6 Must-Try Foods: Exploring different cuisines is one of the best ways to experience new cultures. From rich, spicy dishes to sweet and savory combinations, these global foods offer a true taste of their origins. If you’re a food enthusiast looking to expand your palate, here are six must-try foods from around the world that will give you a flavorful glimpse into diverse culinary traditions.
1. Pad Thai – Thailand
Why You Should Try It:
Pad Thai is a world-renowned stir-fried noodle dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It’s a staple of Thai street food and is beloved for its versatility and rich combination of ingredients, including rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, eggs, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind-based sauce.
Key Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Tofu, shrimp, or chicken
- Tamarind paste
- Fish sauce
- Crushed peanuts
- Bean sprouts and lime
Pro Tip: For an authentic experience, order Pad Thai from a street vendor in Thailand, where it’s often cooked in a fiery wok right before your eyes.
2. Ceviche – Peru
Why You Should Try It:
Ceviche is a refreshing and vibrant dish made from raw fish marinated in citrus juice, typically lime or lemon, which “cooks” the fish through the acidity. This traditional Peruvian dish is often served with onions, cilantro, and spicy peppers. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for seafood lovers.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh raw fish (like sea bass or tilapia)
- Lime or lemon juice
- Red onions
- Cilantro
- Aji peppers (Peruvian chili)
- Sweet potato or corn (as sides)
Pro Tip: Pair ceviche with pisco sour, a classic Peruvian cocktail, to enjoy the full flavors of Peru.
3. Biryani – India
Why You Should Try It:
Biryani is a fragrant, spiced rice dish that hails from India. It’s typically made with long-grain basmati rice, spices, and a choice of meat (usually chicken, lamb, or goat), but vegetarian versions are also popular. The dish is known for its complex layers of flavors, from earthy spices like cumin and cardamom to a hint of sweetness from raisins or saffron.
Key Ingredients:
- Basmati rice
- Chicken, lamb, or vegetables
- Saffron and turmeric
- Spices: cumin, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon
- Fried onions and fresh cilantro
Pro Tip: For the best experience, try Hyderabadi biryani, a variety that’s slow-cooked in a sealed pot (known as dum cooking) to infuse all the flavors.
4. Ramen – Japan
Why You Should Try It:
Ramen is much more than just a quick snack—it’s a culinary art form in Japan. This noodle soup comes in a variety of styles, from shoyu (soy sauce-based) to tonkotsu (pork bone broth). The dish typically includes chewy wheat noodles, a flavorful broth, slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, and an array of vegetables.
Key Ingredients:
- Wheat noodles
- Rich broth (pork, chicken, or soy-based)
- Sliced pork (chashu)
- Soft-boiled egg (ajitsuke tamago)
- Green onions, nori (seaweed), and mushrooms
Pro Tip: If you visit Japan, be sure to try a bowl of tonkotsu ramen from a local ramen shop, where the broth is simmered for hours to create a creamy, rich flavor.
5. Tacos al Pastor – Mexico
Why You Should Try It:
Tacos al Pastor is a Mexican street food favorite that was influenced by Middle Eastern shawarma. Marinated pork is slow-cooked on a vertical spit and then thinly sliced onto soft corn tortillas. It’s usually served with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Key Ingredients:
- Marinated pork (in a blend of chilies, achiote, and pineapple juice)
- Corn tortillas
- Pineapple
- Onions and cilantro
- Salsa (for extra spice)
Pro Tip: To experience tacos al pastor at their best, visit a taco stand in Mexico City, where the meat is shaved right off the spit onto your taco.
6. Baklava – Greece/Turkey
Why You Should Try It:
Baklava is a decadent dessert made of layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. This sweet treat is rich and crispy, and it’s found in both Greek and Turkish cuisines, with slight regional variations.
Key Ingredients:
- Phyllo dough
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or almonds)
- Butter
- Honey or syrup (often infused with cinnamon or cloves)
Pro Tip: Enjoy baklava with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or Greek coffee for a perfect sweet ending to your meal.
6 Must-Try Foods from Around the World
These six incredible dishes from around the world offer a glimpse into the diverse and delicious food traditions from various cultures. Whether you’re enjoying the complex spices of Indian biryani or the delicate layers of Greek baklava, these must-try dishes will take your taste buds on a global adventure. At StarAvis.com, we believe that trying new foods is one of the best ways to experience a culture, and these dishes are a great place to start.
