Vietnamese cuisine is often praised by travelers as its main attraction, yet it surprisingly did not appear in Tripadvisor’s top food destinations for 2025. Experts suggest this may be due to rising competition and changing global travel trends. To reclaim its status, Vietnam needs to innovate its culinary scene and promote its offerings effectively.
In recent years, tourists have consistently praised Vietnamese cuisine, often identifying it as the leading attraction in Vietnam. For instance, Gary Johnson, a traveler who has visited 89 countries, noted, “My friends who visit Vietnam always praise the food first, then talk about the scenery, affordability, and people.” Similarly, Susan Halliwell shared her delight in Vietnamese dishes, including the popular banh xeo and grilled duck eggs, despite her initial reservations about street food.
Nonetheless, their admiration contrasts with Vietnam’s absence from Tripadvisor’s 2025 list of the world’s best food destinations. This ranking saw Hanoi drop significantly, having previously held the first and third spots in the past two years. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards are prestigious recognitions based on extensive traveler reviews, with only a small fraction of destinations receiving this accolade.
Culinary expert Ho Dac Thieu Anh suggests that the decline in ranking may stem from other cities enhancing their culinary offerings, thus attracting more attention from international travelers. Martin Koener, from the Anam Group, pointed out that evolving global travel trends have led to emerging destinations gaining traction, which could partly explain Vietnam’s decline in recognition.
Koener also emphasized the challenge Vietnam faces in maintaining its culinary appeal amid growing competition. Experts warn that without innovation and initiatives to enhance the food scene, Vietnam risks further declines in its ranking and visibility. Executive Chef Remi Van Peteghem highlighted another issue, stating that certain international travelers may not experience the full breadth of Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnam’s absence from the top 25 listings is not unprecedented, as other locations like Crete and Florence have also fallen off, illustrating the fluctuating nature of culinary tourism. British traveler Nigel Halliwell remarked on the inherent subjectivity of taste, suggesting that rankings may not resonate with all travelers’ preferences.
Despite the setback, experts maintain that Vietnam’s culinary scene remains vibrant and worthy of attention. Enhancing its global presence could involve collaborations with renowned chefs, participation in international food festivals, and improved engagements in Michelin rankings. Additionally, promoting interactive experiences such as cooking classes and street food tours would appeal to gastronomic tourists.
Addressing issues related to food quality, hygiene, and sustainable practices is equally crucial for Vietnam’s culinary destination status. Van Peteghem raised an important point regarding the recognition of other cities for their street food offerings, suggesting that stronger promotional campaigns are needed to elevate Vietnamese cuisine internationally. Furthermore, promoting local products such as coffee and artisanal beverages could strengthen Vietnam’s culinary brand.
Experts also called attention to the detrimental impact of overpricing and scams on the tourist experience. Nguyen Ba Thien An described incidents where tourists faced extreme charges, warning that such practices can tarnish Vietnam’s reputation for good local cuisine. Importantly, Vietnam saw a surge in international arrivals approaching pre-pandemic numbers, with over 2.1 million foreign tourists in January 2025.
Some industry professionals argue that tourist numbers and spending may outweigh the significance of rankings. Nguyen Van My, from Lua Viet Tours, suggested that the focus should be on attracting international visitors and understanding their spending patterns rather than solely emphasizing ranking status.
In summary, while tourists continue to admire Vietnamese cuisine, the country has notably failed to secure a spot in Tripadvisor’s top food destinations for 2025. This decline can be attributed to heightened competition from emerging culinary hubs and evolving travel preferences. To improve its standing, Vietnam must focus on enhancing its culinary experiences, promoting local products, and ensuring fair pricing practices. Despite the setback, Vietnam remains a vibrant culinary destination, with potential for growth in international tourism.
Original Source: e.vnexpress.net
