A food encyclopedia

The national dish
of every country.

One iconic dish per country, A to Z — from Aruba’s keshi yena to Cambodia’s fish amok. Built entirely from our own destination guides.

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101

Countries covered

A–Z

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Tavë Kosi
Albania
Trinxat
Andorra
Fungee and Pepperpot
Antigua and Barbuda
Asado (Argentine BBQ)
Argentina

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A

Tavë Kosi
National dish
Albania

Tavë Kosi

Albania's national dish — a rich casserole of slow-baked lamb, rice, and eggs smothered in a thick yoghurt and…

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Trinxat
National dish
Andorra

Trinxat

Andorra's most iconic dish — a hearty mountain cake of mashed potatoes and cabbage pan-fried with cured pork o…

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Fungee and Pepperpot
National dish
Antigua and Barbuda

Fungee and Pepperpot

The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda — fungee (pronounced ‘fun-jee’) is a thick cornmeal pudding similar t…

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Asado (Argentine BBQ)
National dish
Argentina

Asado (Argentine BBQ)

The asado is Argentina's greatest cultural institution — a slow ritual of grilling meats over wood or charcoal…

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Keshi Yena (Stuffed Cheese)
National dish
Aruba

Keshi Yena (Stuffed Cheese)

Aruba’s most celebrated national dish — a whole Edam or Gouda cheese wheel hollowed out, filled with a richly…

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Barramundi
National dish
Australia

Barramundi

Australia’s most beloved native fish — barramundi is a large, silver-scaled freshwater and estuarine species w…

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Wiener Schnitzel
National dish
Austria

Wiener Schnitzel

Austria’s most iconic dish — a paper-thin slice of veal pounded flat, coated in breadcrumbs, and pan-fried in…

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B

Cracked Conch
National dish
Bahamas

Cracked Conch

The Bahamas' most beloved dish — conch (the large sea snail) that has been pounded flat, marinated in lime, co…

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Machboos
National dish
Bahrain

Machboos

Bahrain’s most beloved national dish — fragrant long-grain rice slow-cooked with meat or fish in a broth deepl…

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Flying Fish and Cou-Cou
National dish
Barbados

Flying Fish and Cou-Cou

Barbados's official national dish — steamed or fried flying fish served with cou-cou, a smooth cornmeal and ok…

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Moules-Frites (Mussels & Fries)
National dish
Belgium

Moules-Frites (Mussels & Fries)

Belgium's unofficial national dish — a big pot of steamed mussels (classically in white wine, shallots, butter…

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Shopska Salad
National dish
Bulgaria

Shopska Salad

Bulgaria's most iconic dish and unofficial national salad — a colourful mix of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, ro…

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C

Fish Amok
National dish
Cambodia

Fish Amok

Cambodia's most celebrated dish and the best introduction to Khmer cuisine — freshwater fish marinated in a ri…

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Poutine
National dish
Canada

Poutine

Canada's signature dish — crispy fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and hot gravy.

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Empanadas de Pino
National dish
Chile

Empanadas de Pino

Chile's national snack — baked pastry turnovers filled with pino: a savoury mix of minced beef, onion, hard-bo…

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Peking Duck
National dish
China

Peking Duck

Beijing's legendary dish — lacquered duck roasted to crackling perfection, carved tableside and wrapped in thi…

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Bandeja Paisa
National dish
Colombia

Bandeja Paisa

Colombia's most iconic dish, from the Antioquia region — a towering platter of red beans, rice, ground beef, c…

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Gallo Pinto
National dish
Costa Rica

Gallo Pinto

Costa Rica's national breakfast — rice and black beans fried together with onion, pepper, and cilantro, season…

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Peka (Bell-Roasted Meat or Octopus)
National dish
Croatia

Peka (Bell-Roasted Meat or Octopus)

Croatia’s most iconic slow-cook dish — lamb, veal, or octopus placed in a cast-iron pot and covered with a bel…

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Ropa Vieja
National dish
Cuba

Ropa Vieja

Cuba's unofficial national dish — shredded, slow-braised beef in a tomato-based sofrito sauce with peppers and…

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Meze (The Cypriot Feast)
National dish
Cyprus

Meze (The Cypriot Feast)

The ultimate way to eat in Cyprus — a procession of 20–30 small dishes arriving continuously at your table: di…

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Vepřo-Knedlo-Zelo (Roast Pork & Dumplings)
National dish
Czech Republic

Vepřo-Knedlo-Zelo (Roast Pork & Dumplings)

The unofficial Czech national dish — slow-roasted pork with crispy crackling, bread dumplings (knedlíky), and…

