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Traveling is not just about exploring stunning landscapes, meeting new people, or visiting historic landmarks—it’s also about indulging in the rich variety of cuisines each country has to offer. If you’re a true foodie, tasting authentic local dishes is an essential part of the journey. From the street markets of Asia to the finest restaurants in Europe, each country has its own culinary treasures. Here’s a guide to must-try dishes around the world, and where to find the best versions of them.
1. Italy: Pizza Margherita & Pasta Carbonara
Pizza Margherita – Naples, Italy
The birthplace of pizza, Naples is home to the iconic Pizza Margherita. Made with simple ingredients—tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil—it is a dish that embodies Italian culinary philosophy: using fresh, quality ingredients in a simple but incredibly delicious way.
Where to Try:
- Pizzeria Brandi: Founded in 1760, this historic pizzeria is said to have invented the Margherita pizza.
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Famous for its long lines and melt-in-your-mouth pizza, this spot was even featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love.
Pasta Carbonara – Rome, Italy
Pasta Carbonara is a Roman specialty made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (Italian cured pork), and black pepper. It’s creamy, flavorful, and indulgent. In Rome, this dish is almost sacred, and the key is simplicity combined with top-tier ingredients.
Where to Try:
- Roscioli: A famous deli and restaurant where you can find an authentic, creamy carbonara.
- Trattoria Da Enzo al 29: A Roman institution known for its traditional take on pasta carbonara.
2. Japan: Sushi & Ramen
Sushi – Tokyo, Japan
Sushi, Japan’s most famous export, is a delicate balance of fresh fish and vinegared rice. While sushi can be found worldwide, nothing beats eating it in Japan, where the ingredients are fresh, and the preparation is an art form.
Where to Try:
- Sukiyabashi Jiro: A Michelin three-star restaurant made famous by the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Here, sushi is elevated to an unforgettable experience.
- Tsukiji Outer Market: This bustling market is perfect for trying fresh, affordable sushi while observing the vibrant atmosphere.
Ramen – Fukuoka, Japan
While sushi is refined, ramen is comforting and soul-warming. Fukuoka, on Japan’s southern island, is famous for its tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, characterized by its rich, creamy flavor and chewy noodles.
Where to Try:
- Ichiran: One of the most popular ramen chains in Japan, where you can customize every aspect of your ramen.
- Shin Shin Ramen: A local favorite in Fukuoka that offers a quintessential tonkotsu ramen experience.
3. France: Croissant & Coq au Vin
Croissant – Paris, France
The flaky, buttery croissant is a hallmark of French pastry, and nowhere does it better than Paris. These golden, crescent-shaped pastries are perfect with a cup of coffee in a quaint Parisian café.
Where to Try:
- Du Pain et des Idées: Consistently rated one of the best boulangeries in Paris, known for its perfectly flaky croissants.
- Maison Pichard: A small, unassuming bakery with croissants that are crunchy on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside.
Coq au Vin – Burgundy, France
A traditional French dish of chicken slow-cooked in red wine, mushrooms, and onions, coq au vin is a must-try for anyone visiting the Burgundy region, where the dish originated. The wine lends richness to the dish, while the tender chicken falls off the bone.
Where to Try:
- La Mère Poulard: A historic restaurant in Mont Saint-Michel known for its impeccable coq au vin.
- Chez Léon: A cozy bistro in Beaune, Burgundy, that serves a traditional take on this classic dish.
4. Mexico: Tacos & Mole
Tacos – Mexico City, Mexico
Tacos are synonymous with Mexican street food, and no visit to Mexico City is complete without sampling them from a local taquería. Whether it’s tacos al pastor, filled with marinated pork, or tacos de carnitas, packed with tender shredded pork, the city’s vibrant taco scene has something for everyone.
Where to Try:
- El Huequito: Famous for its tacos al pastor, this family-run spot is a staple in Mexico City.
- Taquería Los Cocuyos: A small but well-loved taco stand in the historic center, serving up delicious beef tacos.
Mole – Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is the heartland of mole, a rich, complex sauce made from chocolate, spices, and chilies. There are many types of mole, but the most famous is mole negro, which is dark and smoky with a hint of sweetness.
Where to Try:
- Casa Oaxaca: A modern restaurant that reinterprets traditional Oaxacan flavors, including various types of mole.
- La Teca: A family-run eatery that serves a homey and authentic mole experience.
5. Thailand: Pad Thai & Som Tum
Pad Thai – Bangkok, Thailand
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most beloved dishes, featuring stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, eggs, and a tangy sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and lime. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Where to Try:
- Thip Samai: Known as one of the best Pad Thai restaurants in Bangkok, it’s a must-visit for any food lover.
- Pad Thai Mae Am: Another local favorite serving authentic, flavorful Pad Thai.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad) – Isaan, Thailand
This spicy green papaya salad is a favorite in northeastern Thailand (Isaan). Made with shredded green papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, chilies, and peanuts, it’s a refreshing and fiery dish often served alongside sticky rice and grilled meats.
