Cooking is an art that is common across cultures in all parts of the world. As an important part of our life, food reflects the culture and history of a place and can instill feelings of warmth, while helping us shape memories that can last a lifetime.
The onset of the pandemic has made it so that travel is not really the same anymore. Though cases have alleviated and travel has become more frequent, many still choose to stay at home where they feel safe. If you are craving a certain cuisine and have a fully stocked kitchen, why not try some of the best dishes from all around the world from the comfort of your own home. From Spain to South Africa, India to Japan, travel with us as we share some of the most famous recipes and food dishes from around the world.
1. Seafood Paella
This dish is a Spanish delicacy that is loaded with seafood favorites that include mussels, clams, and shrimp. Infused with a rich saffron scent, this dish is loaded with the flavors of Spanish cuisine that is sure to make your mouth water. To enhance its best flavors, cook it on a grill in a large skillet to distribute the flavors evenly.
2. Nigiri
Nigiri is a type of sushi local to Japan, that is made up of an oval shaped mound of rice with a slice of raw fish pressed on top. Various types of fish are used for Nigiri sushi, like tuna, salmon, and albacore. Like other sushi, the process of making the dish requires steady patience and good ingredients. If done well, this dish is a delicacy that is absolutely divine, perfectly balancing the sweet and salty ingredients to create an amazing taste.
3. Bobotie
Bobotie or bobotjie is a South African classic that is loved by many in South Africa and across the world. It is a deep-dish casserole made from lamb or ground beef, various herbs and spices, curry powder, fruits, and a delectable golden custard. This dish is the epitome of sweet and savory, quickly becoming popular, being served as the main dish for various festivals and celebrations.
4. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an Italian classic that is loved by many all over the world. This appetizer features ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil on toasted Italian or French bread. It is a simple dish that is easy to love, bringing in the freshness of summer with every bite.
5. Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng, the national food of Indonesia, is often described as the Indonesian rendition of fried rice. This fried rice delicacy features a rich, spicy flavor that stands out from other varieties of its kind. It is a simple dish that includes precooked rice that is fried with a dash of oil with chopped shallots, garlic, chili, and ginger. To counteract the heavy savory flavor, sweet soy sauce is added generously, creating a deep flavor that is addictive.
6. Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a German favorite that many love for its crunchy and fresh flavor. It features a boneless piece of meat that is pounded down to a thin slice, which is then crumb coated and fried to perfection. Though often served plain with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, it can also be paired with a creamy sauce, mashed potatoes, or a fresh, herb-y salad.
7. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a traditional dish served in Thailand that has quickly become a well-loved dish across the globe. It is a flavor filled fry dish that consists of rice noodles, meat (chicken or pork), dried shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and eggs. It is a dish that aces the sweet, sour, and salty combo, making it an addictive dish that is simply hard to pass on.
8. Butter Chicken
When people think of Indian cuisine, the first dish that comes to mind is butter chicken. Known colloquially as murgh or chicken makhani, this is the ultimate Indian dish that will keep your taste buds wanting for more. The dish features grilled seasoned chicken simmered in a spicy and buttery tomato gravy. Often paired with Indian breads like roti or naan, this mouthwatering dish is a great choice for those craving a sweet and spicy delicacy.
9. Mooncake
Mooncake or Yue Bing is China’s best dessert, usually served during the mid-autumn festival. This delicacy features a cake made of golden syrup, lye water, plain flour, and a dash of vegetable oil, stuffed with fillings that vary from white lotus seed paste, red bean paste, yam, and so much more. This flavorful dish has surged in popularity, both locally and internationally, for its rich and decadent flavor.
10. Gozleme
Gozleme is a Turkish dish that everyone who has tried it adores. Locally, it is a dish that causes long lines at street vendor stalls due to its addictive nature and mouthwatering food combinations. It is a dish that features a golden flatbread stuffed with fillings that range from meats to vegetables, making for a creamy street food dish that tastes amazing.