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D

Flæskesteg (Danish Roast Pork)
National dish
Denmark

Flæskesteg (Danish Roast Pork)

Denmark’s unofficial national dish — pork roasted slowly until the fat layer crisps into shattering crackling…

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Mangú
National dish
Dominican Republic

Mangú

The Dominican breakfast staple — mashed boiled green plantains topped with pickled red onions, traditionally s…

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E

Ceviche Ecuatoriano
National dish
Ecuador

Ceviche Ecuatoriano

Unlike its Peruvian cousin, Ecuadorian ceviche is served in a tomato-based broth with shrimp, fish, or a mix,…

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Koshari
National dish
Egypt

Koshari

Egypt's national dish — a hearty mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni topped with spiced tomato sauce…

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Pupusas
National dish
El Salvador

Pupusas

El Salvador's national dish — thick handmade corn or rice-flour flatbreads stuffed with cheese, refried beans,…

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Mulgipuder (Barley & Potato Porridge)
National dish
Estonia

Mulgipuder (Barley & Potato Porridge)

The Estonian national dish and ultimate comfort food — pearl barley and potatoes slow-cooked together until th…

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F

Kokoda (Fijian Ceviche)
National dish
Fiji

Kokoda (Fijian Ceviche)

Fiji's signature dish — raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice until it 'cooks', then mixed with coconut mi…

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Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup)
National dish
Finland

Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup)

Finland's most beloved comfort dish — a creamy, golden soup made with fresh Atlantic salmon, potatoes, leeks,…

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Croissant & Boulangerie Culture
National dish
France

Croissant & Boulangerie Culture

The French croissant is a national institution — flaky, buttery, and best eaten warm from the oven at a local…

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G

Khachapuri (esp. Adjarian Khachapuri)
National dish
Georgia

Khachapuri (esp. Adjarian Khachapuri)

Georgia's beloved cheese bread — the Adjarian version, shaped like an open boat, is filled with molten cheese…

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Bratwurst & Currywurst
National dish
Germany

Bratwurst & Currywurst

Germany's iconic grilled sausages — regional bratwurst varieties (Nürnberger, Thüringer) served with mustard a…

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Jollof Rice (Ghanaian Style)
National dish
Ghana

Jollof Rice (Ghanaian Style)

West Africa's most famous rice dish — smoky, tomato-based rice simmered with peppers and spices.

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Moussaka
National dish
Greece

Moussaka

Greece's most iconic baked dish — layers of eggplant, spiced minced meat, and potato, topped with a golden béc…

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Oil Down
National dish
Grenada

Oil Down

Grenada's national dish — breadfruit, callaloo, dumplings, and salted meat all stewed together in coconut milk…

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Pepián
National dish
Guatemala

Pepián

Guatemala's national dish — a rich, spiced stew of chicken or beef in a sauce of roasted tomatoes, chilies, an…

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H

Goulash (Gulyás)
National dish
Hungary

Goulash (Gulyás)

Hungary's most famous export — a hearty paprika-spiced beef soup with potatoes, carrots, and onions, tradition…

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I

Icelandic Lamb
National dish
Iceland

Icelandic Lamb

Free-range and grass-fed on wild herbs, Icelandic lamb has a distinctively mild, clean flavor and appears ever…

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Butter Chicken & Naan
National dish
India

Butter Chicken & Naan

Invented at Delhi's Moti Mahal restaurant, this creamy tomato-butter curry served with fluffy tandoor-baked na…

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Nasi Goreng
National dish
Indonesia

Nasi Goreng

Indonesia's unofficial national dish — fried rice stir-fried with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, shall…

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Hummus
National dish
Israel

Hummus

Israel's ultimate comfort food — creamy chickpea puree topped with olive oil, served warm with fresh pita.

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Neapolitan Pizza
National dish
Italy

Neapolitan Pizza

The original pizza — soft, charred crust with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh fior di latte mozzarella, cooked…

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J

Ackee and Saltfish
National dish
Jamaica

Ackee and Saltfish

Jamaica's national dish — the buttery ackee fruit sautéed with salted cod, onions, and Scotch bonnet pepper, t…

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Sushi & Sashimi
National dish
Japan

Sushi & Sashimi

Japan is the birthplace of sushi — vinegared rice paired with the freshest seafood, hand-pressed (nigiri), rol…

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Mansaf
National dish
Jordan

Mansaf

Jordan's national dish — lamb cooked in a tangy fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed), served over rice and fl…

