We all like to get out from time to time and pay a little visit to our favorite Italian restaurant, or maybe a Chinese if we're feeling adventurous. But isn't it time to try something new? If you're a food lover like me and you like to try new things, then this is the article for you. From well-known dishes like sushi from Japan and paella from Spain to lesser-known dishes like bibimbap from South Korea, we have covered them all so you will know what to expect when you explore new restaurants.
So for all the foodies out there, here are 30+ mouthwatering dishes from around the world that you must try before you die.
So for all the foodies out there, here are 30+ mouthwatering dishes from around the world that you must try before you die.
Sushi From Japan
Sushi is prepared with various ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and occasionally fruits, together with lovely and tasty vinegared rice. The vinegar used is also rice vinegar. The ideal accompaniments to sushi are wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce. Also, daikon radish is a common garnish for this popular Japanese meal. The seafood used in sushi greatly affects its flavor. Octopus tends to have a stronger flavor than fish like tuna, eel, and salmon.
Sushi is meant to represent each and every season. As a result, sushi chefs in Japan avoid using seafood that is not in season.
Rendang From Indonesia
Rendang, sometimes called "the world's most delicious dish," is prepared by simmering beef in coconut milk with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, such as galangal, turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and lemon. After that, it is cooked for a while to get that peculiar flavor and soft texture. The dish's explosion of flavors is one reason it is loved and regarded as world-class. The explosion of taste when you eat this dish is unforgettable.
This meal is frequently offered during events or to honor visitors throughout Indonesia. Rendang is actually a term that refers to the special process of making beef tender, dry, and flavorful.
Ramen From Japan
You should at least try ramen once in your lifetime. But we're not talking about packages of instant noodles, of course. Wheat noodles are used to make this fine Japanese dish, served in a broth with pork and veggies. Depending on the broth, ramen comes in various flavors, ranging from sour to spicy. Miso ramen originated in Hokkaido, as did tonkatsu, a famous variety of ramen that uses pork bone broth.
Some believe that China is the birthplace of ramen. Scholars have dated the introduction of "shina shoba" ("Chinese style" noodle soup) to Japan to somewhere between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Tom Yam Goong From Thailand
Spicy and sour, Tom yam goong is a type of Thai soup often cooked with shrimp and a broad variety of medicinal herbs and spices like lemongrass, lime, kaffir leaves, galangal, and red chili peppers. There is a little bit of everything in this soup: sweet, salty, sour, and hot. As a last step, coconut milk and cream are added to the soup to round out the flavor. SO delicious!
Tom yam goong can be traced back to Central Thailand, namely the Chao Phraya River region, because of the amount of fresh shrimp that were found there.
Kebabs From Turkey
Kebabs are a meal that originated in Turkey and are now famous throughout the Middle East. They are prepared on a skewer over a large fire, much like a barbecue on the grill, and often include ground meat or fish, fruits, and vegetables. Typically, the traditional meats utilized in kebabs are lamb or mutton. Kebabs can be found in almost every country in the world in some form and we can see why!
There are also recipes for beef, goat, fish, and chicken. This meal is enjoyed all over the world thanks to the ideal balance of flavors, from tangy to spicy.
Pho From Vietnam
Pho, Vietnam's national culinary treasure, is an enchanting fusion of delicate rice noodles, succulent meat (usually beef or chicken), and a medley of fresh herbs. Bathed in a rich, aromatic broth, each ingredient harmoniously melds to offer an unparalleled taste experience. Widely celebrated as a popular street food, its inviting aroma tends to linger, mesmerizing diners. This dish stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that Vietnamese cuisine brings to the global table.
Pho is a great cold-night dish that warms the body. Vietnamese food hardly used beef before the French arrived. Putting cattle to work in the fields rather than butchering them for food made more sense.
Peking Duck From China
Beijing is a destination you want to visit if you're yearning for a taste of Peking duck. Specially bred ducks are slain after 60 days, seasoned, and then roasted in sealed ovens for this cuisine. As a result, the flesh has a thin texture and crisp skin. Cucumbers, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce are included in the meal. After dividing the meal into thirds, it is served to the guests.
Pancakes follow the sugar-and-garlic-sauce course. Also included with the broth is the remainder of the duck. After finishing the dish, this is the only way you would want your duck served from the on.
