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The prestigious Michelin Guide, published since 1900, is the reference for culinary arts with its Stars and, more recently, its Bib Gourmands. Their experts just unveiled their list of the 10 most exciting culinary destinations in the world for 2025, and some are a bit surprising!

Like any list in the world of travel, it’s obviously extremely subjective and heavily biased toward the most popular destinations. And “exciting” is even more subjective than usual. And there are 4 destinations on this list that are there because they were just added to the Michelin Guide; you get that they’re doing quite a bit of self-promotion.

But it’s still useful to get an idea of where the food scene is interesting! Especially since the guide’s reputation is well established, even if many don’t understand what a tire manufacturer has to do with food and gastronomy for almost 125 years (I’ll summarize that for you below).

Here are the 10 most exciting culinary destinations for 2025 according to the Michelin Guide, with a brief introduction to this list and the brand behind it.

 

Basics of the list of most exciting culinary destinations for 2025

Almost everyone knows the famous Michelin Stars awarded to the world’s best restaurants. I’m not attracted by this personally, as I explained in my article about my experience at 4 of the “best restaurants in Canada,” but many who love fine restaurants trust them.

Michelin Bib Gourmands are less known, but it’s an addition I find great as someone who doesn’t like spending a lot at restaurants. These are places with excellent food but with good value for money. I just tried one in Bangkok in November during my round-the-world trip to earn 1 million points, and it was delicious.

But the Michelin Guide is actually not just for food! They also recommend hotels. Originally, it was a more complete travel guide, not at all focused only on food.

It was actually a way to encourage people to go exploring with the new invention that was the automobile… and thus wear out their tires faster! To sell Michelin tires. In a way, they were pioneers of the concept of road trips (or of corporate plans to make more profits indirectly, depending on your preference).

Anyway, in their “Where to go in 2025” guide, they just published the 10 most exciting culinary destinations, in no particular order.

I’ll list them by continent.

 

Asia (4 culinary destinations)

The best continent for travelers who love culture shock and savings, and definitely the best for foodies!

 

Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket (Thailand 🇹🇭) 

Why visit these cities now according to the Michelin Guide:

With Thailand’s first-ever 3-Star restaurant and the buzz from a new season of The White Lotus, Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket are about to steal the limelight as culinary hotspots.

Bangkok, Thailand (photo credit: Joshua Rawson-Harris)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 169 Michelin Guide restaurants in Bangkok:

  • 3 Stars: 1 restaurant
  • 2 Stars: 7 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 24 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 40 restaurants

There are Michelin restaurants in Phuket (58) and Koh Samui (12), but only 1 Star.

I’m starting with one that’s not just one city but rather 3 distinct cities in one of the most popular countries in the world.

Phuket, Thailand (photo credit: Bradley Prentice)

 

Thailand will indeed be even more popular this year, considering how people are influenced by TV shows and other such things. We already shared that the popular series The White Lotus will take place in the country.

It’s a beautiful country with delicious and affordable food.

Koh Samui, Thailand (photo credit: Yavor Punchev)

 

Although Flytrippers’ other co-founder, Kevin, has been to Bangkok 8 times, he hasn’t written about his experience yet, so I’ll convince him to do it.

In the meantime, we had a guest blogger who has shared content:

 

Fujian (China 🇨🇳)

Why visit this region now according to the Michelin guide:

With the Michelin Guide launching in Fujian last December, now is the perfect time to explore this coastal province’s food scene, renowned for its fresh seafood and time-honored dishes, while immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage.

Fujian, China (photo credit: kit sanchez)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 69 Michelin Guide restaurants in Fujian:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 5 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 47 restaurants

I promise this is the last of the 10 that isn’t a city. Fujian Province, in China, happens to be one of the places I just visited (briefly) during my round-the-world trip.

Quanzhou, China (photo credit: Bangyu Wang)

 

Traveling to China visa-free has never been easier, so it allows you to explore this fascinating country with one less obstacle. There are so many incredible destinations that Fujian Province often flies under the radar.

It’s the one on the Taiwan Strait, on the coast in the southeastern part of the country. I visited and liked Xiamen, but my friend who lived in the country for several years strongly recommended Quanzhou, too. Finally, Fuzhou is the other major city in the province.

Xiamen, China (photo credit: Lavinia Occeña)

 

I’ll write an article about Xiamen soon!

 

Đà Nẵng (Vietnam 🇻🇳)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

With the Michelin Guide’s debut in Da Nang last June, spotlighting its exceptional seafood and regional cuisine, this charming corner of Vietnam is set to welcome a wave of curious travelers.

Đà Nẵng, Vietnam (photo credit: jet dela cruz)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 36 Michelin Guide restaurants in Đà Nẵng:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 1 restaurant
  • Bib Gourmand: 16 restaurants

Another extremely affordable country and another city that is certainly less popular than others in the country (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City).

