Foodie’s Guide: Must-Try Dishes in Different Countries

Tourism and Travel Around the World

16 Sept, 2025

Going to different places is cool, but really getting to know a spot means trying its food. What folks eat tells you a lot about where they come from, what they care about, and how they live. So, whether you're always on the go or just thinking about your initial trip, make sure diving into the local grub is a big part of what you do. Let’s check out some food you just have to try from around the world; it’s like a trip for your mouth.

Let's begin in Italy. Forget what you think you know about pasta. Here, it's all about simple, fresh stuff turning into pure magic. Try the handmade pasta with pesto in Liguria. The basil's flavor pops. In Naples, pizza is not just food; it's an art. Baked in wood ovens, the crust gets crispy and chewy, with tomatoes and creamy cheese on top.

Next, we're going to Japan. Sushi is more than raw fish, it's about careful skill. Each piece is balanced to eat. Then, there’s ramen. Soup that warms you up, noodles with bite, and a soft-cooked egg. Each place has its own take.

Now it's time for Mexico. Tacos al pastor is pork that's cooked on a spit, flavored with spices, and shaved onto small tortillas with pineapple, cilantro, and onion. Don't ignore mole poblano from Puebla; it’s a rich sauce made with chocolate, chilies, spices served over turkey or chicken. It might sound weird, but trust me, it is good.

In Thailand, street food tells its own story. Pad Thai has noodles, shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and bean sprouts, all in a sweet-sour sauce. For something spicy, try green curry. It’s hot from green chilies, creamy from coconut milk, and full of veggies and meat.

In Spain, paella is not just a meal, it's a party. Rice cooked in a big pan with saffron, seafood, and chicken is for when people get together. And, there are tapas. Small bites of everything. Olives, cheese, ham, potatoes, all perfect with a glass of wine.

When you travel, be brave with food. Talk to locals, check out the markets, get food from street vendors. You might try new flavors and find things you love. Food brings people together, and sharing a meal is a good way to learn about a different culture. So grab your fork, take a trip somewhere, and eat everything.

1. Italy – Pizza Napoletana & Pasta Carbonara

Italian food is well-known around the globe, but there's really no substitute for trying it in Italy. Let's talk about two classic dishes you absolutely have to taste when you're there.

First, there's Pizza Napoletana. This pizza started in Naples. What makes it special? The crust is soft and chewy, and it's topped with a tomato sauce that has a little tang. Then they add fresh mozzarella and a bit of olive oil. Even though it uses just a few things, the taste is amazing. It is simplicity at its best. If you love pizza, you have to try the version from Naples.

Next up is Pasta Carbonara. You will find this dish in Rome. It's usually spaghetti mixed with eggs, pecorino cheese, cured pork cheek called guanciale, and black pepper. It’s creamy and has a rich taste, so it hits the spot. Seriously, once you have carbonara in Italy, you probably won't forget it. It's the real deal.

Want to make your Italian food experience even better? Here's a tip: get a glass of Italian wine to go with your meal. Choosing the right wine can really bring out the flavors of the food and will give you a full experience that goes beyond just eating. So, when in Italy, do what the Italians do: enjoy some good food and wine.

2. Japan – Sushi & Ramen

Japan truly stands out as a dream destination for anyone who loves food. You'll find a mix of subtle tastes and dishes that are almost too pretty to eat.

Sushi: In Japan, sushi is more than just food; it's an art form. It starts with the freshest raw fish and perfectly seasoned rice. For a full sushi experience, be sure to sample nigiri (thinly sliced fish over rice), sashimi (just the sliced fish), and maki rolls (fish and rice rolled in seaweed). Each offers a unique way to enjoy this classic dish.

Ramen: Few things are as satisfying as a bowl of ramen. This noodle soup comes in countless versions, each with its own character. From the rich, miso-flavored ramen of Hokkaido to the soy-sauce-based ramen of Tokyo, every region puts its own spin on this popular meal. Exploring the different ramen styles is a tasty way to experience Japan's diverse food regions.

