Whenever we're having a bad day, nothing picks up our spirits like a delicious, comforting meal. That's right, from macaroni and cheese to lovely pot roasts, these dishes remind us of better, happier times. While Americans have their usual favourites, have you ever been curious about what the rest of the world eats? To help you compare, here are 10 iconic comfort dishes Americans love and enjoy, and 10 comfort dishes other countries eat.

1. Macaroni and Cheese

When you think of comfort food in the US, your mind probably immediately goes to macaroni and cheese, a timeless dish. It's creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delightful, the perfect meal to lift your spirits on a bad day. When it's baked to perfection, the crispy top layer adds just the right amount of texture to every bite, making it a hit for both kids and adults.

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2. Chicken Noodle Soup

Known for its healing properties, there's nothing better than a warm and hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup on a rainy day. Filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a savory broth, this dish is simply a big hug in a bowl.

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3. Meatloaf

When we think of classic American dinners, we think of meatloaf. This nostalgic dish that makes you reminisce of dinners with the family and homecooked meals from mom, is a great example of how comfort food doesn't need to be fancy. All you need is some ground meat, vegetables, bread crumbs, and some seasoning to make this hearty dish.

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4. Chili

Chili is a spicy stew that's so comforting and filling to enjoy during any cold day. Combining meat (usually beef), beans, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings, each bite is loaded with so much flavour. 

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5. Pot Roast

When it's slow-cooked to tender perfection, a good pot roast is everything you want in the perfect, comforting meal. Featuring the best of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, what more could you ask for? It's a one-pot wonder that instantly fills the house with its warm and inviting smell.

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6. Biscuits and Gravy

For all the Southerners out there, nothing beats biscuits and gravy when it comes to comfort food. Consisting of flaky, soft biscuits smothered in a creamy sausage gravy, it's just the pick-me-up you need during any bad morning. 

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7. Fried Chicken

A staple in Southern cuisine, many people across the country will say fried chicken is one of their go-to comfort foods. And that's for a good reason! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, fried chicken is just so satisfying to eat. It instantly puts you in a good mood.

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8. Pumpkin Pie

Comfort foods can be in the form of dessert too! The iconic symbol of fall and Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is a sweet treat that brings back fond memories and luxurious feasts. The spiced pumpkin filling and flaky crust, finished off with a dollop of whipped cream, is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face.

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9. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Name a better food combo than grilled cheese and tomato soup. Just try! This delightful combination of a gooey, cheesy sandwich and a warm bowl of hearty tomato soup is a comforting classic. Perfect for dipping, the flavour profiles just complement each other so well, creating the ultimate comfort meal.

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10. Cornbread

Let's shine some light on some side dishes: cornbread is a popular comfort favourite! It's a versatile side dish that can be served with anything from chili to barbecue, or even part of a holiday spread. It's got a slightly sweet and buttery flavour that tastes even better thanks to its moist texture. It's a comforting addition to any meal!

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1. Ramen (Japan)

A staple of Japanese cuisine that has grown popularity worldwide, ramen is a savory noodle soup that combines a rich broth, noodles, meat, and a variety of toppings together. The best part about this dish is there's so much customizability, and so many different variations! It's a soul-warming meal that will not only taste delicious, but make you feel better too.

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2. Poutine (Canada)

Up in the north, poutine is a Canadian favourite. It's an incredibly hearty and comforting dish that takes 3 delicious ingredients, crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy, and mixes them all together. It's just the thing to warm you up during the cold season in Canada.

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3. Shepherd's Pie (United Kingdom)

Something a bit more traditional, shepherd's pie is a comforting British casserole made with a layer of cooked minced meat, a mixture of vegetables, and a top layer of mashed potatoes. It's fluffy, rich, and addictive, and has the perfect balance of flavours.

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4. Massaman Curry (Thailand)

Massaman curry is a rich and hearty Thai dish known for its unique combination of flavors, including coconut milk, tamarind, cinnamon, and star anise. It typically includes meat (such as beef or chicken), potatoes, and onions, making it a comforting and filling meal.

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5. Lasagna (Italy)

Lasagna is loved in so many countries around the world! But for many Italians, it's the ultimate comfort dish. Consisting of layered pasta sheets, meat sauce, cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan), and sometimes vegetables, it has everything you want in one dish. It's cheesy, meaty, saucy, and flavourful. And when it's baked to achieve a delicious cheese crust, it's absolute perfection.

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6. Feijoada (Brazil)

Feijoada is a rich, hearty stew of black beans with pork or beef, traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. It's considered Brazil's national dish and is a comfort food that is often enjoyed during gatherings and on weekends.

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7. Ratatouille (France)

You've likely seen this dish thanks to the movie of the same name, but have you ever tried it? Ratatouille is a tasty French vegetable stew that combines eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomato, onion, and herbs all simmered together. It's colourful, heartwarming, and the perfect comfort dish, highlighting that even the simplest of ingredients can make the most delicious of dishes.

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8. Pierogi (Poland)

Pierogi are Polish dumplings made from dough filled with a variety of ingredients, including potato and cheese, meat, sauerkraut, and mushrooms. Boiled, then pan-fried, these dumplings are a comforting and versatile Polish classic you need to try if you haven't already. One bite and you'll understand why this is a classic comfort dish in Poland!

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9. Paella (Spain)

Originating from Valencia, paella is a vibrant Spanish rice dish that can include a variety of proteins like chicken, rabbit, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked together with saffron and other seasonings. It's a communal dish that brings people together, making your heart feel lighter while your stomach feels fuller.

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10. Biryani (India)

Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful Indian dish made with spiced basmati rice, marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), and sometimes, in vegetarian versions, a mixture of vegetables. It's a celebration dish often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals, providing comfort through its rich spices and hearty ingredients.

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