Đà Nẵng, Vietnam (photo credit: James Cheung)

 

Đà Nẵng, on the coast in the center of the country, is great and close to many other must-see places in this country. It’s experiencing strong growth.

This is also where you can get many free nights in a beautiful Marriott hotel right on the sea. Kevin tried it and loved his experience.

Stay tuned! The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the only card that’s for all travelers, without exception. But its welcome bonus is usually increased just once a year, toward the end of winter. So I would wait if I were you and, in the meantime, take advantage of the record offer of $723 (CA$1025) free and 4 lounge passes!
Đà Nẵng, Vietnam (photo credit: Kenneth Oh)

 

Vietnam is a country worth exploring from one end to the other, and it allows including Đà Nẵng on any trip.

Our guest blogger shared an article about Vietnam:

 

Osaka (Japan 🇯🇵)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

With the 2025 World Expo on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to explore Osaka’s highly acclaimed Michelin-Starred dining scene.

Osaka, Japan (photo credit: Kit Ko)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 236 Michelin Guide restaurants in Osaka:

  • 3 Stars: 3 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 10 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 71 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 62 restaurants

As we shared recently when we spotted the deal to Japan for $686 (CA$973) roundtrip, Japan is one of the few countries where the currency is doing even worse than Canada. So, in terms of the cost once you’re there, it’s obviously not like Southeast Asia, but it’s the best it’s been in a long time!

Osaka, Japan (photo credit: Gor)

 

Tokyo gets all the attention, obviously, but one of the more simple tips Flytrippers has been repeating for 8 years now is to at least go to other cities than the most popular one if you absolutely want to visit popular countries (which we obviously also encourage you to do less).

Osaka is a city that looks superb, and it’s the 2nd largest metropolitan area in the country, with 19 million inhabitants (more than 3 times Toronto).

Osaka, Japan (photo credit: Svetlana Gumerova)

 

I haven’t even been to Japan yet despite my 75+ countries visited (so many places to see; so little time), but Kevin spent a few days there in March 2020 before the apocalypse and will share a post.

 

Europe (3 culinary destinations)

A very popular continent for travelers, with so many very varied cultures (and therefore cuisines).

 

Vienna (Austria 🇦🇹)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

Ambitious chefs are giving Vienna’s Austro-Hungarian food legacy a fresh twist while exploring the range of home-grown ingredients.

Vienna, Austria (photo credit: Leyre)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 51 Michelin Guide restaurants in Vienna:

  • 3 Stars: 1 restaurant
  • 2 Stars: 4 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 5 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 7 restaurants

The Austrian capital is often voted as being the most liveable city in the world, retaining the title in 2024.

Vienna, Austria (photo credit: Leyre)

 

So it’s obviously one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it’s easy to still visit it by spending a few days there and then crossing over to the Slovak capital, which is very close. It also allows you to experience 2 different countries!

Vienna is known more for other aspects, like music, than for its food. But it seems that’s changing a bit!

Vienna, Austria (photo credit: Victor Malyushev)

 

I haven’t yet had the chance to visit this beautiful country, but it’s definitely high on my list: there are actually 2 relatively affordable Marriott Bonvoy hotels pretty close to downtown, surprisingly for such an expensive and popular city!

We unfortunately don’t have any articles about Austria at all, if you want to share one to inspire travelers!

 

Amsterdam (Netherlands 🇳🇱)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

Amsterdam will be celebrating its 750th anniversary with a year of cultural events, making it the perfect time to bicycle through the multi-cultural food scene.

Amsterdam, Netherlands (photo credit: Matheo JBT)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 113 Michelin Guide restaurants in Amsterdam:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 7 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 24 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 18 restaurants

An absolutely amazing iconic city that you have to see at least once in your life.

Amsterdam, Netherlands (photo credit: Adrien Olichon)

 

Here too, the Netherlands isn’t necessarily associated with good food in many people’s minds, but as a large cosmopolitan city, it’s a foodie paradise.

If you like beer, it’s definitely a good country for that, too.

Amsterdam, Netherlands (photo credit: Unsplash+)

 

We had been there for $212 (CA$300) roundtrip in 2017 thanks to the former ultra low-cost carrier WOW air. By the way, I was on the CBC’s French-language evening newscast this week to talk about the new ULCC that has Montreal-Paris flights in the $400s roundtrip.

 

Bath (England, United Kingdom 🇬🇧)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

Brush off your cocktail attire, Bath is about to throw some of England’s most sumptuous balls for the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of the world’s literary greats.

Bath, England (photo credit: Monika Grabkowska)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 13 Michelin Guide restaurants in Bath:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 1 restaurant
  • Bib Gourmand: 2 restaurants

You might be wondering where this city named for baths is. It’s probably the most surprising city on the whole list.

