Melbourne’s extensive gourmet offerings have earned it runner-up spot on a list of British tourists’ favourite destinations.

Dubai took out the No.1 position when travel agency and tour operator Travelbag analysed long-haul destinations based on their food-related activities, average meal costs, social media buzz, and annual Google search volume.

Dubai won for having 180 food-related experiences, the second-highest number globally.

“With over 2.2 million Instagram posts and 148,000 posts on TikTok, the city offers everything from fine dining in iconic skyscrapers to traditional Emirati cuisine in the old town,” Travelbag said.

But Melbourne was close behind with more than 3 million Instagram posts – the survey’s highest. It was also noted for its strong TikTok presence and 104 foodie activities – “from winery visits in the Yarra Valley to food tours of the Queen Victoria Market”.

“If you’re planning a trip to Australia, Melbourne is an absolute must for food lovers,” travel agent Fiona Wood said.

“The city has a strong Korean influence, and Healeys Lane, nicknamed ‘Kimchi Lane’ by locals, is a perfect example. From Korean barbecue and hot pots to trendy bakeries, there’s something for everyone.”

The City of Melbourne officially recognised Kimchi Lane in 2024 – along with dubbing the surrounding area in Melbourne’s CBD as “Koreatown”. There are 25 Korean restaurants in the immediate area.

Wood also fired a volley in the ongoing rivalry between Australia’s two biggest cities, with an honorary mention for the foodie allures of Sydney.

“Once you’ve experienced Melbourne, a short flight to Sydney provides a completely different set of culinary delights,” she said.

“From harbourside fine dining at Bennelong, set within the iconic Sydney Opera House, to guided foodie tours uncovering the city’s hidden gems, there’s no shortage of exceptional food experiences to enjoy.”

To get its results, Travelbag began with a seed-list of 36 cities from around the world. They were then ranked according to:

• The average cost of a meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people;
• the number of food and drink activities;
• the number of Instagram posts;
• the number of TikTok posts;
• the number of annual searches for food in that city.

Source: Travelbag

Third place went to Toronto, the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario.

“Despite higher average prices (£65 ($A125) for a meal for two), it outperforms many cities on social media, with the highest number of TikTok posts at nearly 200,000 and 2.7 million Instagram hashtags,” the agency said.

“The city offers everything from classic Canadian comfort food like poutine to an exceptional multicultural dining scene shaped by its many Chinatowns, Little Italy, and Little India.”

Singapore was the fourth-best foodie destination overall. It earned special mention for 105 food-related activities for those who like to learn about the local culture while enjoying the food.

The Thai capital, Bangkok, rounded out the top five. It also offered the most affordable average cost in the top 10 for a mid-range restaurant meal for two at £24 ($A46).

Many Australians will need no reminding about good food in Bali. Photo: Pixabay

Travelbag has also named its top affordable destinations for travellers who consider food part of the journey.

Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, was first with a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costing an average of just $11.50.

“In Rio, you can try iconic Brazilian dishes without stretching your budget, including feijoada, a rich black-bean and pork stew, or moqueca, a fragrant seafood stew,” the agency said.

Denpasar, the capital of Australia’s favourite holiday destination, Bali, shared second spot with Beijing – with a meal for two costing an average of $36.50.

“Denpasar, Indonesia, offers local favourites such as nasi campur (a plate of rice with small portions of meat, vegetables, and spicy sambal) and mie goreng (Indonesian fried noodles), giving visitors a taste of authentic Balinese cuisine without breaking the bank,” Travelbag said.