Breaking Down the Ranking
In the latest list of the 100 Best Cuisines in the World, Indian food was awarded the 13th spot. This placement puts it ahead of several other well-regarded culinary nations. The ranking is compiled by TasteAtlas, a Croatian-based experiential travel
guide that maps global dishes and ingredients. It is based on thousands of user ratings for dishes and food products throughout the year. For its 2025/26 awards, the platform analyzed over 590,000 verified ratings to determine the world's favourite cuisines, with India's 4.43 score reflecting a strong global appreciation. The top spots on the list were claimed by Italy, Greece, Peru, and Portugal.
The Stars of the Show
The celebration of Indian food goes beyond the overall country ranking, with several specific items receiving high praise. Breads, in particular, were a standout category. Butter Garlic Naan and Amritsari Kulcha received stellar ratings of 4.7 out of 5. These weren't just popular Indian dishes; they were ranked among the best breads globally, a significant achievement. Other must-try dishes highlighted by the guide include Parotta, Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken), and Hyderabadi Biryani. Even staples of the Indian kitchen like Garam Masala were recognized, earning a high rating of 4.6 and underscoring that the world is appreciating the complexity beyond just the main dishes.
A Global Stamp of Approval
For years, Indian food abroad was often simplified to just 'curry' or 'spicy'. This ranking, however, demonstrates a much deeper global understanding. The high ratings for regional specialities and diverse items like breads, biryanis, and even spice mixes show that diners worldwide are exploring the nuanced and layered nature of Indian cuisine. The list praises the country’s vast culinary map, from the rich gravies of the north to the vibrant street food of Maharashtra and the subtle flavours of Southern and Eastern India. Several Indian restaurants, including Dum Pukht in New Delhi and Shree Thaker Bhojanalay in Mumbai, were also named among the world's most iconic traditional eateries, further cementing India's culinary influence.
More Than Just a Number
While rankings like these are a fantastic acknowledgment, they often stir debate among food lovers. Taste is subjective, and ranking an entire country's diverse culinary heritage is an inherently complex task. Over the years, India's position has fluctuated, having been ranked as high as fifth in previous lists. These shifts are often due to changing voting trends and the platform's methodology, which is based on user ratings. Some critics argue that a single ranking can't possibly capture the sheer diversity of Indian food, where the cuisine can change dramatically from one state to the next. Nonetheless, such lists play a crucial role in introducing more people to the depth of Indian cooking, moving the global conversation beyond stereotypes and toward genuine appreciation.
