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The Best American Food Writing
The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026: The Premier Annual Collection Selected by Michelin-Starred Chef José Andrés
A collection of the year’s best food and travel writing, selected by renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés.
“Good food and travel writing takes us somewhere far, far away without leaving our living rooms,” writes José Andrés. “Open a magazine or a newspaper, and you are going beyond the horizon, discovering a new world.” The essays in The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026 bring us to worlds far and wide. In Gaza, Palestinians break their Ramadan fast with wartime iterations of malfouf and sumagiyya. In France, an Algerian hazelnut spread causes a culture war. In Blue Ridge, Georgia, a mother of eight works as a lunch lady, sneaking food to the students who can’t afford it. Despite their range, the throughline is how food and travel connects us all and inspires us to do better. As Andres observes, “In these pages you have a how-to manual of opportunities to make the world a better place.”
The Best American Food and Travel 2026 includes • Priya Krishna • Ligaya Mishan • Dan Kois • Jordan Kisner • Lauren Collins • Lauren Oyler
“Good food and travel writing takes us somewhere far, far away without leaving our living rooms,” writes José Andrés. “Open a magazine or a newspaper, and you are going beyond the horizon, discovering a new world.” The essays in The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026 bring us to worlds far and wide. In Gaza, Palestinians break their Ramadan fast with wartime iterations of malfouf and sumagiyya. In France, an Algerian hazelnut spread causes a culture war. In Blue Ridge, Georgia, a mother of eight works as a lunch lady, sneaking food to the students who can’t afford it. Despite their range, the throughline is how food and travel connects us all and inspires us to do better. As Andres observes, “In these pages you have a how-to manual of opportunities to make the world a better place.”
The Best American Food and Travel 2026 includes • Priya Krishna • Ligaya Mishan • Dan Kois • Jordan Kisner • Lauren Collins • Lauren Oyler
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
José Andrés
49 books139 followersJosé Ramón Andrés Puerta, más conocido como José Andrés, es un cocinero español-estadounidense. Desde 2013 tiene también la nacionalidad estadounidense.
Chef/Owner of ThinkFoodGroup, star of the "Made In Spain" television series, and culinary creator and advocate.
Chef/Owner of ThinkFoodGroup, star of the "Made In Spain" television series, and culinary creator and advocate.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 26, 2026
Travel and food in one volume?! Yes, please! I really enjoyed this collection of articles, essays and vignettes. I learned so much and now have a miscellaneous collection of factoids in my head about topics that I hadn't actually given much thought to previously (the difficulty of growing garlic from seed, humane ways of catching fish, halal BBQ). While there might not be a lot of stories about travel specifically, this collection spans the world so I felt immersed in a local culture. In any "Best of" collection, there are going to be some strong pieces and some that might not be as memorable. For this particular edition, I really enjoyed the vast majority of the pieces - there was only one that felt a bit off for me (this reflects reader preference not quality of writing or topic). I appreciated that some were long form articles and others were short pieces, some focused on food, others focused on people - this was a fun way to explore the world and learn something new along the way. 4.5/5
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this e-arc.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this e-arc.
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July 18, 2026(Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley)
I am always a fan of hearty food-centric nonfiction, so this latest edition of the Best American Food and Travel Writing hits the spot. All the different selected pieces with their varying focuses made for a variety-rich banquet for the mind. And although I didn’t like every single “course” that was served, each one still at least provided me with a little something new to learn.
I am always a fan of hearty food-centric nonfiction, so this latest edition of the Best American Food and Travel Writing hits the spot. All the different selected pieces with their varying focuses made for a variety-rich banquet for the mind. And although I didn’t like every single “course” that was served, each one still at least provided me with a little something new to learn.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The annual ritual continues with “The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026” edited by José Andrés; series editor Jaya Saxena. I am a longtime follower of these books, going back to when food and travel were separate volumes. I believe that this is my tenth collection that I’ve read, my first being the 2009 travel stories. The last two entries were a bit depressing, this was a bit better but so heavily focused on food that I wonder why they continue to leave “travel” in the title. Maybe this isn’t too surprising, given José Andrés’ background (BTW, I am a big fan of his). It also seems that many of these stories are unfinished, there is no conclusion or resolution
“All Praise to the Lunch Ladies": a remembrance of the author’s grandmother as a school lunch lady.
