TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Italian cuisine has once again been named the best in the world for 2025/2026, according to global food guide TasteAtlas.
The newest ranking of the world’s 100 best cuisines, released on Friday, December 5, 2025, reinforces Italy’s recent win at the World Culinary Awards in Sardinia last October, strengthening its reputation as an enduring culinary powerhouse.
Why Italy’s Cuisine Leads the World
Experts say Italy’s culinary success stems from more than just flavor. Italian dishes are celebrated for their simplicity: only a handful of high-quality ingredients, prepared with techniques that let each element shine.
Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and artisanal cheeses are staples that define Italy’s clean, honest taste, which is easily loved across borders and cultures.
Italian food is also deeply rooted in culture and heritage. Each region has its own specialties that reflect centuries of tradition and identity.
Naples introduced the world to pizza, while different types of pasta across the country tell stories of local agriculture and family history that continue to evolve today.
Mealtime customs play a role too. Cooking methods passed down for generations, the ritual of dining together, and the ongoing creativity of modern chefs ensure Italian gastronomy remains both timeless and innovative.
Italy’s widespread culinary influence, through countless authentic restaurants abroad, has helped embed its flavors into everyday life worldwide and sparked new interpretations of classic dishes.
The Symbol of Italian Excellence: Neapolitan Pizza
At the heart of this global appeal is one icon above all: Neapolitan pizza. Made with minimal ingredients, it is typically served in two classic forms.
Pizza marinara features tomato sauce, garlic, and oregano, while pizza margherita adds mozzarella and basil, representing the red, white, and green of the Italian flag. Both highlight how simplicity can deliver unforgettable flavor.
Who Follows Italy?
Greece ranks second in the TasteAtlas list. With its Mediterranean character, centered on fresh vegetables, olive oil, lemon, and herbs such as oregano and thyme, Greek cuisine is known for flavors that are bright, balanced, and comforting without heavy seasonings or complex techniques.
Indonesia in the Top 10
Indonesia places 10th this year, a strong position that reflects the archipelago’s rich culinary heritage and diversity across thousands of islands. Indonesian cuisine is praised for its bold layering of spices and aromatics, including shallots, garlic, chili, turmeric, ginger, galangal, candlenut, and lemongrass.
These ingredients create a depth of flavor that is savory, spicy, sweet, and sometimes tangy, reflecting the country’s vibrant cultural identity and regional influences.
Among the most recommended Indonesian dishes on the list is Nasi Padang, a serving of steamed rice accompanied by an array of richly seasoned side dishes, from rendang to curries and spicy vegetables.
Its complexity, aroma, and generosity in portions have made it one of Indonesia’s most beloved and internationally recognized culinary ambassadors.
Read: 22 Iconic Korean Foods You’ve Seen in K-Dramas, What’s Your Favorite?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Dining and Cooking