October 14, 2025 | 05:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cuisine has become a primary draw for travelers to countries across the globe. Each nation offers distinct foods and beverages, often featuring fascinating traditions and stories behind them. Recognizing this attraction, countries worldwide host iconic culinary festivals that draw tourists from every corner of the earth.
Here are some of the most popular and iconic culinary festivals in the world:
1. Oktoberfest, Germany
Oktoberfest is arguably the most famous food and drink festival globally. It stands as the world's largest Volksfest (people's festival) and is centered around beer, where attendees can also enjoy a variety of delicious Bavarian dishes. The pretzels served here, for example, are larger than a human's head. Visitors can also join the grand parade in this historic celebration that has been taking place since 1810.
2. Pizzafest, Italy
Pizzafest in Naples was created to celebrate the famed Neapolitan pizza. Naples, the birthplace of pizza, hosts this eleven-day festival dedicated entirely to the food. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations and competitions of pizza making, workshops, live entertainment, and, of course, a variety of delicious pizza slices. Also known as the Napoli Pizza Village, this festival is held every September in the pedestrian area of Lungomare Caracciolo.
3. Taste of Dubai Food Festival, United Arab Emirates
This culinary festival in Dubai is one of the most anticipated events in the UAE. The festival is a blend of fine dining feasts and vibrant street food culture, making it the ideal time to sample cuisine from Dubai's world-class restaurants. One of the main attractions is the "Etisalat Beach Canteen," a beachside area where local and global traders gather to pamper visitors' taste buds.
4. La Tomatina, Spain
One of the world's most anticipated festivals originated from an exciting tomato war in the 1940s. While rooted in food, the event has transformed into one of the world's most famous food celebrations. La Tomatina attracts thousands of visitors to the small town of Bunol. Participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other in good-natured, lively fun, turning the whole street into a vibrant, red spectacle.
5. Taste of Chicago, United States
Taste of Chicago is renowned as one of the largest food festivals in the world. During the event, the Grant Park area transforms into a paradise for culinary enthusiasts. This food festival has been running for over 40 years, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of foods, including signature deep-dish pizzas and Chicago-style hot dogs.
6. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Australia
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has been a fixture for 30 years, offering visitors the chance to enjoy local cuisine and witness live cooking shows. This expansive culinary festival takes place for two consecutive weeks. It features more than 300 events and masterclasses, typically held every March, coinciding with the end of the southern summer.
7. Salon du Chocolat, France
For chocolate lovers, the Salon du Chocolat is a dream come true. This world-renowned culinary festival attracts master chocolatiers from all over the world. Visitors are invited to witness the intricate chocolate-making process firsthand. The event is also famous for holding a unique fashion show featuring dresses crafted entirely from chocolate. This event usually lasts for five days in October or November.
8. Singapore Food Festival, Singapore
Singapore's rich culinary diversity is celebrated throughout the city, often spanning the month of September during the Singapore Food Festival. This festival showcases a complete spectrum of the city’s cuisine, ranging from vibrant street food centers in Chinatown to offerings from the best five-star restaurants, highlighting both traditional heritage flavors and the innovative techniques shaping the future of cuisine.
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