Medical expert of the article
New publications
Top 50 best dishes from around the world
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
As Bernard Shaw once said: "There is no love more sincere than the love of food." It is hard to disagree with this. What culinary delights do people prefer? What products and dishes are the most delicious?
Ilive presents the top 50 dishes and products popular in different parts of the world.
If you are planning a trip around the world, don't forget to take this list with you. We are sure you will find it useful!
50. Popcorn, USA
Americans especially love to indulge themselves with popcorn while watching an interesting movie, scooping up their favorite treat by the handful. By the way, there are about a hundred varieties of popcorn: orange popcorn, amaretto popcorn, popcorn in chocolate, popcorn with nuts - and these are only a few varieties of sweet popcorn, not to mention the equally delicious ones with spicy and salty flavors.
[ 1 ]
49. Masala dosa, India
Exotic Indian cuisine has something to surprise guests of the country. People find themselves in another world – taste and visual. The most popular dish, which is a feature of southern Indian cuisine, is Masala Dosa, a thin rice pancake made from fermented flour. It is served with coconut chutney (sauce). Inside the pancake is a filling of potatoes and cabbage.
48. Potato chips, USA
Chips appeared in 1853, when a restaurant chef decided to teach a lesson to a customer who was unhappy with his “too thick potatoes.” The potatoes he prepared were no thicker than a sheet of paper and the demanding customer really liked them. Since then, the accidentally invented chips have conquered the world.
47. Seafood Paella, Spain
Spanish paella is prepared in different ways, each province has its own recipe for cooking this dish. But, of course, the main components of paella are rice, tomatoes and olive oil.
46. Som Tam, Thailand
A delicious Thai salad. It is prepared in a special mortar, where papaya, carrots, garlic, peanuts, green beans and tomatoes are mixed. The characteristic taste of the salad is given by fish sauce and lime juice. Oh, we almost forgot! And, of course, lots of chili peppers, you can’t do without them.
45. Chicken Rice, Singapore
This dish is often called the national dish of Singapore. Chicken meat is boiled or steamed and placed on top of fragrant rice. Cucumber or salad is used as a garnish. This creation of Thai chefs is considered one of the least spicy dishes.
44. Putin, Canada
Don't rush to associate this dish with the Russian president, it has nothing to do with him, and the stress in this word falls on the last syllable. In fact, Canadian poutine is nothing more than potatoes with cottage cheese and sauce. Translated, this word means "mess", which is not surprising, because the dish can include a wide variety of additional ingredients. Canadians say that poutine is especially enjoyable after a few bottles of beer.
43. Taco, Mexico
Or, as an option, tacos. This is a corn or wheat tortilla, rolled into a tube and filled with a variety of products, such as sausages, cheese, cacti, onions, corn, fruit mixes, etc. On top, such a pancake can be covered with guacamole (a sauce made from avocado pulp). Tacos are ideal for breakfast. It is for this reason that no guest of Mexico has left the country weighing less than upon arrival.
42. Toast with butter and marmite, Britain
In fact, Marmite is a waste product of beer production, which the German chemist Justus von Liebig came up with the idea of using as a protein-rich paste. It has a thick consistency and a very salty taste. This is an acquired taste – you can either love it or hate it for life. But especially loyal fans of Marmite can put a layer of marmalade on top of such toast. Yum-yum, in a word.
41. "Smelly" tofu, Southeast Asia
Yes, the name is not appetizing, but this does not prevent gourmets from classifying it as one of the most exquisite products of Southeast Asia. The smell of tofu fermentation (and it is due to this process that the cheese is so “fragrant”) is so unbearable that sometimes memories of it haunt people who are not accustomed to such exotics for several months. That is why this type of tofu is prohibited from being sold on the streets - you can only try it in a restaurant. But is it worth experiencing such a culinary shock? Yes, this legendary taste is worth it.
