Global travel magazine, Time Out, has unveiled its latest ranking of the world’s best food cities, with Lima, Peru, claiming the top spot. 

Long regarded as Latin America’s culinary capital, the coastal metropolis is celebrated for seafood delicacies such as ceviche and causa Limeña, and was also rated the most affordable city for dining out among the 20 selected.

Bangkok, Thailand, secured second place for the second consecutive year, praised for its unmatched street food culture where sweet, spicy, sour and salty flavors converge in dishes often costing less than $5. 

Mexico City followed in third, offering a diverse food scene from Michelin‑starred restaurants to bustling street markets, with the taco al pastor honored along a dedicated “taco corridor.”

London ranked fourth, recognized for its globally diverse food scene and high restaurant quality, with Borough Market highlighted as a must‑visit. 

Barcelona rounded out the top five, where Mediterranean influences and Catalan traditions shape staples like tomato bread and patatas bravas.

The rankings were based on a survey of 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide, assessing restaurant quality, affordability, and food culture. 

Time Out’s best cities for food in 2026

• Lima, Peru
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Mexico City, Mexico
• London, United Kingdom
• Barcelona, Spain
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Melbourne, Australia
• Beijing, China
• Athens, Greece
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Osaka, Japan
• Bangalore, India
• Naples, Italy
• New York City, USA
• Hong Kong
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Marseille, France
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Medellin, Colombia

Read more : https://www.timeout.com/usa/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-food (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has announced a special public health programme ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, aimed at encouraging healthy eating patterns and physical activity among the public.

The initiative, organized by the SLMA’s Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee, will officially release a specially prepared information leaflet (Infographic) today (06) at 12:00 noon at the SLMA Auditorium in Colombo. The leaflet is designed to raise awareness among both the public and the media.

The SLMA, in a statement, highlighted that while traditional festive foods such as kavum, mung kavum, and kokis are an important part of cultural heritage, they are often high in rice flour, refined sugar, and saturated oils. Excessive consumption, particularly by individuals with chronic illnesses, can pose serious health risks.

A Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee noted that patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often deviate from their usual dietary and exercise routines during the April festive season. 

“The New Year spirit is about friendship and sharing, but it should not come at the cost of long‑term health,” it said, warning that increased intake of salt, sugar, and oil combined with reduced physical activity can raise blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and heighten the risk of heart attacks.

The SLMA said that the programme’s goal is to guide the public in celebrating the New Year while safeguarding both tradition and health.

It further outlined the following key guidelines for a healthy festive season:

1. Portion Control: Taste traditional sweetmeats only in small amounts, avoid consuming them as main meals.
2. Balanced Refreshments: Offer clean water and fresh fruits instead of sugary drinks when serving guests.
3. Proper Medication: Ensure prescribed medicines for non‑communicable diseases are taken on time, even if routines change.
4. Active Lifestyle: Engage in at least 30 minutes of walking daily or participate in active New Year games.

The SLMA added that the information leaflet will be distributed island‑wide in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, offering practical guidance to safeguard health during the festive season. (Newswire)

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British actress Olivia Colman says the best food she has had was while on holiday in Sri Lanka. 

Coleman revealed this during an interview with fellow English actor Benedict Cumberbatch for their new film ‘The Roses’.

When asked about her favourite food city in the world, Coleman responded that Sri Lankan food was the best.

“I went to Sri Lanka for a sort of holiday of a lifetime, with the family. And that was the best food,” she said, to which her co-star Cumberbatch responded, “Wow”. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to expedite the drafting of a bill to establish the Sri Lanka Food Science and Technology Agency through an Act of Parliament.

Originally founded in 2004 as a voluntary body of food scientists and technologists and currently operating as a company limited by guarantee, the agency is set to be formalized as a government-backed institution.

Cabinet initially approved the legal framework in 2016, but the bill is yet to be tabled in Parliament.

The latest decision, made at the Cabinet meeting held on June 11, 2024, has authorised the draft legislation to be finalised, incorporating amendments provided by the Attorney General, to strengthen the agency’s role nationally and internationally. (Newswire)

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The Public Health Inspectors Union (PHI) says it has commenced conducting raids to inspect food and drinks sold around in cities where the public gathers more in view of the festive season.

PHI President Upul Rohana said that around 1750 PHI officers have been deployed to conduct the inspections. 

He further said that raw materials used to produce food targeting the festival season will be tested during the inspections. 

Upul Rohana added that from 01 December to date, over 150 raids have been conducted across the country. (Newswire)

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The prestigious list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2024 was announced at an event in Las Vegas recently. Restaurants across different countries and continents were honoured by this much-awaited ranking. Two establishments helmed by Indian chefs received added recognition as per the World’s 50 Best rankings. Not only did they make it to the top 50, but they also managed to rise to the first position in their respective regions. Both these Indian restaurants are located outside the country, but they have managed to shine a global spotlight on their roots.

About Chef Gaggan Anand:

Chef Gaggan Anand in Bangkok has been crowned Asia’s Best Restaurant for 2024, as per the latest ranking. It holds the 9th position overall. It is led by celebrated Chef Gaggan Anand, whom the World’s 50 Best describes as the “Kolkata-born chef and former drummer, who brings a rebellious spirit to fine dining.” Furthermore, they called the restaurant an “innovative eatery” that “combines humour and out-of-the-box presentations, offering a sensory adventure that challenges traditional dining norms.”

Before opening his own space, Chef Gaggan Anand had worked with the team of renowned El Bulli run by Chef Fernando Adria Acosta. Over the years, Chef Gaggan’s projects have won numerous international accolades. His eponymous restaurant has been featured on the World’s 50 Best list several times. It currently has 2 Michelin stars.

Tresind Studio in Dubai, ranked 13th, has been named the Best Restaurant in the Middle East for 2024. It made its debut on the list in 2023 and was the second-highest new entry. It was named the Best Restaurant in the Middle East and Africa last year too. Tresind Studio is helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini. In the announcement, World’s 50 Best wrote, “In the intimate, 20-seat restaurant, guests are treated to a visual feast as they watch each dish come to life in the open kitchen. Saini’s artistry shines with the use of natural elements and precise plating, turning each dish into edible art.” Speaking about the win, Chef Himanshu Saini said, “This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and passion for elevating Indian cuisine. We are honoured to bring this accolade to Dubai and proud to represent Indian culinary arts on the global stage.”

Chef Himanshu spent his early years in Delhi and has worked under Chef Manish Mehrotra at Indian Accent. He opened Tresind in 2014 and Tresind Studio in 2018. The latter was awarded a second Michelin star last year.

For the full list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2024, click here. (NDTV)

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