For those who travel often and expand their food experience every time, this is a list of the most consumed cuisines across the globe. Moreover, when we travel, we try to taste the food of the place we go to and experience the culture differently by trying out the local cuisine.
Different cultures and their cuisine twist their spices differently. Food is culture, food is tradition, and we are bound by them. Below are 15 of the popular destinations that offer exquisite and sumptuous dishes with a mix of different spices that have been used in traditional cooking for centuries.
Mexico
Their unique cuisine results from a fusion between Mesoamericana and Spanish cuisines. Some common ingredients found in Mexican dishes include chilies, cocoa or chocolate, corn, and beans. Some of their popular delicacies include Tacos, Tortas, Enchiladas, and Burritos.
Mexicans believe that food holds more power in healing bodies. Hence, their cuisines include a mix of different spices such as chilies, which is used as a treatment for ailments such as muscle pains, ulcers, and rheumatism.
India
One of the most diverse cuisines in the world, Indian cuisine includes a wide variety of dishes from different parts of India. They have many types of bread prepared with rice or wheat that include Naan, Roti, Laccha Paratha, and Missi Roti. However, one dish that reflects their rich culture is the Biryani which originated in Persia but developed to become one of their signature dishes.
With tempting street food as Pav Bhaji, Samosas, and Dosa, India offers food lovers plenty of options to gorge on. Some common ingredients used in Indian cuisines are Garam Masala, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Coriander powder, nutmeg powder, and rose water.
Greece
The cuisine of Greece is simple but there are several regional variations that make the country rich in its diet. Their dishes rely on fresh vegetables and seafood. However, some popular Greek dishes include Tzatziki (a cucumber yogurt dip), Moussaka (an eggplant casserole) Saganaki (fried kefalograviera cheese), and Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice). The ingredients they use for cooking are oregano, bay leaves, thyme, garlic, rosemary, and sage.
China
Their cuisine is a combination of different regional dishes which are Yue(Cantonese), Su (Hakka), Huaiyang, and Jiaoliao cuisines. Although most Chinese delicacies include meat or fish, there are many vegetarian options offered in their restaurants too. Some common ingredients used in traditional dishes include garlic, ginger, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Italy
Italian dishes are known for their rich and sumptuous flavors. Pizza, Pasta, risotto, polenta, and gnocchi are some of the most famous dishes in Italian cuisine.
Some common ingredients used in traditional cooking include garlic, olive oil, tomatoes (which originated in South America), cheese (made from cow’s milk), and wine (most commonly produced along the valley between the hills of Tuscany and Marche). Italian Pizzas are world-famous and were invented in Naples during the 18th century.
France
One of the most popular cuisines across the world, French cuisine is rich and savory. Some common dishes that are found in this cuisine include soup, stews, and sauces. However, their signature dish that has been a hit for centuries is the roasted chicken which was first cooked by Benjamin Franklin at his Passy home outside Paris. With dishes such as Coq au vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, and Cassoulet (savory white bean casserole), French cuisine offers food lovers delicious options to choose from.
Some common ingredients used in this cuisine are butter, eggs, thyme, tarragon garlic eggs. The country is also one of the largest producers of dairy products in the world, with over 400 varieties of cheese manufactured there.
Thailand
Thai cuisine is known for being very spicy and flavorful. Most Thai dishes have a balance of sour, sweet, salty, and bitter tastes. They offer a variety of options to food lovers including popular dishes such as Tom Yum Goong (a hot and sour shrimp soup), Pad Thai (rice noodles stir-fried with eggs), and Massaman Curry (chicken or beef curry in coconut milk). Common ingredients used in this cuisine include coriander leaves, galangal root, lemongrass, mint leaves, peanuts, and tamarind.
Spain
Spanish cuisine is known for its high-calorie rice dishes such as Paella which has seafood, chicken and vegetables cooked with saffron. Popular dishes also include Tapas (which originated in Andalusia) and Chorizo (a type of pork sausage). Ingredients used in cooking here include garlic, olive oil, paprika, and sherry wine.
Russia
A popular cuisine among the Russians, their meals largely comprise meats and carbohydrates like potatoes and pasta. Their signature dishes include Borsch (beetroot soup), Blini (Russian crepes), and Stroganoff (flamed beef served with onions and mushrooms). Some common ingredients used here are carrots, cucumber, dill pickles, eggs, honeydew melons, pickled tomatoes, and sour cream.
Hawaii
Popular dishes in Hawaii include Huli-Huli Chicken (grilled chicken marinated in sauce), Kalua pig (cooked underground in an Imu), and Poi (a paste which is made from steamed and mashed purple taro roots). The ingredients used for cooking include bananas, coconuts, ginger, lettuce, rice, and sugar cane.
Hungary
In Hungarian cuisine, some common dishes include Gulyas( a beef soup with vegetables), Haluska(noodles with cabbage and fried bacon), and Paprikash (chicken or beef cooked with onions, cream, and paprika). Ingredients used here are garlic powder, black peppercorns, caraway seeds, salt, tomatoes, dill pickles, onions, and sour cream.
Japan
Known for its healthy dishes, Japanese cuisine provides variations to foodies including popular ones like Maki sushi (a rolled version of Sushi), Nigiri sushi (chopped fish served over pressed vinegared rice), and Sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef cooked with vegetables). Popular ingredients used here are Dashi (bonito flakes and kelp), Mirin (sweetened sake), Miso paste, Rice wine vinegar, Soy sauce, Wasabi paste (made from the root of the Wasabia japonica plant), toasted sesame seeds, and Tofu.
Turkey
Turkish cuisine is known for its wide variety of desserts and savory dishes. Owing to the various empires that have ruled it over time, this cuisine offers several options including Baklava (a pastry made with layers of chopped nuts filled with honey), Doner Kebab (meat cooked on a spit), and Kayak (pastry rings). The ingredients used in cooking here include eggs, flour, parsley, butter, and red pepper paste.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean. It has a humid tropical climate and offers food lovers a variety of options to choose from, including dishes like Chamarel fish (stewed red snapper fish), Grilled fish, Seacod pie (seacod cooked in shortcrust pastry), and Tuna Patties. Some common ingredients used here are chili powder, cayenne pepper, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic cloves, ginger root, lime juice, salt, and spice leaves.
In summary, the above information provides a glimpse of the diverse cuisines found across national boundaries. Hope this information provides useful insight into global dishes and brings out the foodie in you.
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