The Ultimate List: 20 Foods You Need To Eat Once In Your Life

Bucket List Foods

From sizzling entrées to luxurious desserts, there are thousands of foods out there that are memorable and delicious. Whether these dishes are a symbol of a certain country or they are a must-eat for their taste and feel, these are experiences you don’t want to miss. With that in mind, here are 20 foods you absolutely must try at least once in your life. Did we miss any of your favorites? If so, be sure to share the foods that changed your life.

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1. Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings are a delightful mix of dough and a piping hot filling that's soup on the inside. As you take a bite, the chewy outside meets a savory inside, each with rich and delicious fillings. For every bite, soup dumplings are an absolute joy to eat and savor.

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2. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a bright and bold dish, where flawlessly poached eggs are spooned into a smooth spiced tomato sauce. Flavorful, colorful, and comforting, this dish makes a simple breakfast special and unforgettable. Tasty any time of day, shakshuka is a must-try for egg enthusiasts everywhere.

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3. Wagyu Steak

Wagyu steak is a piece of beef that is known for its rich marbling and buttery texture. It is extremely tender and has a deep, savory flavor that sets it apart from other types of steak. Wagyu is considered by many to be the ultimate in steak luxury and is a must-try for any foodie at least once in their life.

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4. Churros

Churros are a Spanish and Portuguese dessert consisting of a deep-fried, crispy golden dough. It is then rolled in cinnamon sugar. They are delicious, especially when served with melted chocolate to dip in. Sweet, crunchy, and filling. If you haven't tried a churro yet, you should definitely do so sometime!

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5. Poutine

Poutine is a savory dish from Canada. It is crispy fries covered in gravy and topped with cheese curds. The mix of tastes and textures makes every forkful a salty, filling, and delicious one. Poutine is a must-try dish in Montreal or Quebec.

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6. Classic Neapolitan Pizza

A Neapolitan pizza is a thin and soft pizza crust topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. The simplicity of ingredients allows each slice to be a well-balanced bite of pizza perfection. A classic of Italian cuisine, a Neapolitan pizza is a piece of pizza history.

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7. Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is a decadent and indulgent treat that will melt in your mouth and give you flavor in every bite. Silky and buttery, roasted in the bone itself, bone marrow has rich, deep flavors that will delight meat lovers everywhere. Traditional in French and Argentine dishes, this is a must-try dish for anyone seeking something unique and decadent.

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8. Banh Mi

Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that consists of a crispy, airy baguette filled with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and herbs. It's a delicious combination of French and Vietnamese flavors. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a really tasty sandwich.

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9. Truffles

Truffles are an expensive delicacy with a strong, distinctive, earthy smell and a unique, strong, savory flavor. They are typically shaved over pasta, risotto, or eggs, turning a basic meal into something high-class. Everyone should try them at least once in their life in order to experience the height of culinary extravagance.

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10. Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish that consists of thinly sliced beef that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The marinated beef is then grilled or cooked on a skillet until it is charred and cooked to perfection. Bulgogi is tender, juicy, and full of flavor with every bite bursting with umami goodness.

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11. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is sautéed with shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and green onions. It has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy all wrapped up in one flavorful dish. It's a popular street food that's a staple of Thai-Chinese fusion and a delicious taste of Thailand.

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12. Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food made of golden, ball-shaped batter filled with soft, minced octopus. It’s topped with tempura flakes, dried seaweed, and green onions, resulting in a savory, umami-packed bite of joy. A real crowd-pleaser for foodies, takoyaki is a must-try street food that truly captures Japan’s sense of ingenuity and obsession with fun, delicious eats.

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13. Nihari

Nihari is a South Asian stew that is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the sauce is deeply flavored. It's made with ginger, garlic, and a variety of warm spices, which give it a rich, comforting taste. Nihari is perfect for those who love hearty, flavorful dishes.

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14. Escargot

Escargot is a traditional French dish made of snails cooked in garlic butter and herbs. This appetizer melts in your mouth with its rich and savory flavors. It's surprisingly easy to eat and a must-try for adventurous foodies.

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15. Cachapas

Cachapas are corn pancakes stuffed with soft, creamy cheese. They're sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying. This dish is a true Venezuelan street food staple and is definitely worth a try if you're in the mood for Latin American cuisine.

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16. Japanese Sushi

Sushi is a Japanese dish that consists of thin slices of raw fish served over rice. The fish is typically seasoned with soy sauce and wasabi and may be topped with various garnishes. Sushi is a very popular dish in Japan and around the world and is considered a famous draw for the country.

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17. Durian

Durian, nicknamed the “king of fruits,” is well known for its strong, pungent smell which repels and intrigues many. However, on the inside, durian has a creamy, custard-like texture and sweet, almost intoxicating flavor that its fans love. One must try durian at least once if they are an adventurous foodie in search of a very unique taste.

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18. Biryani

Biryani is a spicy, aromatic, and delicious dish from South Asia. It's made of layers of marinated meat, spices, and often vegetables, cooked with fragrant rice. The result is a savory, well-spiced mixture that is both hearty and satisfying. Each mouthful is packed with flavor, from the spices to the tender meat and fluffy rice.

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19. Piri Piri Chicken

Piri piri chicken is a spicy and aromatic dish from Portugal that is widely consumed in Africa. It is marinated in a spicy sauce made of chili, garlic, and herbs. It is then grilled and served hot. The result is a smoky, spicy, and flavorful dish with a kick.

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20. Koshari

Egypt's beloved street food, koshari, is made from rice, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crunchy fried onions. It is a delicious, hearty, and savory dish that was created from a combination of limited ingredients that were easily accessible during times of need and want. It's a creative and flavorful dish that offers a unique taste experience.

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