TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Booking.com has released its latest list of Asia Pacific’s top Culinary Destinations, spotlighting must-visit areas for authentic food lovers. Spanning from Melbourne to Tokyo and Hanoi to Yogyakarta, each selected locale offers unique experiences through local dishes, traditional markets, and distinctive atmospheres.
The Malioboro area in Yogyakarta is prominently featured in this Taste of Home, Asia Pacific Report. These streets, which form the heart of Yogyakarta’s tourism, are recognized as one of the region’s best culinary centers, particularly for local Indonesian cuisine.
Malioboro: The Heart of Yogyakarta Cuisine
Malioboro Street is known not only as a shopping hub but also as a vibrant place to indulge in tempting local dishes. From chicken satay and the traditional jackfruit stew gudeg, to the sweet pastries of bakpia and the affordable rice portions of nasi kucing served in angkringan stalls, Malioboro is constantly bustling with tourists.
Additionally, Pasar Kranggan in Yogyakarta also earned a spot on the list. This traditional market, open from the early morning, offers various fresh ingredients and classic Indonesian snacks such as jenang (sweet rice pudding), lupis (sweet sticky rice), and klepon (sweet rice balls). Generally, popular traditional Indonesian foods globally are satay, grilled ribs, and sticky rice dishes.
Other Top Culinary Destinations in the Asia Pacific
In addition to Malioboro, seven other top culinary destinations across the Asia Pacific region are included in Booking.com’s selection:
Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
A creative precinct boasting unique cafes, restaurants with global menus, and a strong coffee culture. Visitors shouldn’t miss the coastal seafood, native ingredients, and paddock-to-plate products. Popular markets here include Fitzroy Market and Gleadell Street Market.
Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand
An energetic street blending Kiwi cuisine with global flavors. Tourists can savor New Zealand lamb, fresh seafood, and hangi, a traditional Maori earth oven dish. Cuba Street Market and Avondale Sunday Market serve as key culinary centers
Nai Mueang, Surin, Thailand
Located in the Isaan region, Surin is famous for its jasmine rice, som tam (spicy papaya salad), and various fiery Isaan specialties. Markets like Surin Green Market showcase the lively local atmosphere.
Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
A culinary paradise offering a range of dishes from ramen and takoyaki to kaiseki (layered traditional courses). Travelers can find fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat food at Tsukiji Market and michi-no-eki (roadside markets).
Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam
This historical area is also a major food hub. Iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh cuon can be found on almost every corner. Dong Xuan Market and the floating market Cai Rang are unique attractions for lovers of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.
Aminabad, Lucknow, India
A culinary paradise in Northern India, renowned for legendary dishes such as galouti kebabs, basket chaat, and biryani. Aminabad Market is celebrated as the center of Lucknow’s local gastronomy.
Yangsuri, Yangpyeong, South Korea
A riverside market town known for offering authentic Korean foods such as Korean BBQ, samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), and hanwoo (premium beef). Yangsuri Traditional Market and Yongmun Millennium Market are the main culinary activity centers in this area.
Taste of Home Asia Pacific
This list is part of the Taste of Home Asia Pacific Report, released on September 23, 2025. This year’s research explored the motivations behind booking holiday homes, with a specific focus on the integral role of food in shaping travel experiences throughout the Asia Pacific. The study found that food is at the core of every holiday home experience.
The findings were obtained through an online study conducted between July 25 and July 28, 2025. The sample comprised 8,047 adults aged 18 and above from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, who had booked or stayed in holiday homes or short-term rentals while traveling, both domestically and internationally. YouGov designed the questionnaire in collaboration with Havas Red and Booking.com.
Kinar Laimaura contributed to the report
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