Overview of international dishes
Sushi from Japan
Sushi from Japan is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience. Traditionally, sushi is made with rice seasoned with vinegar. Then, it’s topped with various ingredients like raw fish or vegetables. There are different types, such as nigiri (sushi slices on rice), maki (rolls), and sashimi (just raw fish). When you eat sushi in Japan, it’s often served with soy sauce and wasabi on the side. It’s a dish meant to be enjoyed in one bite, so go ahead and take that full-mouthful!
Spanish Paella
Paella from Spain is a flavorful rice dish with roots in the Valencia region. The main ingredients include saffron-infused rice and a mix of meats and vegetables. Seafood like shrimp and clams is commonly added, along with chicken and rabbit. For the best experience, paella should be tried in Spain where it originated. Cities like Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid offer some of the freshest, made-to-order versions you’ll ever taste.
Thai Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a well-loved dish from Thailand consisting of stir-fried rice noodles. It usually features shrimp, tofu, eggs, and bean sprouts. Toppings like peanuts, lime juice, and chilli powder give it its unique flavor. If you find yourself in Thailand, grabbing Pad Thai from a local street vendor is a must. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Thailand; many Thai restaurants worldwide offer delicious, authentic Pad Thai.
Peking Duck from China
Peking Duck hails from Beijing, China, and it’s been a culinary delight for centuries. The dish typically involves roasting duck until it’s crispy and serving it with pancakes, scallions, and a sweet sauce. This dish is a hallmark of Chinese cuisine and is best enjoyed in Beijing. But there are plenty of Chinese restaurants globally that serve a good Peking Duck if a trip to China isn’t on your agenda.
Greek Moussaka
Moussaka is a hearty dish from Greece that layers eggplant, tomato, ground meat, and bechamel sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a famous Greek classic. For an authentic taste, it’s best to try it in a local taverna in Greece. Even if you can’t make it there, you’ll find numerous Greek restaurants worldwide offering delicious versions of moussaka.
Mexican Tacos
Tacos come from the vibrant culinary tradition of Mexico. They are made with a tortilla filled with an array of ingredients like meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables. Tacos can have soft or hard shells, and they’re usually topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. For the tastiest and most authentic tacos, visiting a taqueria in Mexico is a must. Alternatively, you can find great tacos at many Mexican restaurants wherever you are.
Indian Biryani
Biryani from India is a spiced rice dish often served with meat or vegetables. The layers of rice are spiced with ingredients like saffron, cumin, and cardamom, creating a flavorful experience. If you’re in India, you can’t miss trying Biryani from local vendors. Authentic versions are also available in Indian restaurants around the globe if you can’t make it to India.
French Croissants
Croissants are buttery, flaky pastries from France. This treat is typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Made by rolling and folding dough multiple times, the texture is both crispy and soft. To experience the best, visit local bakeries in France. Even outside of France, many bakeries worldwide offer authentic versions of these delicious pastries.
South Korean Kimchi
Kimchi is a staple in South Korean cuisine, made from fermented vegetables like cabbage, radish, and cucumber. Known for its spicy and tangy flavor, it serves as a side dish or a topping for various meals. Visiting South Korea offers the chance to try fresh kimchi from markets or restaurants. If that’s not feasible, many restaurants worldwide serve authentic Korean-style kimchi.
Middle Eastern Kebabs
Kebabs are a quintessential dish from the Middle East, consisting of grilled meat like chicken, beef, or lamb on skewers. Styles vary from shish kebab to doner kebab and kofta kebab. For an authentic taste, try kebabs from a local street vendor or restaurant in the Middle East. Fortunately, kebabs are also widely available at many Middle Eastern eateries around the world.
Exploring international dishes
Trying dishes from different cultures is a fantastic way to broaden your culinary horizons and understand more about the world. From Japanese sushi to Middle Eastern kebabs, each dish tells its own story and offers its unique taste. Whether you’re traveling to new places or exploring new restaurants in your own city, be adventurous and give these international dishes a try. You might find a new favorite food along the way!