These Are the World’s Best Airports for Food and Drink in 2024

Food & Wine, a prominent culinary magazine headquartered in North America, has just announced the results of its highly anticipated Global Tastemakers Awards, recognizing the best food and drink establishments, including restaurants, bars, and cafes, across the world.

According to the latest results, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) has earned the distinction of being the world’s best airport for food and drink for 2024. This recognition is a testament to the airport’s commitment to offering an unparalleled culinary experience for travelers from all corners of the globe.

The airport boasts extensive dining options, including local and international cuisine, fast food, and fine dining. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of delicious meals, tasty snacks, and refreshing beverages while waiting for their flights.

Global Tastemakers Awards

The Global Tastemakers Awards is a prestigious event recognizing outstanding food and drink establishments worldwide. The categories include hotels, restaurants, bars, bakeries, markets, airlines, and airports. 

A group of expert travel writers and food critics worked hard to select the winners for the 2024 Global Tastemakers after searching the globe for the best gastronomic experiences.

Photo: Flagship Dining. Courtesy of American Airlines

For frequent travelers, airport dining options can significantly affect their travel experience. When done right, airport dining can offer delicious local or international dishes, comforting meals, mouth-watering snacks, or refreshing drinks while passengers wait for their flights. 

Unfortunately, not all airports offer the same quality of food and drink. Some leave passengers unsatisfied, while others can make travelers wish for flight delays. Singapore Changi Airport’s achievement is a testament to its dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences for its passengers.

So, let’s take a look at the world’s best airports for food and drink in 2024, according to Food & Wine:

Changi Breaking Records

Singapore’s world-renowned Changi Airport is ranked number one among airports worldwide for its culinary offerings. 

Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Changi

With over 100 food vendors, the airport boasts an impressive range of restaurants and fast food joints that showcase the best of Singapore’s world-famous cuisine. 

Passengers have a plethora of options to choose from, including traditional Asian cuisine and Western establishments. Notable mentions include Kiwami ramen and gyoza bar on Level 1 of the Jewel, Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery on Level 2, and chili crab specialists Jumbo Seafood on Level 3.

Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Changi

Besides the Jewel, Terminal 3’s Singapore Food Street is a 1960s-themed food hall inspired by Singapore’s world-famous hawker centers. Passengers can also enjoy an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar, Changi’s branch of the iconic Raffles Hotel’s luxurious bar.

Narita, Dubai, Heathrow

In second place is Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), offering the best of Japan’s culinary delights, from bluefin tuna sushi to more filling dishes at Terminal 2’s Tempura Nihonbashi Tamai.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) takes third place, offering a range of dining options from high-end pastry shops and comforting Middle Eastern restaurants to internationally recognized chains like Shake Shack and Pret A Manger.

Photo: Courtesy of Dubai International Airport

In fourth place is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), home to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food restaurant and a luxurious caviar house, both located in Terminal 5. 

Istanbul Airport (IST), reflecting its geographical position between Europe and Asia, takes fifth place, while Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers guests sophisticated Dutch cuisine, local beers, and snacks, ranking sixth.

U.S. Airports in the Top 10

Three U.S. airports made the top ten: New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), coming in at seventh, eighth, and ninth place, respectively. 

JFK offers a huge selection of global flavors, ATL has a range of Southern comfort food, and SFO is known for its farm-to-table and organic dining options.

Photo: JFK Terminal 8, Concessions Project. Courtesy of PANYNJ

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) rounds off the top ten, with locally sourced seafood at Globe@YVR and British Columbian wines at the Jetside Lounge being highly recommended.

An honorable mention was given to Munich International Airport (MUN), which showcases the traditional Bavarian lifestyle with beer halls, homely German eateries, including the world’s first airport brewery, and a Michelin-starred restaurant – the Mountain Hub Gourmet Restaurant. Munich Airport also embraces German customs with annual Oktoberfest celebrations and Christmas Markets.