“Beekeeping Flowers in Georgia State Prisons”: Teaching beekeeping to prisoners.
“Fortunate Son”: A son goes to Vietnam with his parents who escaped during the war. A great viewpoint, and one of the few true travel stories in this collection.
“He Is Risen”: Ho-hum tale about gluten-free communion hosts.
"How Eggs Became a Luxury": Eggs are getting more expensive.
"Schmear Campaign": Interesting story of how the French are using an Algerian version of Nutella to fight immigrant culture.
"In the Pursuit of the Perfect Martini": The joy of old school drinks. Yum.
"The Ethical Assassin": The Japanese fisherman trying to teach humane killing of the catch. Interesting.
“The ‘Garlic Nerds’ Building a Better Allium”: Growing garlic from seeds.
“Wild Rice Binds Ojibwe Together in Northern Wisconsin”: Native Americans are losing their traditional rice harvesting methods.
"It's Indian Mango Season, and the Cutthroat Selling Frenzy is On": The crazy competition between Indian mango sellers in the US.
“How Gazans Are Observing Ramadan This Year”: Sad tale of fasting in war-torn Gaza.
“They’re Rescuing Olive Trees. For Much More Than Oil”: Short story about trying to rescue olive trees in California.
“In Vermont, Residents Are Fighting to Free Their Dairy Farmworker Neighbors”: The title pretty much sums up the story.
“The Caesura": A sad story about the accidental death of a chef.
“This Delicious New Bay Area Restaurant Is Unapologetically French”: Basically a restaurant review.
“Who Invented S’mores? Don’t Believe the Myths”: A history of the campfire treat, tied to the Girl Scouts.
“When the Food Journalist Needs Food Stamps”: The cost of journalism in the modern internet age.
"Muslim Pitmasters Are Changing What's Possible in American BBQ": A short look at halal bbq in the US.
"They Killing You": How poultry workers are being taken advantage of in today’s political climate.
“Indigenous Food Reciprocity as a Model for Mutual Aid”: Once again, a very small incomplete tale of how indigenous people share food.
“The Winners Also Die”: The author uses a trip to view Slovenian beekeeping as an excuse to whine about her personal life. Least favorite of mine.
"How America Got Its Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back": A fascinating peek at how Chili’s is continuing to grow and thrive.
“What’s a Neighborhood Restaurant Without a Neighborhood?”: Another restaurant review.
"As War Rages On, a Ukrainian Chef Fights to Save His Country's Cuisine": Trying to preserve one’s heritage through cooking during a time of war.
Like I mentioned above, all about food and very little true travel writing (only one story). I am hoping the series continues with more balance in the future.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Mariner Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
“All Praise to the Lunch Ladies": a remembrance of the author’s grandmother as a school lunch lady.
“Beekeeping Flowers in Georgia State Prisons”: Teaching beekeeping to prisoners.
“Fortunate Son”: A son goes to Vietnam with his parents who escaped during the war. A great viewpoint, and one of the few true travel stories in this collection.
“He Is Risen”: Ho-hum tale about gluten-free communion hosts.
"How Eggs Became a Luxury": Eggs are getting more expensive.
"Schmear Campaign": Interesting story of how the French are using an Algerian version of Nutella to fight immigrant culture.
"In the Pursuit of the Perfect Martini": The joy of old school drinks. Yum.
"The Ethical Assassin": The Japanese fisherman trying to teach humane killing of the catch. Interesting.
“The ‘Garlic Nerds’ Building a Better Allium”: Growing garlic from seeds.
“Wild Rice Binds Ojibwe Together in Northern Wisconsin”: Native Americans are losing their traditional rice harvesting methods.
