Gastronomy is one of the best ways to get to know a culture. Each country has an emblematic dish that reflects its history, local ingredients and traditions. Here is a selection of the best dishes in the world, one per country, that you should try at least once in your life.
Europe.
- Spain: Paella – rice with seafood, chicken or rabbit, cooked with saffron.
- Italy: Neapolitan pizza – thin dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil.
- France: Coq au vin – chicken stewed with red wine, mushrooms and aromatic herbs.
- Germany: Bratwurst – traditional sausages with sauerkraut and mustard.
- Greece: Moussaka – baked layers of eggplant, meat and bechamel sauce.
- Turkey: Kebab – grilled meat accompanied by flat bread and vegetables.
- United Kingdom: Fish and chips – battered fish and chips.
- Portugal: Bacalao a la brasa – cod prepared in many ways, roasted being one of the most popular.
America.
- Mexico: Tacos al pastor – tortillas with marinated pork and pineapple.
- Argentina: Asado – grilled meat, central tradition of the country.
- Brazil: Feijoada – black bean stew with pork.
- United States: Hamburger – bun with beef and multiple accompaniments.
- Peru: Ceviche – raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion, chili and cilantro.
- Colombia: Bandeja paisa – hearty dish with meat, chorizo, beans, rice, avocado and fried egg.
- Chile: Empanada de pino – dough stuffed with meat, onion, egg and olives.
- Cuba: Ropa vieja – shredded meat in tomato sauce with spices.
Asia.
- Japan: Sushi – vinegared rice with fresh fish and vegetables.
- China: Peking lacquered duck – crispy roast duck served with thin crepes.
- India: Chicken tikka masala – chicken marinated in spices with creamy tomato sauce.
- Thailand: Pad thai – stir-fried noodles with shrimp, tofu, egg and tamarind sauce.
- South Korea: Kimchi – spicy fermented cabbage, an indispensable accompaniment.
- Vietnam: Pho – rice noodle soup with meat and fresh herbs.
- Indonesia: Nasi goreng – fried rice with egg, chicken and spices.
Africa.
- Morocco: Couscous – semolina with vegetables and meat in stew.
- Nigeria: Jollof rice – rice with tomato, spices and meat.
- South Africa: Bobotie – spiced meat pie with egg topping.
- Ethiopia: Injera con wat – spongy bread accompanied by spicy stews.
- Egypt: Koshari – mixture of rice, pasta, lentils and tomato sauce.
Oceania.
- Australia: Meat pie – meat pie with thick gravy.
- New Zealand: Hangi – food cooked underground with hot stones, Maori tradition.
- Fiji: Kokoda – fish marinated in coconut milk with lime and vegetables.
Conclusion.
World cuisine is a cultural map full of unique flavors. From a Mexican taco to Japanese sushi, each dish tells a story and is the best way to travel with the palate. To taste the typical dishes of each country is to discover the soul of its people.