Paella From Spain
The origins of paella can be traced back to Valencia, Spain. It is a contemporary take on a cuisine with historic roots. Paella can be served in many different styles. The traditional dish is made with white rice, green beans, meat, butterbeans, snails, and seasonings like rosemary and thyme. When available, artichokes are often included in the dish. Paella is so popular for a reason, so if you ever visit Spain, make sure to try this amazing dish!
Artichokes are another widely used, yet seasonal, food item. This meal is one of the greatest in the world since it is cooked in olive oil and has a lot of flavors. Treat yourself the next time you're in Spain.
Steak and Kidney Pie From England
Brits go crazy over a good pie. Diced beef, kidney, brown gravy, and fried onion make up the flavorful filling of a steak and kidney pie. This meal epitomizes the best of British cooking and tradition. The gravy is a combination of ale, beef broth with seasonings, and cornstarch. Puff pastry, hot water crust pastry, and quick pastry are only some of the pastry options for the pie's crust.
Even if you are not a pie enthusiast, it is still worth it to sample this meal at least once. But watch out; traditional pies can be pretty pricey.
Apfelstrudel From Austria
Apfelstrudel is a popular pastry in Austria and throughout Europe that is most generally known as Apple Strudel. Delicious apples are baked into an oval strudel pastry and served as the main ingredient of this meal. Grated apples, cinnamon, sugar, breadcrumbs, and raisins go into making the apple filling. This dessert is at its finest when accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The melting ice cream over hot, crispy pastry is to die for!
The delicate pastry is to die for. If you are looking to spice things up a bit, consider using vanilla sauce instead of ice cream. Or maybe both!
Pad Thai From Thailand
Pad Thai is a popular Thai street meal made of stir-fried rice and noodles. Noodles are stir-fried with eggs, tofu, and other nutritious ingredients in this recipe. The dish's unique sauces — tamarind pulp, dried shrimp, and fish sauce — and garlic and red pepper flakes enhance its flavor. Roasted peanuts, lime wedges, radishes, bean sprouts, and other vegetables are some additional components offered on the side. How can you resist?
In addition, there is a vegetarian variation of Pad Thai that uses soy sauce rather than fish sauce and excludes the use of pork. Something for everyone!
Goulash From Hungary
Goulash represents Hungary and is considered a national specialty. The paprika and other spices are the major components of the meal. Beef, hog, veal, or lamb can all be used to make goulash. The beef is seasoned with salt and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Then, it gets a browning treatment with oil and onion slices. Even though it is known as a Hungarian dish, you can find goulash in most of the Balkan countries as one of the staple dishes.
After the paprika has been added, the meal is left to simmer. Carrots, parsley, celery, and potatoes are among the veggies used in the side dish, and potatoes are included to thicken the texture.
Lasagna From Italy
Due to its resurgence as one of Italy's favorite foods, lasagna replaces pizza on the list of the "best foods in the world." Even the ingredients alone sound delectable: meats, veggies, tomato sauce, a mountain of cheese, and, of course, pasta. Everyone of all ages enjoys lasagna, and it is the perfect dish for any occasion or celebration. There are many delicious variations of the staple lasagna, but the original Italian recipe is unbeatable.
Traditionally, in southern Italy, semolina and water were used to make the dough for the pasta, whereas flour and eggs were used in the north.
Kimchi From Korea
Kimchi, a popular Korean side dish, is made by fermenting vegetables like cabbage and radishes and flavoring them with a variety of spices and herbs. Most Korean restaurants serve complimentary appetizers of kimchi, of which there is a dizzying array produced from a wide range of ingredients. The dish's high levels of nutritional fiber and vitamin C and its low-calorie count make it a favorite among health nuts and regular diners.
Kimchi's distinctive sour taste comes from the fermentation process. It is so crispy and flavorful that everyone should try it once! While it is loved worldwide, it is an acquired taste.
Fried Chicken From the U. S. A.
Fried chicken is a meal made of chunks of chicken that have been deep-fried to create a crunchy exterior and a juicy inside. The crust is made thicker by using extra flour. History has shown that the meal was initially cooked in the 1830s. In the United States, fried chicken is among the most popular foods, and for good reason! There are many ways to season your fried chicken, you can make it to suit everyone's taste!
This culinary taste sensation quickly became popular across the globe, and it can be found everywhere thanks to its branding as fast food. Fried chicken is finger-licking good!
Dosa From India
Dosa is the ideal dish to symbolize India's many contributions to the world's culinary traditions. Dosas, which are created with fermented rice batter, are similar to pancakes. Black gram and rice are the major components of this wonderfully light, tasty meal. Stew and chutneys are common accompaniments to dosa. In the past, only people in South India and Sri Lanka ate a lot of dosa. That has changed, seeing how delicious it is!
