People from different parts of the world grow up in different cultures, climates, and ethnic backgrounds. Each country on this beautiful planet has a unique and interesting way of life and culture, and food plays an essential role in each cultural dish.
Some national dishes are so prevalent in a culture that they become famous not just in that country but around the world. As a food lover and traveller in a globalized world, trying some of these popular and tasty dishes from the different cultures around us is a great idea. So, let this list of tasty travel treats tempt your appetite and learn how to make them at home, or look for a restaurant in your own neighbourhood and order some takeout!
Our list of some of the best cultural dishes and international foods:
Table of Contents
- Argentina – Empanadas
- Australia – Pavlovas
- Belgium – Belgian Waffles
- China – Chinese Fried Rice
- China (Hong Kong) – Dim Sum
- France – Crepes
- Greek – Moussaka
- India – Tandoori Chicken and Curry
- Italy – Pasta and Pizza
- Japan – Sushi
- Malaysia – Laksa
- Middle Eastern – Kebabs
- Mexico – Tacos
- Spain – Paella
- Thailand – Pad Thai
- United Kingdom – Fish and Chips
- The United States of America – Apple Pie
Argentina – Empanadas
Argentina is known for many things, including football and delicious empanadas. Empanadas are semi-circular fried or baked pastries that are filled with different types of yummy fillings and are a delectable snack in Argentina. These can be vegetarian or meat-based and generally, has meat, cheese, corn, and some vegetables stuffed inside them. The flavours and seasoning are influenced by the Italian and Spanish cultural influences that are present in Argentina, making it a tasty treat in this part of the world.
I most recently had Argentinean Empanadas in Playa del Carmen, Mexico!
Australia – Pavlovas
Though Vegemite on toast is one of Australia’s most commonly known cultural dishes, Pavlovas are a type of dessert Australians love in their country. Pavlovas are a meringue-based dessert created in Australia in the 1920s. Also famous in New Zealand, the meringue is easy to make with basic ingredients. Serve it topped with sweet whipped cream and different types of fruit for a light, tasty treat.
Check out the article: Exploring Brisbane’s Southbank and Exploring Australia with Kids.
Belgium – Belgian Waffles
Waffles are a dish popular throughout the Western world as both a sweet and savoury dish, but Belgian waffles are particularly popular not just in Belgium but in Europe and North America. The batter or dough is cooked in a waffle iron in a round shape with square indents in it. Sweet Belgian waffles with chocolate sauce, cream, and fruits are very popular, and the Brussels Waffles and Liege Waffles are known all around the world.
Read about a food tour in Amsterdam where we discovered these little caramel-filled waffles called stroopwafel.
China – Chinese Fried Rice
China has a unique culture, and Chinese food is well-known and famous worldwide. Chinese fried rice is cooked rice fried in oil in a wok with different condiments, vegetables, meat, and eggs. Cantonese-style fried rice, Szechwan fried rice, and Fujian fried rice are variations of this dish. Fried rice is usually hot and spicy and filled with spices, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and other Chinese condiments to suit your taste buds.
Read the article: 6 of the Best Chinese Cheap Eats in China
China (Hong Kong) – Dim Sum
Dim Sum from China is a meal about not just food but the experience. Dim sum is a beloved Chinese meal comprising small plates of dumplings, buns, and other dishes, best enjoyed with a cup of tea. Originating in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong, dim sum is closely tied to teahouse culture, commonly held as a type of brunch to enjoy with friends and family. This communal dining experience is a quintessential part of Chinese culture, providing a wide assortment of meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes that are steamed, fried, or baked. Typical items may include shu mai, har gow, soup dumplings, BBQ pork buns, egg tarts, and chicken feet. Dim Sum is a culinary journey that offers a taste of the rich diversity of Chinese cuisine, a journey you definitely don’t want to miss.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: It’s easy to get carried away when ordering, and the cost of all those little plates can add up quickly. Dim Sum is best enjoyed slowly, so take your time and order a few plates to start—you can always add more dishes later.
To read more about dim sum, check out: Dim Sum Food Tour in Hong Kong
France – Crepes
Crepes are a form of street food in France. They are very thin French pancakes available with different toppings and spreads. The batter is made of wheat flour, eggs, and milk, and it can be sweet or savoury. There are creperies all across France that sell different varieties. Crepe Suzette, crepes with Nutella and cheese spread, crepes with fruits, and crepes with yogurt or lemon curd are all very popular around the world.
On my first trip to Paris enroute to our French Barge Cruise, my friend Lancia introduced me to her favourite creperie – La Droguerie du Marais for crepes with butter and cinnamon – simply delicious!
Greek – Moussaka
Moussaka is a hearty and tasty Greek dish that is now served all over the world. It is a type of layered dish which has a layer of savoury minced meat, a layer of thick custard or béchamel sauce, and a top layer of either Aubergine, eggplant, and potatoes. Sometimes the béchamel is replaced by a tomato sauce and is a very Mediterranean dish.
India – Tandoori Chicken and Curry
The country of India has many states, and each state has its own unique food culture. Tandoori smoked food from the northern part of the country is a very popular aspect of Indian cuisine and Tandoori chicken, a roasted chicken dish with spices being the most popular “tandoori”. Curries are everywhere throughout India and recipes consist of tomato, onion, and nut-based gravies such as Veg Kadai, Chicken Tikka Masala, vegetarian korma, Veg Jalfrezi for example. My absolute favourite curry is Curry Roganjosh (lamb) usually served over basmati rice.
Check out these Indian food articles:
- A First-Time Traveller Guide to the Most Popular Indian Food in the World
- 11 Dishes to Eat in Kerala India during a South Indian Adventure
Italy – Pasta and Pizza
When it comes to food culture, the Italians are famous for tasty and delicious food, and the pizzas and pasta from Italy are part of restaurant menus all over the world. Lasagna is layered pasta, macaroni and cheese is tasty comfort food, and all types of pizzas whether they are thin crust or thick crust are all delicious savoury dishes famous across the globe.