Foodie Advice: For a genuine taste of Japanese street food and snacks, make sure to stop by some local izakayas. These Japanese pubs are where you can try all sorts of small dishes and local specialties that you won't find in typical restaurants. It’s a great way to eat and experience the local culture. They are casual, friendly places where you can relax and enjoy good food and drinks with friends.

3. Mexico – Tacos al Pastor & Mole Poblano Croissant & Coq au Vin

Mexican food is an explosion of color and taste, with stories packed into every bite. It's a cuisine that has evolved over centuries, blending indigenous ingredients with influences from around the globe.

Let's talk about a couple of must-try dishes. First up: Tacos al Pastor. These aren't your average tacos. Think of thinly sliced pork, marinated in spices and slow-cooked on a vertical spit, just like shawarma you'd find in Lebanon. This cooking style came to Mexico with Lebanese immigrants, and it's been transformed into something uniquely Mexican. The pork is shaved off the spit and piled onto warm corn tortillas. Then comes the magic: a sprinkle of chopped onion and cilantro, plus a chunk of juicy pineapple to balance the richness of the pork with a touch of sweetness.

Then there's Mole Poblano, a sauce so complex it's almost legendary. Imagine a blend of chili peppers, chocolate (yes, chocolate!), nuts, seeds, spices, and other ingredients simmered together for hours. The result is a dark, thick sauce that's sweet, savory, and spicy all at once. It's usually served over chicken or turkey, and it's an experience you won't soon forget. Every family has their own version of Mole Poblano, so you could try it a dozen times and never have the same dish twice.

Here's a pro tip for anyone exploring Mexican food: don't be afraid to try the street food. You can discover some real gems. Elote, grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, is a delicious and cheap snack. And tamales, steamed corn husks filled with savory or sweet fillings, are another classic street food that will fill you up. So, go beyond the restaurants and experience the authentic tastes of Mexico on the streets. Your taste buds will thank you.

4. France – Croissant & Coq au Vin

France and amazing food go hand in hand, and their simple meals are just as good as the fancy ones.

Croissant: These buttery, flaky pastries are a must-try, mostly if you get them warm from a bakery in Paris. The taste is amazing. The layers of dough give it a light, airy feel, while the butter makes it rich and tasty. It's the best way to start your day in France. You can enjoy it with coffee or hot chocolate but eating it plain is also great.

Coq au Vin: This classic French dish is a stew made with chicken, wine, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s a filling meal with a lot of flavor. The chicken is cooked slowly in wine, so it becomes very soft and absorbs all the tastes of the herbs and mushrooms. It's often served with potatoes or noodles to soak up the sauce. It’s a meal that shows French country cooking traditions. Each family has its version of this dish.

Tip for Food Lovers: If you want a relaxed meal, grab some French cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of wine, and have a picnic in a park. French cheese is amazing, with so many types, from soft Brie to hard Comté. Pair it with a crunchy baguette and your favorite wine. Find a spot in one of France's parks, and enjoy a simple yet classy meal. You can watch the world go by while you enjoy your picnic. It's a good way to feel like a local and enjoy the French way of life.

5. Thailand – Pad Thai & Green Curry

Thai food is a wonderful mix of tastes. It's not just about one strong flavor but getting sweet, sour, spicy, and salty to work together perfectly. It's like a band where each player has their moment, but they all sound best when they play together. This balance is what makes Thai cuisine so special and satisfying.

Let's talk about some dishes:

Pad Thai: If there's one dish that shouts Thailand, it's Pad Thai. You can find it everywhere from fancy restaurants to street vendors serving up the good stuff for just a few bucks. It's made with rice noodles that are stir-fried super fast with eggs, tofu, and your choice of shrimp or chicken. Then they toss in crunchy bean sprouts, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime. Each bite is a burst of taste and texture that’s hard to beat.

Green Curry: Green curry is another Thai food favorite, and it's all about the green chilies. The curry is made with coconut milk which makes it creamy. You add in chicken and whatever veggies are in season. It’s fragrant, and it has a little kick. It’s not too crazy with the spice, so most people can enjoy it.

