While during your travels, you might like to indulge yourself in the best local food possible, the food you eat during the journey tends to be less enjoyable. Both airlines and airports aren’t necessarily known for their culinary art but a new ranking might bring you some relief.
Every year, Food & Wine unveils the winners of its Global Tastemakers Awards and 2025 isn’t any different. The awards included categories such as the best cities for food and drinks overall, the best US restaurant, and the best cruise line for food and drinks.
“Each winner embodies what we at Food & Wine savor about travel: a connection to culture and community; abundant, delicious, and mind-expanding experiences; and a taste of something real. This year’s list is designed for travellers, not tourists—for people who want to understand what makes a place tick, one unforgettable bite or sip at a time,” commented Hunter Lewis, Food & Wine VP/Editor in Chief.
Another category was awarded by the Food & Wine panel: airports from around the world which are the best for eating and drinking. The list can act as a handy guide when deciding which airport to depart from, where to plan your layover, and even where to land. After all, enjoying a great meal while you’re on the way can strongly increase your whole travel experience.
A culinary top three
According to the awards, Dubai International Airport came out at the top of the list. The panel particularly advises travellers to try The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck in Terminal 1, L’Éclair de Génie in Terminal 3 and burger joint Tranzeet at Terminal 3.
Hong Kong International Airport came out second. Duddell’s, shaped after the Michelin-starred original in Hong Kong’s Central area, is particularly enjoyable, as is Intervals, a bar situated on the scenic Sky Bridge in the airport. Ho Hung Kee is the perfect pre-hotel culinary immersion when upon arrival.
The top three are completed by Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The Edo period-themed Oedo Food Hall should be the perfect place for some ramen or sashimi. Yakiniku Heijoen and Ebisu Mamezono too are well worth a visit.
Top 10 airports with the best gourmet food
- Dubai International Airport – Dubai, UAE
- Hong Kong International Airport – Hong Kong
- Haneda Airport – Tokyo, Japan
- Singapore Changi Airport – Singapore
- Hamad International Airport – Doha, Qatar
- Istanbul Airport – Istanbul, Türkiye
- Narita International Airport – Tokyo, Japan
- Incheon International Airport – Seoul, South Korea
- Heathrow Airport – London, UK
- Rome Fiumicino – Rome, Italy
As global travel continues to evolve, airports are stepping up to offer more than just transit — they’re becoming culinary destinations in their own right. Whether you’re planning a long layover or simply passing through, choosing the right airport could mean enjoying a gourmet meal that rivals any city restaurant. Keep this list in mind the next time you travel, and let your taste buds lead the way.
