20 Best Foods in the World

20 Best International Foods You Need to Try

1. Canada — Poutine

Oh, Canada. Known for its Mounties, top-notch ski resorts and Ryan Reynolds, Canada also has a culinary specialty that drives people to the true north: Poutine. For some, gravy and French fries may seem like an odd combination, but the Canadians have it down to a science. The brown gravy adds a depth of flavor and a little softness to the crispy fries. Top it all off with ooey-gooey cheese curds, and you have yourself the perfect savory snack.

2. India — Samosa

Dive right into India with this crunchy appetizer. Usually filled with potato, onions, green peas, spices and green chili, the samosa is a small, dumpling-like bite that’s deep-fried to perfection. It’s often served hot and with a fresh Indian chutney, such as mint, coriander or tamarind, to balance out the fried dough. You usually get a few on a plate, so they’re perfect for sharing (if you want to).

3. Ireland — Shepherd’s Pie

Come to Ireland if you’re looking for a more hearty meal. When you arrive, make your first stop at a traditional Irish pub for a pint of Guinness and order the shepherd’s pie, just like a local. Filled with minced beef or lamb and topped with mashed potatoes, this is the ultimate comfort food that will make you feel at home in a foreign land. Click here to see more delicious Irish foods.

4. Italy — Carbonara

Going to Italy and not eating a carb is pretty much impossible. And what’s the best carb of them all? Why that’s the CARB-onara, of course! So simple yet deceivingly hard to master, this classic Italian dish is just pancetta, Parmesan, egg and pepper. You might be asking yourself how a four-ingredient spaghetti can be so delicious, but something about the creaminess of the cheese and the saltiness of the meat makes a magical combination that’s both rich and filling. After all the pizza and gelato, make carbonara your next stop on the Italy food train.

5. Japan — Mochi

If you’re a first-timer in Japan, you might be overwhelmed by the abundance of unique foods that fill street markets and local restaurants. Our suggestion: try as much as you can. If you can only sample one thing, get the mochi. Mochi is a gummy rice dough that has been a scrumptious Japanese treat for centuries. Though it can be eaten on its own, the more popular way to eat mochi is stretched around a sweet filling of red bean paste or cream (also called Daifuku). You can even get mochi frozen and wrapped around ice cream for a cool dessert. For a more savory take, try it roasted on top of hot noodles for a uniquely chewy texture that is hard to find anywhere else.

6. New Zealand — Pavlova

Though named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this meringue-based dessert is a New Zealand delicacy created after the dancer toured the country. It’s a surprisingly light treat, consisting of a hard crust with a soft, airy inside, and is traditionally served with some fresh fruit and whipped cream. New Zealand loves this dessert so much that students at the Eastern Institute of Technology created the world’s largest pavlova, stretching a whopping 64 meters (210 feet) long. They appropriately named it “Pavkong.”

7. Peru — Ceviche

Though its exact origins are as mysterious as Machu Picchu, one thing is certain: Peruvians love ceviche. So much so that they’ve made it their national dish (and even have a holiday in its honor). If you’re a seafood lover, chances are you’ll fall in love too. Composed of raw fish marinated in citrus, sliced onion, chili peppers and salt, ceviche — or cebiche, as the locals say — is the perfect light summer meal best shared with friends over a refreshing pisco sour.

8. South Africa — Bobotie

A largely colonized country, South Africa draws its culinary influences from all over the world. In this case, bobotie (pronounced ba-boor-tea) has Dutch and Indonesian influences, though it has been adapted by the Cape Malay community over centuries. This traditional casserole has both sweet and savory notes with its glorious mixture of minced lamb or beef, dried fruit, curry powder and turmeric, topped with a creamy egg mixture. To add to the sweetness, some even place sliced bananas or coconut on top. Consider it the South African moussaka, but kicked up a notch.

9. Sicily — Arancini

What's not to love about a breaded, deep-fried rice ball? This iconic Sicilian dish is something you can't miss when visiting Italy’s largest island. The name "arancini" means “little orange” and is made with Arborio rice cooked as if for risotto. From there, the rice is cooled, formed into balls, and stuffed with a meat ragù, green peas and melty mozzarella. Often piled high in shop windows, arancini are the perfect appetizer for any party or even a late-night snack.

10. Mexico — Pozole

If you’re looking for time-honored, mouth-watering Mexican comfort foods to try, pozole satisfies both the soul and the stomach. Depending on the region, the stew can be prepared either with red, green or clear soup stock and typically includes an assortment of flavorful ingredients such as hominy, chilies, oregano, shredded cabbage, sautéed garlic, lime and radishes. Pozole is traditionally served with a side of warm tortillas to soak up the broth, making it even more irresistible.

11. Prague — Bramborák

With as common a crop as the potato is, it’s no surprise that there are several potato pancake variations out there. The Czech spin on the potato pancake is called bramborák, which has become a street food staple in the heart of the country’s nightlife scene, in Prague. The main difference between bramborák and other potato pancakes in neighboring Eastern European countries is the strong aroma of garlic, marjoram and caraway seeds.

12. Spain — Paella

It’s no secret that Spain is a foodie haven, but there are few dishes quite as representative of the European nation as paella. Originating in the mid-19th century in Valencia, paella is a rice dish, first and foremost. But, over the years, it has evolved to incorporate everything from seafood, chicken and rabbit to onions, beans and saffron. 

The dish was mostly enjoyed by Valencian farm laborers who made it from different ingredients each time. They would typically use whatever was available or left over from the previous day, which is part of the reason paella came to have several iterations over time.

