Seeking out the most expensive food in the world is a decadent way to travel. Fortunately, journeys with Luxury Gold can take you to far-flung corners of the globe where some of the most expensive food in the world originates, and sometimes, is found right on your plate. 

If you find yourself asking “What is the most expensive food in the world?” look no further. From wagyu beef to white truffles, here are some of our favorite foods and destinations to sample the world’s finest flavors and fare.  

The most expensive food in Italy  

You can find the expensive and sought-after white truffle in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. White truffles are harder to find compared to other truffles because they only grow near certain types of trees. But the discovery is well worth it for their powerful flavor and aroma. On our Ultimate Italy tour, you’ll embark on a foraging trip for these aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. 

Italy’s prized, and often high-priced, olive oil is yet another reason to live la dolce vita with us. In Umbria, sample specialties such as fresh truffle-infused cured meats and regional olive oils with the help of a local gourmand who’s eager to share the roots of Umbrian cuisine from the region’s lakes, deep forests and rich earth.  

Spain & Portugal 

Take your taste buds from the delicacies of Italy to the finest meats of Spain and Portugal. One of the most expensive foods in the world is Iberico ham, a type of cured meat from Spain and Portugal. The best quality Iberico ham comes from free-range Iberico pigs that eat a diet of acorns as they roam about oak forests in the final years of their lives. Some of the very best Iberico ham is labeled black label – look for pata negra in Spain or porco preto in Portugal. Explore Spain & Portugal in Style with us enjoying fine dining in restaurants such as Michelin-starred L’Antic Moli in search of this expensive meat. 

Croatia 

To indulge in the bounty of the sea, journey to Croatia to savor one of the world’s most expensive and luxurious foods: oysters. In the quiet fishing village of Mali Ston, sample fresh, briny oysters just out of the water that thrive in this salt-rich channel.  

Japan by land…

Leave Europe behind and jet off to Japan with us to discover the country that boasts some of the most expensive food in the world. One of Japan’s most well-known and high-priced foods is the famed Kobe beef. This marbled, rich type of Wagyu beef comes from one type of cattle breed in the Hyogo Prefecture. The regulations around the authenticity of Kobe beef make it more difficult and expensive to find. So, why not seek it out on your travels?   

@kobe_beef_official

Beyond beef, Japan has many of the world’s most expensive foods such as Hokkaido’s rare black watermelon, which needs several months and plenty of space to grow. This fancy fruit can only be purchased at auctions and can fetch around $6,000. Japan has also become known for producing the rare, and increasingly harder-to-find, Matsutake Mushroom. 

And sea… 

The waters of Japan also produce some of the world’s most expensive foods. You may be familiar with Fugu, the most dangerous dish on the planet. Strictly controlled by Japanese law, Fugu is lethal if not prepared correctly. Chefs must have years of training before they can prepare it. Japan’s Bluefin tuna is also among the most expensive seafood in the world. Its high cost is due to intense marbling and finely balanced flavors. 

New Zealand  

From rich waters to bountiful earth, venture to The Land of the Long White Cloud for Manuka Honey. This sweet substance native to New Zealand comes from the Manuka Bush and is known for its healing properties. The honey’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits can cost around $500 per kilogram when purchasing the highest grade. Even if you’re unable to sample this sweet nectar, our New Zealand itineraries offer plenty of rich, nature-focused experiences to write home about. 

Madagascar 

For an extravagant sweet finish, we take you to Madagascar for another of the most expensive foods in the world: vanilla. This island off mainland Africa produces vanilla pods that can fetch up to $600 per pound. The high price is partly due to the intensive labor required. On the single day that vanilla blooms the pollination must be done by hand. Journey to Africa with us to discover more tastes and treasures. If you’re able to procure this prized vanilla, just imagine what pastries you could whip up! 

Whether you’re in search of Australia’s fine wine or farm-fresh, authentic fare in Ireland, there’s a Luxury Gold journey for every palate. 

What is Kobe beef? You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite restaurant, or perhaps even tried it. If you’re planning your next adventure, you may have the opportunity to try Kobe’s finest on our Majestic Japan journey. Let’s take a look at the mystery and myths behind this luxury meat and how it has become a sought-after feature of fine dining. 

