World Cuisine
Iconic dishes you must try around the world
Some dishes tell the story of a country all on their own. Here are the ones worth tasting on the spot, prepared the traditional way.
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PlanTripNow Team
July 20, 2026 · 6 min read
What are the iconic dishes you must try around the world?
Among the must-tries: sushi in Japan, Peking duck in China, Neapolitan pizza in Naples, pierogi in Poland, tom yum goong in Thailand, empanadas in Argentina, couscous in the Maghreb and pastel de nata in Portugal. Each one truly comes into its own when tasted in its country of origin, prepared the traditional way.
Some dishes go far beyond their simple recipe: they embody a country's identity, its geography, its history, sometimes even its national pride. Here are a few must-tries that deserve to be tasted on the spot, in the conditions where they were born.
Japan and China
In Japan, sushi remains the best-known culinary ambassador internationally. The term actually covers several preparations: nigiri, balls of vinegared rice topped with raw fish, makis rolled in a sheet of nori seaweed, cone-shaped temaki, or chirashi, a bowl of rice covered with slices of fish. Each variant has its own preparation codes, passed down in houses sometimes centuries old.
In China, Peking duck holds a special place. Its long, meticulous preparation involves drying the skin before a cooking process that makes it crispy while the meat stays tender. The dish is traditionally eaten wrapped in a thin pancake with hoisin sauce, spring onion and cucumber, following a carving ceremony often performed in front of the guests.
Italy and Poland
In Italy, Neapolitan pizza has been ranked among the world's best dishes by many gastronomic rankings, but nothing replaces a version eaten straight in Naples, its birthplace. The dough, thin in the centre and puffed at the edges, cooks in a matter of seconds in a wood-fired oven at very high temperature, following a method governed by precise rules to earn the traditional label.
In Poland, pierogi stands out as one of the country's most representative dishes. These hand-shaped dumplings are filled with potatoes and curd cheese as much as meat, sauerkraut or even fruit in sweet versions. They're found in home cooking as much as on street stalls in major Polish cities.
Thailand and Argentina
In Thailand, tom yum goong perfectly illustrates the balance of flavours typical of the country's cuisine. This spicy, tangy shrimp soup blends lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli and lime juice, in a balance that must stay perfectly even between spicy, sour and umami.
In Argentina, empanadas are part of everyday life as much as major occasions. These small pastries filled with meat, vegetables or cheese vary widely from one province to another, each region claiming its own recipe and its own way of pleating the edges.
The Maghreb and Portugal
In the Maghreb, couscous holds a central place in home cooking, often reserved for Friday's meal. The semolina, steamed in several passes to get a light texture, is served with a vegetable and meat stew whose composition varies across regions of Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia.
Finally, in Portugal, pastel de nata rounds off this culinary world tour perfectly. This small tart, filled with a custard made of egg yolks, sugar, milk and flour, is eaten warm, dusted with cinnamon, and remains inseparable from a break in a Lisbon café.
8 dishes not to miss
| Dish | Country |
|---|---|
| Sushi | Japan |
| Peking duck | China |
| Neapolitan pizza | Italy |
| Pierogi | Poland |
| Tom yum goong | Thailand |
| Empanadas | Argentina |
| Couscous | Maghreb |
| Pastel de nata | Portugal |
Tasting a cuisine means tasting a culture
Tasting these dishes in their homeland, prepared using traditional methods, is often far more revealing of a culture than a simple tourist visit. Cuisine, more than any other element, tells the story of a country through its flavours.
Tasting on the spot: a few tips
To discover an iconic dish, nothing beats its region of origin. Find out about the places locals recommend, the usual meal times and local table customs, as they vary from one country to another.
Learn a few words of vocabulary for ordering, and do not hesitate to ask the staff for advice: they are often delighted to share their cooking. A traditional dish is best tasted in a simple place rather than a restaurant aimed at tourists.
Special diets and allergies
If you follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet or have allergies, prepare before you leave: note the local names of the ingredients to avoid, or carry a translated card explaining your restrictions. It makes exchanges easier, especially when the language is distant.
In some countries, dishes that look vegetarian contain meat or fish in the broth or sauce. Always ask about the ingredients before ordering, and keep a fallback in case of doubt.
Further reading
To go further: Street food: the best cities to eat on the go and Building a day-by-day itinerary without overloading it.
Where and how to try them
Sushi
Ideally in a specialised restaurant in Japan
Neapolitan pizza
In Naples, at a pizzeria with the traditional label
Couscous
Often served on Fridays in Maghreb families
Pastel de nata
Warm, with a coffee, in Lisbon's pastry shops
Destinations in this article
Frequently asked questions
Do all these dishes have a single, undisputed origin?
Some, like pastel de nata or Neapolitan pizza, have a well-documented geographic origin. Others, like couscous, vary across regions of the Maghreb, each claiming its own traditional version.
Can you find the same quality outside the country of origin?
Some restaurants abroad offer faithful versions, but ingredients, local know-how and sometimes even the water or oven used affect the result, which is why the original dish often remains hard to match.
Are these dishes suitable for vegetarian diets?
Some, like couscous or pierogi, exist in vegetarian versions. Others, like Peking duck or shrimp tom yum goong, are centred on an animal protein and need adapting.
How can I taste a traditional dish without falling into a tourist trap?
Favour places frequented by locals with a short menu, and ask local guides or your accommodation for advice.
How do I manage a food allergy while travelling?
Learn the local names of allergens, carry a translated card explaining your allergy and always check the ingredients of dishes before ordering.
Should I learn table customs before leaving?
It is useful: some gestures, such as how to hold cutlery or share dishes, vary by country. Taking an interest is also a sign of respect.
P
PlanTripNow Team
A team of travellers who test, taste and map the best addresses around the world to help you plan itineraries that feel truly local.
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