5 Countries With the Tastiest Traditional Food

Taste palettes differ a lot when it comes to what people find to be delicious. Across the world, there is a fantastic variety of food for every type of person. Whether you enjoy spiciness, sourness, umami tastes, and everything in between – chances are some country has perfected it. When traveling, it is arguably one of the most pleasurable things – to discover new dishes. There are heaps of recipes to explore. Isn’t it an exciting idea that you may have not even discovered your favorite food yet? Surely tastes differ, but some countries seem to have hit gold with their traditional food recipes. Certain dishes are enjoyed by loads of people, somewhat independent of their origin.

For example, who can say no to a delicious pizza, or a bowl of top-class pasta? Likely most will find a topping they enjoy. Some things, such as particular foods, games like books of ra, or movies have come to be considered excellent by a majority of people, and who can argue? Of course, ultimately, it is a subjective matter. However, when millions of people tend to agree, it is well worth investigating what the hype is about. We would like to present 5 countries that are considered to have the best traditional foods around the world.

Traditional Food – 5 Countries That Do It Best

#1 Japan – 1st On Tastiest Traditional Food

Japan is a country that is known to be meticulous with all of its endeavors. Naturally, this also applies to their traditional food cuisine. Their dishes are crafted to a level of perfection that is second to none. If one viewed their food as an art, it surely wouldn’t be wrong. Chefs spend their entire life on becoming great at making specific meals. Sushi is the most famous food, but Japan has got loads more to offer. Their list of traditional food is quite vast, meaning that there is a lot to explore for food enthusiasts.

Here are some of the tastiest traditional foods of Japan –

Japanese Curry: a distinct type of curry that is full of spices, served with one’s preferred meat

Takoyaki: balls with an octopus filling, a specialty from the region of Osaka

Tempura: a variety of deep-fried foods, prawns as a base is amongst the most common choices

Ramen: noodle soup that comes with a wide variety of ingredients. It often includes vegetables, meat, eggs, and spices.

Sushi: seafood served with a specially prepared rice, soy sauce, and wasabi

#2 Thailand – 2nd On Tastiest Traditional Food

Thai cuisine is known for its incredible complexity. People who love spicy food will love what it has to offer. Generally, Thai cuisine will include loads of soups, boiled dishes, curries, and spicy salads. Fresh vegetables and tofu are also very common, fantastic in case you are a vegetarian. However, seemingly vegetarian dishes often get topped with seafood such as fish sauce or shrimp paste. That is something to look out for if you are looking for purely plant-based meals. For those who do enjoy meat and seafood, the complex flavors achieved in Thai traditional food restaurants are masterpieces in themselves.

Here are some of the tastiest traditional foods of Thailand –

Pad Thai: a stir-fried dish that consists of noodles, rice, vegetables, spices, and a variety of toppings

Massaman Curry: a dish that was conceived almost three hundred years ago, it uses spices from Malaysia and India to make a stand-out curry

Tom Yum: a famous type of soup where a mix of sourness and spiciness dominates the taste palette. Chili peppers, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves are standard ingredients, topped with shrimp or tofu.

#3 Italy – 3rd On Tastiest Traditional Food

Italians take a lot of pride in their food. They make a special time in the day and enjoy it uninterruptedly to the utmost. No wonder, their traditional food culture has a lot to offer. Everyone knows that pasta and pizza are lovely. However, there are many recipes to uncover in the nooks of the beautiful country. Each region, and even city, has its distinct specialties. Italian cuisine incorporates delicious ingredients that are abundant in the region – seafood, fish, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and cheeses. Having access to high-quality ingredients is half the battle won, and the Italians sure know how to make the best of it.

Here are some of the tastiest traditional foods of Italy –

Arancini: big rice balls with varying stuffing, such as eggplant, cheese, and more. It is battered and fried. Arancini is very common street food in Sicily.

Fregola con arselle: a pasta that resembles couscous. It is mixed with saffron, then cooked with tomatoes, clams, and topped with a broth sauce.

Sebadas: a pastry filled with cheese and lemon grind. It is fried and gets served with honey.

#4 Mexico – 4th On Tastiest Traditional Food

Another hot mention amongst the top traditional food countries – Mexico. Hot is the keyword here because lovers of spicy meals will revel in what Mexico has to offer. Did you know that the countries’ traditional cuisine is protected by UNESCO? Interestingly, what the world knows to be popular Mexican food, isn’t exactly right. Nachos or the well-known Chili Con Carne is not really a popular thing in the country. However, that is only so because they have a lot better to offer.

Here are some of the tastiest traditional foods of Mexico –

Tacos: these are small chips filled with various toppings, often including guacamole, lime juice, meat, and chilly peppers.

Pozole: a very popular soup that is made with meat and hominy, the latter can be likened to corn. Vegetarian alternatives are also available, and these are made with avocado, lime, cabbage, chilly peppers, and onions.

Tiayudas: these are large tortillas that get toasted to attain a delicious crunch. Common fillings include fried beans, Oaxacan cheese, salsa, avocado, and meat.

#5 Israel – 5th On Tastiest Traditional Food

Israel is also known for its excellent food. Jerusalem is even said to have one of the best restaurants in the entire world, named the Machneyuda. The countries Mediterranean cuisine is something spectacular, and it is especially great for vegetarians and vegans. The country is small, yet unique in its approach to making food.

Here are some of the tastiest traditional foods of Israel –

Rugelach: a desert in the form of a pastry. It is made from dough that has been rolled around in various sweet ingredients. Chocolate is a favorite amongst many.

Hummus: a dip/sauce that is made from tahini, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. It is very versatile and incredibly tasty.

Shakshuka: a dish that is usually eaten for breakfast. Eggs and tomatoes make up the base, various vegetable toppings are added to taste.

We hope that you enjoyed our overview of the tasty traditional foods from around the world. These five countries are must-visits if you are into discovering new dishes. Alternatively, there are traditional restaurants all around the world. You will likely find all of the mentioned foods somewhere nearby you. However, if you want to get the genuine thing, it is best experienced in its authentic surrounding, with precise recipes. What are your thoughts when it comes to traditional food vs modern food? What are your favorite dishes? Please leave your comments in the section below!

Author bio:

Jeremy Ambrose began traveling several years ago and travels to explore new corners of the world every year. He has faced many of the difficulties of traveling and now wants to share his experience and knowledge with his readers.