Related content: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Kobe Beef, defined 

Kobe beef is an exceptionally marbled, rich type of Wagyu beef from a particular type of cattle breed born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Cows that produce Kobe beef are from the Tajima cattle strain of the Japanese Black breed. How is Kobe beef raised? To qualify, the cattle must be between the ages of 28 to 60 months, as well as born, raised and slaughtered in Hyogo Prefecture.  

Kobe beef must also have a Meat Quality Score between four and five. Other specific requirements include the pure lineage of the Tajima cow, weight requirements and the “Japanese Chrysanthemum” seal officially certifying it. Because of these guidelines, only 3,000–5,000 head of cattle meet these restrictions each year. 

@kobe_beef_official

Look, taste and texture 

Now that we know just how unique this beef is, let’s get to the good stuff: the taste. Kobe beef’s distinctive marbling is what makes it so desirable. In fact, it always has a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 6 or more. The high marbling also means that Kobe beef is fatty, similar to purebred Angus. This fatty marbling creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is enhanced when you thinly slice it to prepare Japanese dishes such as shabu shabu. 

@kobe_beef_official

Wagyu beef  

You may have heard the term “Wagyu” associated with Kobe. Wagyu means “Japanese beef.” (“Wa” refers to something Japanese while “gyu” means beef). The classification of Wagyu beef includes only four breeds of purebred cattle including Kuroge (Japanese Black), Akage (Japanese Brown), Nihon Tankaku (Japanese Shorthorn), and Mukaku (Japanese Polled). This classification was established in 1944. Wagyu, like Kobe, is also a highly marbled and tender beef. 

Kobe beef vs Wagyu beef       

“What is the difference between Kobe and Wagyu?” you might be wondering. Among the four cattle breeds of Wagyu beef, Taijima cows — that we learned earlier produce Kobe beef — are a type of Japanese Black cattle. So, all Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle, but not all Wagyu beef is Kobe. As a comparison, the Kobe beef classification is a little like the classification for Champagne among sparkling wine. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine. But only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be classified as Champagne. 

Wagyu beef look, taste and texture   

Similar to the specific type of beef from Kobe, Wagyu is also rich, tender and fatty. People often describe it as having a smooth or buttery flavor. Because the fat coats your tongue on the first bite or two, the flavor diminishes as you eat more. That’s why Wagyu beef usually comes in small portions, often of three to four ounces. 

American Kobe beef 

Now that we looked at the difference between Kobe and Wagyu, you maybe be wondering what that fatty, succulent cut was that you had in the United States labeled “American Kobe,” “domestic Wagyu,” or “Kobe-style.” If you guessed that these aren’t pure Kobe, you’re probably correct. Cows outside of Japan aren’t regulated the way Japanese Wagyu is, so it’s rare to find authentic Kobe products outside of Japan. Even though some Wagyu cattle breeds have been brought to the United States and produce the same rich flavor, it is rare that it is pure Kobe or sometimes even Wagyu. Several restaurants have been called out for labeling beef from Kobe on their menus when it was in fact simply Wagyu. 

Myths about Kobe

When speaking of the highly prized beef, some say that the cows are massaged to help redistribute the fat. Some farmers do massage their cows, but it is usually to warm their muscles during a cold winter. Some use massage to relieve stress for cows who do not roam free. But because the Wagyu — and thus Kobe breed – of cows are a working breed, they typically roam freely. 

Destination Japan 

Should you find your mouth watering for this rich, marbled meat, or simply want to explore the country that produces it, we invite you to join us on our Majestic Japan journey. Not only will you enjoy a range of fine Japanese cuisine, but sample some of the nation’s other famed specialty, sake.    

What authentic cuisine do you want to try in Japan? 

One of the best ways to embrace la dolce vita is indulging in Tuscan food. From truffles and hearty soups to gelato and Tuscan wine, there’s an abundance of Tuscan delicacies to savor on our Ultimate Italy tour. Get acquainted with the essential guide to Italy for foodies and dive into our seven favorite Tuscan culinary experiences. 