Bath, England (photo credit: Liv Cashman)

 

It’s a fairly small city in Somerset County, but it’s less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from London. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bath is known for its Roman baths, but apparently, the food scene is to be discovered!

Bath, England (photo credit: Cajeo Zhang)

 

Note that the United Kingdom now requires an electronic visa for Canadian travelers!

We obviously don’t have any articles about Bath, but our guest bloggers have written about the country in general:

 

Americas (3 culinary destinations)

Our own continent, of course, has lots to offer in all areas, including food.

 

México (Mexico 🇲🇽)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

The Michelin Guide’s recent arrival in Mexico highlights its capital’s culinary scene, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge creativity, meaning food lovers can get a taste for street-side tacos to 2-Star Mexican gastronomy.

México, Mexico (photo credit: Vale Arellano)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 62 Michelin Guide restaurants in México:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 2 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 5 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 20 restaurants

The Mexican metropolis is fascinating and so accessible. And sadly, so many people go to Mexico and isolate themselves in artificial resorts without discovering anything local at all. ¡Dios mío!

México, Mexico (photo credit: Rafael Guajardo)

 

With 20 million inhabitants, México is bigger than the New York metropolitan area! There are so many things to see and taste.

If you like Mexican cuisine, one of the best known obviously, you’ll feast there. And at very good prices too!

México, Mexico (photo credit: Bhargava Marripati)

 

I only spent one day in the city, and it definitely made me want to go back. My trips to Guadalajara this fall made me a fan of Mexico, whether it’s for birria, tacos, or everything else!

We have an article written by our team member:

 

Miami (Florida, United States 🇺🇸)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

Enjoy the calm of Miami’s South Beach and snag easier reservations at top restaurants before the crowds of Grand Theft Auto 6 fans arrive to relive iconic moments from the new Florida-based video game, set to be one of the biggest releases of all time.

Miami, USA (photo credit: Colin Lloyd)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 64 Michelin Guide restaurants in Miami:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 1 restaurant
  • 1 Star: 13 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 17 restaurants

Having been there 30+ times, I’m not surprised Miami is on the list. Called the “capital of Latin America,” Miami has many influences from many cultures that know how to cook well.

Miami, USA (photo credit: Andre Tan)

 

It’s also a very glamorous and popular city, so there are very high-end restaurants.

But it doesn’t need to be expensive! A good little cubano sandwich is affordable and you can’t even beat that taste! Hostels are often $20 per night and flights are often $176 (CA$250) roundtrip from many Canadian cities, so it’s far from expensive as many people believe — if you want it to not be expensive!

Miami Beach, USA (photo credit: Unsplash+)

 

After visiting hundreds of cities, Miami remains one of my favorites in the world and we’re lucky that it’s so easy and affordable to go there!

 

Austin (Texas, United States 🇺🇸)

Why visit this city now according to the Michelin Guide:

Recently added to the Michelin Guide, Austin’s vibrant food scene — showcasing innovative barbecue, a commitment to local ingredients, craft breweries, creative cocktails, and live music — cements its status as a must-visit city.

Austin, USA (photo credit: Juan Nino)

 

Here’s the breakdown of the 44 Michelin Guide restaurants in Austin:

  • 3 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 2 Stars: 0 restaurants
  • 1 Star: 7 restaurants
  • Bib Gourmand: 14 restaurants

Very few Canadians have Austin on their radar, but you’re certainly missing something if that’s your case! The Texas capital is truly unique.

Austin, USA (photo credit: Max Miner)

 

The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” gives you a good idea. The “live music capital of the world” is a dynamic city. I honestly really liked Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio… but Austin is a special city.

The city has experienced incredible growth in the last decade, as shown by this photo of its skyline.

Austin’s skyline in 2014 and 2024 (photo credit: u/Few_Interaction_2581 on Reddit)

 

I haven’t shared any content about my trip there yet, but I will soon!

 

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Summary

The Michelin Guide has unveiled its 10 most exciting culinary destinations for 2025. These aren’t the 10 best destinations in the world for foodies, obviously, but they are definitely places where nice things are happening on the culinary scene!

 

What would you like to know about these exciting culinary destinations? Tell us in the comments below.

 

See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights

Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards

Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks: Travel tips

 

Featured image: Michelin Man and a restaurant (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons and QUI NGUYEN, edited by Flytrippers)

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Andrew D'Amours

Andrew is the co-founder of Flytrippers. He is passionate about traveling the world but also, as a former management consultant, about the travel industry itself. He shares his experiences to help you save money on travel. As a very cost-conscious traveler, he loves finding deals and getting free travel thanks to travel rewards points... to help him visit every country in the world (current count: 71/193 Countries, 47/50 US States & 9/10 Canadian Provinces).

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