Most underrated world cuisines you have to try
Sushi, Pizza and Tacos, we are all familiar with these tasty global delicacies. But let us broaden our food horizons and explore some of the more unknown, but equally (if not more) delicious cuisines of the world! Traveling around the world and growing up abroad, I have had the chance to try some of the tastiest meals all around the world. We love food, tasting exotic dishes, trying out new recipes, and exploring all that the world food scene has to offer. We still have a lot to explore, but for now: we bring to you a delightful, spicy, and flavorful compilation of some of the most underrated world cuisines you simply have to try before you can call yourself a true foodie!
Middle Eastern cuisine is packed with mystical spices and herbs that many of us may not have heard of, such as sumac, za’atar, and harissa, which often give the dishes their unique flavors. Traditional recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down generation after generation are common in the Middle East. Middle Eastern cuisine is all about family and big meals shared around a table. Ranging from the Persian delicacy Tahdig, a crispy crunchy, golden rice dish, to Syrian stuffed vegetables Mahshi and Kuwaiti Quwarmah Al Dajaj, curried chicken with a blend of amazing spices and herbs. With this variety, there is something for everyone to try and enjoy!
Middle Eastern
If the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Middle Eastern food is Hummus, you are not wrong! We love hummus, but there are so many more delightful and delectable dishes than just Hummus!
Middle Eastern cuisine is packed with mystical spices and herbs that many of us may not have heard of, such as sumac, za’atar, and harissa, which often give the dishes their unique flavors. Traditional recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down generation after generation are common in the Middle East. Middle Eastern cuisine is all about family and big meals shared around a table. Ranging from the Persian delicacy Tahdig, a crispy crunchy, golden rice dish, to Syrian stuffed vegetables Mahshi and Kuwaiti Quwarmah Al Dajaj, curried chicken with a blend of amazing spices and herbs. With this variety, there is something for everyone to try and enjoy!
Here are some Middle Eastern dishes you have to try:
Tagine- The classic berber stew from Morocco- Tagine is actually also the name of the cone-shaped clay pot the stew is cooked in! Tagines can include meat, couscous, and vegetables all slow-cooked in a tagine, with aromatic spices, herbs, and oils.
Mezzes- Once again, I am cheating a bit with this category. A mezze is not specifically 1 dish, but a category of small appetizer dishes served in many Middle Eastern homes and restaurants. Kind of like a Middle Eastern tapas. Mezzes include hot and cold, meat and vegetarian dishes.
Some of our favorites are:
Dolma- Stuffed vine leaves. Depending on the region, these tasty starters can include nuts, rice, fruits, onion, and even lamb. The perfect finger food!
Tabbouleh- A finely chopped, fresh Lebanese salad with parsley, tomatoes, Bulgur wheat, mint, onion, lemon juice, and olive oil. A fresh and zesty salad, perfect for hot summer days!
Moutabal and Baba Gannouj- These mezzes both revolve around the same vibrant purple vegetable, the eggplant. They both include smoked eggplant and either yogurt and tahini or molasses and pomegranate. A smokey, tasty dip often enjoyed with traditional flatbread, is the perfect start to your meal.
Shawarma- are the Middle Eastern rival to the Turkish doner kebab and the Greek Gyros. Shawarma stalls can be found in most neighborhoods and are one of the most popular street foods across the region. A flatbread wrapped with shredded rotisserie meat or chicken, vegetables (salad, tomatoes, cucumber, onion), and sauce. The contents of the shawarma will differ based on region, but my favorite version comes from a stall next to my neighborhood mosque in Dubai: shredded chicken, garlic sauce, a single french fry, lettuce, and a crunchy pickle; all for the price of 5 DHS (about 1.25 euros).
Manakeesh- is a Middle Eastern pizza, originating from Lebanon. Flatbread or dough served with cheese, za’atar spice, or meat. This treat can be folded, sliced, and snacked on at any occasion!
Baklawa- These sweets are made from hundreds of layers of dainty pastry and are flavored with nuts, syrups, and honey. Often you can find platters of these beautifully arranged sweets at the end of any dinner.
Move over to Pad Thai, we have a new contender in town Pho the top spot for South-East Asian Food!
Vietnamese food has really grown in popularity around the world during the last few years, and rightfully so. Vietnamese cuisine centralizes around healthy meals which are full of herbs and flavor. Ingredients used are fresh, natural Vietnamese cuisine that has inspiration from neighboring countries such as Thailand, China, Laos, and Cambodia, and remnants of French colonialism, which have all formed the distinct cuisine.
Here are 4 dishes you have to try:
Pho- The national dish of Vietnam. Pho is famous for its rich chicken or meat broth flavored with zesty ginger and coriander served with rice noodles, and meat, with aromatic spring onion and greens. Believe it or not, this is actually a popular breakfast dish in Vietnam!
