98% of Americans prefer to cook at home.
For sure, eating out’s great, and being cooked for is awesome too. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like a good home cooked meal, right?
We agree! However, after a while, we all get stuck in the same routines in the kitchen. Everyone loves the old family favorites, but a bit of variety in your mealtime never goes amiss!
We decided to look overseas for some culinary inspiration. What we found blew our minds! Turns out there’s a whole other world out there when it comes to cooking. Who knew?!
Keep reading to discover 10 international dishes that you’ve probably never even heard of, but absolutely have to try!
10 Authentic International Dishes You Have to Try!
Check out these 10 meals from around the world that simply shouldn’t be missed!
1. Korean Beef Bulgogi
All hail Korea for this divine meat dish!
This ancient, traditional Korean meal brings together thin slices of beef in a marinade of pear juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and sugar.
Intensely flavorsome, Bulgogi is either grilled or cooked in a wok, along with vegetables, and served with steamed white rice. It’s simple to prepare too, so make sure you try it at home for yourself!
2. Japanese Nikujaga
Nikujaga is beef and potatoes (with other vegetables too), Japanese-style!
It’s typical comfort food over in Japan, which is eaten regularly in the evening times of every day Japanese people. It’s a dish that’s quick, simple and straightforward, but that doesn’t make it any less tasty!
Thinly cut sliced beef, potatoes and vegetables are put in a broth of sake, mirin, sugar, soy sauce, and dashi powder to provide a quick look into Japanese cuisine.
3. Turkish Karniyarik
Eggplant stuffed with minced meat and tomatoes make Karniyarik an immensely tasty intro to authentic Turkish cuisine.
It’s quick and easy to make too, which makes this an ideal evening meal to share with family.
4. Chinese Hongyou Chao Shou
Fans of spicy Chinese food will be in dreamland with this particular international dish.
Pork dumplings come dipped and dressed in a hot, spicy chili sauce, with scallions frequently offered as a garnish. Found in both night markets and high dining venues alike, these popular wantons are a must-eat dish if you find yourself in China.
5. Indian Chole Bhature
Indian cuisine is world-renowned for its mind-blowing mixes of spices and full-flavored dishes.
Chole Bhature is no exception. It’s a versatile meal that’s often eaten as a breakfast in India. Combining spiced white chickpeas with a fried soft-wheat bread called Bhatura, it’s a meal that’s grown in popularity.
You’ll now come across this delectable dish in street food stalls and restaurants in the north and around the country as a whole.
Try it for yourself and find out why! Like the sound of Chole Bhature? Click here to find out more about Punjabi dishes!
6. Thai Pla Neung Manao
This dish is a dream for all lovers of fish, lime and Thai food.
It’s a whole steamed fish (a sea bass, to be precise) that’s served up with a spicy lime sauce. Thai food is delectable at the best of times and Pla Neung Manao is no exception.
You might not be blown away by the idea of steamed fish. But rest assured, you’ll be blown away by the combination of lemongrass, galangal (a root that’s similar to ginger!) and an abundance of herbs.
The spicy lime sauce to finish it off adds a beautiful burst of flavor.
7. Yemenese Kabsa
Middle Eastern food has an interesting and exotic mixture of influences.
Kabsa is one such example. This is a flavorsome, yet simple dish that’s comprised of basmati rice, meat, and vegetables. It’s the blend of spices that makes it such a divine culinary experience!
The combination of garlic, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and salt, and pepper (alongside the zest of an orange and intense tomato-based sauce) create an intensely satisfying meal.
It’s hearty and heart-warming middle-eastern dining.
8. Peruvian Ceviche
The origin of ceviche is contested in South America. But its wonderful flavors are not!
Peru’s national dish brings together raw fish and (typically) numerous side dishes that accentuate its flavors. The fish is cured in the juice of citrus fruits, alongside onions, cilantro, and various spices and seasoning. Side dishes often include sweet potato, plantains or corn.
The flavors that ensue will delight and excite your taste buds! But be sure to eat it quickly- ceviche should be prepared and eaten fresh in order to prevent the fish from spoiling.
9. Argentinian Cazuela de Llama
If you’ve never eaten one of those loveable, spitting, Latin American rogues known as a llama, then now’s your chance!
Llama meat is regularly found in Argentinian dishes. It’s a lean meat that’s full of protein, which makes great eating. Cazuela de Llama is a typical meal that’s something like a Llama casserole!
This succulent meat is slow cooked with carrots and potatoes to provide a mouth-watering stew the likes of which you’ve probably never seen.
10. French Aligot
Like mashed potato? And cheese too? You’ll love aligot.
This French dish is one wonderful combination of mash, butter, cream, a special melted cheese, and garlic. It’s rich, creamy and has an incredible texture that’s the epitome of indulgence. This is hearty, filling food that was dreamed up in a rural area of central France, called Aubrac.
Made for hungry farmers after a full day tending their land, you’ll fall in love with this delicious, creamy dish the instant you taste it.
Time to Get Cooking!
There you have it: 10 authentic international dishes you may never have even heard of!
As we’ve seen, from India, China, Korea, Thailand, and Japan, to France, Turkey, Peru, Argentina, and Yemen, there’s awesome food to be found in amazing destinations all over the world. Every culture and country has its own specific meals to be discovered, cooked, eaten and enjoyed!
The selection above highlights only a small sample of the wonderful cuisine that can be found. Hopefully, they’ve whetted your taste buds though, and got you excited to start cooking some of what’s available!
Got any comments or questions? Be sure to get in touch here!
