20 Must-Eat Foods From Around the World

Traveling around the world this year? Make sure to try these iconic foods in their countries of origin.

By: Farima Alavi and Lynn Coulter

Shop This Look

Photo By: Shutterstock/WhiteYura

Photo By: Shutterstock/KucherAV

Photo By: Shutterstock/barmalini

Photo By: Shutterstock/TR01

Photo By: Shutterstock/flanovais

Photo By: Shutterstock/FILMME

Photo By: Shutterstock/CKP1001

Photo By: Shutterstock/SHARKY PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo By: Shutterstock/5 second Studio

Photo By: Shutterstock/ARENA Creative

Photo By: Shutterstock/yingko

Photo By: Shutterstock/Sergii Koval

Photo By: Shutterstock/HikoPhotography

Photo By: Shutterstock/Konstantin Kopachinsky

Photo By: Shutterstock/Timolina

Photo By: Shutterstock/vicky van zyl

Photo By: Shutterstock/Sergii Koval

Photo By: Shutterstock/Raimunda-losantos

Photo By: Shutterstock/Alexander Chaikin

Photo By: Shutterstock/Mikhail Valeev

Photo By: Shutterstock/Chzu

International Foods

Skip the fast food outlets and big chain restaurants when you're traveling. Instead, sample the local cuisine. That's one of the best ways to learn about — and enjoy — a different culture and destination.

We've put together a list of don't-miss foods, recipes and eateries to try in countries that range from Austria to Vietnam. Check each restaurant's website before you go to verify the days and times it's open, and be sure it's not subject to COVID-19 closures or restrictions. Bon appetit.

Australia: Meat Pie

Australians sure do love their meat pies — they consume millions of these savory pies every year, taking them on the go or enjoying them at cafes. Eat Australian meat pie like the locals do, by topping it with warm or chilled tomato sauce. This recipe from Food Network makes two 8-inch meat pies.

Order it here: Whittlesea Bakehouse, Whittlesea VIC, Austria

Austria: Applestrudel

Apfelstrudel or Viennese apple strudel is a close cousin to classic American apple pie. Tart apples are paired with sweet pastry dough for a delicious combination. Austrians love eating it with their afternoon coffee. Learn how to make it here.

Order it here: Cafe Mozart, Vienna, Austria

Belgium: Moules Frites

Mussels and fries are as common in Belgium as burgers and fries are in the US. Try it by ordering plain or steamed mussels in a simple sauce and add extra flavor with curry powder or another seasoning. Use this recipe to sautee mussels in white wine and garlic sauce and add a big side of crispy fries (put the mayo on the side).

Order it here: Le Zinneke, Schaarbeek, Belgium

Brazil: Pudim

Pudim looks like flan, but the Brazilian version has a softer texture. You'll find this pudding-like dessert in Brazilian restaurants, cafes and homes. Make a pudim bread pudding version at home.

Order it here: Forma de Pudim, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Canada: Poutine

Gravy, fries and cheese curds — what's not to love about poutine? Although this savory concoction, which resembles smothered fries, is available in the US, you should try it while visiting Canada, where it's the national dish. Some restaurants have dozens of variations to choose from, so there is something for everyone. We like this comfort-food version.

Order it here: Au Pied de Cochon Restaurant, Montreal, QC

England: Steak and Kidney Pie

Before you write off that steak and kidney pie made with lamb or pork kidneys, give it a try. Britons love its melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory flavor. Be prepared to fork up some money for the real (not factory-made) kind or make it at home.

Order it here: The Windmill Pub & Restaurant, London, England

Finland: Squeaky Cheese

Leipäjuusto is the Finnish name for bread cheese, also known as squeaky cheese. The mild cheese is commonly pan-fried and served with cloudberry jam for dessert or with a cup of coffee. Authentic squeaky cheese is made from the rich milk of a cow that has recently calved (or you can use reindeer or goat's milk, if you have it on hand). It's not often served in the US, but try your hand at making fried cheese curds and serve them as an appetizer.

Order it here: Santa's Salmon Place, Ravaniemi, Finland.

France: Macaroons

These delicate cookies are among the best-selling pastries in France and they come in a variety of flavors. Since they're so difficult to make, it's best to go the fancy route and grab a few from the world-renowned French pastry shop located in the US, Ladurée. If you're game, gather some food coloring and mint, vanilla or almond extracts and bake your own.

Order them here: Dalloyau, Paris, France

Greece: Spanakopita

This savory spinach and feta pie is a Greek staple that originated almost 400 years ago. You'll find freshly made spanakopita at nearly every bakery in Greece. It takes some time to make this pie at home, but it's worth the effort.

Order it here: Ariston Bakery & Pastry, Skiathos, Greece

Hungary: Goulash

Goulash comes from the Hungarian word for herdsman, and the dish got its name because it was often made during cattle drives. However, the meaty stew didn't get its rich red color until the Turks invaded and introduced paprika to the country during the 16th century. If you visit Hungary in mid-September, check out the annual goulash festival held in Szolnok. Have a cucumber salad on the side when you whip up this recipe.

Order it here: Getto Gulyas, Budapest, Hungary

Italy: Deep Fried Olives

Pasta and pizza are the first foods that may come to mind when you think about iconic Italian foods. While visiting, also keep an eye out for deep-fried olives. The dish originated in the southern region in a town called Ascoli-Piceno and has since spread north. You can choose a variety, like prosciutto-stuffed or ground beef-stuffed, from street vendors or local restaurants. This recipe calls for stuffing them with a mixture that combines ricotta and Gorgonzola cheeses.

Order them here: La Nicchia Cafe, Rome, Italy

Japan: Ramen

Ramen noodles don't come out of a styrofoam cup in Japan. Japanese ramen consists of Chinese-style noodles served in a meat broth flavored with soy sauce or miso. Each region of Japan has its own variation, and toppings range from boiled eggs to corn. Make the Kobe Japanese Restaurant recipe at home.

Order it here: Ibuki Ramen, Toyko, Japan

Morocco: B'stilla (Pastilla)

The surprising traditional ingredient in this slightly sweet pie is pigeon, but Moroccan b'stilla or pastilla is primarily made with chicken, quail or Cornish game hen. It's topped with confectioner's sugar and cinnamon, which makes this dish sweet, salty, spicy and buttery all at the same time. Try making this chile-rubbed version with turkey.

Order it here: Restaurant Assala, Fez, Morocco

Poland: Chlodnik

A summer staple, Polish chlodnik is a refreshing cold beet soup (and borscht variation) with a vibrant pink color. It's flavored with cucumbers, radishes and plain yogurt topped with hard-boiled eggs, making it a truly healthy and delicious meal. You can make and chill this recipe up to three days ahead of time.

Order it here: Hotel Locomotiva, Lublin, Poland

South Africa: Biltong

Biltong is made from a variety of spiced, dried and cured meats, including beef and ostrich. It's usually eaten as a snack and tastes like a saltier version of beef jerky. Many locals dice the meat strips and add them to stews or muffins. You can also find biltong-flavored cheese spreads and potato chips in the country. Try Alton Brown's recipe for beef jerky as a substitute.

Order it here: Kream, Mall of Africa, Midrand, Johannesburg

South Korea: Bulgogi

The US has numerous Korean barbecue joints, but make sure to try this dish during your visit to South Korea. Bulgogi literally translates to "fire meat" and gets its slightly sweet flavor from a sugar-and-soy sauce marinade. You can try this fresh meat dish — eaten within a day of butchering — while you're there at upscale restaurants or from pan-ready kits found at local markets.

Order it here: Maple Tree House, Seoul, South Korea

Spain: Paella

This Spanish rice dish is like no other and includes a wealth of ingredients like chicken, sausage, shrimp, saffron and potatoes. It originated in the Valencia region, where the two main ingredients — saffron and rice — grow. If you can, forgo the restaurant version and try it homemade instead. This recipe uses a ham-hock-flavored broth.

Order it here: El Arrozal, Madrid, Spain

Switzerland: Chocolate

Switzerland may not be the first that comes to mind when you think of foodie countries around the world, but it has a lot to offer. Aside from delicious cheeses and wine, the Swiss know how to make good chocolate. Use high-quality chocolate to make Mini Swiss Rolls at home.

Try samples here: While you're in Switzerland, take the Belle Epoque Chocolate train to the Cailler factory, the birthplace of milk chocolate.

Thailand: Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum translates to "sour/spicy soup" and it's one of the most popular soups in Thailand. You can order it two different ways: with coconut milk (tom yum goong nam khon) or without (tom yum goong nam sy). Spice up your homemade soup with extra Thai chile peppers.

Order it here: Rung Rueang, Bangkok, Thailand

Vietnam: Pho Bo

Food is a prominent aspect of Vietnamese culture. You'll notice markets on every corner that offer an assortment of delicious homemade fare. Pho, a broth-based soup filled with noodles and raw meat, is offered any time of day — even for breakfast. You can make a quick version in about an hour.

Order it here: Pho Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam