In a recent survey by Time Out, thousands of locals from around the world shared their insights on the best cities for food, ranking them based on quality, affordability, and a range of attributes, from family-friendliness to innovation. The results are in, and African cities have emerged as culinary hotspots, with Cape Town, Lagos, Marrakech, and Cairo making it to the top 20 list.

According to the survey, each city was evaluated across 18 different criteria, with expert opinions from food critics, editors, and Time Out Market chefs shaping the final selection. To ensure diversity, only one city per country was included, highlighting the best of global gastronomy.

Cape Town, South Africa, took the top spot as the best city in the world this year, largely thanks to its exceptional food and drink scene. With an impressive 95% approval rating for its dining experiences, the city tied with Paris as the highest-rated culinary destination in the survey. Capetonians also ranked among the most enthusiastic about their food, with a significant number describing it as "delicious."

Lagos, Nigeria, emerged as one of the most budget-friendly cities for food and drink, with 88% of locals saying it's affordable to grab a drink and 68% agreeing that dining out won’t break the bank. When asked to define their city’s food scene, 78% of Lagosians went with "delicious," while many others highlighted its "healthy," "traditional," and "convenient" aspects.

Marrakech, Morocco, was rated the third-most affordable place to eat and drink on the list. Locals characterized their food scene as "traditional," "diverse," and "delicious," making it a must-visit for those eager to explore its rich culinary heritage.

In Cairo, Egypt, a solid 90% of locals gave high marks to their city’s food scene, with "diverse" being the most popular term used to describe it. While eating at restaurants wasn’t rated as the most affordable compared to other cities, only 69% said it was inexpensive, grabbing a drink remained a budget-friendly option, with 82% agreeing that it was easy on the wallet.

This recognition is a testament to the vibrant food cultures of African cities, which are often overlooked in global culinary conversations. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it's essential to celebrate and explore the diverse flavors and traditions that make each city unique.

For those interested in exploring the culinary delights of these African cities, this ranking serves as a guide to the best destinations for foodies. With their exceptional food and drink scenes, Cape Town, Lagos, Marrakech, and Cairo are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to indulge in the rich flavors and traditions of the African continent.