Where to Try:
- Somtum Der: A popular restaurant in Bangkok that specializes in dishes from the Isaan region, including Som Tum.
- Zaab Eli: Located in Chiang Mai, this restaurant offers a variety of regional dishes, with Som Tum being a standout.
6. India: Butter Chicken & Masala Dosa
Butter Chicken – Delhi, India
Originating from Delhi, butter chicken is one of India’s most famous dishes. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked in a spiced tomato and butter sauce, resulting in a creamy, mildly spicy dish that’s best enjoyed with naan or rice.
Where to Try:
- Moti Mahal: This legendary restaurant in Delhi is where butter chicken was supposedly invented.
- Gulati Restaurant: Known for its rich and flavorful butter chicken, this spot is beloved by both locals and tourists.
Masala Dosa – South India
A staple in South Indian cuisine, masala dosa is a crispy, rice crepe stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes. It’s often served with sambar (a lentil soup) and coconut chutney, making it a perfect breakfast or snack.
Where to Try:
- Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR): A historic restaurant in Bangalore, famous for its authentic masala dosa.
- Saravana Bhavan: A popular chain across India, known for serving traditional South Indian fare, including masala dosa.
7. Vietnam: Pho & Banh Mi
Pho – Hanoi, Vietnam
Pho is Vietnam’s national dish, a fragrant soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and either beef or chicken. While pho can be found throughout Vietnam, Hanoi is renowned for its clear, aromatic broth.
Where to Try:
- Pho Gia Truyen: Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this small restaurant serves some of the best pho in the city.
- Pho Thin: Another famous spot in Hanoi, known for its richer, fattier broth and smoky flavor.
Banh Mi – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Banh mi, a delicious Vietnamese sandwich, combines French baguettes with Vietnamese ingredients like pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and various meats. Ho Chi Minh City is a hot spot for these tasty street food staples.
Where to Try:
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: A well-known sandwich shop in Ho Chi Minh City with generous portions and flavorful fillings.
- Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai: A street food stall that serves one of the best banh mi in the city, with a focus on grilled pork.
8. Spain: Paella & Jamón Ibérico
Paella – Valencia, Spain
Paella, Spain’s most famous rice dish, originates from Valencia. The traditional version includes chicken, rabbit, and sometimes snails, though seafood paella is also popular. The key is the slightly crispy bottom layer of rice, known as socarrat.
Where to Try:
- La Pepica: Located on Valencia’s beach, this historic restaurant has been serving paella since 1898.
- Casa Roberto: A well-regarded local spot offering traditional Valencian paella.
Jamón Ibérico – Andalusia, Spain
Jamón Ibérico is the finest Spanish ham, made from black Iberian pigs. The ham is cured for years, developing a rich, nutty flavor. It’s best enjoyed sliced thin and paired with a glass of sherry.
Where to Try:
- Cinco Jotas: A prestigious brand of Jamón Ibérico, with stores and tasting rooms in Andalusia.
- La Boqueria Market: In Barcelona, this bustling market is a great place to sample different types of jamón.
9. Greece: Moussaka & Souvlaki
Moussaka – Athens, Greece
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground lamb, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s hearty and flavorful, making it a favorite comfort food in Greece.
Where to Try:
- Taverna Tou Psirri: Located in Athens, this cozy taverna offers a fantastic version of moussaka.
- ManiMani: A modern Greek restaurant that serves traditional dishes like moussaka with a contemporary twist.
Souvlaki – Santorini, Greece
Souvlaki, grilled meat skewers served with pita bread, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce, is one of the most popular Greek street foods. While you can find it across Greece, the island of Santorini offers some particularly memorable options.
Where to Try:
- Pitogyros: A famous souvlaki spot in Oia, Santorini, known for its fresh ingredients and mouthwatering flavors.
- Lucky’s Souvlaki: A highly rated and affordable option in Fira, Santorini.
10. Lebanon: Hummus & Kibbeh
Hummus – Beirut, Lebanon
Hummus, a creamy spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. In Beirut, it’s served as part of a mezze (a selection of small dishes) and is incredibly fresh and flavorful.
Where to Try:
- Liza: A chic, contemporary restaurant in Beirut that serves some of the best hummus in the city.
- Tawlet: A farm-to-table restaurant where traditional Lebanese dishes, including hummus, are prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Kibbeh – Tripoli, Lebanon
Kibbeh is Lebanon’s national dish, made from ground lamb, bulgur wheat, and spices. It can be fried, baked, or served raw (kibbeh nayyeh). Tripoli is known for its excellent kibbeh, especially the fried version.
Where to Try:
- Al Halabi: A restaurant in Tripoli that specializes in authentic kibbeh.
- Al Soussi: Known for serving traditional Lebanese breakfasts, including raw kibbeh.
11. Pakistan: Biryani & Nihari
Pakistan, a country known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, offers a wide variety of dishes that are bursting with spices, aromas, and heritage. Pakistani food is a beautiful fusion of regional flavors, combining influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. Two of the most iconic dishes from this part of the world are Biryani and Nihari.