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K

Beshbarmak
National dish
Kazakhstan

Beshbarmak

Kazakhstan's national dish — boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) served over wide hand-cut noodles with a savo…

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Nyama Choma
National dish
Kenya

Nyama Choma

Kenya's most beloved communal dish — slow-grilled goat or beef over an open charcoal fire, traditionally share…

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L

Käsknöpfle
National dish
Liechtenstein

Käsknöpfle

Liechtenstein's national dish — small egg-flour dumplings (spätzle) baked with layers of alpine cheese and top…

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Cepelinai
National dish
Lithuania

Cepelinai

Lithuania's national dish — dense potato dumplings shaped like zeppelins, stuffed with minced meat or curd che…

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Judd mat Gaardebounen
National dish
Luxembourg

Judd mat Gaardebounen

Luxembourg's national dish — smoked pork collar simmered until tender, served with broad beans and boiled pota…

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M

Nasi Lemak
National dish
Malaysia

Nasi Lemak

Malaysia's national dish — fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, boiled…

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Mas Huni
National dish
Maldives

Mas Huni

The Maldivian national breakfast — shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onion, chili, and lime, sco…

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Fenkata (Rabbit Stew)
National dish
Malta

Fenkata (Rabbit Stew)

Widely considered Malta's national dish — rabbit slow-cooked in wine, garlic, and herbs, traditionally shared…

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Dholl Puri
National dish
Mauritius

Dholl Puri

Mauritius' unofficial national dish — a thin, soft flatbread made from split-pea flour, folded around curried…

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Tacos al Pastor
National dish
Mexico

Tacos al Pastor

Mexico City's signature taco — marinated pork sliced from a vertical spit (trompo), Lebanese-influenced, and s…

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Ćevapi
National dish
Montenegro

Ćevapi

Small grilled sausages of minced beef and pork, served in flatbread with onions and kajmak — found at cevabdži…

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Couscous
National dish
Morocco

Couscous

Morocco's national dish — steamed semolina served with a vegetable and meat stew, traditionally eaten on Frida…

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N

Stroopwafel
National dish
Netherlands

Stroopwafel

Two thin waffles sandwiching a warm caramel-syrup filling — best bought fresh and hot from a market stall, lik…

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Hangi
National dish
New Zealand

Hangi

A traditional Maori feast of meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an earth oven over heated stones — often serve…

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Gallo Pinto
National dish
Nicaragua

Gallo Pinto

Nicaragua's national dish — rice and beans fried together, usually served for breakfast alongside eggs, cheese…

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Tavče Gravče
National dish
North Macedonia

Tavče Gravče

North Macedonia's national dish — beans baked slowly in a clay pot with paprika, onion, and herbs until rich a…

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Fårikål
National dish
Norway

Fårikål

Norway's official national dish — mutton and cabbage slow-simmered with whole peppercorns, traditionally eaten…

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O

Shuwa
National dish
Oman

Shuwa

Oman's celebratory national dish — spiced marinated lamb or goat wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked unde…

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P

Nihari
National dish
Pakistan

Nihari

A rich, slow-cooked beef or mutton stew simmered overnight with spices — traditionally eaten for breakfast in…

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Sancocho
National dish
Panama

Sancocho

Panama's beloved national soup — chicken simmered with ñame (yam), corn, and culantro, traditionally served as…

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Sopa Paraguaya
National dish
Paraguay

Sopa Paraguaya

Paraguay's most iconic dish despite the name — a dense, savory cornbread made with cheese, onion, and milk, ba…

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Ceviche
National dish
Peru

Ceviche

Peru's national dish — fresh raw fish cured in lime juice with red onion, chili, and cilantro, traditionally s…

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Adobo
National dish
Philippines

Adobo

The Philippines' unofficial national dish — chicken or pork slow-braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ba…

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Bigos (Hunter's Stew)
National dish
Poland

Bigos (Hunter's Stew)

A hearty stew of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, mixed meats, and sausage, slow-simmered for days — considered a na…

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Bacalhau (Salt Cod)
National dish
Portugal

Bacalhau (Salt Cod)

Portugal's unofficial national dish — salted, dried codfish that is soaked and prepared in more than 365 ways,…

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Q

Machbous
National dish
Qatar

Machbous

Qatar's national dish — fragrant spiced rice layered with chicken, lamb, or fish and dried lime, seasoned with…

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R

Sarmale
National dish
Romania

Sarmale

Romania's national dish — cabbage leaves (or occasionally vine leaves) stuffed with minced pork and rice, slow…

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S

Stewed Saltfish
National dish
Saint Kitts and Nevis

Stewed Saltfish

The national dish — salted cod stewed with onions, peppers, and local herbs, traditionally served with spicy p…

