Top 11 Countries with Best Food/Diet in the World for Retirees and Expats

We know the importance of food and overall quality of life to people, so we bring you top 11 countries with best food/diet in the world for retirees and expats to ease some of your dilemmas if you are considering a place to retire or move.

Every cuisine in the world is unique by something. If that wasn’t the case we would miss one important piece of culture in the country we are visiting. Food and customs regarding the food in different countries can tell you a lot about them. Healthcare as well, so check out top 11 countries with best healthcare in the world for retirees and expats.

In today’s time, we don’t necessarily have to go to some other country to taste their national cuisine. Every major city in the world has some of the national restaurants of other countries, like Greek, Thai, Italian, Chinese or, at least, a restaurant that makes the dishes from those areas of the world. There is just one little thing every journeyman and gourmand will tell you. The food in the Italian or Thai restaurant in Kansas may be good, but it will never be good as the one in Rome or Bangkok.

That is the reason why people should take food into consideration when they are thinking about retiring or moving to other country and the reason we created for you these top 11 countries with best food/diet in the world for retirees and expats. To determine these countries we took the survey conducted by HSBC and got the results for quality of life and culture, where the food/ diet was a one of the elements for ranking the countries and took the TenetNews list for world’s best cuisine as an addition. We gave points to each country in the top 15 on the HSBC list and also gave points to the countries according to results of TenetNews, rounding our own list.

11. Canada

Overall score: 9

America’s closest cousin has a very unique cuisine for some, and plain for others. The food in Canada is dictated by the region you are visiting or residing in. Due to many influences of its residents, Canada has a lot of varieties of food that she offers, and there is a little something for everyone.

10. Lebanon

Overall score: 11

Lebanese cuisine is known for its large use of meat, fruits and vegetables alongside with whole grain. When preparing Lebanese food, the herbs and spices are of great importance. The type of food consumed in Lebanon is dictated by the season, so it may take you a while to figure all out.

9. Mexico

Overall score: 12

Cuisine in Mexico developed under the strong influence of traditional Spanish cuisine and the way that food is prepared in all across Central America. The food in Mexico plays a great part in the culture and social life. Some of the most recognizable staples of Mexican cuisine are corn, beans and chili peppers.

8. New Zealand

Overall score: 14

New Zealand food customs have a great number of influences. In the first place there is a Maori traditional cuisine, mixed with British and Mediterranean. Hāngi, traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven remains popular even today. Most of the food consumed in New Zealand comes from the sea or land.

7. Thailand

Overall score: 16

Thai food is widely consumed not only in Thailand, but all over the world. As one of top 11 countries with best food/diet in the world for retirees and expats, Thailand offers a light food with strong aromas. Thai chefs are particularly proud of their skills to decorate the food and combining various element into one unity.

6. Australia

Overall score: 17

Australian cuisine constantly developed through the history, under the influences of various cultures like Native Australians, British, and Irish with the addition of East Asia and Oceania food customs. The main centerpiece of Australian cuisine is meat, so if you are a vegetarian, you may think twice about choosing Australia as a place for living.

5. Germany

Overall score: 17

If you are a fan of restaurants and good eating, you will be pleased to know that the Germany is the second country in the Europe when it comes to Michelin starred restaurants. Of course, German cuisine is concentrated on the meat and vegetables with the addition of fish. Some of the most notable elements of German cuisine are sausages and delightful desserts.

4. Japan

Overall score: 17

You all thought about sushi and sake, right? Well, Japanese cuisine has a lot more to offer. Aside from the rice based food, Japanese cuisine is known for noodles, deep fried seafood and vegetables with the addition of soups. If this is not enough, note that Japan has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.

3. Spain

Overall score: 25

Spanish food is distinctive from the rest of Europe, mostly because of the conquest nature of Spain. Conquistadors brought new customs and ingredients from their journeys, making Spanish cuisine unique. Also in the Spain, every region has its unique meals, so you should take that into consideration as well.

2. France

Overall score: 25

No, people in France don’t just eat cheese and drink wine although they do have an important role. French cuisine became one of the most recognizable in the world, and French chefs role models. During the history, a lot of elements in French cuisine were imported from Italy, but over the course of years, they were expanded.

1. Italy

Overall score: 28

Pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso. Do we need to say more to convince you that Italy deserves to be number one in Top 11 countries with best food/diet in the world for retirees and expats? Italian cuisine is definitely the most popular in the world, and it has influenced many other cuisines. Its main staple is the simplicity of preparing the food and diversity in tastes.