"It's Indian Mango Season, and the Cutthroat Selling Frenzy is On": The crazy competition between Indian mango sellers in the US.
“How Gazans Are Observing Ramadan This Year”: Sad tale of fasting in war-torn Gaza.
“They’re Rescuing Olive Trees. For Much More Than Oil”: Short story about trying to rescue olive trees in California.
“In Vermont, Residents Are Fighting to Free Their Dairy Farmworker Neighbors”: The title pretty much sums up the story.
“The Caesura": A sad story about the accidental death of a chef.
“This Delicious New Bay Area Restaurant Is Unapologetically French”: Basically a restaurant review.
“Who Invented S’mores? Don’t Believe the Myths”: A history of the campfire treat, tied to the Girl Scouts.
“When the Food Journalist Needs Food Stamps”: The cost of journalism in the modern internet age.
"Muslim Pitmasters Are Changing What's Possible in American BBQ": A short look at halal bbq in the US.
"They Killing You": How poultry workers are being taken advantage of in today’s political climate.
“Indigenous Food Reciprocity as a Model for Mutual Aid”: Once again, a very small incomplete tale of how indigenous people share food.
“The Winners Also Die”: The author uses a trip to view Slovenian beekeeping as an excuse to whine about her personal life. Least favorite of mine.
"How America Got Its Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back": A fascinating peek at how Chili’s is continuing to grow and thrive.
“What’s a Neighborhood Restaurant Without a Neighborhood?”: Another restaurant review.
"As War Rages On, a Ukrainian Chef Fights to Save His Country's Cuisine": Trying to preserve one’s heritage through cooking during a time of war.
Like I mentioned above, all about food and very little true travel writing (only one story). I am hoping the series continues with more balance in the future.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Mariner Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I began reading Best Food Writing in 2000, and have read every variation, including Best American Food Writing (2018-2023) and, since 2024, Best American Food and Travel Writing, ever since. In his introduction to the 2026 edition of The Best American Food and Travel Writing, guest editor Chef José Andrés shares that “good food and travel writing takes us somewhere far, far away without leaving our living rooms.” I couldn’t agree more. This is food writing at its most immersive, focusing not on recipes (although I love that, too), but on memories, people, socio-political issues, and different cultures. Some of these diverse stories are heavier than others, but all of them are powerful and thought-provoking.
While reading this latest edition of 25 stories, I traveled to the American South in praise of Lunch Ladies (especially in our current political climate, I have infinite respect for the women and men who passionately work to make sure no child goes hungry despite government cuts), experienced mango season and the frenzy among Indian mango sellers in the U.S., Ramadan in Gaza, American BBQ in Texas thanks to halal BBQ restaurants and Muslim chefs, and stopped at Musso & Frank Grill for a martini. As with any collection, some stories resonated with me more than others. Stories such as “Lunch Ladies,” “In Vermont, Residents are Fighting to Free Their Dairy Farmworker Neighbors,” “They Killing You,” about the poultry industry, their treatment of employees, and the easing of safety and production regulations thanks to the current government, and “As War Rages On, a Ukrainian Chef Fights to Save His Country’s Cuisine” brought me to tears of anger, frustration, and yes, a glimmer of hope, because there are still good people stepping up for their neighbors. While other stories, some of which were about restaurants or specific foods such as garlic and s’mores, were lighter and a pleasant respite between the more emotional essays.
Each volume I’ve read has expanded my world, fed my love for food writing, and deepened my appreciation for how food, as Chef Andrés says, “is connected to everything.” Here, he invites readers to use this latest edition as a textbook, and even provides a “syllabus” for diving deeper into those connections locally and globally. I’ve taken several food writing classes and seminars, and yes, each time, the current edition of one of these three series has been suggested as a “textbook.” This collection is yet another opportunity to celebrate those connections. Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read this eARC. My review is my unbiased opinion.
