Food to Travel For: Iconic Dishes from Around the World
What are the world's most iconic dishes? What would be on the tip of a local's tongue when suggesting what to taste, or the best place to find it? Furthermore, how many dishes contribute to defining a place? The world is a gastronomic paradise, its every corner harboring a distinct culinary identity.
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These dishes say more about a place than just what foods are eaten there. If you look a little closer, they reveal an inside truth about who they nourish and can be an up-close lens on a place's history. These foods draw influence from a country's politics, geography, climate, a people's makeup, and its culture. They've stood the test of time - whether derived from a colonist's cuisine or in spite of it, and whether they've been updated for modern palates or kept in traditional form.
Regional specialties have ignited hundred-year debates, and a dish's origins can create rifts between neighboring countries. Beyond that, where to find the best of any national dish, official or unofficial, can launch once close friends and family members into screaming matches. There exists a smartphone app created for the sole purpose of finding the best doubles in Trinidad and Tobago, an official "trail" in Canada for finding the best butter tarts around, and, well, Philly cheesesteak's hotly contested reputation precedes it.
Foods like chilli crab in Singapore, hamburgers in America, fries in Belgium, Polish pierogies, Vietnamese pho, and currywurst in Germany, are sold on every corner and are must-trys that visitors are aware of before even booking a flight. Conversely, meals like Egyptian koshary, stamppot in the Netherlands, Polish bigos, cou-cou and flying fish in Barbados, and svíčková from the Czech Republic are perhaps surprises to travelers, but are historically or culturally noteworthy. These iconic dishes are all very different - historical and modern, delicious and acquired tastes, popular and old-fashioned. But they all not only introduce a visitor to the root of a place, they invite that visitor to dig a little deeper, and to come back for more.
North America
U.S.: South: Barbecue
Barbecue is an age-old idea that is the basis of many a summertime gathering, sporting event, and some really good home-cooked meals. Obviously, the best is found in the South and just about everybody has his or her favorite. A few possibilities: Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Leatha's in Hattiesburg, Miss.; and Deano's in Mocksville, N.C.
Make this Seriously Smokey Beef Ribs recipe at home
U.S.: Hamburgers
What is more American than a burger? It is nearly impossible to crown a "best burger" in the U.S., but here's to trying! These two chains are almost always considered in the great American burger debate: Los Angeles' In-N-Out and New York's Shake Shack, but there are always more to consider.
Make this Bacon Cheeseburger recipe at home
Mexico: Mole Poblano
Moles are unique to different regions in Mexico, but easily the most iconic and widespread is the mole poblano, from Puebla. There's even a festival in Puebla honoring it. It's made of chocolate and chile peppers, and is served over nearly anything. Try it for dinner at Fonda Mexicana or for breakfast with eggs over easy at Los Manteles, both in Puebla.
Make this Mole recipe at home
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South America
Brazil: Feijoado
Feijoada was originally brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonizers, though Brazilians have since updated it and made it their own. It is a stew with beans, salted pork and beef, bacon, smoked sausage, and spices. Two iconic Rio de Janeiro restaurants serve renowned feijoada - the upscale Casa de Feijoada and the low-key Aconchego Carioca.
Make this Feijoada with Spicy Lime Sauce recipe at home
Peru: Ceviche
Ceviche is ubiquitous throughout Peru, even served at restaurants that aren't traditionally Peruvian. It is raw fish that is "cooked" in an acidic citrus marinade of lime and lemon juice, with chile. It's often served with Peruvian corn or avocado. Two of the best ceviches in Lima include those at the new, hot El Mercado and of course at the acclaimed La Mar.
Make this Simple Ceviche recipe at home
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Europe and the United Kingdom
Austria: Schnitzel
We've all seen The Sound of Music. And while brown paper packages tied up with strings are nice, schnitzel maybe one of Austria's real favorite things. Of course, examples of classic schnitzel exist throughout Austria, and specifically Vienna. One lauded non-touristy place to find schnitzel (as well as great beer) is Kolonitz-Beisl.
Make this Weiner Schnitzel recipe at home
France: Crêpes
Whether sweet or savory, crêpes are quintessential street treats in Brittany (their homeland), Paris, and throughout France. Stroll down cobblestoned streets where travelers can find some of the best crêpes from vendors in chic neighborhoods and tourist sites alike. One of the most authentic brick-and-mortar crêperies is Crêperie Bretonne in the French capital.
Make Buckwheat Crêpes with Raspberry Compote at home
Spain: Paella
With historical roots in mid-19th century Valencia, paella is, contrary to popular belief, not traditionally made with seafood. It started as a dish of the countryside, whose main ingredients were rabbit, chicken, two or three kinds of beans, and often snails. Saffron is used to flavor many versions. For real paella, try Restaurante Levante in Benisanó, just northwest of Valencia.
Make this Seafood Paella recipe at home
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The Middle East and Africa
Egypt: Falafel
Falafel is everywhere in Egypt and is an integral part of daily life. It's made of ground chickpeas (or sometimes favas) and typically served in a pita with vegetables and sauces. In Cairo, general consensus says Kazaz and Al Sharouk are the best bets.
Make this Falafel recipe at home
Israel: Hummus
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You may not know that in Israel, a plate of hummus with pita can be considered a full meal (not just a side dish as it often is stateside). Hummus is made with cooked and mashed chickpeas, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and, often, tahini (sesame paste). Try filling up on it at Abu Hassan (also called Ali Caravan) in Jaffa or Hummus Ashkara in Tel Aviv.
Make this Lemon-Mint Hummus recipe at home
Morocco: Couscous
Served alongside meats and fish, Moroccan couscous serves the same daily purpose as it does in Algeria and Tunisia. Local aficionados pay close attention to the way their couscous is made, which is why they choose Dar Moha, in Marrakesh, where they maintain a more ancient technique.
Make this Mushroom Couscous recipe at home
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Asia and the Pacific
China: Peking Duck
Peking duck is a Chinese specialty known around the world, but it remains highly appreciated in its homeland, specifically in Beijing, where it was invented. Locals will argue over where to find the best version of this crispy duck served with pancakes and spring onions, and two of the best are found at Quanjude and Bianyifang, both in Beijing.
Make this Peking Duck recipe at home
India: Tandoori Chicken
Northern India is the home of tandoori, though it really is a national specialty. The tandoori is a type of oven used to cook flatbreads and typical meat dishes. Naan and tandoori chicken, which is marinated in yogurt and spices before cooking, are among the most common dishes made in this oven, though all the various options can be sampled at Bhukara in Delhi.
Make this Tandoori-Spiced Red Snapper recipe at home
South Korea: Kimchi
Kimchi is a healthy, bold, and traditional Korean condiment. It is made of thoroughly seasoned vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, and green onions that are fermented with a range of seasonings. The vegetables are then used in stews, fried rice, and soups. Head to Gwanghwamun Jip Kimchi Jjigae in Seoul for a taste.
Make this Spicy Kimchi recipe at home
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- Nicole Campoy-Leffler, The Daily Meal
