COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has been ranked among the world’s top 50 food destinations for 2026, earning the 50th spot in a global list compiled by international travel publication Travel And Tour World (TTW).
The ranking evaluates destinations based on their culinary heritage, regional diversity, street food, fine dining, use of local ingredients, beverage traditions, sustainability, authenticity and overall visitor experience.
Mexico topped the 2026 list, followed by Italy and Spain, while Japan and India completed the top five. The United States ranked sixth, with Greece, Portugal, China and Indonesia rounding out the top 10.
Sri Lanka is the 3rd South Asian country, after India and Pakistan, to be ranked among the top 50, reflecting the growing international recognition of the island’s diverse culinary traditions, which blend indigenous flavours with influences from South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.
TTW Editor-in-Chief Anup Kumar Keshan said cuisine has evolved beyond basic sustenance to become one of the most compelling reasons for travel.
“Food allows travellers to experience the heritage, craftsmanship and living traditions that define a destination,” he said, adding that the rankings celebrate the richness of culinary experiences across continents.
The Asia-Pacific region featured prominently in the rankings, with Japan (4), India (5), Indonesia (10), Thailand (13), Vietnam (14), South Korea (15), the Philippines (22), Malaysia (24), Taiwan (25), Singapore (30), Australia (41), New Zealand (46), Pakistan (49) and Sri Lanka (50) all making the list.
The recognition comes as Sri Lanka continues to promote culinary tourism as part of its broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond beaches, wildlife and cultural heritage. The country’s cuisine, known for its distinctive spices, seafood, rice and curry dishes, hoppers, kottu roti and tropical fruits, has increasingly gained international attention among food travellers.
According to TTW, the rankings were compiled by its editorial team to help travellers identify destinations offering exceptional gastronomic experiences, combining traditional recipes, local ingredients, culinary innovation and authentic food culture.
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