Calculated Traveller Lea had a great time at her pasta-making class in Rome Italy. Cooking classes are an awesome way to learn about the culture of a country that you are visiting.
Japan – Sushi
Sushi, a staple dish in Japan for thousands of years, is renowned globally for its exquisite taste and bite-sized portions. The evolution of sushi is fascinating-from fermented fish in traditional sushi to the contemporary version we know today, initially created to be a type of fast food. The importance of vinegared rice in sushi is what sets it apart from sashimi. It is paired with a variety of fresh seafood and vegetables, all expertly crafted by trained sushi chefs. Sushi is now a core part of Japan’s culinary iconography, symbolizing the country’s dedication to culinary perfection. Whether you’re at a traditional sushi bar in Tokyo or your local Japanese restaurant, sushi is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something light, refreshing, and delicious.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Enhance your sushi experience by adding a dash of soy sauce without overpowering the flavours. Instead of over-dipping, try this: dip a piece of pickled ginger into the soy sauce and use it as a brush. This way, you’ll get just the right amount of soy sauce on your sushi, enhancing its taste without overpowering it.
Check out these articles about Japan:
- Favourite Fast Food Chains in Japan
- MOS Burger: Japanese Fast Food Dining Review
- Is Tokyo Expensive? 10 Cheap Things to Do When Visiting Japan’s Capital
Malaysia – Laksa
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country with influences from India and China, and Laksa is a curry-based noodle dish that is truly Malaysian. Laksa is a coconut-based curry soup made with a curry paste of chilis, ginger, garlic, spices, and lemongrass. Laksa may include other ingredients such as coconut milk, chicken, vegetables, bean sprouts, different meats, shrimp, and even boiled eggs. An incredibly flavorful, tasty, and vibrant dish Laksa is a perfect representation of the Malaysian food culture.
Visiting Malaysia? Read the article Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Middle Eastern – Kebabs
Middle Eastern cuisine has several famous dishes worldwide, but one of the famous cultural dishes from this region is Kebabs. Kebabs are barbeque-style roasted meat and fish skewers that are marinated in different yogurt-based sauces with oil and spices. Kebabs are popular with flatbreads and rice dishes and are also starters popular in restaurants all over the world. Chicken, goat, fish, and beef are popular types of nonvegetarian options in kebabs and are served in most middle eastern countries including Morroco, the Kingdom of Jordan, and Israel.
Mexico – Tacos
Mexican food is spicy, filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, and accompaniments, and is a fabulous street food and fast food choice. Mexican tacos perfectly represent Mexican food culture. There are two types of tacos: fried tortilla tacos and flatbread tortilla tacos. These tacos are filled with delicious fillings like refried beans, rice, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and chipotle sauce, to name a few.
Tacos are another personal favourite (I have many), and I loved learning about all the different taco styles when I took a taco food tour in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
Spain – Paella
Paella, a rice dish seasoned with saffron, is one of Spain’s most well-known cuisines. It is named after the pan (paellera) in which it’s typically cooked. Originating from the Valencia region, paella showcases Spain’s passion for variety, as it can involve almost any medley of meat (chicken, shrimp, eel, rabbit, to name a few) and vegetables (onion, beans, peppers). Originally served at lunch for farmers with whatever was on hand, paella has taken on many forms, some of which include: Paella Valenciana is the oldest version containing ingredients like chicken, rabbit, tomatoes, and Ferraúra and Garrafon beans, while Paella de Marisco focuses on seafood elements, and Paella de Verduras centers around vegetables. Paella offers irresistible flavours and the heart of Spain’s culinary heritage with every bite.
Thailand – Pad Thai
When thinking of the quintessential Thai street food, look no further than Pad Thai, a rice noodle stir-fry commonly made with various combinations of shrimp, chicken, pork, beef or tofu, bean sprouts, aromatic herbs, and garnished with lime wedges, and peanuts. This well-loved dish encapsulates Thailand’s culinary heritage with its sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. After WWII, Pad Thai became a staple of Thailand’s vibrant food culture, eventually reaching worldwide popularity as we know it now. Whether enjoyed from a bustling Bangkok market stall or a cozy restaurant in Phuket, Pad Thai continues to entice food enthusiasts and hits all the flavourful notes (sour, sweet, bitter, salty and umami), making it a must-try for anyone exploring Thailand’s rich culinary landscape.
Read more about Thailand in the following articles:
United Kingdom – Fish and Chips
The UK is very famous for its Fish and Chips shops that sell battered and fried fish with delicious potato fries. Fish and Chips is a favourite takeaway food, especially when eaten fresh while still crispy and crunchy with different accompaniments. Salt and vinegar are the best accompaniments, but this dish is also popular with mushy peas, pickles, slices of lemon, gravy, curry sauce, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
The United States of America – Apple Pie
There is a saying that reads “As American as Apple Pie” because although apple pie originated in Europe, today, it is a very American dish. Basic pie dough is made using flour, sugar, and butter, and the pie is filled with a sweet and delicious apple filling. The pastry of apple pie is usually crusty and crumbly, and the delightful apple filling is flavoured with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to make it tasty. Tarte Tatin, Dutch Apple Pie, and Mini Apple Pies are some of the varieties popular with the American people. Oh, and of course, don’t forget Apple Pie à la mode – which includes a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
The above-mentioned must-try world cultural dishes may not be traditional foods, signature dishes, or the best food from the country, but they are absolute favourites for many people of all different cultures and are a delicious choice for people looking to try new cuisines of the world at home when you aren’t able to travel.
