Food is an integral part of any city’s identity, shaping its culture and influencing travel experiences. Recognising this, Time Out surveyed thousands of people worldwide to determine the best food cities across the globe. The annual ranking highlights destinations known for their exceptional culinary scenes, ranging from gourmet fine dining to bustling street food hubs.
This year, Mumbai secured the 14th position on Time Out’s prestigious list, making it the only Indian city to be featured. However, it experienced a drop from last year’s 8th place ranking. Despite this, Mumbai continues to be a vibrant culinary hotspot, celebrated for its diverse flavors and unique food culture.
How the rankings were determined
Time Out’s list was compiled based on 18 key factors, including affordability, food quality, and a variety of attributes such as ‘family-friendly’ and ‘experimental’ dining experiences. These insights were drawn from surveys of locals, as well as evaluations by food critics, editors, and industry experts. New Orleans, USA, took the top spot, with 93% of locals praising its dining scene. Bangkok, Thailand, followed in second place with an 86% satisfaction rate, while Medellín, Colombia, claimed the third position.
Mumbai’s culinary landscape
Fondly known as the ‘City of Dreams,’ Mumbai boasts a rich and diverse food culture that blends flavors from various Indian and international cuisines. According to Time Out’s report, Mumbai’s street food scene stands out as one of the best, with ‘Khau Gallis’ (food streets) being the go-to destinations for affordable and delicious local fare. Some of the most popular food hubs highlighted in the ranking include Zaveri Bazaar, Ghatkopar, and Vile Parle’s Khau Galli.
Iconic Mumbai street foods
From spicy chaats and jumbo sandwiches to faloodas topped with dry fruits, Mumbai offers a culinary experience like no other. A dish that received special mention in the ranking is Jini Dosa, a street-food favorite originating from Ghatkopar. This unique take on the South Indian dosa is made with a lentil and rice batter, stuffed with vegetables, coated in Schezwan sauce, sprinkled with local cheese, and served in bite-sized rolls. Another street staple is the legendary vada pav, often considered Mumbai’s answer to the burger.
Interestingly, Time Out’s survey revealed that Mumbai was ranked as the healthiest food city on the list, with 61% of locals describing their food as ‘healthy,’ though ‘delicious’ remained the most commonly used term. A remarkable 87% of Mumbai residents also gave high ratings to their city’s overall dining scene.
The 20 Best Food Cities in the World (2025)
New Orleans, USA
Bangkok, Thailand
Medellín, Colombia
Cape Town, South Africa
Madrid, Spain
Mexico City, Mexico
Lagos, Nigeria
Shanghai, China
Paris, France
Tokyo, Japan
Marrakech, Morocco
Lima, Peru
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Mumbai, India
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cairo, Egypt
Porto, Portugal
Montreal, Canada
Naples, Italy
San Jose, Costa Rica
Despite its drop in ranking, Mumbai remains an essential food destination, offering a mix of traditional and innovative flavors that continue to captivate locals and visitors alike. With its rich culinary heritage, vibrant street food culture, and an ever-evolving dining scene, Mumbai solidifies its place as one of the world’s greatest food cities.