Meet Marchese Mazzei for a private lunch and wine tasting 

Should you travel on a Founder’s Collection of our Ultimate Italy tour, you’re treated to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate, Fonterutoli Winery. Revered for its Chianti Classico, the winery’s Mazzei family has been evolving its winemaking through tradition and innovations to support a low environmental impact since 1435. Begin with a tour of the estate highlighting the history of the Chianti Classico appellation and a visit to the underground Author’s Cellar. You’ll then sit down to sip their complex wine and enjoy a light lunch while you gaze out upon the villa and homes dating back to the 1500s.  

Francesco Mazzei and Fonterutoli Winery

Visit Guardastelle winery for a wine tasting and lunch 

Delve into Tuscan wine on a private tour of the 15th century Guardastelle estate. Your personal oenophile will guide you through the ancient cellars and share their insights on their grape varieties and family-owned estate. Tenuta Guardastelle is one of the smallest wineries in San Gimignano and is the ideal place to sample Tuscan wine. Paired with a lunch of Tuscan specialties, your lunch among rolling green hills and vineyards makes for an idyllic dining experience. 

Related Content: Wines of the world 

Taste award-winning ice cream in San Gimignano   

What better way to embrace Tuscan delicacies than by tasting gelato with World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli? Tucked within winding alleyways is the world-renowned artisan ice cream parlor, Gelateria Dondoli. Within this small shop filled with tempting tastes you’ll hear master Dondoli’s story of developing his craft since 1984. All his ice creams feature highly selected, top-quality ingredients of local regions. For example, the saffron and hazelnut have protected designations.

Dondoli also won the prestigious MAM (Master of Art and Craft) award in 2016, the Italian equivalent of the “Living National Treasure” Japanese Prize and the French “Maître d’Art” Award. Only 75 Artistic Masters were awarded this honor in Italy and Sergio is the only Gelato Master to have received this important award. Some of his notable flavors include Crema di Santa Fina® (cream with saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo® (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine), Dolceamaro® (cream with aromatic herbs) and Vernaccia Sorbet. 

@gelateriadondoli_official

 Forage for aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog 

Known as the “golden mushroom,” the truffle captures the elegance and sumptuous flavors of Tuscan food. Truffles in Tuscany grow around the roots of oak, hazelnut and pine trees across the hilly landscape. Your tour will take you on a fascinating foraging trip through these very regions guided by an expert truffle dog. After your excursion, use a truffle (or gift it along) as soon as you can. Truffles lose both their aroma and weight as time passes. White truffles pair well with simple ingredients such as fresh egg pasta or polenta. Or, dishes with butter, eggs, potatoes or cheese.  

Explore Florence on a culinary walk with a local foodie 

Visit the lively Mercato Centrale to learn about Florentine specialties with a local foodie. This market opened in 2014 in a historic cast iron and glass structure dating back to 1874. The aim was to make local artisans and their produce the heart of the food scene. Sample Florence’s culinary delights in the tucked away market shops offering a selection of gourmet highlights. Try local bread and baked goods, fresh fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes, meat and charcuterie, buffalo mozzarella, cheese, chocolate, gelato, fresh pasta, wine, lampredotto and truffles. 

@mercatocentralefirenze

Enjoy dinner in an elegant Florentine villa 

A highlight of your Tuscan culinary journey will surely be dinner in Florence feasting on regional dishes, including the famous local specialty ‘bistecca fiorentina.’ This traditional dish is a Tuscan steak made from the region’s Chianina breed of cattle which are prized for their tenderness and flavor. This simple recipe seasons the steak with little more than olive oil, rosemary and salt. It is then grilled it to perfection to highlight the rich flavor of the meat. Savor every bite over this authentic dining experience.    

Tuscan Lunch and Cooking Class with Italian Chef 

What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food than with a hands-on cooking class? We’ll take you inside the former hunting lodge built in the 1200s by the Medici family. Begin by taking a stroll through the olive groves, vineyards and villas before sourcing fresh ingredients from the garden. Then partner with a professional Italian chef to learn how to roll your own fresh tagliatelle and pappardelle pasta.  

With so many decadent and authentic culinary experiences in Tuscany alone, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to fill your plate with Tuscan food and enrich your travels. 

Where will your taste buds take you?