Hanoi surpassed strong rivals such as Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Kyoto of Japan, and Taipei of Taiwan (China) to win the prestigious title,.

Hanoi is widely viewed as a rising star on the culinary tourism map as three out of the nation’s first four Michelin-starred restaurants are located in the capital. The award continues to affirm the attraction of Hanoi cuisine to international tourists.

Upon addressing the award ceremony, Rina van Staden, director of the World Culinary Awards, emphasised that the winners are representatives of excellence in the culinary industry, all of which has helped to raise the industry's overall standards to even greater heights.

The World Travel Awards system were first launched back in 1994 with the aim of honouring excellent units and brands in the tourism industry.

This year saw Dubai named as the “World's Best Culinary Destination” and “Best Culinary Destination in the Middle East”.

France was voted “Best Culinary Destination in Europe”, with Paris being honoured as the “Best Culinary City Destination in the World”.

Peru was voted “Best Culinary Destination in Latin America” while Cape Town of South Africa was named as “Best Culinary City Destination in Africa”.

Elsewhere, Jamaica won “Best Culinary Destination in the Caribbean”, with Thailand claiming the title of “Best Culinary Destination in Asia”.