If you know me, you’re probably already aware that I am obsessed with experiencing different cuisines around the world. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the main reasons why I love traveling so much. Different places around the globe feature delectable cuisines with experiences that are simply unparalleled.
I am always curious about uncovering countries with the most unique and best-tasting cuisines. This has taken me on several food adventures across the globe. Throughout my travels, I’ve come across a wide range of mouthwatering food, from the meaty dishes in Europe to the thick and warm soups in Asia. It’s why I think I qualify to recommend the best destinations for food enthusiasts and travel lovers.
If you are thinking of traveling for food like me but don’t know where to go, this blog is for you! Today, I’m listing countries with delicious cuisine that are sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Keep reading to find out more.
Italy Has the Most Popular Cuisine in the World
It’s practically impossible to make a list of countries with delicious cuisine and not list Italian food at the top! In fact, chances are that you’re not even surprised to see it being mentioned. That’s because Italian cuisine has always won the hearts of many people across the globe. Its balanced spices and rich flavors give it the reputation of being one of the best cuisine in the world.
However, if you’ve never been to Italy, you might wonder what makes the food so great. The answer lies in the rich history of the food adapted to different cultures and climates over time. This means that good Italian food preserves its taste while adding smart adaptations to prevent it from losing its authenticity.
There are a lot of foods you have to try in Italy, and each flavor is an unparalleled experience. It’s why the worst thing about eating in Italy is that you can’t try everything! However, there are some foods that you can’t miss out on at all. Here is the 411 on all that you have to try.
The first thing I’d recommend is pizza. Though the food was created long before the Unification of Italy, it’s deemed as the representative dish of the country for its great cultural significance.
Historically, wheat has always been a staple crop in the country due to its climate. This explains why the traditional cuisine of the country features so many wheat-based foods. Pizza is also affordable and extremely versatile, which makes it easily accessible to the masses. That being said, the dish is usually eaten socially unlike pasta. So, I don’t recommend you eat pizzas every day.
In Italy, you’ll commonly find two types of pizzas, these are called the Neopolitan style and the Roman style. The first of the two is served with olive oil, basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes. It also has a fluffier, thicker crust and tends to be smaller in size. On the other hand, Roman pizza has a thin crust that seems kind of familiar to flat focaccias.
Another dish you have to try is the Fiorentina steak. Traditionally, this mouthwatering dish comprises the sirloin cut from specific Chianina cows. The meat is also usually lean and aged for up to a few weeks with the perfect blend of spices. So, you can be sure that it will be a treat for your taste buds. Though there are variations out there, just remember to have the Fiorentina steak in Tuscany.
Even though I can talk about delectable Italian dishes all day, my final recommendation for this list is carbonara. Italy is well-known for its wide range of pasta, but if there’s one you should try, it’s this one.
Associated with Rome and Lazio, the creamy sauce and crispy guanciale of the dish make it beloved by many. It’s important you choose a restaurant that specifically serves authentic carbonara and not imitation ones. If you don’t know one, ask a local for help.
Try The Flavorful Greek Cuisine
If there is anything you should take away from this list, it’s that Mediterranean cuisine is in a league of its own. We already mentioned Italian dishes, but the list can’t be complete without Greek food. This is why it comes second on my list of countries with delicious cuisine.
Traveling and eating in Greece feels like it’s a dream out of a lifestyle magazine; colorful food against the backdrop of sparkling blue waters. The country is known for its wide range of flavorful food and rich history attached to it, making it a haven for foodies. From salads and fish to grilled meat and sweet pastries, there is a lot Greek cuisine has to offer. I’m listing my top recommendations for what you should try.
Before we start, here is a golden rule you should follow: when in Greece, always try the seafood first. The country is located at the extreme southern end of Europe in close proximity to the Aegean Sea. Due to its location, the people of Greece have always had easy access to fresh seafood for thousands of years. It’s why very few other countries in the world make seafood like how the Greeks make it.
I recommend you try the mussels first if you want to experience the juicy goodness of Greek seafood. You can easily find it in fish restaurants in the north cooked in tomato sauce. Another popular seafood is the fried squid, which you can easily find in every psarotaverna (fish tavern). This is the ideal meal for summer afternoons, especially when you have it with zesty salads.
Though the Greeks are great with seafood dishes, they are also masters of cooking flavorful and tender meaty ones. I recommend trying out gyros, which come in a variety of meats, such as beef, lamb, chicken, and pork. They are expertly spiced and wrapped in a pita sandwich to be served with tzatziki sauce and French fries with veggies.
Another one of my favorite meat dishes in Greece is the souvlaki. It’s grilled meat typically made from lamb and is marinated in olive oil and lemon to ensure it is tender and delicious.
My final food recommendation is the moussaka. This delectable eggplant and meat casserole is a favorite in Greece for its balanced spices and creamy bechamel sauce. It’s also sometimes served with a tomato base.
Experience the Rich Flavors of the Japanese Cuisine
The third and final contender on my list of top countries with delicious cuisine is Japan. I’m sure that this is another unsurprising name as the country has long been heralded for its aromatic dishes and healthy, mouthwatering ingredients. Moreover, the way Japanese cuisine approaches gastronomy is by far the most unique one on our list.
One thing you’re going to notice immediately in Japan is the extremely pleasing presentation of the dishes. Even the simplest street food looks like it came straight from a food magazine minus the photoshop. It’s why I recommend you take a lot of pictures on your Japanese food trips.
At its core, Japanese dishes are known for their simplicity. They utilize fresh flavors and few ingredients to create unique dishes.
When it comes to recommendations, the first on my list is the classic sushi and sashimi. This food has been popularized all over the globe for its balance of flavors. You can find different types of sushi in Japan, such as Nigiri, Maki, Oshi, Temaki, etc. The dish entails fish served with seasoned rice mixed with ingredients like vegetables.
The second food I’d recommend is ramen. It’s commonly eaten in Japan due to it being easily accessible and affordable. However, it was also popularized across the world for its unique blend of flavors. Ramen is a noodle dish served in miso soup or soya sauce with pork, green onions, eggs, and seaweed. The best thing about eating ramen in Japan is its extremely unique flavor, which can’t be replicated anywhere else.
The final dish I’d recommend is Unagi. This is a freshwater eel dish that is skewered, boiled, and grilled while being basted with kabayaki sauce. It is typically served with rice and a bowl of dashi. The food is known for its delicious smoky flavor and unique texture.
These were my top three favorite countries with delicious cuisine. However, these are not the only ones. If you need more advice related to travel and food, I’m your gal.
My name is Irina Bukatik and I’m a food and travel enthusiast and content creator. I have a blog where I write about my travels and the cuisines I uncovered during my travels. If that’s something that interests you, click the link and join me on my journey for the best-tasting cuisine in the world from the comfort of your home.
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