Sri Lanka included among world’s top 50 food destinations
16-Jul-2026.
Sri Lanka has been included in the list of the world’s top 50 countries for food experiences for 2026, according to Travel and Tour World.
The ranking was announced in a recently released report by the organisation.
The report stated:
“Our list has been prepared to recognise countries that are shaping the future of global food tourism. The ranking was based on several factors including culinary heritage, regional food diversity, street food culture, fine dining experiences, use of local ingredients, sustainability, beverage traditions, cultural authenticity and the overall food experiences available to travellers.”
Mexico secured the first position in the food tourism ranking, while Italy was placed second and Spain third. Japan was ranked fourth, India fifth, while Sri Lanka secured the 50th position.
Leading food tourism destinations from Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas and the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East were among the countries included in the top 50 list.
Sri Lanka has emerged as a food tourism destination offering unforgettable culinary experiences, from street food stalls to elegant coastal restaurants, through its aromatic spices, tropical ingredients and centuries-old culinary traditions.
Traditional Sri Lankan dishes such as rice and curry, kottu roti, hoppers, seafood varieties and a wide range of sweets continue to attract food lovers from across the world.
The report identified 10 major food tourism destinations in Sri Lanka that visitors should not miss.
Colombo is recognised for rice and curry, kottu roti, hoppers and fresh seafood. Galle is known for seafood, Sri Lankan curries and colonial-era culinary traditions, while Negombo is recognised for seafood curries, grilled fish and lagoon-based cuisine.
Kandy is famous for rice and curry, traditional sweets and local cuisine, while Jaffna is renowned for crab curry, dosai and its unique Tamil culinary traditions.
Similarly, Ella is known for organically grown produce, Sri Lankan cuisine and hill-country food traditions. Nuwara Eliya is recognised for tea-based cuisine, baked goods and colonial culinary influences. Mirissa, Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee are popular destinations for fresh coastal seafood.
The report stated that this international recognition would further strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and increase the arrival of international visitors seeking unique food and cultural experiences.