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Green Fig and Saltfish
National dish
Saint Lucia

Green Fig and Saltfish

Saint Lucia's official national dish — green (unripe) bananas stewed with salted cod, onions, and local season…

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Roasted Breadfruit and Fried Jackfish
National dish
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Roasted Breadfruit and Fried Jackfish

The official national dish — roasted breadfruit paired with crispy fried jackfish, a humble but beloved everyd…

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Piadina
National dish
San Marino

Piadina

A thin, griddle-cooked flatbread shared with the wider Romagna region but a daily staple here — folded around…

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Kabsa
National dish
Saudi Arabia

Kabsa

Saudi Arabia's national dish — fragrant spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb, or goat, warmed with cardamom,…

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Ćevapi
National dish
Serbia

Ćevapi

Serbia's most iconic dish — small grilled rolls of minced beef and pork, seasoned simply and served with flatb…

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Grilled Fish
National dish
Seychelles

Grilled Fish

A Seychellois everyday staple — whole reef fish such as job fish or red snapper, grilled over charcoal and ser…

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Hainanese Chicken Rice
National dish
Singapore

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Singapore's unofficial national dish — poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken…

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Bryndzové Halušky
National dish
Slovakia

Bryndzové Halušky

Slovakia's national dish — soft potato dumplings smothered in tangy bryndza sheep cheese and topped with crisp…

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Potica
National dish
Slovenia

Potica

Slovenia's national dish — a rolled nut roll cake, traditionally filled with walnuts, poppy seed, or tarragon…

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Bobotie
National dish
South Africa

Bobotie

Widely regarded as South Africa's national dish — spiced minced meat (usually beef or lamb) baked with a golde…

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Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal & Galbi)
National dish
South Korea

Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal & Galbi)

Tabletop grilling of marinated short ribs (galbi) or thick-cut pork belly (samgyeopsal), wrapped in lettuce wi…

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Paella
National dish
Spain

Paella

Valencia's iconic rice dish, cooked in a wide shallow pan over an open flame.

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Rice and Curry
National dish
Sri Lanka

Rice and Curry

The Sri Lankan everyday staple — a heaping plate of rice served with multiple vegetable, meat, or fish curries…

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Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)
National dish
Sweden

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

Sweden's most globally recognized dish — pan-fried beef and pork meatballs served with creamy gravy, lingonber…

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Fondue
National dish
Switzerland

Fondue

Switzerland's most iconic communal dish — melted Gruyère and Vacherin cheese shared from a single pot, eaten b…

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T

Beef Noodle Soup
National dish
Taiwan

Beef Noodle Soup

Widely considered Taiwan's unofficial national dish — tender braised beef and hand-pulled noodles in a rich fi…

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Ugali
National dish
Tanzania

Ugali

Tanzania's everyday staple — a firm, dough-like porridge made from maize (or cassava) flour, served alongside…

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Pad Thai
National dish
Thailand

Pad Thai

Thailand's most internationally recognised dish — rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprou…

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Doubles
National dish
Trinidad and Tobago

Doubles

Trinidad's most iconic street food and a genuine national obsession — curried channa (chickpeas) sandwiched be…

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Couscous
National dish
Tunisia

Couscous

Tunisia's national dish — steamed semolina grains typically served with lamb, fish, or vegetables in a spiced…

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Turkish Kebabs (Döner, Adana, Şiş)
National dish
Turkey

Turkish Kebabs (Döner, Adana, Şiş)

Turkey's most famous culinary export comes in dozens of regional styles — spit-roasted döner, spicy hand-mince…

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U

Borscht
National dish
Ukraine

Borscht

Ukraine's most iconic dish — a beet-based soup, usually served with sour cream.

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Machbous
National dish
United Arab Emirates

Machbous

An Emirati staple shared across the Gulf — fragrant spiced rice layered with chicken, lamb, or fish and dried…

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Haggis
National dish
United Kingdom

Haggis

Scotland's national dish — a savoury pudding of sheep's offal, oats, suet, and spices, traditionally served wi…

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New York-Style Pizza
National dish
United States

New York-Style Pizza

New York's oversized, foldable thin-crust pizza is one of America's most iconic foods.

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Chivito
National dish
Uruguay

Chivito

Uruguay's iconic sandwich and widely considered the national dish — a towering stack of thin-sliced steak, ham…

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V

Pho
National dish
Vietnam

Pho

Vietnam's most famous export — a fragrant beef or chicken noodle soup, simmered for hours and served with fres…

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