40 Countries And Their Delicious National Dishes


40 Countries And Their Delicious National Dishes


There are so many countries around the world to visit and explore, and that just means there are plenty of cuisines and national dishes to try too. If you're a foodie looking to travel across the world just by taste, you definitely can't leave out any of these amazing national dishes. How many of these 40 national dishes have you tried before?


1. Paella (Spain)

Originating from Valencia, Paella is a vibrant Spanish dish made with a variety of rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood, cooked and served in a large shallow pan.

Sandra-Wei-Pgmkhgvf1O4-UnsplashPhoto by Sandra Wei on Unsplash

2. Sushi (Japan)

Sushi is a well-known Japanese creation comprising vinegared rice paired with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits.

Riccardo-Bergamini-O2Ynzxdqou0-Unsplash (1)Photo by Riccardo Bergamini on Unsplash

3. Poutine (Canada)

A comfort food hailing from Quebec, poutine consists of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in a rich, brown gravy.

Withlovefromchile-Koeyijfdy1G-UnsplashPhoto by @withlovefromchile on Unsplash

4. Tacos (Mexico)

Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, featuring soft or crispy corn tortillas filled with meats, vegetables, fresh salsas, and cheese.

Jeswin-Thomas-Z Pfagzen9E-UnsplashPhoto by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

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5. Feijoada (Brazil)

This hearty stew is Brazil's national dish, made with black beans, sausages, pork, and beef, slowly cooked to perfection.

Feijoada À TransmontadaAdrião on Wikimedia Commons

6. Ratatouille (France)

Ratatouille is a French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating from Nice, and is full of zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Amirali-Mirhashemian-R02Kgl5Ti3Y-UnsplashPhoto by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash

7. Bibimbap (South Korea)

Bibimbap is a Korean rice dish served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables), gochujang (chili pepper paste), soy sauce, or doenjang (a fermented soybean paste).

Vaishnav-Chogale-Fu5 Wbtxa Y-UnsplashPhoto by Vaishnav Chogale on Unsplash

8. Pizza Margherita (Italy)

Pizza Margherita is a simple yet flavorful Italian pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Amirali-Mirhashemian-Xtlpfib7Oum-UnsplashPhoto by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash

9. Pad Thai (Thailand)

Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish commonly served as street food in Thailand as well as at most restaurants, it's made with shrimp, peanuts, scrambled egg, and bean sprouts.

John-Aledia- Wbj0Cvkhie-UnsplashPhoto by John Aledia on Unsplash

10. Borscht (Ukraine)

Borscht is a sour soup common in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, with its main ingredient being beetroot, which gives it a strong red color.

Rasmus-Gundorff-Saederup-U9Dw1Ggttxw-UnsplashPhoto by Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup on Unsplash

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11. Tagine (Morocco)

A Moroccan Berber dish named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in, tagine is a succulent stew made of spiced meat and vegetables.

Ca-Creative-Cdvqg9Vncvw-UnsplashPhoto by CA Creative on Unsplash

12. Masala Dosa (India)

Masala dosa is a popular South Indian dish which consists of a thin, crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes.

Deepal-Tamang-5Of7D Hpjg4-UnsplashPhoto by Deepal Tamang on Unsplash

13. Ackee and Saltfish (Jamaica)

Jamaica's national dish is ackee and saltfish, a savory dish made from the local ackee fruit, salt cod, onions, and various spices.

Gabre-Cameron-W4Vdqetfroy-UnsplashPhoto by Gabre Cameron on Unsplash

14. Haggis (Scotland)

Haggis is a savory pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.

Scotland Haggis (1)Anonymous on Wikimedia Commons

15. Bobotie (South Africa)

Bobotie is a South African dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping, often containing raisins or sultanas which add a sweet note.

1024Px-Bobotie, South African DishOlga Ernst on Wikimedia Commons

16. Wiener Schnitzel (Austria)

Wiener Schnitzel is Austria's national dish, a breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet that is crispy and golden brown.

2022-12-29 Wiener Schnitzel Im Hotel Kaiserin ElisabethBurkhard Mücke on Wikimedia Commons

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17. Ceviche (Peru)

Ceviche is a Peruvian seafood dish cured in fresh citrus juices, typically lemon or lime, and spiced with ají peppers or chili peppers.

Yasmine-Duchesne-Mfmi0Dhyf7K-UnsplashPhoto by Yasmine Duchesne on Unsplash

18. Goulash (Hungary)

Goulash is a Hungarian soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices, known for its deep red color and hearty flavor.

Hungarian Goulash RecipeValeva1010 on Wikimedia Commons

19. Moussaka (Greece)

A traditional Greek dish, moussaka is an oven-baked layer casserole dish made with eggplant, potato, and ground meat, topped with a béchamel sauce.

Moussaka 10Key West Wedding Photography on Wikimedia Commons

20. Pierogi (Poland)

Pierogi are filled dumplings of Central and Eastern European origin made by wrapping unleavened dough around a savory or sweet filling and cooking in boiling water.

Marjan-Blan-Ysoxjhuwzp0-UnsplashPhoto by Marjan Blan on Unsplash

21. Rendang (Indonesia)

Rendang is a West Sumatran dry curry deeply spiced with ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, and chilies, traditionally served at ceremonial occasions to honor guests.