13. Greece — Moussaka

The epitome of Greek comfort food, moussaka is a casserole-style dish made with layers of tender roasted eggplant, aromatic ground meat and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s rich, decadent and seasoned with dashes of nutmeg, cinnamon, oregano and paprika. If you’ve been looking for a recipe your family and friends will keep asking for, moussaka should be at the top of your international foods list.

14. Morocco — Tajine

For people who travel for cuisine, Morocco is hands-down one of the best spots to treat your taste buds to some of the most delicious food in the world. This North African nation is home to a dizzying number of exotic seasonings and spices, which means each meal is packed with flavor. 

The most well-known dish in Moroccan cuisine is tajine, which refers to the Berber dish itself and the cookware used to make it. A slow-cooked Moroccan stew made with meat, poultry, fish and vegetables, tajine is known for its sweet-and-sour flavor profiles, which develops from ingredients such as turmeric, paprika, saffron cinnamon, olives and dried fruit.

15. Vietnam — Spring Roll

A culinary favorite worldwide, the spring roll has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 international dishes by numerous food critics and food magazines. Fresh and full of texture, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make. Though many versions of this popular Vietnamese appetizer depend on preferences, the main ingredients include rice paper, rice noodles, fresh mint, cucumbers, carrots, shrimp and pork. Spring rolls can be served cool with fish, plum or peanut sauce.

16. Tokyo —Sushi

You can’t mention Japan’s capital city without bringing up its world-renowned dish: sushi. Sushi is one of the most popular foods in the world, and it’s not just a flavorful meal that can come in a wide range of combinations. It’s a delicate, centuries-old craft shaped by culture and a deep respect for its ingredients. Sushi evolved from narezushi, a prized dish from Southeast Asia. However, the sushi we’ve come to know and love today, known as Tokyo or Edo-mae sushi, originated in the 1800s from street food vendors along the streets of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). These workers would quickly take slices of fresh fish and place it on vinegared rice for a fast snack to stay energized throughout long shifts.

If you’re looking for the best international food, sushi is hard to beat. That’s because it can take on so many different and unique flavors. Today, you can still find quick, grab-and-go sushi if you’re in a pinch, but you can also enjoy an elegant culinary experience in top sushi bars throughout Japan and the world. Whether you’re interested in minimal and clean nigiri, vibrant Maki rolls or fresh sashimi, some of the best foods in the world come wrapped in seaweed and rice.

Explore our collection of Japan tours to find a travel program that catches your eye and taste buds. 

17. Australia — Meat Pie

Don’t let the name fool you. While a meat pie might not seem glamorous on paper, it’s known for being one of the best food dishes in the world, and for good reason. Australia’s iconic meat pies are a cornerstone of the country’s identity. Rooted in British colonial influence, meat pies emerged in Australia during the 19th century when miners, laborers, and farmers sought a dish that was affordable, portable and hearty enough to sustain them throughout a long day’s work.

Over time, these simple meat pies broke free of their colonial past and cemented themselves as a staple in Australian cuisine. Today’s meat pies are handheld and can be found everywhere from gas stations to stadiums and local bakeries. Visitors to Australia get a hold of this popular international food in a variety of flavors with various options for fillings and toppings, such as minced beef and rich gravy, earthy mushrooms with tender steak bites or even slow-cooked lamb and fresh local herbs, a nod to Australia’s sheep farming roots.

No matter what meat pie flavor is calling your name, there’s a reason this comforting dish is regarded as one of the best foods from around the world. On our Australia tours, you’ll be able to enjoy an immersive experience that offers plenty of opportunities to stop at local bakeries or food stands along the way to refuel with a hearty meat pie.

18. England — Fish and Chips

Simple yet well-known, fish and chips are a hallmark of British culture, making it another one of the best food dishes in the world. A story of industrial Britain, fish and chips rose to prominence in the mid-19th century when railways and trawl fishing brought cheap white fish inland and industrialization made frying a fast and affordable food preparation method.

For the working class, fish and chips was an affordable way to feed a family. First introduced by Jewish immigrants, fried fish paired with the humble potato quickly turned into a national obsession. Today, this iconic duo is considered by many as the national dish of the United Kingdom. In fact, during World War II, this was one of the few dishes not rationed, as the government deemed it necessary for boosting morale.

So, are you now convinced this is one of the best foods in the world? Take a bite for yourself on one of our England tours, where you can learn about royal history, explore renowned museums and even stop at a local pub or seaside shack for a savory bite of British heritage.

19. Germany — Käsespätzle and Döner Kebab

To complete our list of the best international foods, we have Germany’s Käsespätzle and Döner Kebab. Käsespätzle hails from the alpine regions of southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland Where “spätzle” means “little sparrow,” referring to the shape of the egg noodles in this dish, and “käse” means “with cheese,” Käsespätzle is a hearty and rich dish that’s perfect for warming you during a snowy winter. It’s often accompanied by various side dishes, such as potato salad or even applesauce in certain regions.

Döner Kebab tells a more recent story defined by migration and multiculturalism. This international food was introduced in Berlin by Turkish guest workers around the 1970s and was adapted to meet the taste of local Germans, with additions of salad and sauces to this traditional flatbread wrap. As a popular street food around the country, Döner Kebab is a symbol of how new flavors can become part of a national fabric.

20. Israel — Falafel and Pita

If you eat anything in Israel, make sure you get your fill of falafel. Though it most likely originated in Egypt, Jews who lived in Egypt, Syria and Yemen brought the dish to their homeland, and it has since become one of the most popular foods to try. It’s often served in fresh pita bread with Israeli salad, hummus, fried eggplant and tahini dip, though you can pretty much add in anything from French fries to sauerkraut. Find falafel at most local restaurants or stop by a street cart for your pita fix.