While reading this latest edition of 25 stories, I traveled to the American South in praise of Lunch Ladies (especially in our current political climate, I have infinite respect for the women and men who passionately work to make sure no child goes hungry despite government cuts), experienced mango season and the frenzy among Indian mango sellers in the U.S., Ramadan in Gaza, American BBQ in Texas thanks to halal BBQ restaurants and Muslim chefs, and stopped at Musso & Frank Grill for a martini. As with any collection, some stories resonated with me more than others. Stories such as “Lunch Ladies,” “In Vermont, Residents are Fighting to Free Their Dairy Farmworker Neighbors,” “They Killing You,” about the poultry industry, their treatment of employees, and the easing of safety and production regulations thanks to the current government, and “As War Rages On, a Ukrainian Chef Fights to Save His Country’s Cuisine” brought me to tears of anger, frustration, and yes, a glimmer of hope, because there are still good people stepping up for their neighbors. While other stories, some of which were about restaurants or specific foods such as garlic and s’mores, were lighter and a pleasant respite between the more emotional essays.
Each volume I’ve read has expanded my world, fed my love for food writing, and deepened my appreciation for how food, as Chef Andrés says, “is connected to everything.” Here, he invites readers to use this latest edition as a textbook, and even provides a “syllabus” for diving deeper into those connections locally and globally. I’ve taken several food writing classes and seminars, and yes, each time, the current edition of one of these three series has been suggested as a “textbook.” This collection is yet another opportunity to celebrate those connections. Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read this eARC. My review is my unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read and enjoyed many of the past books in The Best American series, including past volumes of The Best American Food Writing and The Best American Travel Writing, I was excited to read The Best American Food and Travel Writing. I loved the book, but was disappointed to find that only one of the 25 essays qualifies as Travel Writing, "Fortunate Son by Tony Ho Tran.
As with any anthology, some of the pieces resonated more strongly than others. I enjoyed all but two of the 25 essays. which translates to 92%. That is an exceptionally high rating for an anthology, and the highest of the. 10 I've read so far this year. I learned so much. Anyone who enjoys food will love this anthology. Some of my favorite essays were:
All Praise to the Lunch Ladies" by Jennifer Justus - Interestingly. The Best American Food Writing 2018 also starts with a wonderful essay titled "Revenge of the Lunch Lady" by Jane Black.
"How Eggs Became a Luxury" by Ligaya Mishan - After reading it, you will agree "whatever it cost, it was not enough."
"Schmear Campaign" by Lauren Collins - I'm feverishly, searching for a jar of hazelnut cream El Mordjene.
"In the Pursuit of the Perfect Martini" by Bill Addison - I don't drink, but now I feel compelled to seek out "the diamond of cocktails at Musso and Frank's Grill.
"The Ethical Assassin" by Brett Martin- What if I told you that quality is not the result of recency of death but rather of manner of death?'
"It's Indian Mango Season, and the Cutthroat Selling Frenzy is On" - Find out why the best mangoes are from India, yet only 3% of those imported to the US are from there, and where to find them.
'The Caesura" by Tasia Celeste Bernie - By far my favorite essay of the bunch. After reading it, I went down a rabbit hole in my search to learn more about the subject matter. I also joined Substack to follow Bernie and read more of her work.
"Muslim Pitmasters Are Changing What's Possible in American BBQ" by Farhan Mustafa - Pomegranate-glazed burnt ends and beef brisket rendang? Sign me up!
"They Killing You" by Bryce Covert - The average American eats 100 pounds of chicken a year, but at what cost?
"How America Got Its Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back" by Dan Kois - I've only eaten at Chilis once, and it was years ago, but now I can't wait to order a Triple Dipper.
"As War Rages On, a Ukrainian Chef Fights to Save His Country's Cuisine" by Olga Massov - I will never look at a bowl of Borshch the same way.
Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the complimentary eDRC. All opinions are my own.
