Popular Dishes From Countries Around The World 2023
Food is one of the great pleasures in life, and we’re lucky enough to live in a world where we have access to the ingredients and recipes from cultures all over the world.
Some people prefer their favorite types of cuisine, and others like to try different dishes often.
So join us on a culinary trip worldwide as we look at the favorite dishes of different countries.
Popular Dishes From Countries Around The World
Italy
The Italian diet is full of rich, tasty dishes. Some of their most famous recipes involve pizza or pasta, so if you’re watching your weight, then be sure to check out your carbohydrates table to determine the nutritional values.
Italian dishes are full of color, richness, and cheese. They are simple but have been passed down through the generations.
Popular dishes include:
- Pizza.
- Lasagna.
- Fiorentina steak.
- Polenta.
- Risotto.
- Ribollita.
Mexico
If you’re looking for color and flavor, then you want to try out some Mexican recipes. Their recipes blend influences from Europe and the US alongside traditional Mexican recipes.
Some of the most popular dishes, including fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas, are designed to be eaten in a social setting, around family and friends.
Popular dishes include:
- Fajitas.
- Tacos.
- Enchiladas.
- Elote.
- Tostadas.
- Pozole.
India
Indian recipes are a favorite for a lot of people. The rich spice palette can include milder dishes and spicy hot curry.
Most countries have versions of Indian recipes adapted to their favorite meat or fish (Indian recipes do not contain beef).
Popular dishes include:
- Samosas.
- Makhani.
- Masala chai.
- Paneer.
- Aloo gobi.
Spain
Synonymous with passion and history, Spanish food covers a range of uses. The food reflects the country’s history, from delicate tapas dishes to hearty stews.
The Spanish take their meals seriously, preferring to enjoy them with company leisurely.
Popular dishes include:
- Paella.
- Tortilla.
- Gazpacho.
- Patatas bravas.
Greece
The food of Greece reflects its people perfectly. It’s zesty and beautiful, full of roast meats, salads, olives, and feta cheese.
Popular dishes include:
- Kleftiko.
- Moussaka.
- Taramasalata.
- Dolmades.
China
Like Indian food, Chinese recipes have been adopted worldwide, with many people creating Chinese-style dishes. Many popular Chinese recipes we assume are authentic are not traditionally cooked in China.
The Chinese diet includes many meats and vegetables and perfectly spiced sauces.
Several filling recipes use common ingredients originally developed for areas of society where we cannot afford expensive ingredients.
Noodles, dumplings, wontons, and spring rolls are all examples of this.
Popular dishes include:
- Peking duck.
- Chow mein.
- Kung pao.
France
With a reputation for being sophisticated and cultured, French cuisine is frequently the most popular type of cooking taught in culinary academies.
In addition to their historically popular recipes, French cooking is known for being at the leading edge of fine eating.
French dessert making is unparalleled worldwide, with its range of delicate pastries and cakes.
Popular dishes include:
- Coq au vin.
- Cassoulet.
- Beef bourguignon.
- Confit de canard.
- Souffle.
Japan
Japan is a country that pours its traditional heart and soul into its cooking. Replete with exotic vegetables, meats, and seafood, it is one of the healthiest diets on the planet.
Common dishes include sushi, tempura, and ramen. Meals are eaten with either rice or noodles.
Popular dishes include:
- Yakitori.
- Udon.
- Soba.
- Sushi.
- Ramen.
Thailand
If you like your food with a bit of heat, then Thai food is the way to go. They are full of flavors and spices; dishes often contain sweet, sour, and hot flavors. Most dishes are served with rice.
There is a strong influence on surrounding countries, including Malaysia and China.
Popular dishes include:
- Pad thai.
- Khao pad.
- Tom Kha Gai.
USA
Many people dismiss American food, assuming it is bland and only served in huge portions. Yet American food is as eclectic as its people. It has adopted recipes and traditions from countries worldwide and given them their American twist. Burgers, pizzas, barbecue, and favorites, alongside popular southern dishes like clam chowder.
Popular dishes include:
- Reuben sandwich,
- Cheeseburger,
- Delmonico’s steak,
- Pizza (Chicago style).
South Africa
One of the world’s best-kept food secrets. South Africa’s cuisine is hearty, flavourful, and designed to be enjoyed by people. It also lends itself to amazing street food.
Popular dishes include:
- Malva pudding.
- Bobotie.
- Bokkoms.
- Potjiekos.
Turkey
The culture in the country of Turkey has adopted many influences over its history. This, combined with traditions from Ottoman times, led to a diverse diet.
Popular dishes include:
- Kebab.
- Kofte.
- Meze.
- Baklava.
Final thoughts
The world is getting smaller when it comes to the food we eat. Supermarkets are now stocked with ingredients it would have been hard to find just a generation ago.
Now people embrace new flavors and ways of doing things when deciding what to eat. Some people prefer to keep to the traditional recipes, while others take inspiration and make their dishes, changing some ingredients and flavors.
There’s no doubt that this range of great food is great for our overall nutrition, offering up an array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that we might otherwise miss out on.
Every country has its history, which is rich in different influences and leads to the enrichment of the food they eat.