10 Must-Try Dishes from Around the World

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If you're a foodie like me, nothing’s more exciting than discovering authentic international cuisine when you travel. Whether you're grabbing street food from a local vendor or sitting down at a top-rated restaurant, trying the best food to eat while traveling is an experience like no other. Because nothing beats the real deal, we’ve compiled a list of must-try dishes from around the world that every traveler should taste at least once.

Japan: Sushi

Best place to try it: Tokyo (Sukiyabashi Jiro)

As you probably already guessed, sushi in Tokyo is much fresher than the kind we find in the States. That’s because most of the fish is sourced from Toyosu Market, the largest fish market in the world. In Tokyo, you’ll commonly find ingredients such as maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp), uni (sea urchin), tamago (sweet egg omelet), ikura (salmon roe), and freshly grated wasabi. If you want a true, authentic sushi experience, tell your waiter "omakase," which means "I'll leave it up to you." This tradition allows the chef to decide what type of sushi to bring you, ensuring top-quality, seasonal ingredients and a once-in-a-lifetime sushi dining experience.

Italy: Pizza

Best place to try it: Naples (L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele)

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, which is why it ranks number one on my best pizza in Italy guide. Pizza in Naples—and in Italy overall—is much more simplified than what we’re used to. Instead of loading on toppings, they stick to two traditional types: pizza Margherita and pizza Marinara. Pizza Margherita is made with dough, hand-crushed San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and a few classic seasonings. Pizza Marinara skips the cheese and highlights the sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. After it’s prepared, the pizza is tossed into a wood-fired oven, creating those signature charred, crispy edges. Authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples is truly one of a kind.

Mexico: Tacos

Best place to try it: Mexico City (El Vilsito)

Throw away everything you thought you knew about tacos—you’re probably picturing Taco Bell, which is actually Tex-Mex. Authentic tacos in Mexico City are made with soft corn tortillas and filled with flavorful options like fish, carne asada, slow-roasted lamb or beef, or spit-roasted pork (tacos al pastor). These street tacos are traditionally topped with cilantro, diced white onion, lime wedges, red and green salsa, pickled vegetables, and sometimes, radishes. The incredible mix of fresh ingredients and juicy, seasoned meats makes traditional Mexican tacos something you can't miss.

Vietnam: Pho

Best place to try it: Hanoi (Pho Gia Truyen)

Vietnam's national dish, pho, is a noodle soup made of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and either beef or chicken. The difference between southern-style pho and authentic Vietnamese pho is that they focus more on the meats and less on extras such as basil, bean sprouts, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha. Beef pho usually uses well-done brisket, rare beef, tendon, or beef balls, combined with scallions, white onions, and cilantro. On the other hand, chicken pho is made with shredded chicken, poached egg, and fried shallots. If you're visiting Hanoi, just know pho is a go-to dish you can't miss.

Spain: Paella

Best place to try it: Valencia (Saigon Delice)

This traditional Spanish rice dish originated in Valencia, so it’s only right to try authentic paella in the city. Typically made with short-grain rice, rabbit or chicken, garrofón (large white lima beans), green beans, tomato, olive oil, and paprika, it’s a true taste of Valencian cuisine. There are other variations of paella as well, including seafood paella, paella mixta (a combination of seafood and meat), and arroz negro, which is made with rich squid ink. Final tip: Be sure to visit a restaurant that cooks paella to order. It may take 30–45 minutes, but the wait is definitely worth it.

China: Dim Sum

Best place to try it: Hong Kong (Tim Ho Wan)

Dim sum refers to a variety of bite-sized snacks typically served with tea. While it’s often associated with dumplings—like pork dumplings or shrimp dumplings topped with crab roe or green peas, or shrimp dumplings with bamboo shoots—dim sum isn’t limited to just dumplings. It also includes barbecued pork buns, rice noodle rolls, sticky rice filled with meats like chicken or pork, and sweet mini custard egg tarts. In Hong Kong, dim sum isn’t just a meal; it’s an art form. You haven’t truly experienced the city until you’ve enjoyed some authentic Hong Kong dim sum and then some!

France: Croissants

Best place to try it: Paris (Du Pain et des Idées)

Light, flaky, and buttery, Parisian croissants are a true delicacy. Made with higher-quality butter than those found in the States, they're created by folding dough with butter multiple times in a process known as lamination. There are two main types of croissants in Paris: the classic “croissant au beurre” and the chocolate-filled “pain au chocolat”. Often, croissants in Paris are paired with an espresso, making for the perfect morning treat.

Indonesia: Satay

Best place to try it: Jakarta (Sate Khas Senayan)

A popular street food in Jakarta, satay is made of small pieces of marinated, skewered meat, such as chicken, pork, beef, or lamb. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and brown sugar, giving it a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Satay in Jakarta is often served with peanut sauce or sweet soy sauce, accompanied by rice and fresh vegetables. Common veggies include cucumber and shallots, adding a refreshing crunch to the dish.

Thailand: Massaman Curry

Best place to try it: Bangkok (Ruen Urai)

Though Massaman curry has its roots in Thailand, it’s heavily influenced by Indian and Persian cuisines. The curry is made from a rich blend of coconut milk, peanut butter, and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves. It also features ingredients like potatoes, onions, cashews, and tamarind, with meats such as beef, chicken, or lamb commonly added. For the perfect meal, pair your Massaman curry with steamed rice and a refreshing Thai iced tea.

Turkey: Baklava

Best place to try it: Istanbul (Karaköy Güllüoğlu)

Baklava is a sweet treat made from phyllo dough, finely chopped nuts (like pistachios, walnuts, and hazelnuts), and sugar syrup or honey. For a flaky, rich dessert, baklava is coated in butter and topped with a sweet syrup made of sugar, water, and sometimes lemon juice or rose water. No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in a piece of authentic baklava, where every bite captures the essence of Turkish culinary tradition.

Traveling is exciting on its own, but sampling authentic dishes makes the experience even more memorable. There's truly nothing like Vietnamese pho and Italian pizza, and if you don't believe me, you'll just have to try them for yourself. Happy travels, foodies!