This guide to must-try foods around the world takes you on a delicious journey through different cultures and cuisines.Food is one of the best ways to experience a country's culture, history, and traditions. From Italian pizza and Japanese sushi to Indian biryani and Mexican tacos, every destination offers unique flavors worth discovering. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 must-try foods around the world and discover what makes each dish special
Why Try Food Around the World?
Trying local food is one of the best ways to understand a destination. Traditional dishes reflect a country's history, culture, local ingredients, and cooking traditions. Exploring different cuisines also gives travelers the chance to discover new flavors and create memorable experiences beyond sightseeing.For more information about international food and culinary traditions, visit UN Tourism.
1. Italian Pizza — Italy
Italian pizza is one of the world's most popular foods and a must-try for travelers visiting Italy. Traditional pizza is known for its thin, flavorful crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. For an authentic experience, try a freshly baked Neapolitan pizza in Naples.
Traditional Italian pizza in Naples
2. Japanese Sushi — Japan
Japanese sushi is a famous Japanese dish made with seasoned rice and ingredients such as fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, and seaweed. Its delicate flavors and beautiful presentation make it a must-try food for travelers visiting Japan. Tokyo and Osaka are great places to experience authentic sushi.
Traditional Japanese sushi in Japan
3. Indian Biryani — India
Indian biryani is a flavorful rice dish prepared with fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and vegetables, chicken, or meat. Each region of India has its own style of biryani, making it a fascinating dish for food-loving travelers. Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kolkata are especially popular destinations for trying different varieties.
Traditional Indian biryani with aromatic spices
4. Mexican Tacos — Mexico
Mexican tacos are a delicious street-food favorite made with soft or crispy tortillas filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, salsa, and fresh toppings. From tacos al pastor to regional specialties, Mexico offers countless varieties to explore. Visiting Mexico is a great opportunity to enjoy authentic tacos packed with fresh flavors.
Traditional Mexican tacos with fresh toppings
5. Pad Thai — Thailand
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes, combining stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and a flavorful sauce. It is usually served with lime, peanuts, and fresh herbs. Trying Pad Thai from a local street-food stall is a great way to experience Thailand’s vibrant food culture.
Traditional Pad Thai noodles in Thailand
6. Vietnamese Pho — Vietnam
Vietnamese pho is a comforting noodle soup made with a fragrant broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef or chicken. The combination of fresh herbs, lime, chili, and savory broth creates a distinctive flavor. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are popular places to try authentic Vietnamese pho.
Traditional Vietnamese pho noodle soup
7. French Croissant — France
A French croissant is a classic buttery pastry known for its flaky layers and golden, crisp exterior. Enjoying a freshly baked croissant with coffee is a simple but memorable food experience in France. Paris is especially famous for its traditional bakeries and delicious pastries.
Fresh French croissant in Paris
8. Italian Gelato — Italy
Italian gelato is a creamy and flavorful frozen dessert that is loved around the world. Compared with regular ice cream, gelato is typically denser and has a smooth texture with rich flavors such as pistachio, chocolate, hazelnut, and fresh fruit. Exploring a local gelateria is a must for travelers visiting Italy.
Traditional Italian gelato in a gelateria
9. Greek Moussaka — Greece
Greek moussaka is a traditional baked dish made with layers of eggplant, seasoned meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It is rich, comforting, and an important part of Greek cuisine. Travelers visiting Greece can enjoy authentic moussaka at local tavernas, especially in Athens and the Greek islands.
Traditional Greek moussaka in Greece
10. Japanese Ramen — Japan
Japanese ramen is a comforting noodle soup made with wheat noodles, a flavorful broth, and toppings such as sliced meat, eggs, seaweed, and green onions. Different regions of Japan have their own ramen styles and flavors. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are excellent places to explore authentic ramen.
Traditional Japanese ramen noodle soup