As Anthony Bordain would testify, one of the most exciting things about being lucky enough to travel the world is sampling truly authentic local food. Region to region, culinary traditions vary dramatically, reflecting the people, their passions, landscapes and cultures. Sampling the cuisine is one of the best ways to get an understanding of local life. Seek Retreat has compiled a list of some of the world’s most popular dishes from all corners of the world – places you’ll almost certainly want to venture after reading this. But just in case a world tour on your schedule right now, we’ve dug up some of the best authentic recipes to bring the flavors of the world to you. So ready your taste buds for some of the most exotic taste sensations on the planet and get cooking our Top 10: Signature Dishes from Around the World.
Compiled and written by Nicole Muyingo
1) Spain: Paella
Having pawed over most of Spain’s favorite national recipes, I still couldn’t resist the beloved Paella. The culinary equivalent of ‘having it all’ – what could be better than your favorite meats paired with the freshest Mediterranean seafood? Paella can be a tricky, time-consuming dish to prepare, but put the time in and you’ll find it’s definitely worth the effort.
2) Brazil: Feijoada
Grab yourself a Caipirinha! It’s the perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors in this, Brazil’s most popular signature dish. Named after the Portuguese word feijão, meaning beans, this traditional peasant dish is a rich mélange of meats and beans, cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth. Feijoada is usually served with shredded kale or collard greens, streamed rice and an orange slice. Popular weekend fare in Brazil, it’s traditionally shared by friends at daylong gatherings that focus on heart-warming food and spicy gossip.
3) Italy: Fritto Misto
Seeking out the best homemade pizza and pasta while traveling in Italy is a must, but if you want to delve a little deeper into the culture try ordering the not-so-famous but just-as-delicious national favorite Fritto Misto. This iconic Venetian dish demands the freshest local catch so net yourself the best seafood in your area and get creative!
4) Egypt: Ful Medames
Famously described as the rich man’s breakfast, the shopkeeper’s lunch and the poor man’s supper, Ful Medames is Egypt’s national dish. This humble bean stew is in fact eaten by Egyptians from every walk of life, throughout the day and is said to date back to the time of the pharaohs.
5) Japan: Tuna Maki
With 45,000 sushi restaurants in Japan, sushi wins hands down as the most popular cuisine in the country. It may not seem like home-cooking to us but the Japanese are just as content rolling their own at home. You may think you need to lock yourself away with a sushi-making guru for months to master the art but it’s far easier to prepare than you may think. Most seaweed comes with instructions but we particularly liked this instructional video. Once you’ve learned the basic maki-making techniques, you can impress your friends with exotic rolls that taste as good as any Japanese restaurant they may frequent.
6) Jamaica: Jerk Chicken
Made with Scotch bonnet pepper, one of the hottest chilies in the world, Jerk Chicken is not for fainthearted. The Caribbean version of bbq. chicken, Jamaican Jerk’s other secret ingredient is pimento (allspice to you and me) which is indigenous to the island. It’s the plant’s berries that give the chicken its unmistakable flavor. The traditional version of the dish is also slow-smoked over a fire made from pimento wood, but we don’t expect you to try that at home.
7) Mexico: Red Snapper Veracruzana
Who doesn’t love Mexico for its tacos, burritos and enchiladas? But when Mexicans from the south do ‘healthy’ their famous Red Snapper Veracruzana is their go-to dish. The name comes from its origin in the state of Veracruz, which is a long, narrow state stretching along the south of Mexico’s Gulf Coast. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that seafood figures prominently in this area’s cuisine.
8) Russia: Borscht
Borscht plays a central role in Russia’s culinary heritage as well as many of the Eastern European nations. Hot or cold, vegetarian or most popularly with sausages, served hot, Borscht usually contains heavy starchy vegetables including potatoes and beets, carrots or peppers. For the authentic experience, serve it as an appetizer with dark rye bread.
9) China: Yangzhou Fried Rice
Yangzhou Fried Rice is quick and easy to prepare, so grab your chopsticks and get ready to chow down one of Shanghai’s most popular dishes. It’s one of the most versatile dishes you can throw in a pan and have ready in minutes. Yangzhou Fried Rice can be paired with your favorite meats, fishes or vegetables and will literally be ready in a flash.
10) Lebanon: Baba Ghanouj
In Syria and Lebanon, Baba Ghanouj is usually served as an appetizer or side dish but this ubiquitous delight is now served, as part of a Middle-Eastern mezza plate, all over the world. Baba is the word for “father” in Arabic and ghanouj means soft, wanting affection or cuddly. Some believe that the word Baba refers to the eggplant as the “father of vegetables,” and ghanouj to the fact that anyone lucky enough to taste it will be spoiled by its smooth, creamy goodness. What’s for sure is that it’s never better than when it’s freshly homemade. .
Source: seekretreat
Coastal Vacations Sunrise 