Skip to main content

A new study says these are the best airports for hungry travelers

Traveling this summer? Go through one of these top-rated airports if you want quality restaurants

The inside of a busy airport.
K Hsu/Unsplash / Unsplash

Travel season is in full swing, so we’re often thinking about things like the best airport bars and new cities to explore. Because so many of us will be frequenting airports this summer, we thought we’d share the results of a useful new study that breaks down the best airports on the planet based on their food options.

Researchers looked at the 100 most popular airports on earth and tried out the eateries along the way. Of main concern were consumer reviews, food options for those with dietary restrictions, cost, and, of course, the number of food options available.

A look inside Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv (Israel).
Andrew Davey / The Manual Andrew Davey/The Manual

The best airports for food

The best airport title went to Incheon International Airport in Seoul South Korea. Of the top 20 airports, eight (or 40%) are American, a fairly impressive feat. The top airport in America for eating, according to the report, is Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. It’s also the busiest airport in the country, one many of us have visited, if only for a stopover.

Recommended Videos

What were the other best US airports? Dallas Fort-Worth made the top 10, as did O’Hare and LAX. San Francisco, Denver, Charlotte, and Phoenix rounded out the American placements in the top 20. Internationally, Asia fared very well, with six airports in the top 10 and another two in the top 20 list.

Atlanta’s airport stands out in that in offers some 138 eateries, with an estimated three dozen of them catering to those following gluten-free diets. The average price for a meal here is quite reasonable at $11.07, and there are a reported 14 vegan or vegetarian options. The average consumer rating here is 3.4 out of 5.

It should be noted that priority in this study was given to the cost of food as well as the number of eateries. The index then weighed consumer ratings, followed by number of vegan and vegetarian options and gluten-free options.

A few other findings stand out in this report. One: Tan Non Shat Airport in Vietnam is home to the most inexpensive food overall. Lunch items here reportedly cost just $2.75 on average. Second: The best airport in the UK for food was awarded to Manchester. This airport has 30 eateries, and almost all of them have options for vegans and vegetarians.

Sure, the best food on vacation almost always comes from restaurants, carts, or food stands while out and about in a new city or country, but it’s nice to know that you can eat well during the act of travel as well, and do so without breaking the bank. After all, nobody wants to board a plane hungry. So as you piece together your travel plans this summer, consider these airports for a solid dinner, lunch, or snack before you take off.

Ready for travel season? Us too, but just in case you need some more inspiration, here’s how much you should expect to pay for airfare and skincare travel tips for those looking to live a healthy lifestyle on the road (or in the air). Hungry? Check out the best restaurants in America and build a trip around a few of these memorable meals.

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
Data shows that this country is the best for outdoor travel—and it’s no surprise
Not sure where to go on vacation? Here's why you should try Australia
Adelaide, Australia

Australia is such a special place, and if you've never had the chance to visit, this might just be your best excuse. The outdoor apparel brand, KÜHL, has just announced the top country for outdoor travel in their Global Outdoor Destination Index. This study analyzed 183 countries across twelve metrics across four key categories: adventure opportunities, landscape richness, nature preservation, and comfort and peace. Australia came out on top with a score of 52/100, with the United States right behind with a score of 49/100.

Oded Gross, from KÜHL, comments, “Explorers today are driven by more than just scenic views—they want immersion, movement, and connection with the land. Our Global Outdoor Destination Index helps travelers find not just beautiful places, but the best-equipped ones to truly explore.” According to them, Australia is just the place to find the best adventure around. Here's why Australia is the best country for outdoor travel in 2025.

Read more
This country is Europe’s top spot for work-life balance, study says
Ireland takes the top spot
People walking on street in Dublin, Ireland

If you’re dreaming of escaping long hours and weekend work, Ireland might just be your ideal destination. According to Remote’s newly released Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025, Ireland ranked as the number one country in Europe for work-life balance.

The study evaluated the world’s 60 largest economies based on factors like statutory annual leave, access to healthcare, public safety, and average weekly working hours. Globally, Wellington, New Zealand took the top spot, but Europe’s crown went to Ireland, specifically Dublin, with a life-work balance score of 81.17 out of 100.

Read more
Yes, you’re probably overpacking — 7 travel tips for packing I swear by
Years of travel mistakes led me here. These tips actually work
An overhead view of a man packing a suitcase

There are two types of people in the world – the ones who pack two weeks in advance with a packing checklist, and the ones who shove a random pair of shoes into a bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. I’ve been both.

But after years of red eyes, lost luggage, and trying to survive long layovers in jeans, I’ve learned what actually works. These are the travel tips for packing I swear by – the things that save space, stress, and yes, your sanity.
1. Lay everything out. Then put a third of it back.

Read more