Biryani – Karachi, Pakistan
Biryani, a dish beloved across South Asia, holds a special place in Pakistan’s culinary landscape, particularly in Karachi. This fragrant rice dish is typically made with spiced basmati rice, marinated meat (usually chicken or mutton), and a blend of aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. Each region in Pakistan has its own version of biryani, but Karachi biryani is especially famous for its strong, spicy flavors and tender meat.
Where to Try:
- Student Biryani: A Karachi institution, Student Biryani has been serving flavorful biryani for decades and is known for its consistency and taste.
- The White Biryani: A unique biryani spot that serves a spicier, creamy variation of this classic dish.
- Kolachi Restaurant: Located by the seaside, Kolachi offers a more refined dining experience with high-quality Karachi biryani and an ambiance that enhances the food.
Nihari – Lahore, Pakistan
Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made with beef or lamb, simmered in rich spices, and served with naan or paratha. Originating as a breakfast dish for royalty, it’s now a beloved comfort food for Pakistanis. The broth is thick and flavorful, and it’s often garnished with ginger, green chilies, and a squeeze of fresh lime. In Lahore, nihari is a must-try, especially for those looking to taste the city’s deep Mughal culinary influences.
Where to Try:
- Warraich Nihari: Famous in Lahore for serving a hearty, traditional version of nihari.
- Taj Mahal Nihari: A classic spot that offers a rich and flavorful nihari, perfect for anyone wanting an authentic experience.
- Siddique Nihari: This popular nihari house is known for its generous portions and a balance of spices that make the dish unforgettable.
By including Pakistani dishes like biryani and nihari, you’re adding to a global culinary journey filled with bold flavors and time-honored cooking traditions. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Karachi or the historical bazaars of Lahore, these dishes will offer a delicious taste of Pakistan’s cultural diversity.
12. Middle East: Shawarma & Falafel
The Middle East is renowned for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine, with dishes that have influenced food cultures around the world. Whether it’s tender meats slowly cooked on a spit or rich, comforting street food, Middle Eastern dishes are a must-try for any food lover.
Shawarma – Beirut, Lebanon
Shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in the Middle East, consisting of marinated meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) stacked on a vertical spit and slow-cooked to perfection. The thinly sliced meat is often wrapped in pita bread and served with a variety of toppings, like garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, and fresh vegetables.
Where to Try:
- Joseph Shawarma: Located in Beirut, this spot is famous for its incredibly juicy and flavorful shawarma, considered one of the best in the city.
- Boubouffe: A well-known Beirut eatery offering shawarma that strikes the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
Falafel – Amman, Jordan
Falafel is a beloved street food made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with spices, and deep-fried until crispy. In Jordan, falafel is served in pita bread, often accompanied by hummus, pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Where to Try:
- Hashem Restaurant: A legendary spot in Amman, Hashem is known for its crispy, flavorful falafel and traditional Jordanian street food.
- Al-Quds: Another popular falafel joint in Amman, offering a simple, authentic taste of this classic dish.
13. Afghanistan: Kabuli Pulao & Mantu
Afghan cuisine is deeply influenced by its position at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. With its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and unique cooking techniques, Afghanistan’s traditional dishes offer a taste of the country’s long history and diverse culinary heritage.
Kabuli Pulao – Kabul, Afghanistan
Kabuli Pulao is Afghanistan’s national dish and represents Afghan flavors. It’s a rice-based dish cooked with lamb or chicken, mixed with raisins, carrots, and almonds. The rice is seasoned with a blend of spices, including cardamom, cumin, and saffron, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
Where to Try:
- Sufi Restaurant: Located in Kabul, this restaurant offers an authentic and delicious version of Kabuli Pulao, served with tender, slow-cooked meat.
- Barg Restaurant: Known for its traditional Afghan dishes, Barg serves a flavorful Kabuli Pulao with all the classic elements.
Mantu – Afghanistan
Mantu are Afghan-style dumplings filled with spiced ground meat (typically lamb or beef) and onions, steamed and served with a tomato-based sauce and a yogurt or garlic-mint dressing. Mantu is a popular dish at Afghan gatherings and is often made during special occasions.
Where to Try:
- Herat Restaurant: Located in Herat, this restaurant is famous for its mantu, offering a delicious, homemade version of the dish.
- Kabul Serena Hotel: For a more upscale experience, the Kabul Serena Hotel serves mantu with a perfect balance of flavors in a fine dining atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
The world is full of incredible food experiences waiting to be discovered. From the vibrant shawarma stands of Beirut to the cozy dumpling houses of Kabul, every dish tells a story of the culture, history, and people who created it. For food lovers, traveling offers a rich adventure—a journey through flavors, spices, and traditions that leave lasting memories. Whether you’re savoring a fresh falafel wrap in the streets of Amman or indulging in a hearty Kabuli Pulao in Afghanistan, these iconic dishes satisfy your appetite and make your travels truly unforgettable.
