By Beth Rush
Digital nomads’ criteria for picking a new place to live go far beyond Wi-Fi speeds and visa logistics. They’re looking for unforgettable experiences that mesh with a vibrant lifestyle, and few things shape a place like its cuisine.
The best food cities offer affordability, healthy options and a sense of belonging around the table. Other criteria for our roundup include culinary diversity, Wi-Fi availability, walkability, uniqueness, opportunities to engage with local food culture and the availability of vegan and vegetarian options.
Whether you’re chasing vibrant, plant-based street food or organic markets, these spots cater to every appetite.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is an ideal blend of tradition and trends. You’ll eat cod like the locals and sip turmeric lattes like the tourists.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, fish, legumes, fruits and veggies, making it naturally healthy and easy to follow. Seafood is a staple here—think grilled sardines, octopus salad, and bacalhau, all nutrient-packed and delicious. At the same time, the city is full of modern health-forward eateries serving vegetarian and vegan meals, kombucha on tap and gluten-free bakeries hidden in winding alleyways.
Prices are moderate if you skip the tourist-heavy districts. The local markets are a dream for anyone who loves to cook. Fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local olive oils make it easy to whip up healthy meals from scratch.
Lisbon’s digital nomad scene is booming, with regular meetups, beach days and a community that loves to connect.
2. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you love smoothie bowls, fermented foods and adaptogenic lattes. It’s a little bit trendy, but it’s one of the easiest places in the world to maintain a healthy diet on the go. Cafes cater to every dietary preference imaginable. Paleo, keto, vegetarian, vegan, low-FODMAP — you name it, they’ve got it.
The prices are incredibly affordable compared to Western countries. For the cost of a single salad in many other places, you can have a turmeric latte, poached egg, greens and chia pudding for dessert.
The digital nomad community here is massive. Cowork spaces like Dojo and BWork are equally about networking and productivity. Post-work surfing, communal dinners and wellness events are popular.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
If you’re after variety, few cities beat Mexico’s capital. You’ll find everything from street tacos to high-end vegan tasting menus. The city’s neighbourhoods, like Roma Norte and Condesa, are home to health-forward cafes offering cold-pressed juices, vegetarian enchiladas and organic breakfast bowls.
It’s easy for budget-conscious nomads to eat well without spending much. Markets like Medellín or Mercado de San Juan sell abundant fresh ingredients.
The nomad community is diverse and active. Pop-up dinners, weekend hiking groups and coworking events give you plenty of opportunities to meet new people while exploring.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has recently risen as one of the best food cities, ranking fourth according to Time Out for its cultural diversity. It’s stunning, diverse and packed with healthy food options, often at prices that surprise visitors from Europe and North America.
You’ll find everything from fresh seafood and pasture-raised meats to colourful plant-based dishes with locally grown produce. Cafes like Plant, Scheckter’s RAW, The Conscious Kitchen and Nourish’d specialize in vegan, raw and organic meals. Local markets like Oranjezicht City Farm Market overflow with seasonal fruits, fresh breads and fermented foods.
Prices are affordable compared to many Western cities. Cape Town also has a growing digital nomad scene, especially in neighbourhoods near the city. There are plenty of coworking spaces, plus proximity to hiking trails, surf spots and vineyards.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a crossroads of continents, cultures and cuisines. It’s a dream destination for digital nomads who love variety, warm people and fresh, wholesome food.
A traditional Turkish diet includes grilled fish, lentil soup, eggplant dishes, yogurt, nuts and plenty of fresh herbs. Modern eateries in districts like Cihangir or Kadikoy offer creative takes on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets, with vegan meze platters, cold-pressed juices and whole-grain spreads.
It’s also highly affordable. You can easily eat a nutritious breakfast of eggs, olives, tomatoes and cheese with tea without spending a fortune. Groceries are inexpensive, and markets like Kadikoy Pazari offer organic produce at a fraction of Western prices.
Turkey is a fantastic place for fresh bread, especially pita, baked daily in local bakeries and markets. It’s one of the most popular Middle Eastern breads, making the perfect base for hummus and falafel. Soft, chewy and slightly charred, it elevates a simple meal into something delightfully satisfying.
Coworking spaces like Impact Hub and Workinton are everywhere in Istanbul, and nomads gather in hybrid cafes with fast Wi-Fi and rooftop views. Plus, the locals are incredibly hospitable.
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi’s colourful cuisine makes the city’s noise and chaos worthwhile. Vietnamese cuisine is naturally light and fresh, based around rice, herbs, lean proteins and minimal oil. Dishes like pho, bun cha, goi cuon and che bap are flavorful, filling and generally nutritious. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, especially at cafes like The Hanoi Social Club.
The robust street food culture makes on-the-go meals affordable. You can find healthy snacks like tropical fruit, boiled peanuts and seaweed almost everywhere. Plus, Vietnam is the most budget-friendly place for expats to call home.
Hanoi has a growing digital nomad community, with plenty of coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes. It’s also easy to make friends with other travellers, language learners and expats at food tours or cooking classes.
Where Community, Culture and Cuisine Meet
Eating well in the world’s best food cities doesn’t have to mean spending more or sacrificing your health. Each of these destinations brings something different to the table. They offer variety, warmth and an ease of living perfect for the digital nomad lifestyle.