A tip for eating Thai food like a local: If you want the actual taste of Thailand, skip the tourist spots and head to where the locals eat. Local markets have some of the best food you'll ever eat. Often, the smaller the place looks, the bigger the flavors are. Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask questions. The people are nice and willing to tell you what’s good. Plus, you will have a real cooking experience.

6. India – Butter Chicken & Biryani

India is a land celebrated for its incredible food scene. What makes it so special is the sheer variety – each region boasts its own distinct tastes and spices. It's a food lover's dream.

Let's talk specifics. Butter Chicken is a favorite for several reasons. Imagine tender pieces of chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce that's both creamy and savory, thanks to a blend of spices. The best way to enjoy every bit of this dish is with soft, freshly baked naan bread, which is ideal because it lets you scoop up all that delicious sauce.

Then, there is Biryani. This dish is all about fragrant rice cooked with perfectly seasoned meat and saffron, along with a symphony of spices that make every mouthful memorable. It is a dish where every ingredient contributes to a rich, complex taste. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in.

Want to enjoy Indian cuisine like a pro? Here is a simple tip: if you are eating food with a bit of a kick, especially some of those spicier dishes, order a lassi. This yogurt drink is the perfect way to cool your palate and balance the heat. It's refreshing, soothing, and a great addition to any Indian meal.

7. Spain – Paella & Churros

Spain is a country full of great tastes, history, and old customs. **Paella** and **churros** stand out as two super popular foods. They do a lot more than just show off Spanish cooking; they give you a feel for the country's varied culture from different areas.

**Paella: Valencia on a Plate**

Paella started in Valencia. It's one of the most well-known dishes from Spain and a sign of eating together. Usually, it's cooked in a large, flat pan called a *paellera*. This dish mixes rice, saffron, veggies, and stuff like chicken, rabbit, or seafood. Depending on where you are, paella changes a bit. In Valencia, people stick to the original way of making it, using rabbit and snails. If you go to the coast, they usually make *paella de mariscos* with tasty shrimp, mussels, and squid. But paella is special not just because of how it tastes, but because it's something you share with family and friends, like at parties or on Sundays. The yellow saffron rice at the bottom, mostly the crispy *socarrat* (that's the rice that gets a little burnt at the bottom), is seen as the best part.

**Churros: The Sweet Side of Spain**

If you want something sweet, churros are a favorite Spanish treat. People eat them for breakfast or as a snack late at night. These sticks of dough are fried until they're crispy on the outside and soft inside. Then, they get a sprinkle of sugar. The best way to eat churros like they do in Spain is to dunk them in thick hot chocolate (*chocolate a la taza*). The tastes go together perfectly. Churros are often linked to Madrid. There, you can find *churrerías* (kind of like cafes for churros) everywhere. But you can find them all over the country. They're a big deal during holidays, street fairs, or after you've been out partying all night.

**Paella and churros really grab what Spanish culture is all about:** loving food that tastes awesome and is a reason to hang out with people. Paella means tradition, family, and enjoying each other's company. Churros show how much the country loves to treat itself and have fun. If you want to get to know Spain, you have to try paella and churros. They're more than just food. They give you a peek into how Spanish people live.

8. Greece – Moussaka & Souvlaki

Greek cuisine stands out because it uses fresh, wholesome ingredients and strongly reflects the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. When you eat Greek food, you're not just having a meal; you're you are experiencing a long history of flavors and cooking styles.

One dish that everyone should try is moussaka. Imagine a casserole, carefully layered with tender eggplant, well-seasoned minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Spices bring everything together, create a comforting, rich dish that is so delicious to eat. Each bite is a burst of flavor, mixing the hearty meat with the soft eggplant and smooth sauce.

Then there's souvlaki, which is like Greek fast food but so much better. Chunks of meat are threaded onto skewers, grilled until juicy, and then served in warm pita bread. The pita is usually topped with a fresh salad and a generous dollop of tzatziki, a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce. The combination of the grilled meat, crisp salad, and refreshing tzatziki makes it a great meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of Greek flavor.