Goi cuon- These transparent rice paper spring rolls are filled with mint, coriander, shrimp, or minced pork. They are delicious and fresh appetizers to start any meal and are even tastier when dipped in rich peanut sauce.
Banh mi- Inspired by the french, this sandwich-based snack has a base of baguette, filled with pork, pate, or beef and an array of fresh vegetables. The perfect street food snack!
Banh xeo- These are Vietnamese-style sizzling pancakes containing shrimp, pork, and vegetables, dipped in a delightful fish sauce (nuoc cham).
Hopefully, your mouth is watering and you are inspired to broaden your food horizons by tasting or creating one of these amazing dishes! Did we miss out on one of your favorite dishes or cuisines? Let us know in the comments, what is your favorite underrated dish or cuisine? Do you want to build your culinary skills? Look no further than Hospitality Academy's culinary programs in the USA and beyond! As the USA is made up of so many different cultures and cuisines, it is the perfect place to learn a new cuisine! Start your culinary job in the USA by applying on their website.
Tagine- The classic berber stew from Morocco- Tagine is actually also the name of the cone-shaped clay pot the stew is cooked in! Tagines can include meat, couscous, and vegetables all slow-cooked in a tagine, with aromatic spices, herbs, and oils.
Mezzes- Once again, I am cheating a bit with this category. A mezze is not specifically 1 dish, but a category of small appetizer dishes served in many Middle Eastern homes and restaurants. Kind of like a Middle Eastern tapas. Mezzes include hot and cold, meat and vegetarian dishes.
Some of our favorites are:
Dolma- Stuffed vine leaves. Depending on the region, these tasty starters can include nuts, rice, fruits, onion, and even lamb. The perfect finger food!
Tabbouleh- A finely chopped, fresh Lebanese salad with parsley, tomatoes, Bulgur wheat, mint, onion, lemon juice, and olive oil. A fresh and zesty salad, perfect for hot summer days!
Moutabal and Baba Gannouj- These mezzes both revolve around the same vibrant purple vegetable, the eggplant. They both include smoked eggplant and either yogurt and tahini or molasses and pomegranate. A smokey, tasty dip often enjoyed with traditional flatbread, is the perfect start to your meal.
Shawarma- are the Middle Eastern rival to the Turkish doner kebab and the Greek Gyros. Shawarma stalls can be found in most neighborhoods and are one of the most popular street foods across the region. A flatbread wrapped with shredded rotisserie meat or chicken, vegetables (salad, tomatoes, cucumber, onion), and sauce. The contents of the shawarma will differ based on region, but my favorite version comes from a stall next to my neighborhood mosque in Dubai: shredded chicken, garlic sauce, a single french fry, lettuce, and a crunchy pickle; all for the price of 5 DHS (about 1.25 euros).
Manakeesh- is a Middle Eastern pizza, originating from Lebanon. Flatbread or dough served with cheese, za’atar spice, or meat. This treat can be folded, sliced, and snacked on at any occasion!
Baklawa- These sweets are made from hundreds of layers of dainty pastry and are flavored with nuts, syrups, and honey. Often you can find platters of these beautifully arranged sweets at the end of any dinner.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese food has really grown in popularity around the world during the last few years, and rightfully so. Vietnamese cuisine centralizes around healthy meals which are full of herbs and flavor. Ingredients used are fresh, natural Vietnamese cuisine that has inspiration from neighboring countries such as Thailand, China, Laos, and Cambodia, and remnants of French colonialism, which have all formed the distinct cuisine.
Here are 4 dishes you have to try:
Pho- The national dish of Vietnam. Pho is famous for its rich chicken or meat broth flavored with zesty ginger and coriander served with rice noodles, and meat, with aromatic spring onion and greens. Believe it or not, this is actually a popular breakfast dish in Vietnam!
Goi cuon- These transparent rice paper spring rolls are filled with mint, coriander, shrimp, or minced pork. They are delicious and fresh appetizers to start any meal and are even tastier when dipped in rich peanut sauce.
Banh mi- Inspired by the french, this sandwich-based snack has a base of baguette, filled with pork, pate, or beef and an array of fresh vegetables. The perfect street food snack!
Banh xeo- These are Vietnamese-style sizzling pancakes containing shrimp, pork, and vegetables, dipped in a delightful fish sauce (nuoc cham).
Hopefully, your mouth is watering and you are inspired to broaden your food horizons by tasting or creating one of these amazing dishes! Did we miss out on one of your favorite dishes or cuisines? Let us know in the comments, what is your favorite underrated dish or cuisine? Do you want to build your culinary skills? Look no further than Hospitality Academy's culinary programs in the USA and beyond! As the USA is made up of so many different cultures and cuisines, it is the perfect place to learn a new cuisine! Start your culinary job in the USA by applying on their website.
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