If you’ve ever traveled, you know that food plays an important role in the overall experience. It not only provides flavor but also helps you remember the country or culture that it came from.
Thankfully, it’s not as hard as it used to be to get a taste of foreign cuisine. In fact, there are many recipe videos that make it easy for even the most amateur of cooks to try these exotic dishes.
Indian
India is a large country with a variety of climates, soil types, cultures, and religions, and each region of the country has its own unique cuisine. But no matter where in India you’re from, there’s a common thread that runs through most Indian dishes: spices and a taste for experimentation.
Almost all regional cuisines are reliant on rice, a staple of Indian cooking, and a range of “pulses,” or legumes, like masoor dal (red lentil), chana dal (Bengal gram), toor dal (pigeon pea), urad dal (black gram), and mung dal (green gram). All of these pulses can be used as the basis for a dish, or they can be cooked and served as a side with any kind of main course.
Aside from the classic curries and stews, Indian food is also known for a number of fried foods. One of the most popular is pakora, which are savory fried snacks made with vegetables or meat. Another is vada pav, a spicier vegetarian version of sliders that are made with deep-fried fritters or patties of potato, often topped with green chilies, onions, and chutney.
Thai
Thai cuisine is a unique blend of herbs, spices, and fresh foods. It uses Umami, a taste found in many foods, to deepen and enhance its flavors.
A key part of Thai cuisine is nam pla, or fish sauce (the pungent and salty paste made from fermented anchovies), which contributes a distinct flavor to most dishes. Other common ingredients include lime juice, lemongrass, fresh coriander, and Asian tamarind.
Other key ingredients are fish, shrimp, oysters, calamari, and crab. These are served cooked or raw and can be eaten alone or with condiments.
Food is a key part of Thai culture, and meals are often served as family meals. A traditional Thai meal typically consists of rice (khao in Thai) and several complementary dishes served at the same time.
Italian
Italian cuisine is a rich tapestry of textures, flavors, and fresh produce that is influenced by the country’s unique history and geography. Known for its savory dishes, it also boasts delicious desserts that are enjoyed all year round.
In Italy, food is an integral part of family life and social interaction. The Italian diet is rich in olive oils, fruits, and vegetables, and it emphasizes fresh unprocessed foods.
A typical Italian meal consists of two or three courses. The first course is soup or pasta, while the main course is meat or fish.
Cured meats are a common feature of Italian meals. Some of the best-known are salami, bresaola, pancetta and soppressata.
Tomatoes are another key ingredient in Italian recipes. The majority of tomatoes are produced in Sicily, Sardinia, and Puglia.
Middle Eastern
From kebabs and baklava to falafel and hummus, Middle Eastern cuisine has caught the attention of foodies across the globe. New flavors and recipes are being explored as a way to broaden the appeal of this robust category.
As a region, Middle Eastern foods are deeply rooted in religion and culture. Muslims, in particular, adhere to a strict code of hospitality, marking every event like births, weddings, and festivals with delicious meals and celebrations.
The foods are also influenced by ancient trade routes that brought goods from Asia, Africa, and Europe to the area. These travelers introduced the region to foods and cooking traditions that are still enjoyed today.
Throughout the Middle East, grains are a major staple in the diet, as is meat. This is not to say that the diets are all vegetarian, however, meat dishes are often used as flavoring for soups and stews rather than as a main dish.