As with any anthology, some of the pieces resonated more strongly than others. I enjoyed all but two of the 25 essays. which translates to 92%. That is an exceptionally high rating for an anthology, and the highest of the. 10 I've read so far this year. I learned so much. Anyone who enjoys food will love this anthology. Some of my favorite essays were:
All Praise to the Lunch Ladies" by Jennifer Justus - Interestingly. The Best American Food Writing 2018 also starts with a wonderful essay titled "Revenge of the Lunch Lady" by Jane Black.
"How Eggs Became a Luxury" by Ligaya Mishan - After reading it, you will agree "whatever it cost, it was not enough."
"Schmear Campaign" by Lauren Collins - I'm feverishly, searching for a jar of hazelnut cream El Mordjene.
"In the Pursuit of the Perfect Martini" by Bill Addison - I don't drink, but now I feel compelled to seek out "the diamond of cocktails at Musso and Frank's Grill.
"The Ethical Assassin" by Brett Martin- What if I told you that quality is not the result of recency of death but rather of manner of death?'
"It's Indian Mango Season, and the Cutthroat Selling Frenzy is On" - Find out why the best mangoes are from India, yet only 3% of those imported to the US are from there, and where to find them.
'The Caesura" by Tasia Celeste Bernie - By far my favorite essay of the bunch. After reading it, I went down a rabbit hole in my search to learn more about the subject matter. I also joined Substack to follow Bernie and read more of her work.
"Muslim Pitmasters Are Changing What's Possible in American BBQ" by Farhan Mustafa - Pomegranate-glazed burnt ends and beef brisket rendang? Sign me up!
"They Killing You" by Bryce Covert - The average American eats 100 pounds of chicken a year, but at what cost?
"How America Got Its Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back" by Dan Kois - I've only eaten at Chilis once, and it was years ago, but now I can't wait to order a Triple Dipper.
"As War Rages On, a Ukrainian Chef Fights to Save His Country's Cuisine" by Olga Massov - I will never look at a bowl of Borshch the same way.
Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the complimentary eDRC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Netgalley.
Food is nourishment. We need to survive; we must eat. But food also offers survival because of the bonds that it creates among family, friends, and community. It’s while, like currently, food recalls hurt as do the high cost of food.
There are essays in this collection that are political, not just in terms of US politics. It should not be surprising to the potential reader that there are essays that address Gaza and Ukraine. These two essays are about the determination to keep the connections that food brings us – whether it be keeping the traditional fast breaking meals of Ramadan or talking about the process of making food. There is an essay that deals with communal grief over the death of the chef Naomi Pomeroy.
Several essays link food and people’s reactions to something beyond simply eat. Lauren Collins’ essay about El Mordjene, a spread produced in Algeria that apparently vaguely resembles Nutella, and whose popularity about the Algerian immigrant community (as well as others ) in France as led to some really strange importation laws. (It is worth noting that Collins’ essay is so good that I actually looked up how much the spread costs here in the US). The essays about dairy workers in Vermont being targeted by ICE as well as the toll that chicken processing takes on human workers also deal with community, food, and political/business influences.
There are essays that make you look at things differently. “He is Risen” by Jordan Kisner is about the host and what happens if a person cannot eat gluten. Kisner writes a fascinating essay that looks at issues many people undoubtedly do not think about. The same is true with Serena Maria’s essay dealing with being a food writer who has to use food stamps. There is an essay that argues, correctly, that eggs are far from simply. There is a wonderful piece about the invention of S’more.
There are essays about how culture and food tie together and what happens if a food staple becomes under threat due to climate change- what happens when wild rice disappears. There are essays that deal with the power of food to offer a form of redemption or a path forward, in this case involving bee keeping.
And I will never look at garlic the same way.
In short, this is a collection that you really would think that Jose Anders would put together.
Food is nourishment. We need to survive; we must eat. But food also offers survival because of the bonds that it creates among family, friends, and community. It’s while, like currently, food recalls hurt as do the high cost of food.
There are essays in this collection that are political, not just in terms of US politics. It should not be surprising to the potential reader that there are essays that address Gaza and Ukraine. These two essays are about the determination to keep the connections that food brings us – whether it be keeping the traditional fast breaking meals of Ramadan or talking about the process of making food. There is an essay that deals with communal grief over the death of the chef Naomi Pomeroy.