Qaz-Farid-Bx7Upkh1Vxs-UnsplashPhoto by qaz farid on Unsplash

22. Baklava (Turkey)

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a culinary heritage in Ottoman cuisine.

Syed-F-Hashemi-Bgaprnjitpq-UnsplashPhoto by Syed F Hashemi on Unsplash

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23. Fufu and Egusi Soup (Nigeria)

Fufu is a staple food across West Africa. In Nigeria, it is often made from cassava and served with egusi soup, which is made from melon seeds and bitter leaf.

Fufu With Tilapia, Meat And Light SoupdaSupremo on Wikimedia Commons

24. Kangaroo Meat (Australia)

Kangaroo meat is a high-protein, low-fat meat rich in omega-3s. It's commonly found in Australia and can be prepared as steaks, burgers, or sausages.

1024Px-Kangaroo With Thyme At Restaurant MemphisJIP on Wikimedia Commons

25. Pavlova (New Zealand)

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It's a popular dish in New Zealand and Australia, with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with fruit and whipped cream.

Toa-Heftiba-Ecan3Mmfjfu-UnsplashPhoto by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

26. Nasi Lemak (Malaysia)

Nasi Lemak is a Malay fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, considered the national dish, it is traditionally served with fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and cucumber.

Laura-Z32Xv0Tgszc-UnsplashPhoto by Laura on Unsplash

27. Bunny Chow (South Africa)

Bunny Chow is a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, originating from the Durban Indian community.

Bunny Chow With Lamb & Potato - African Chow 2023-07-27Andy Li on Wikimedia Commons

28. Irish Stew (Ireland)

Irish stew is a traditional stew made from lamb, or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley. It originated in Ireland but has become popular worldwide.

Irish Beef Stew (34046928633)A Healthier Michigan from Detroit, United States on Wikimedia Commons

29. Kibbeh (Lebanon)

Kibbeh is Lebanon's national dish, a mixture of finely ground lean beef or lamb, bulgur wheat, and spices, which can be fried, baked, or eaten raw.

1024Px-Kibbeh3Bazel on Wikimedia Commons

30. Pho (Vietnam)

Pho is a Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically made with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga).

Hong-Anh-Duong-Ek--Nam-Cym-UnsplashPhoto by Hong Anh Duong on Unsplash

31. Dhal Bhat (Nepal)

Dhal Bhat is the traditional meal of Nepal, consisting of steamed rice and a cooked lentil soup called dhal. It's often served with vegetable curries, achar and sometimes Chutney.

Mario-Raj-0Ni63Grt4Pe-UnsplashPhoto by Mario Raj on Unsplash

32. Asado (Argentina)

Asado is a term used for a range of barbecue techniques and the social event of having or attending a barbecue in Argentina, where beef along with other meats are cooked on a grill, or open fire.

Jose-Ignacio-Pompe-S-Z-H0Feibm-UnsplashPhoto by José Ignacio Pompé on Unsplash

33. Peking Duck (China)

Peking Duck is a famed dish from Beijing, enjoying a world reputation, and considered as one of China’s national dishes. It is prized for its thin, crispy skin.

Big-Dodzy-Wplo36Umd E-Unsplash (1)Photo by Big Dodzy on Unsplash

34. Ghormeh Sabzi (Iran)

Ghormeh Sabzi is an Iranian herb stew. It is a popular dish in Iran and neighboring Azerbaijan, made of sautéed herbs, kidney beans, and lamb.

חורשט סבזיEdsel Little on Wikimedia Commons

35. Moules-frites (Belgium)

Moules-frites is a classic Belgian dish which simply means "mussels with fries". It consists of fresh mussels cooked in a broth of white wine and garlic, served with a side of crispy fries.

Moules Frites Wth Rose And PastisLittleGun on Wikimedia Commons

36. Couscous (North Africa)

Couscous is a Maghrebi dish of small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina, usually served with a stew spooned on top. It is a staple food throughout the North African cuisines of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya.

Louis-Hansel-K2Zcm7Lcj8E-UnsplashPhoto by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

37. Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)

Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour Thai soup usually cooked with shrimp. The dish is a blend of bold, enticing flavors, including lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed red chili peppers.

Streets-Of-Food-Ob-C6Linxf4-UnsplashPhoto by Streets of Food on Unsplash

38. Doro Wat (Ethiopia)

Doro Wat is an Ethiopian chicken stew known for its heat and depth of flavor, made with chicken, Ethiopian berbere spice, and niter kibbeh, a seasoned clarified butter.

Ethiopian Watstu_spivack on Wikimedia Commons

39. Mofongo (Puerto Rico)

Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish with fried green plantains as its main ingredient. Plantains are picked green and mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilón, a mortar and pestle.

Shrimp Mofongo From Rompeolas Restaurant In Aguadilla, Puerto RicoThe Eloquent Peasant on Wikimedia Commons

40. Chili Crab (Singapore)

Chili Crab is a seafood dish originating from Singapore. Mud crabs are commonly used and are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savory tomato and chili based sauce.

1024Px-Kepiting Saus PadangM Toegiono from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia Commons