10 MustTry Foods from Around the World

1.

Paella (Spain)

Origin

: Valencia, Spain.

Features

: A saffroninfused rice dish cooked with a variety of seafood (like shrimp, mussels, and squid) or meat (such as chicken and rabbit).

How to Eat

: Often cooked in a large pan (paellera) and traditionally eaten communally straight from the pan.

Why Try

: It's a flavorful dish that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine with its rich colors and combination of seafood or meats.

2.

Sushi (Japan)

Origin

: Japan.

Features

: Vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as raw fish (sashimi), vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits.

How to Eat

: Typically served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Sashimi is enjoyed without rice.

Why Try

: Sushi offers a delicate balance of flavors and textures, showcasing Japan's meticulous culinary craftsmanship.

3.

Pad Thai (Thailand)

Origin

: Thailand.

Features

: Stirfried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tamarindbased sauce.

How to Eat

: Garnished with lime wedges and chili flakes, eaten with chopsticks and a spoon.

Why Try

: It blends sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in a harmonious way, making it a staple of Thai cuisine loved worldwide.

4.

Goulash (Hungary)

Origin

: Hungary.

Features

: A hearty stew made with beef (or other meats), paprika, and vegetables like onions and bell peppers.

How to Eat

: Often served with bread or dumplings (nokedli).

Why Try

: Goulash is comforting and robust, ideal for colder climates, and represents the depth of Hungarian culinary traditions.

5.

Pho (Vietnam)

Origin

: Vietnam.

Features

: A fragrant noodle soup with clear broth, rice noodles, herbs, and either beef or chicken.

How to Eat

: Accompanied by fresh herbs, lime, chili, and bean sprouts.

Why Try

: It's a light yet satisfying dish that showcases Vietnamese culinary finesse and is perfect for any time of day.

6.

Poutine (Canada)

Origin

: Quebec, Canada.

Features

: French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.

How to Eat

: Best eaten hot to enjoy the melting cheese curds and savory gravy.

Why Try

: Poutine is indulgent and comforting, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors that have made it an iconic Canadian dish.

7.

Ceviche (Peru)

Origin

: Peru.

Features

: Fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices, mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro.

How to Eat

: Typically served cold as an appetizer, often with sweet potato or corn.

Why Try

: Ceviche highlights Peru's coastal bounty and showcases the freshness of ingredients with a burst of citrus flavors.

8.

Kimchi (South Korea)

Origin

: Korea.

Features

: Fermented vegetables, primarily napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.

How to Eat

: Eaten as a side dish (banchan) with almost every Korean meal.

Why Try

: Kimchi is tangy, spicy, and rich in probiotics, offering a unique taste of Korean culinary culture and health benefits.

9.

Churrasco (Brazil)

Origin

: Brazil.

Features

: Grilled meat, often beef or pork, seasoned with rock salt and grilled over charcoal.

How to Eat

: Served with rice, beans, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and sometimes salad.

Why Try

: Churrasco embodies Brazilian barbecue culture, with its smoky flavors and tender cuts of meat, perfect for meat lovers.

10.

Tiramisu (Italy)

Origin

: Italy.

Features

: Layers of coffeesoaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and sometimes a touch of liquor.

How to Eat

: Served chilled and dusted with cocoa powder.

Why Try

: Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines creamy, coffeeinfused flavors with a light and airy texture, making it a delightful end to any meal.

Each of these dishes offers a unique glimpse into its respective culture's culinary traditions, from robust stews to delicate desserts, ensuring a diverse and memorable gastronomic journey.