Several essays link food and people’s reactions to something beyond simply eat. Lauren Collins’ essay about El Mordjene, a spread produced in Algeria that apparently vaguely resembles Nutella, and whose popularity about the Algerian immigrant community (as well as others ) in France as led to some really strange importation laws. (It is worth noting that Collins’ essay is so good that I actually looked up how much the spread costs here in the US). The essays about dairy workers in Vermont being targeted by ICE as well as the toll that chicken processing takes on human workers also deal with community, food, and political/business influences.
There are essays that make you look at things differently. “He is Risen” by Jordan Kisner is about the host and what happens if a person cannot eat gluten. Kisner writes a fascinating essay that looks at issues many people undoubtedly do not think about. The same is true with Serena Maria’s essay dealing with being a food writer who has to use food stamps. There is an essay that argues, correctly, that eggs are far from simply. There is a wonderful piece about the invention of S’more.
There are essays about how culture and food tie together and what happens if a food staple becomes under threat due to climate change- what happens when wild rice disappears. There are essays that deal with the power of food to offer a form of redemption or a path forward, in this case involving bee keeping.
And I will never look at garlic the same way.
In short, this is a collection that you really would think that Jose Anders would put together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback and review.
"The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026" is an annual publication containing essays/articles about food and travel that had been published in various sources in 2026. This year's collection is edited by Chef Jose Andres. I really enjoyed reading this year's edition and it would make a great gift for any food or travel lover.
The quality of the pieces is very high; some of the works had been first published in places like the New Yorker, Slate, and the New York Times, while others in smaller food-oriented publications I hadn't heard of. There's a good variety of topics and writing styles; so while not all of the essays spoke to me, most of them did and I enjoyed the diverse set of opinions and topics. I particularly enjoyed the piece about the restaurant Chili's ("How America Got Its Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back") and a more personal account of a food writer ("When the Food Journalist Needs Food Stamps").
I've seen other reviews that say there's more writing here about food than travel. But I didn't think that was a problem because many of the pieces are about food from other places or cultures, so I thought actually it was an ideal combination of food and travel.
I also really enjoyed the introduction from Jose Andres, who created a sort of mock syllabus for a class about viewing the world through the lens of food. The foreword by the editor was surprisingly political; while relevant in 2026, it might turn off some potential readers (although those readers probably aren't picking up a book edited by Jose Andres either).
Overall I recommend this book for any food and travel lover.
"The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026" is an annual publication containing essays/articles about food and travel that had been published in various sources in 2026. This year's collection is edited by Chef Jose Andres. I really enjoyed reading this year's edition and it would make a great gift for any food or travel lover.
The quality of the pieces is very high; some of the works had been first published in places like the New Yorker, Slate, and the New York Times, while others in smaller food-oriented publications I hadn't heard of. There's a good variety of topics and writing styles; so while not all of the essays spoke to me, most of them did and I enjoyed the diverse set of opinions and topics. I particularly enjoyed the piece about the restaurant Chili's ("How America Got Its Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back") and a more personal account of a food writer ("When the Food Journalist Needs Food Stamps").
I've seen other reviews that say there's more writing here about food than travel. But I didn't think that was a problem because many of the pieces are about food from other places or cultures, so I thought actually it was an ideal combination of food and travel.
I also really enjoyed the introduction from Jose Andres, who created a sort of mock syllabus for a class about viewing the world through the lens of food. The foreword by the editor was surprisingly political; while relevant in 2026, it might turn off some potential readers (although those readers probably aren't picking up a book edited by Jose Andres either).
Overall I recommend this book for any food and travel lover.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Passport for the Appetite
The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026 is the kind of collection that makes you want to read with one hand and reach for a snack with the other. 🍴✈️
What I loved most was how the essays go beyond simply describing food. They explore the people, places, cultures, memories, and stories that surround what we eat. Each piece offers a different perspective, making the collection feel wonderfully varied while still sharing a common appreciation for food as a way of understanding the world.
