With so much to see and experience in this world, it’s just hard to stay in one place. With every culture being so different, it’s nice to know that the thing that unites us all is our love for food. Every culture has its own cuisine, with its unique twists and flavors. Thus, while vacationing abroad, one should always attempt to try as many traditional dishes as possible. However, with so many national cuisines to choose from, one might wonder — what dishes are customary in other countries? Can we apply certain meals in our households as well? We certainly can.
If we take the time to research new foods to try, we can see for ourselves just how delicious local cuisine in other countries is. With the invention of the internet, it has become easier than ever to get access to the recipes. We can try to make a local dish at home, but, let’s agree, nothing beats the real taste of truly locally made food. With food being the greatest representative of a culture and a nation, it’s only normal to want to get the real taste of it. So, if you are out vacationing, don’t stay in your room, go out, try to taste the food of the locals and see what you are missing!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of food around the world to try to get the taste of international cuisines. The list below might just be the list of exotic food you have been looking for. Either alone or with friends, the listed food can be made not only in the country of origin but also in your kitchen. Saw one that started up the saliva in your mouth? Upvote it. Tried one at home or in the country of origin? Comment below on how it turned out and how tasty it was!
#21 Costa Rica, Gallo Pinto
Spanish for "spotted rooster," gallo pinto is a typical rice and bean dish from Costa Rica. Typically, bell peppers, coriander, finely chopped onions, and garlic are used to cook the rice and beans. Salsa Lizano, a condiment created with several vegetables and spices, is then used to season it, giving the food its distinctive flavor. Breakfast dishes like gallo pinto are frequently served with natilla (Costa Rican sour cream), fried or scrambled eggs, tortillas, and avocado.
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71points
#22 Chile, Pastel De Choclo
The classic Chilean dish known as pastel de choclo is cooked with beef (or chicken) and choclo, a type of corn. It resembles shepherd's pie, but corn is used in place of potatoes. The choclo kernels are crushed and fried into a paste while the beef and chicken simmer in various flavors. Then, these are put together in a round clay pot with the choclo paste on the bottom, the beef or chicken filling on top, more choclo paste on top, and cooked.
67points
#23 Bolivia, Salteña
Bolivian salteñas are a delightful type of savory pastry. Although it resembles the empanada, its soupy interior consisting of meat (either pork, beef, or chicken) and a spicy sauce mixture (olives, raisins, and potatoes) makes it unique. This luscious pastry is prepared differently in different parts of the nation, such as Cochabamba, Sucre, and Potosi.
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66points
#24 Cuba, Ropa Vieja
Shredded beef, tomato sauce, onions, and peppers are the main ingredients of the classic Cuban dish known as ropa vieja. The dish's name, which translates as "old clothes," comes from a local myth in which a poor man prayed for a miracle, which resulted in a pot of boiled, shredded clothing turning into a savory stew. Typically eaten with rice, the dish pairs well with cold beer, maduros (fried sweet plantains), and black beans prepared in the Cuban style.
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66points
#25 Benin, Kuli-Kuli
Benin, a country in West Africa, is known for its traditional snack known as kuli-kuli. It is created by forming ground peanuts into tiny balls or long sticks and deep frying them in their own oils. Other nations, including Ghana and Nigeria, are also fans of the snack. Kuli-kuli can be crushed and added to salads as a pleasant and nutritious snack. Additionally, you can have it with garri soakings, a sweet dish comprised of garri, sugar, and water.
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65points
#26 Ecuador, Bolon De Verde
A well-known Ecuadorian morning meal composed of cheese and fried green plantain fritters. In order to make bolon de verde, green plantains are mashed, then formed into balls, stuffed with cheese, chicharrón, and ground peanuts, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. When visiting Ecuador, you should absolutely try this delicacy, which is also one of the best street foods served there.
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65points
#27 Australia, Roast Lamb
Roast lamb is the best way to bring people together at the dinner table, especially in Australia. It is made from lamb that has been marinated in oil, rosemary, and garlic. It is then roasted to perfection along with potatoes. The meat that is produced is tasty and soft, and it pairs well with some gravy. Although roast lamb is frequently linked with Australia, it is also well-liked in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Roast lamb is always a favorite among the diners, regardless of where it is prepared.
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60points
#28 Basque, Bacalao Al Pil Pil
Salted cod, garlic, chili peppers, and olive oil are the main ingredients of the traditional Basque dish known as bacalao al pil pil. Cooking the ingredients slowly in a small amount of oil causes the cod to produce gelatin, which combines with the oil to create the dish's signature rich, creamy sauce. Usually, the dish is served with rice, boiled potatoes, or crusty bread.
58points
#29 Afghanistan, Kabuli Pulao
Afghanistan's national dish is called Kabuli Pulao, also known as Qabeli Palaw or Kabuli Palaw. In addition to steamed basmati rice, raisins, and carrots, the dish is created with beef or lamb that has been cooked with various spices. With a touch of sweetness and a distinctive texture, these components give it a distinct and savory flavor that tantalizes the palate. In other varieties, apricots and roasted almonds are among the dried fruits and nuts that are used.
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54points
#30 Guyana, Pepperpot
A Guyanese stew known as pepperpot is created with meat (often beef) and spices including cinnamon, hot peppers, and cassareep (cassava root sauce). It is customary to offer this dish only at special occasions like Christmas because it takes so long to prepare. This hearty and warming stew pairs best with some rice, roti, and other Guyanese-style home bread. You may also serve it with boiled veggies like cassava, sweet potatoes, and plantains for more taste.
53points