If you're a food lover, here’s a tip: be sure to taste the local olive oil. Greece produces some of the finest olive oil available. The climate and soil are perfect for growing olives, resulting in oil with a rich flavor and aroma. Drizzle it over a salad, dip some bread in it, or just taste it on its own to experience the true taste of Greece. You will immediately notice the difference between this and what you normally buy from the grocery store.

9. Turkey – Kebabs & Baklava

Turkish food provides a tasty link between Europe and Asia, blending culinary styles from both continents. You'll find a wide collection of meals, with various options to please everyone.

Kebabs stand out as a must-try. Shish kebabs feature marinated and grilled meat on skewers, while doner kebabs involve meat cooked on a vertical spit and sliced thin. Each kind has unique spices and cooking techniques that give special flavors. There are other kebab variations, like Adana kebab, made with ground meat, and Iskender kebab, served with yogurt and tomato sauce.

Then there's baklava, a rich sweet treat. This pastry involves layers of thin dough (filo), loaded with chopped nuts (such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds), and sweetened with syrup or honey. The result is a flaky, nutty, sweet dessert that's best with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. Baklava comes in different regional differences, each having its own twist on the traditional recipe.

To round out your Turkish food , don't forget Turkish tea or coffee. Turkish tea, generally served in small tulip-shaped glasses, has a warm and inviting way to finish your meal. And Turkish coffee, known for its strong flavor and grounds at the bottom of the cup, is more than just a drink – it is a social ritual. Often enjoyed with friends or family, it gives a sensory experience that enhances your overall food experience. Enjoy!

10. Morocco – Tagine & Couscous

Moroccan food is a feast for the senses. The dishes are full of amazing smells, rich spices, and a warmth that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of food that invites you to slow down and really enjoy each bite.

One of the most recognizable Moroccan dishes is tagine. Imagine tender pieces of meat, paired with flavorful vegetables, all simmered together in a sauce that's been infused with a blend of spices. What makes it exceptional is the cooking method. Everything is cooked in a special clay pot, also called a tagine, which gives the dish a special taste. The slow cooking process allows all the tastes to blend perfectly, creating a dish that is both deep and satisfying.

Then there's couscous, another star in Moroccan cooking. This dish features small, steamed grains of semolina, light and fluffy, served with meat and vegetables. The broth is poured over the grains, which softens them and adds another layer of taste. Couscous is often served at gatherings and celebrations, it embodies the spirit of sharing and togetherness that is central to Moroccan culture.

If you make your way to Morocco, be sure to visit the local souks, or markets. Here, you can find piles of fresh spices, each with its own color and smell. Don't be shy about trying the street food. From grilled meats to sweet pastries, the souks are full of flavors. Talking to the local vendors can give you a better understanding of their spices and food. Exploring these markets is a way to connect with the local culture through its food.

Final Thoughts: Eat Your Way Around the World

Food: A way to connect with other cultures

Food is something everyone can relate to. When you eat local food in different countries, you get to taste amazing things and learn about what makes each place special. Think about eating Italian pasta or Moroccan tagine. Each dish has a story about the past, what people believe in, and how much they care about their food.

Eating goes beyond just filling your stomach; it's about really experiencing a culture. You get a close look at people's lives by trying their food. You begin to understand their traditions, what's important to them, and how they celebrate life. Food can be a bridge that brings people together, no matter where they come from or what language they speak.

When visiting a new place, don't just see the sights. Make sure to try the food. Talk to the locals about what they eat and why they love it. Ask questions about the ingredients and how the dishes are made. You might even get invited to share a meal with a family, which is a great way to truly connect with people.

Trying new foods can be a bit scary at times, but it’s also exciting. You might find a new favorite dish or learn about an ingredient you've never heard of. Be open to trying things that are outside your comfort zone. You never know what amazing tastes are waiting.

Food is a great way to remember your travels. When you think back on your trips, you'll probably remember the tastes and smells of the meals you enjoyed. Sharing food with others creates memories that last long after the trip is over.

So, when you travel, let your hunger guide you. You may find that the best moments of your trip happen while you're sitting around a table, sharing food and laughter with new friends.