The writing is immersive without feeling overly complicated, and there’s something satisfying about moving from one place and culinary experience to another. It reminded me that food writing at its best isn’t really about recipes—it’s about people, culture, identity, and the places we call home.
A delicious collection for anyone who loves food, travel, and good storytelling. Definitely one to savor rather than rush through. ⭐️
The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026 is the kind of collection that makes you want to read with one hand and reach for a snack with the other. 🍴✈️
What I loved most was how the essays go beyond simply describing food. They explore the people, places, cultures, memories, and stories that surround what we eat. Each piece offers a different perspective, making the collection feel wonderfully varied while still sharing a common appreciation for food as a way of understanding the world.
The writing is immersive without feeling overly complicated, and there’s something satisfying about moving from one place and culinary experience to another. It reminded me that food writing at its best isn’t really about recipes—it’s about people, culture, identity, and the places we call home.
A delicious collection for anyone who loves food, travel, and good storytelling. Definitely one to savor rather than rush through. ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Through this anthology, José Andrés has compiled a collection of great storytellers who transport us on a “survey of how food relates to the world”. Readers are invited to take up studentship and follow his syllabus to understand “how food connects to everything”. The food and travel selections reflect this syllabus, featuring diverse writing by authors and in forms that flow seamlessly from food topics to countries. This anthology pointedly reflects our current sociopolitical environments and challenges us to think about how food systems are interconnected globally. Ultimately, the book encourages us to trust the prescribed syllabus and enjoy the ride.
September 2, 2026
Having cooked in several restaurants including my own I look forward to reading the Best American Series every year. Each guest editor provides a flavor that represents their own connection to food. This was my favorite collection in many years. There is great diversity in the selections, from essays on school lunch ladies, to gluten free communion hosts to Vermont dairy farmers and a journalist on food stamps. These essays have a global feel even though there is only one actual travel piece.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy to read and review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
This extremely eclectic mix covers a lot of multicultural ground: Muslim barbeque pitmasters, gluten free communion wafers, and the origin of s'mores. It seemed to me more food centric than interested in travel, but many cultures were definitely delved into.
As in any short story collection, some were more appealing than others. A couple I found a bit too self-conscious and more about the writer than the subject. But that's the beauty of short pieces: you can choose which ones to partake of. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This extremely eclectic mix covers a lot of multicultural ground: Muslim barbeque pitmasters, gluten free communion wafers, and the origin of s'mores. It seemed to me more food centric than interested in travel, but many cultures were definitely delved into.
As in any short story collection, some were more appealing than others. A couple I found a bit too self-conscious and more about the writer than the subject. But that's the beauty of short pieces: you can choose which ones to partake of. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2026
I haven’t read any other editions of The Best American Food and Travel Writing, but if they’re anything like this collection, I’m adding them all to my TBR immediately. I so very much enjoyed it. José Andrés curated beautiful pieces that were so vastly different in content, but shared an underlying theme of community, culture, belonging, and, of course, food and travel. This collection takes you all around the world and, in my opinion, beautifully represents the current landscape of 2026- global warming, war, ICE raids, capitalism, poverty, labor conditions, culture, and joy too- through the lens of food and travel. It’s truly brilliant.
You’ll learn something too! Just the other day, while eating sushi, I explained to my fiancé a more humane way of killing fish. My personal favorite piece was “The Caesura,” a beautiful exploration of grief, restaurant culture, and the power of reaching out a hand.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in food (and travel) writing, or to those who appreciate talented writers and beautiful writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this eARC!
You’ll learn something too! Just the other day, while eating sushi, I explained to my fiancé a more humane way of killing fish. My personal favorite piece was “The Caesura,” a beautiful exploration of grief, restaurant culture, and the power of reaching out a hand.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in food (and travel) writing, or to those who appreciate talented writers and beautiful writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this eARC!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews