17 Must-Try Bucket List Foods from Around the Globe
The connection to culture, history, and people is food. Eating fantastic food is a great way to spice up a travel experience for foodies and adventurous travelers. Trying iconic food dishes from all over the world can be used to round out any trip, and 81% of travelers say that it’s one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
There are many interesting stories to tell with each dish, from spicy street food to elegant desserts soaked in tradition. With over 200 countries and countless regional specialties, the possibilities are endless.
Here is a list of 17 essential foods that deserve a spot on every food lover’s bucket list. Where will your taste buds take you next?
Sushi (Japan)
Sushi isn’t just food; it’s an art. Skilled chefs craft delicate bites by combining vinegared rice with raw fish, vegetables, or eggs. Each piece is perfected in flavor and texture.
You can never go wrong with fresh sushi at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. Pair your sushi with a side of wasabi and pickled ginger for an authentic touch.
Tacos al Pastor (Mexico)
Tacos al Pastor features juicy, marinated pork, caramelized pineapple, and soft corn tortillas. This classic street food is a product of the influence of Mexico’s Lebanese immigrants.
Try it at El Vilsito in Mexico City, often crowned the king of Al Pastor tacos. Mexico’s taco tradition dates back centuries, with over 20 regional variations!
Croissant (France)
Parisian bakeries can redefine your taste of perfection; one bite of a buttery, flaky croissant can change you forever. You can enjoy it fresh with a cup of café au lait (coffee with milk). If you are craving a treat, request a freshly baked almond croissant.
Pad Thai (Thailand)
This perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and savory stir-fried noodle dish is an essential experience in Bangkok. A plate of Pad Thai, particularly from the Michelin-recognized Thipsamai Restaurant, is a must. The rise of Pad Thai was a move to promote nationalism in 1930s Thailand.
Neapolitan Pizza (Italy)
This classic pizza is a testament to less being more. Its thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil make magic. In 2017, UNESCO recognized Neapolitan pizza-making as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance.
Peking Duck (China)
Crispy skin, tender meat, and cultural heritage are what you get with Peking Duck. It’s best served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce. Quanjude, one of Beijing’s most iconic Peking Duck restaurants, has served this delicacy since 1864.
Butter Chicken (India)
Butter chicken delivers bold flavors in its creamy spiced tomato sauce. This iconic dish originates from Delhi’s Moti Mahal and perfectly pairs with buttery naan.
Bobotie (South Africa)
Bobotie is a traditional South African dish with a rich history. It is believed to have been brought to the Cape by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. A spiced minced meat dish with baked eggs toppings and spices like turmeric and cardamom speak to its Cape Malay heritage.
Bobotie is traditionally served with yellow rice, sambal, and chutney, reflecting the fusion of cultural influences that shaped South African cuisine.
Pierogi (Poland)
Pierogi are soft dumplings with savory potatoes, cheese, and sweet cherries. They are a national treasure and Polish grandmothers’ recipe. If you want pierogi, go to Zapiecek in Kraków.
Ceviche (Peru)
Ceviche is fresh and vibrant lime-marinated fish or seafood mixed with onions and chili. It’s a Coastal Peruvian fiesta. La Mar in Lima serves up some sample authentic ceviche. One of the best things about ceviche is that it’s naturally loaded with omega-3s, which are suitable for your health.
Baklava (Turkey/Greece)
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. While its exact origin is debated between Turkey and Greece, it is widely recognized as a delicacy in both cultures and throughout the Middle East.
Kimchi (South Korea)
Kimchi is a staple of Korean cuisine. It consists of fermented cabbages and radishes spiced with garlic, ginger, and chili. It is the soul of Korean dining tables in Seoul’s Gwangjang Market. Kimchi-making, or “k mjang,” is inscribed on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.
Pho (Vietnam)
Pho is Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, with warming spices and rich flavors. Hanoi’s famous Pho Gia Truyen serves bowls that have captivated locals and visitors alike. Add fresh herbs and squeeze some lime for extra flavor.
Paella (Spain)
The saffron-filled rice dish with seafood, chicken or rabbit, and vegetables is a genuine emblem of Spanish cuisine. Try it in Valencia, especially at La Pepica, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite place.
Kebabs (Middle East)
Kebabs originated in the Middle East and have a rich history. Ancient soldiers would grill meat on their swords over open flames. The term “kebab,” which comes from the Arabic word “kabāb,” meaning “to roast,” reflects this cooking method.
Over time, kebabs evolved into popular dishes worldwide, with variations like shish kebab, seekh kebab, and doner kebab delighting people across different cultures.
Açaí Bowl (Brazil)
Açaí bowls originated in Brazil and became popular quickly because of their antioxidant-rich content. Amazonian communities have long used açaí as a savory staple eaten with fish.
Eventually, the dish evolved into something sweet, covered with granola, fruits, and honey. Açaí bowls are popular worldwide for their health benefits and bright taste.
Churros con Chocolate (Spain/Latin America)
Churros con Chocolate originated in Spain and features fried dough pastries with thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping. Inspired by Chinese fried dough, churros became a staple in Spain and Latin America, often paired with caramel or dulce de leche. Madrid’s Chocolatería San Ginés has been perfecting the art since 1894.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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