Almost every country has a typical dish, a dish popular with the locals and an integral part of the territory’s identity. For travelers, this dish is an experience not to be missed… Indeed, discovering the local gastronomy is one of the most enriching travel experiences you will have the opportunity to have. Here is our selection of the 20 best dishes in the world
CNN Travel has carried out a survey of Internet users every year for almost 10 years in order to define the 50 best food in the world. And, surprise oh surprise, France only appears once in this selection, and only at the 21e place with the croissants! As a result, there is a good chance that the description of the most delicious dishes in the world makes you want to take to their heels… If you want to stay in France, don’t hesitate to discover our guide to the best specialties in France.
1. Massaman curry, Thailand
Also called the “King of Curries”, it is the only Thai curry that is never made with pork. Spicy, with notes of coconut, sweet and tasty, its combination of flavors gives it a real personality! So… what are you waiting for, book your flight to thailand and taste the chosen one favorite dish in the world ?!
2. Neapolitan pizza, Italy
Not just any pizza was elected among the best food in the world, but the Neapolitan pizza! But be careful, you have to travel to Naples to taste the real version, the one cooked according to the Neapolitan tradition. Moreover, in 2009, the European Community gave a label to the Neapolitan pizza in order to protect its name!
3. Chocolate, Mexico
One thing is certain, chocolate makes everyone agree! It is no coincidence that the one produced in Mexico comes third in this ranking of best food in the world. With its texture and its very particular flavors, Mexican chocolate wins all the votes with the great gourmands.
4. Sushi, Japan
Certainly the most famous Japanese dish in the world, however, in Japan, its consumption is only occasional. Note that the term Sushi refers to both our Western sushi (those with raw fish on rice called Nigiri), as well as maki, temaki or chirashis. Don’t miss trying one of the best meals in the world during your trip to Japan!
5. Peking duck, China
If you are in trip to beijing, the visit of the Great Wall and the tasting of a good lacquered duck are two essential things! Emblem of Chinese cuisine, lacquered duck is a refined and delicate dish, with slightly sweet and salty notes, generally served according to a real ceremony.
6. The Hamburger, Germany
It is not in the United States but in Hamburg, Germany, that the hamburger was created. No wonder, then, that the Germans are the champions of the field today! And according to Internet users who participated in the survey of CNN Travelit is the German hamburger and not its American copy which is part of the best food in the world !
7. The Asam Laksa of Penang, Malaysia
If this famous soup was ranked 7e of the best meals in the world, it is for its absolutely delicious flavors. A clever mix of Chinese and Malay cuisine, it consists of dried shrimp, which gives it a grainy texture. Don’t be fooled by its appearance, as it is one of the best dishes in the world.
8. Tom Yam soup, Thailand
Clearly, Thailand excels in offering among the best recipes in the world ! This Thai masterpiece is actually a hot and sour shrimp soup. It’s an explosion of Thai flavors on its own. In small Thai restaurants, you can even get your hands dirty and create your own Tom Yam.
9. Ice Cream, World
From favorite food in the world travelers, is in 9e position the ice cream. Whether it comes from Italy, France or Croatia, ice cream is timeless for gourmets!
10. Chicken Moambé, Gabon
In terms of best dishes, Africa also has its say… And more particularly Gabon! The Moambé chicken is the perfect illustration. This dish in sauce made with golden chicken, chilli, banana and rice is a real party dish in Gabon. If you have the chance to visit the country soon, do not miss it!
11. Rendang, Indonesia
A true culinary treasure of Indonesia, Rendang is a stewed meat dish slowly in a rich and spicy sauce. Often made with beef, this generous dish offers an explosion of flavors thanks to the addition of ingredients of coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, tamarind and many other spices. Its unique cooking process allows the meat to absorb all these flavors and thus create a dish that is deeply flavorful and comforting. A real festive dish in indonesia !
12. Piri-piri chicken, Mozambique
The reputation of Piri-Piri Chicken has long since crossed the borders of Mozambique to become a dish appreciated all over the world. The secret of its success? A bold blend of flavors : a perfectly roasted chicken and a spicy sauce made with piri-piri peppers, garlic and lemon. This dish is a true homage to Mozambican cuisine, where African and Portuguese influences come together to offer an unparalleled culinary experience.
13. Corncobs, World
Enjoyed by everyone everywhere, corn on the cob is a simple delicacy that transcends borders. Whether grilled over a campfire in the United States, boiled and seasoned with butter and salt in Europe, or prepared the Mexican way with mayonnaise, cheese and chili, each country has its own way of preparing this humble but delicious vegetable! More than just a food, corn cobs are the symbol of authentic cuisineaccessible and tasty, which has the power to bring people together.
14. Donuts, USA
It’s hard to talk about American cuisine without mentioning donuts, these fluffy and crispy donuts, garnished or glazed in a thousand and one ways. From breakfast to dessert, the donut is a staple of the american food culture. Whether they are classic, with cinnamon, filled with jam, or covered with chocolate icing, there are endless options! The perfect symbol of a generous and gourmet cuisine.
15. The Pierogi, Poland
The Pierogi is one of Poland’s most iconic dishes. These delicious ravioli are usually stuffed with potatoes, cottage cheese, meat, sauerkraut or fruit. They are cooked in water and then sometimes sautéed to obtain a crispy finish. Pierogi is a true icon of Polish hospitality and is often served at family celebrations and special occasions. Each bite reveals a rich culinary tradition and offers a real journey of the senses!
16. Pastel de Nata, Portugal
Let’s continue this list with a sweet touch and arrive in Portugal with the famous Pastel de Nata. These little tartlets, filled with a cream made from egg yolks, sugar, milk and flour, are a real delight. Their crispy flaky crust and creamy filling with a unique flavor make it a very popular dessert among the Portuguese, but not only! Pastéis de Nata are a staple of local pastry, best enjoyed slightly warm, sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar.
17. Lobster, World
Lobster is one of those delicacies that transcend borders and cultures. Whether in the traditional recipe of american style lobsterin the refinement of french lobster thermidor or in the spicy preparations of Asian cuisine, lobster is always synonymous with luxury. Its tender and sweet flesh is a real delight for the taste buds and its preparation is often the occasion of a culinary ritual. Book for special occasions!
18. Shish kebab
Originally from the Middle East, the Shish Kebab is a meat kebab, often lamb, grilled over the fire. Accompanied by fresh vegetables, flatbread and sauces, this dish is a real delight for the gourmet taste buds. For many years already, this typical dish has crossed borders to become a favorite in restaurants and parties around the world. The experience of biting into a perfectly grilled piece of Shish Kebab? A feeling you will never forget!
19. Bunny chow, South Africa
Born in the Indian community of Durban, South Africa, the Bunny Chow is a curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. This takeaway, filled with bean or meat curry, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Its simplicity combined with its spicy flavors and soft texture make it a universal and delicious dish, perfectly representative of the South African fusion cuisine.
20. The Arepas, Venezuela
Arepas are a staple of Venezuelan cuisine. These round buns made with white corn flour are incredibly versatile and can be topped with almost anything from cheese and eggs to ham and beans. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, lunch or dinner, arepas have a different surprise in store for you every time. Their particularity? A unique texture: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. A truly culinary tradition and national pride!
This year again, it is Asia that wins the top 20 best dishes in the world. And you, what is your favorite travel dish ? Leave us a comment below…
And you, what is your favorite travel dish? Leave us a comment below…
