30 Recipes That Will Take Your Taste Buds On A Trip Around The World (2024)

Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack / Via muybuenocookbook.com

Peanut butter, chocolate, and chiles might seem like an unusual combo, but these flavors actually combine into a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with slow-cooked chicken tamales. One bite will send you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

Marc Matsumoto / Via norecipes.com

These little sandwiches are as delicious as they are cute. Are they dessert? Are they a snack? Either way, they're a Japanese classic with a taste that's almost as good as traveling there yourself.

Jennifer Chong / Via seeandsavour.com

Popular in places like Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, this simple salad packs a huge punch of tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with any protein or stands alone as a side dish. The green papaya is refreshing, while peanuts and fish sauce add salty and umami flavors for balance.

Emily Kemp / Via insidetherustickitchen.com

The secret to this pasta's creamy sauce? Eggs and cheese — it doesn't get much better than that. It's hard not to imagine yourself twirling these noodles in one hand, a glass of wine in the other, and a view of Rome in front of you.

Healthy Nibbles and Bits / Via healthynibblesandbits.com

This summer might not have been spent traveling, but why not end it with a bang (of flavor) with these spring rolls dipped in a spicy peanut sauce? Fresh, crunchy veg and succulent shrimp make the perfect warm-weather meal, whether you're in Vietnam or just your kitchen.

Layla Pujol / Via laylita.com

Empanadas can be found in many South American countries, and the ones in Argentina are some of the best. There are tons of different varieties; this recipe from the Mendoza region keeps it simple with a beef, olive, and boiled-egg filling. Oh, and don't forget the chimichurri!

Tieghan Gerard / Via halfbakedharvest.com

You can't visit Canada without trying poutine, so when you can't go to Canada, you have to bring the poutine to YOU! Plus, there's really nothing more comforting than a food trifecta of fries, gravy, and cheese, am I right?

Chopstick Chronicles / Via chopstickchronicles.com

Spam might be known as mystery meat, but when pan-fried and paired with a fluffy ball of rice and salty seaweed, it turns into a handheld snack best enjoyed on a Hawaiian beach. Or at your house — that works too!

Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com

Close your eyes and imagine you're in the Swiss Alps eating fondue and drinking a glass of wine. Now make it a reality (minus the Swiss Alps part, obviously). This ooey, gooey meal couldn't be easier to make. And c'mon, who doesn't love cheese?!

Ajoke Oladipo / Via myactivekitchen.com

Popular in West Africa, this bell pepper and tomato–based rice pairs well with just about every meat or a side of sweet, caramelized plantains. The key to making it authentic is to let the rice at the bottom char slightly, giving it loads of flavor.

Chelsea Kyle / Via bonappetit.com

Basically the French version of grilled cheese? Oui, oui, merci! This creamy ham and cheese sandwich is a bar and café staple in Paris, but it'll soon be a staple in your kitchen, too. (PS: Throw on a fried egg to make it a croque madame.)

Healthy Nibbles and Bits / Via healthynibblesandbits.com

Bubble tea — or boba — is the perfect sweet treat to conquer now that you've perfected your banana bread recipe during quarantine (right?). Mix tea, tapioca pearls, milk, and your favorite sweetener together for an easy at-home version of this Taiwanese drink.

David Lebovitz / Via davidlebovitz.com

This creamy yogurt dip studded with fresh veggies is best served with a side of pita and a sprinkling of za'atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend) on top. It's commonly enjoyed throughout the Middle East, and it'll be hard not to picture yourself there with every bite.

Ali Ebright / Via gimmesomeoven.com

Get ready for your kitchen to smell like a cozy English cottage. Traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, but this recipe lets you swap it for beef if that's more your thing. Or see the notes for how to make it vegan!

Martha Pesa / Via afamilyfeast.com

Who isn't dreaming of the day we can visit Spain, eating tapas and enjoying a pitcher (yes, I said pitcher) of sangria? This bowl of garlicky goodness is your first step there. Don't forget the side of bread!

Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com

Throw out that bag of chips and make these ASAP. A staple throughout many Latin American and Caribbean countries, this delightfully tropical snack is made with unripe plantains and fried until golden and crispy. YUM.

Half Baked Harvest / Via halfbakedharvest.com

Inspired by Greek street food, these gyros feature store-bought pita wrapped around roasted chicken and Feta fries. Throw in some crunchy radish, pickled red onions, and zesty tzatziki, and you'll practically feel that Greek sun on your face.

See & Savour / Via seeandsavour.com

A little spicy, a little umami, and a LOT delicious — this soup is comforting even in the middle of summer. Traditional Korean staples like kimchi and gochujang (red chili paste) really take it to the next level and transport you straight there.

Raymund Macaalay / Via angsarap.net

Chicken adobo is a staple Filipino dish that can have tons of different variations, like this one made with canned pineapple for an extra punch of flavor (without extra hassle). Grab some napkins and take your taste buds to tropical paradise.

Kimberly Killebrew / Via daringgourmet.com

This Ethiopian stew gets its kick thanks to a homemade berbere spice blend that takes spicy to a new level. The best part is, this dish only gets better with time, so bake up some injera bread and enjoy it for days.

Anetta Lancaster / Via thewanderlustkitchen.com

Who says you can't be in Sweden before noon? These pancakes are similar to crepes, but even fluffier because of butter and some extra eggs. They pair perfectly with whipped cream and fresh fruit (maybe lingonberries, anyone?).

Dassana and Amit / Via vegrecipesofindia.com

The paneer (Indian non-melting cheese) really makes this dish, but you could sub with chicken or tofu if your heart desires. Either way, this nutty, spicy, creamy curry is sure to please your palate and only make you want to visit India even more.

Christina Conte / Via christinascucina.com

A trip to Scotland wouldn't be complete without a taste of haggis, but for now we'll stick with making these sausage rolls. Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, these are a breeze to make and will have you devouring one (or five) in no time.

Sawsan Abu Farha / Via chefindisguise.com

Think cinnamon rolls, but with a savory kick from a spice blend featuring nutty, toasted sesame seeds and herbs. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, or just when you need a taste bud vacation.

Tara's Multicultural Kitchen / Via tarasmulticulturaltable.com

Brigadeiros, aka Brazilian balls of deliciousness, are shockingly easy to make. Condensed milk makes them sweet, cocoa powder makes them chocolaty, and sprinkles just make them fun. Pop one in your mouth for a ~taste~ of Brazil.

Czech Cookbook / Via czechcookbook.com

The beauty of this sauce is that it can go on EVERYTHING: chicken, fish, or even Czech dumplings. It's incredibly simple to make, so you can spend more time daydreaming about your next trip to Eastern Europe.

Sawsan Abu Farha / Via chefindisguise.com

Tagine is a popular dish in many countries, including Morocco and Tunisia, but this recipe comes to us from Algeria. The laundry list of aromatic spices pairs perfectly with the briny olives for an out-of-this-world (or country) dish.

Martha Pesa / Via afamilyfeast.com

One of Oz's most popular dishes is the best (and most delicious) way to pretend you're traveling across the continent. This recipe, inspired by the traditional handheld version, boasts a flaky crust and rich stewed beef for a comforting taste of Down Under.

Sarah Leung / Via thewoksoflife.com

The flavors and smells of fish sauce, shrimp paste, and garlic will take you straight to the streets of Malaysia or Singapore, where you'll often find this dish being made in a scorching-hot wok. Drizzle on some chili oil for an extra kick!

Karen Gifford / Via thefoodcharlatan.com

One bite of this pork marinated in mojo sauce (featuring orange, lime, garlic, cilantro, and mint) and you'll practically feel like you're in Cuba. Put this succulent meat in a sandwich or serve with rice — you can't lose.