[ 5 ]
40. Marzipan, Germany
The main thing is not to be fooled by cheap imitations that use soy paste or almond essence. Real marzipan is a combination of crushed almonds and powdered sugar. The dessert is so delicious that you can eat a serious amount of the delicacy without even noticing it. The king of marzipans is rightfully considered to be the city of Lübeck, where the ancient recipe for the sweet is kept in the strictest confidence.
39. Ketchup, USA
If even Malcolm Gladwell, the famous Canadian journalist and sociologist, says it's great food, then it must be. The American obsession with tomatoes led to the invention of ketchup in the 19th century.
38. French Toast, Hong Kong
After a meal of French toast, it wouldn't hurt to check your cholesterol levels.
Two slices of toast are generously spread with jam or peanut butter and served with a generous dollop of syrup (maple, strawberry or apple).
37. Chicken Parmesan, Australia
This Italian dish is so well made by Australians it's as if they invented it themselves. Chicken fillet, thickly covered with melted parmesan and mozzarella, with a spicy garlic-tomato sauce - mmm... just finger-licking good!
36. BBQ, Texas
Each state has its own unique barbecue traditions. Americans love to enjoy a dish with the aroma of a campfire in the open air. However, different places have different grilled dishes. For example, in Tennessee, they are delighted with ribs, in North Carolina, the meat is crumbled after frying and made into a sandwich, and in Kentucky, it doesn’t matter at all what kind of meat to cook, because the main thing is the signature marinade. And finally, Texas. Here, they won’t skimp - a solid pork steak, generously covered with hot salsa - that’s how you should relax in the open air!
35. Chilli Crab, Singapore
You can't visit Singapore without trying the local bestseller, chilli crab.
The crab literally drowns in a sauce made from various spices, eggs and rice flour. You won’t be able to finish the sauce with a spoon – hot buns, which are traditionally served with the dish, will come to the rescue.
34. Maple Syrup, Canada
Have you ever tried eating pancakes without maple syrup? It's like eating a piece of cardboard. Badly cooked cardboard. That's exactly what the people of Canada think, and they are very proud of their traditional treat.
33. Fish and Chips, UK
An inexpensive and nutritious dish dating back to 1860. During the First World War, it was a simple meal that helped the poorest sections of society avoid starvation.
Deep-fried fish with crispy French fries still holds its position and is an integral part of English cuisine.
32. Ankimo, Japan
Damn delicious! Yes, yes, damn delicious, because Ankimo is made from the liver of monkfish. This dish is considered a delicacy in Japan.
31. Parma ham, Italy
Among the dry-cured hams, Parma is undoubtedly the queen. The distinctive feature of Her Majesty (by the way, the original Parma ham is marked with a stamp depicting the five-pointed crown of the Duchy of Parma) is its fragile structure and delicate pink color.
30. Goi Cuon, Vietnam
This snack is very common in Vietnam. Rice roll with meat filling – essentially a pancake – is served at room temperature.
29. Omi Gyu, Japan
The famous delicacy Wagyu beef has even won over the Japanese imperial family. The marbled veins in the meat are saturated with unsaturated fats (such a tautology). The Japanese claim that you can fully experience the most delicate taste of meat only in its raw form.
28. Pho, Vietnam
Aromatic, slightly spicy soup with rice noodles. The wonderful smell of herbs tickles the nostrils and whets the appetite.
27. Smoked Meat, Montreal
The best smoked meat in North America can only be tasted here! And the name of this place is "Schwartz's Deli", a restaurant that was opened in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania. Meat marinated with herbs and spices, smoked in smoke, became famous throughout the world.
26. Fajita or Fajitas, Mexico
Fajitas are a godsend for enthusiasts who cook under the motto “think it up yourself.”
This is a hearty dish that is a wheat flatbread and a meat filling with various additives. Its main feature is that the filling and the tortilla live a separate life. Everyone can choose what exactly to wrap in the flatbread. Top 50 best dishes from around the world (continued)