The world is a feast, and every culture has its own unique flavors that tell a story. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, food is a gateway to understanding a country’s heritage and traditions. From bold spices to subtle, fresh ingredients, here are 30 dishes from around the world that you should try at least once.
Sushi – Japan
Sushi is a harmonious blend of fresh seafood, vinegared rice, and wasabi, often paired with soy sauce and pickled ginger. With a range of styles, including nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls, sushi is as much about art as it is about taste. If you’re new to Japanese cuisine, sushi offers a delicate yet flavorful introduction.
Tacos – Mexico
Tacos are the heart of Mexican street food. Corn or flour tortillas are filled with a variety of ingredients like beef, chicken, pork, or beans, then topped with salsa, onions, cilantro, and lime. The endless combinations make tacos a fun and versatile dish.
Paella – Spain
Paella is a Spanish dish originating from the Valencia region, renowned for its rich flavors of saffron, seafood, chicken, and rice. Often served in large shallow pans, it’s a social dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Pho – Vietnam
Pho is Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically beef or chicken. Its fragrant, aromatic flavors are enhanced by fresh herbs like cilantro and basil, making it a comforting and refreshing dish.
Pad Thai – Thailand
Pad Thai is Thailand’s iconic stir-fried noodle dish. It’s made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. Whether from a street vendor or a high-end restaurant, the balance of sweet, sour, and salty makes it unforgettable.
Croissant – France
A buttery, flaky croissant is a symbol of French pastry perfection. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, these light and airy pastries pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.
Peking Duck – China
Peking Duck is a Chinese delicacy known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced vegetables. It’s an extravagant dish that highlights the precision of Chinese culinary techniques.
Butter Chicken – India
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy Indian dish made from marinated chicken in a tomato-based sauce with butter and spices. Best enjoyed with naan or basmati rice, this dish showcases the robust flavors of Indian cuisine.
Pizza – Italy
No list of global dishes would be complete without pizza. Originating from Naples, Italy, pizza is a universal favorite with its thin crust, tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Margherita or the depth of a meat-loaded slice, pizza is comfort food at its best.
Goulash – Hungary
Goulash is a hearty Hungarian stew made with beef, paprika, onions, and vegetables. Its thick, flavorful broth is perfect for cold weather and pairs wonderfully with fresh bread.
Borscht – Russia/Ukraine
Borscht is a traditional beet soup from Eastern Europe, served hot or cold, with a distinct deep red color. It’s often garnished with sour cream and fresh herbs, providing a vibrant and earthy flavor.
Bibimbap – South Korea
Bibimbap is a vibrant Korean rice bowl topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat (usually beef), a fried egg, and a spicy gochujang sauce. Mixed together, it creates a hearty, flavorful meal that’s full of textures and tastes.
Falafel – Middle East
Falafel is a popular street food in the Middle East made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, formed into balls or patties, and deep-fried. Typically served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini, it’s a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Beef Stroganoff – Russia
Beef Stroganoff is a rich Russian dish consisting of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sour cream sauce. Traditionally served over egg noodles or rice, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for cold nights.
Dim Sum – China
Dim Sum is a collection of small Chinese dishes, typically served with tea. From steamed dumplings to buns filled with savory meats, dim sum is perfect for tasting a variety of flavors in one meal.
Ramen – Japan
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish that has become a global sensation. Made with wheat noodles, a rich broth (often pork-based), and a variety of toppings like eggs, green onions, and pork slices, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish with endless variations.
Empanadas – Argentina
Empanadas are pastry pockets stuffed with fillings like beef, chicken, or cheese. They can be baked or fried and are a beloved snack or meal throughout Argentina and much of Latin America.
Tom Yum Goong – Thailand
Tom Yum Goong is a Thai soup famous for its bold, hot-and-sour flavor. Made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, it’s a zesty and fragrant dish that will awaken your senses.
Moussaka – Greece
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. It’s a hearty, oven-baked casserole that combines Mediterranean flavors with a creamy texture.
Jollof Rice – West Africa
Jollof Rice is a vibrant one-pot dish popular in many West African countries. Made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and various spices, it’s often served with fried plantains and grilled meat. The blend of spices and fresh ingredients make it a staple at celebrations.
Feijoada – Brazil
Feijoada is Brazil’s national dish, a slow-cooked stew of black beans and pork. It’s traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and farofa (toasted cassava flour), offering a rich and savory taste.
Schnitzel – Austria/Germany
Schnitzel is a thin, breaded, and fried cutlet, typically made from pork or veal. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and often served with potatoes or a light salad, making it a simple yet satisfying dish.
Kebab – Turkey
Turkish kebabs, especially shish and doner varieties, consist of seasoned meat grilled on skewers or shaved off a rotating spit. These flavorful meats, often accompanied by fresh bread and salads, are staples of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Laksa – Malaysia/Singapore
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in Malaysia and Singapore, combining Chinese and Malay elements. With its coconut milk base, chili paste, and seafood or chicken, Laksa delivers a satisfying combination of creamy, spicy, and savory.
Wiener Schnitzel – Austria
Wiener Schnitzel, a specialty of Austria, is a breaded and fried veal cutlet served with lemon slices and potato salad. It’s a simple dish, but its light, crispy coating and tender meat make it unforgettable.
Ceviche – Peru
Ceviche is a Peruvian dish made from raw fish marinated in citrus juices, usually lime or lemon, and spiced with chili peppers. It’s fresh, zesty, and perfect for hot summer days, offering a taste of the ocean with every bite.
Sauerbraten – Germany
Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast, usually marinated for several days in a mixture of vinegar, water, and spices. This dish is rich and tangy, often served with dumplings or red cabbage.
Pierogi – Poland
Pierogi are Polish dumplings filled with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, or meat. They can be boiled, baked, or fried and are often topped with sour cream or butter, making them a comfort food favorite.
Bannock – Canada
Bannock is a simple yet delicious bread traditionally made by Indigenous Canadians. It’s often fried or baked and can be eaten plain or with toppings like butter, jam, or even savory fillings.
Bouillabaisse – France
Bouillabaisse is a traditional French seafood stew from the Provence region, filled with various fish, shellfish, and flavored with herbs and spices. It’s a hearty, aromatic dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate.