia made a remarkable impact. Jakarta led the Indonesian cities with a score of 4.69, followed by Bandung and Surabaya, each scoring 4.53. Padang received 4.44, while Solo (Surakarta) and Yogyakarta scored 4.39 and 4.35, respectively.

These scores place Indonesian cities alongside or above regional culinary powerhouses such as Singapore (4.64) and Vietnamese cities like Hue (4.53), Hanoi (4.50), and Ho Chi Minh City (4.45). This highlights Indonesia's rich culinary traditions and its ability to compete on an international stage.

The Methodology Behind the Rankings

The TasteAtlas ranking is not merely about numbers; it reflects a deep analysis of global culinary preferences. The rankings are drawn from thousands of reviews and ratings submitted by food enthusiasts worldwide, focusing on authentic local flavors and traditional dishes.

Beyond rankings, TasteAtlas offers insights into each city's culinary identity, spotlighting must-try dishes, notable food producers, and traditional restaurants. This makes the list a valuable resource for travelers and food lovers eager to explore authentic gastronomy.

A Testament to Indonesia's Culinary Diversity

The inclusion of six Indonesian cities in this prestigious list underlines the country’s diverse culinary heritage. From Jakarta’s vibrant street food scene to Padang’s rich flavors and Yogyakarta’s traditional offerings, each city contributes to the nation’s strong gastronomic identity.

These rankings not only celebrate Indonesia’s culinary achievements but also position the country as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts worldwide. The recognition reinforces Indonesia's reputation as a leader in Southeast Asian cuisine and as a global culinary hotspot.