For all the food fanatics out there, traveling is a must, if you want to sample the world’s cuisines. Travco rounds up the most resounding symphonies of flavors, colorful dishes and the tastiest bites around the globe.

10. Thai cuisine

Many people say that Thai food alone, with its balanced mix of hot, sour, bitter and sweet, is a good enough reason to visit the country. Just like other types of Asian cuisines, rice is the main component in Thai food; it also includes lots of fresh herbs and flavors, such as lime juice, lemongrass, and fresh coriander. In your discovery of this excellent Asian cuisine, you will often come across nam pla, a strong fish sauce, as well as shrimp paste and noodles. If you’re looking to get a kick of out your lunch, try traw beef, fermented fish paste or go for something truly special – head northeast of the Kingdom where deep-fried insect larvae is a local delicacy.

9. Greek cuisine

Heavily influenced by Turkish and Italian cuisines, Greek cuisine includes lots of olive oil, vegetables, and herbs specific to the Mediterranean region. You may find that eating in Greece is a bit different from eating in Greek restaurants in other countries; for example, gyros is considered junk food in Greece and may not be on the menu. Local restaurants offer an authentic dining experience, thanks to being up to date with the latest culinary trends and having regional specialties readily available. The Taverna and Estiatorio are popular for offering authentic and affordable cuisine.

8. Spanish cuisine

For a lighter approach to food, Spanish cuisine boasts a variety of meat, seafood, fish and vegetable dishes – it also uses the most oil among all Western and Central European cuisines. To wash down your meal, try one of the most popular beverages in Spain – the Sangria, a drink made of wine and fruits and which is surprisingly refreshing.

7. Japanese cuisine

Known for its seasonality of food, aspect and quality of ingredients, Japanese cuisine is rapidly becoming a trend worldwide. White rice and soybeans are the ingredients you can expect to find in almost any dish. According to the Michelin Guide, Tokyo is the most delicious city, with 150 top-ranked restaurants – Paris and London have 148!

6. Mexican cuisine

Known for its varied flavors and spices, Mexican Cuisine is the result of the Spanish conquistadores’ interaction with the Aztec culture. Most of the Mexican food we eat today is a delicious combination of ancient Aztec, Mayan and Spanish traditions. The French also influenced Mexican cuisine with baked goods, such as sweet breads and the bolillo. The more adventurous can try exotic options, such as iguana, insects, rattlesnake, deer and even spider monkey.

5. Lebanese cuisine

Lebanese cuisine lets you sample all the goodness the Middle East has to offer. Foods are generally Mediterranean – high on vegetables, low on meat and always bursting with flavor. Perhaps the most famous dish is the appetizer Mezze – a selection of dips, pickles, salads, and nibbles served with Arabic bread. The country is also famous for its Arabic sweets and Beirut is often referred to as the “Sweet Capital” of Lebanon.

4. Indian cuisine

One small part of Indian cuisine is known to the rest of the world, yet it is one of the most diverse and sophisticated in the world. The Indian food served in restaurants is usually North Indian and is also known as Mughlai or Punjabi. But there are also three other types of Indian cuisines: South, East and West. Dishes are mostly vegetarian, but some include lamb, goat, chicken and even fish. Indian cuisine is usually very spicy so to enjoy the food, start slowly and in a few weeks, your palate will get accustomed to the strong flavours.

3. Chinese cuisine

Originating from various parts of China, Chinese cuisine has become so popular that a third of the world’s population enjoys it on a daily basis. Chinese cuisine is easy to cook, economical and tasty. Most of the food is prepared in bite-sized pieces because the Chinese consider knives and forks weapons. Usually, each person at the table is given a bowl of rice while everyone at the table shares the other dishes. Some dishes include endangered species, such as facai moss, while others may include meats that you would want to avoid, such as dog.

2. French cuisine

French cuisine has always been popular and it’s not difficult to see why. Often referred to as “haute cuisine” eating in France is a memorable experience every time, whether you have steak and fries or more elaborate dishes. Pastries also make up a large part of French cooking as do cheese and wine. In Paris alone, there are over 5,000 places to eat, with prices and menus to suit everyone. It’s no wonder Charles de Gaulle once said,” How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?”

1. Italian Cuisine

Perhaps one of the oldest in the world, Italian cuisine can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It became what is today with the discovery of the New World, which brought with it ingredients such as potatoes, tomatoes, pepper and maize. An Italian meal is a somewhat sophisticated affair: start with an antipasto (appetizer) to open up your appetite before enjoying a primo (a pasta or rice dish) and a secondo (meat course). And, satisfy your sweet tooth with a dolce (dessert). Italy is also famous for of its 300 types of sausages as well as its cheeses of which there are over 400, including the famous Parmigianino Reggiano.

If I have sparked your interest in these amazing cuisines from around the world click here to see where your next exotic meal will be.

About the Author

 Mahy Medhat

A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.