Due to its deliciousness, it has gained popularity not only in India but across the world. Stuffings can range from meat to fruit, but potatoes are always a staple.
Massaman Curry From Thailand
Thai Massaman curry is a mild, comparatively rich curry made with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cumin, bay leaves, nutmeg, and mace. This tangy and mildly spicy curry, blended with regional spices, stands out from the country's other traditional curries for all the right reasons. Massaman curry includes spices and aromatics like cumin, lemongrass, and galangal that aid in producing a wonderful basis for the meal rather than using curry leaves throughout the cooking process.
Massaman curry stands as a testament to the intricate blending of culinary worlds, drawing its rich flavors and traditions from Muslim cooking techniques and ingredients. This curry deviates from the norm of traditional Thai fare, but it is still a staple!
Pizza From Italy
Who among us hasn't heard of this staple meal that provides the best savoring experience? This Italian dish is made using a wheat-based dough that is typically circular and is topped with tomatoes, cheese, and even pineapples! It is then cooked at a high temperature, commonly in a wood-fired oven. Today, pizza is among the most widely consumed fast foods worldwide, and about a million pizzas are eaten every single day in Italy.
Both residents and visitors looking for a flavor of Italy love ordering pizza from one of Italy's 63,000 pizzerias. Even though it is considered fast food, pizza doesn't have to be unhealthy!
Hamburgers From Germany
This well-known German meal consists of one or more cooked ground beef patties nestled among halved buns. After that, it is either grilled, smoked, or pan-fried. Burgers typically come topped with a variety of ingredients, including lettuce, a mountain of cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and other condiments. It is common practice to spread toppings like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on buns topped with sesame seeds. There are also some weirder combinations for burgers out there and some might surprise you!
These mouthwatering treats are commonly available at fast food restaurants and are frequently the meals that children and teenagers choose to consume the most frequently.
Donuts From the U. S. A.
Those with a sweet tooth may be left wanting more after trying this American classic. Doughnuts are a worldwide phenomenon, and there are countless methods to prepare them. Donuts are typically round and created from a flour dough that is deep-fried. This dish tastes even better after being topped with sugar, chocolate, maple glaze, or any of a number of different sweeteners and syrups. There are even donuts stuffed with delicious fillings! What more can you ask for?
These toppings are the cherry on top. Donut shops like “Krispy Kreme” and “Mad Over Donuts” are among the most successful franchises in the world.
Biryani From India
This meal of mixed rice is said to have originated among the Muslims who resided on the Indian subcontinent. To make Biryani, a curry is mixed, and then the curry is combined with rice that has been partially cooked in two distinct steps. This meal is extremely well-liked across the whole Indian subcontinent, as well as among those who have emigrated from the region and settled in other parts of the world.
When made with meat or vegetables that are high in protein, biryani may be both nourishing and filling. If you don't know what to have for lunch try this nutritious meal that is also so delicious!
Poutine From Canada
You need to get your hands on this Canadian cuisine if you like french fries. French fries, cheese curds, and chicken gravy are the three main components of the Canadian dish known as poutine. The meal was created in the late 1950s in the central region of Canada. Hot gravy is usually served at room temperature, and excellent fries are added only before serving to retain texture. This dish is not the healthiest, but it's worth it!
The 1,422 calories in the country-style poutine (bacon, chicken, gravy, fries, onions, and mushrooms) sold countrywide would take the typical man 2.5 hours of jogging to burn off.
Fish and Chips From England
Many people in Britain consider fish & chips the most British cuisine. White fish fillet is cooked till golden and served with big, sliced fried potatoes in this popular national meal. Customers may pick from various fried fish options, including haddock and flounder, although cod is the most popular option. Fry the fillets in oil, lard, or beef drippings after dipping them in a batter of eggs, milk, and flour.
This meal has been around since the 17th century, when Jewish immigrants brought fried fish to the nation, and locals substituted fried potatoes for fish during the colder months.
Grilled Cheese From the U. S. A.
The iconic American sandwich known as a "grilled cheese" is made by placing one or more kinds of cheese between two slices of bread and grilling the sandwich. The bread is buttered on the exterior before being quickly cooked to brown the butter and melt the cheese. The grilled cheese sandwich originated in the United States in the 1920s, when it was just a piece of bread covered with shredded cheese.
