• Italian cuisine is well-known for its variety of dishes, such as pasta and pizza, and its use of herbs, olive oil, and cured meats.
• Mexican cuisine is characterized by its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and popular dishes include gazpacho soup and chiles en nogada.
• Mediterranean cuisine combines herbs, vegetables, and seafood to create flavorful dishes like moussaka and tzatziki.
• Japanese cuisine includes sushi rolls, tempura, and pickled vegetables for a unique tangy flavor.
If you want to expand your culinary repertoire, look no further. There are so many amazing cuisines around the world that you can explore. From Italian pasta dishes to Mexican street tacos and everything in between, there’s something for everyone! Here’s a look at some of the best cuisines you should try worldwide.
Italian Cuisine
Italian cuisine is one of the world’s most popular and widely enjoyed cuisines. From pizza to pasta, there is no shortage of delicious Italian dishes. The traditional Italian diet consists mainly of vegetables with some fish, cheese, and cured meats thrown in for flavor. It is also known for its use of herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and olive oil for flavoring. Here are two classic Italian dishes you should give a taste.
Carbonara
Simplicity is the key to this classic Italian dish. It consists of spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, and bacon or pancetta for flavoring. The egg is whisked with the cheese and bacon until a creamy sauce coats the noodles.
Baked Lasagna
Lasagna is an Italian-American favorite! It’s made by layering lasagna noodles with cheese, sauce, and your favorite fillings like ground meat or veggies. The lasagna is topped with more cheese and baked until it’s hot and bubbly.
Mexican Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is famous worldwide due to its bold flavors and vibrant colors. It is characterized by its fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, chiles, cilantro, onions, and garlic, which give it an intense flavor that has made it a favorite worldwide. Tacos are probably the most recognizable Mexican dish, but they have other favorites. Here are some examples:
Gazpacho
This chilled tomato soup is perfect for hot summer days. It’s made with pureed tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and cucumber. You can garnish it with croutons or herbs like cilantro and parsley. It’s a healthy dish that’s filled with flavor.
Chiles en Nogada
This dish is considered the national dish of Mexico, and it’s easy to see why. It comprises a poblano chile filled with ground pork, dried fruits, spices, and nuts. It’s then topped with a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with red pomegranate seeds. It’s a delightful dish with many layers of flavor.
Mediterranean Cuisine
The Mediterranean region is known for using fresh ingredients, such as herbs and vegetables. It’s also known for its abundant seafood, especially in coastal areas. It started in Greece, Italy, and Spain but has since spread to the Middle East and North Africa. But you don’t have to visit these countries to taste this cuisine. A lunch restaurant in New York should provide you with an authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine since many migrated to the region. Here are two classic dishes to try:
Moussaka
This dish is a layered casserole with eggplant and ground meat or beans. It’s then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown. The combination of flavors makes it an irresistible main course.
Tzatziki
This traditional Greek dip is made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. It’s served with warm pita bread to accompany grilled meats or as a sandwich spread. The tangy flavor also makes it a great salad dressing.
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its unique flavors and associated health benefits. It is known for using fresh seafood such as sushi which is often served raw or lightly cooked.
Other staples include rice dishes such as sushi rolls or donburi (rice bowl topped with various fish or meat), noodles such as soba or udon, and soups such as miso soup and tempura (deep-fried seafood and vegetables). Japanese cuisine also utilizes many pickled vegetables, adding a unique tangy flavor to their dishes! Ramen is considered fast food in Japan, and it’s made with wheat noodles in a salty broth. It is often topped with meat, egg, and vegetables to make a hearty meal.
With so many different kinds of cuisines around the world, it can be hard to decide what you want to try first! Hopefully, this guide will help you narrow down some options on where to start your culinary journey. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s Italian pasta dishes, Mexican street tacos, or anything else in between! Bon appétit!