This is despite cheese and bread being a popular combination since the early 1900s. This is a real deal for US eaters!
Spring Rolls From China
Traditional Chinese spring rolls are made by filling thin sheets of dough with a variety of ingredients and then deep-frying them. Fillings can contain various foods, although the most popular are shredded pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and cabbage. These tasty appetizers come with a selection of dips. The name "spring dish" for these tasty treats comes from their traditional meaning: heralding the arrival of spring. From the name to the taste, this dish is incredible!
Traditional spring dishes were offered as blessings to friends and family and were composed entirely of fruits and vegetables. These delights are still as popular as ever worldwide.
Pulled Pork From the American Barbecue
Pulled pork is a popular American barbecue method in which the pig is cooked slowly over low heat, resulting in tender meat that can be easily torn into little pieces. Tomato sauce, vinegar, and pork shoulder slices are the staple ingredients of this western North Carolina dish. The whole pig is roasted and plucked in the state's eastern portion, and the sauce typically does not use tomatoes. This one is a must-try!
With time, it became popular across the country. Now, pulled pork is available in various forms, including marinades, sauces, and various cuts of meat and cooking durations.
Bisque From France
Cream, seafood, wine or cognac, and other spices are typical ingredients in this thick and creamy puréed soup. Since the traditional method of cooking the soup includes first roasting the shellfish and then boiling them, some say that the nickname relates to a soup cooked twice. Another theory links it to the Bay of Biscay, whose cuisine frequently has spicy components resembling those in Bisque. No matter the origin, this soup is delectable!
Since bisque was first mentioned as a seafood soup in the 17th century, it was likely a meal cooked up by fishermen using whatever was at hand.
Crab Cakes From the U. S. A.
A common American fishcake known as a "crab cake" is made from shellfish meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, including mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs. When ingredients were hard to come by in the old days, the idea of mixing minced fish meat with other components first emerged. An early variety of crab cakes is thought to have been brought to the colonies by English immigrants, but now they are widely popular in the US.
There are various crab cake recipes from the 19th century. While many crab cake recipes included bread crumbs and spices, others called for frying the crab cakes.
Bibimbap From South Korea
Bibimbap, derived from 'bibim' meaning mixed and 'bap' signifying rice, is an iconic Korean delicacy. At its core lies steamed rice, typically crowned with a glistening raw egg. Surrounding this centerpiece, one finds a medley of ingredients: succulent beef slices, a rainbow of sautéed and fresh vegetables, the deep savory notes of soy sauce, and the fiery zest of red chili pepper paste. It's a flavorful celebration of Korea's culinary heritage.
In the same way that many other national foods were created out of need, bibimbap is a result of the Korean custom that forbids bringing leftovers from New Year's Eve into the New Year, the practice of mixing various items with rice in a bowl, or bibimbap, was born.
Tacos From Mexico
Tacos, quintessential to Mexican cuisine, embody the spirit of street food. Griddle - baked tortillas serve as canvases for endless culinary creativity. From bustling city corners to quaint village stalls, they are filled with everything from traditional carnitas to innovative fusion combinations. Their popularity spans not just for their rich flavors, but for their no - utensil, on-the-go convenience, making them an iconic, versatile staple in Mexico's gastronomic landscape.
It's possible to trace the origins of the taco back to the Mexican silver mines of the 18th century when the name was originally given to a bundle of explosives that were placed into rocks by means of a sheet of paper.
Yakiniku From Japan
The term "Yakiniku" refers to a traditional Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling little portions of meat and vegetables on a tabletop. Although the beef in Yakiniku is often not marinated before grilling, the dish's inspiration came from popular Korean meals like galbi and bulgogi. Traditionally, customers would bring raw, thinly sliced meat and vegetables to the table and grill them right there at the table. It's a fun experience and a delicious dish at the same time!
Beef, hog, chicken, and various shellfish are the most widely consumed meats for Yakiniku. Soy, miso, and garlic oil sauces are often served alongside.
Jiaozi From China
Jiaozi, or Chinese dumplings, are very popular in China and East Asia. They are prepared by stuffing a thinly wrapped piece of dough with meat or veggies. Soy sauce is always included with them, whether you order them as an appetizer or a main course. Jiaozi is always consumed during Chinese New Year, customarily. Jiaozi dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or pan - fried, depending on how you like them.
The most common one is called the pinched-edge fold, creating the crescent-shaped jiaozi, the most common shape in China. They are simply a taste sensation!