Top 10 Most Tasty Cuisines in the World
For all the food fanatics out there, traveling is essential, if you want to taste everything the world has to offer. That is why we have rounded up the most resounding symphonies of flavor, the most colorful dishes and the tasties bites. Here is your guide to the fascinating, international cuisines.
10. Lebanese Cuisine
The Lebanese cuisine is the place where you can taste all the goodness the Middle East has to offer. Foods are generally Mediterranean, high on vegetables, little meat and full of flavors. Perhaps the most famous dish worldwide is the appetizer mezze - a selection of dips, pickles, salads and nibbles with Arabic bread. It also includes an abundance of fruit, fresh fish and seafood and little animal fat. The country is also famous for the Arabic sweets, Tripoli being referred to as the “Sweet Capital” of Lebanon. [Lebanese Recipes]
9. Greek Cuisine
With a significant influence from the Turkish and Italian cuisine, the Greek cuisine is a focused around olive oil, vegetables and herbs specific to the Mediterranean region. Eating in Greece is a different experience from Greek restaurants in other countries - gyros for example is considered by Greeks junk food. Restaurants now offer an authentic eating experience, being up to date with the latest culinary trends and stocked up with regional specialties. The Taverna and Estiatorio are widespread, being the places where you can find affordable authentic cuisine. [Greek Recipes]
8. Spanish Cuisine
For a lighter approach on food, we turn to the Spanish cuisine, containing a variety of meat and fish, as well as vegetables. It is also influenced by the seafood available from the surrounding waters. Spanish cuisine uses the most oil among all Western and Central European cuisines. One of the most popular drinks in Spain that goes perfectly with its national dishes is sangria, a drink made of wine and fruits. [Spanish Recipes]
7. Japanese Cuisine
Known for its seasonality of food, aspect and quality of ingredients, the Japanese cuisine is rapidly becoming a trend worldwide. White rice and soybeans are the ingredients you should expect to find in almost any dish. According to Michelin Guide that ranks cities worldwide for their restaurants, Tokyo is the most delicious city, with 150 top-ranked restaurants, as opposed to Paris and London that have 148. Apart from its capital, it is fascinating to uncover the local cuisine throughout Japan. [Japanese Recipes]
6. Mexican Cuisine
Known for its varied flavors and spices, Mexican Cuisine is a result of the Spanish conquistadores’ interaction with the Aztec culture. Most of the Mexican food we eat today is a delicious combination of ancient traditions, Aztec, Mayan and Spanish. The French also had their part in the story, adding baked goods such as sweet breads and the bolillo. You can easily choose the restaurant you are going to eat in by popularity: restaurants with good food usually attract all the customers. There are also exotic options for your menu, such as iguana, insects, rattlesnake, deer and even spider monkey. [Mexican Recipes]
5. Thai Cuisine
Many people say Thai food alone, with its balanced mix of hot, sour, bitter and sweet, is a good enough reason to visit the country. The foods are characterized by the use of fresh herbs and flavors, such as lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Similar to many Asian cuisines, rice is the main component in Thai foods as well. You will often come across nam pla, a strong fish sauce, shrimp paste and noodles. If you’re looking to get a kick of out your lunch, you should try the raw beef, fermented fish paste or deep fried insect larvae mostly present in the Northeast, where eating insects in fairly common. [Thai Recipes]
4. Indian Cuisine
One of the world’s most sophisticated and diverse cuisines, only one part of the Indian cuisine is known to the world. The Indian food served in restaurants worldwide is North Indian, also known as Mughlai or Punjabi. There are other 3 categories of Indian cuisine: South, East and West. The foods are mostly vegetarian, but many include lamb, goat, chicken meat and even fish. Indian cuisine is usually very spicy so in order to enjoy the food, start slowly and in a few weeks you’ll get accustomed to the flavors. Meals are usually eaten without cutlery, while seated on the floor, but these traditions are starting to change for the restaurants oriented to the Europe or the US. [Indian Recipes]
3. Chinese Cuisine
Originated in various parts of China and now spread throughout the world, Chinese cuisine is now eaten by a third of the world’s population every day. The cuisine is easy to create, economical and tasty. Most of the food is prepared in bite-sized pieces because the Chinese culture regards knives and forks as weapons. Usually, every person at the table is given a bowl of rice while the other dishes are shared by everyone at the table. Some dishes are cooked from endangered species, such as facai moss while others from meat you would want to avoid such as dog. [Chinese Recipes]
2. Italian Cuisine
Perhaps one of the oldest in the world, the Italian cuisine can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It became what is today along with the discovery of the New World, that brought potatoes, tomatoes pepper or maize on the list of ingredients. An Italian meal is structured into several sections: antipasto (the appetizer), primo (pasta or rice dish), secondo (meat course), dolce (dessert). Italy is also famous for over 400 kinds of cheese, including the famous Parmigianino Reggiano, and 300 types of sausages. [Italian Recipes]
1. French Cuisine
Starting with the Middle Ages that brought rich banquets to the French Revolution, where refined techniques were used, French Cuisine can be called in the 21st century “haute cuisine”. It is as popular as the poetry or French arts, a meal at a restaurant comparing to “a sort of theatre you can eat”. Pastries are a large part of French cooking. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, being perhaps the most famous of all. The modern restaurant has its roots in French culture so restaurants are bountiful, but as for recommendation before deciding on one. In Paris alone, there are over 5,000 places to eat, with prices and menus to suit anyone’s taste. [French Recipes]
have a look at other types of cuisines at Wacky archives.
photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
April 8th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Sorry, French cuisine might be all posh and stuff, but there is nothing better than Italian cooking. Where would the world be without pizza? Hmm? Bolognaise and pasta…. Damn Im hungry for some Italian.
Actual posh french restraunts suck. I want to be filled up, not have my stomach teased.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I’m surprised that Korean cuisine isn’t on the list… It should be in the top 3!
April 8th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I have to say that I think 1st place should have gone to Italy. I have extensively eaten both French and Italian cuisine and cannot see how French food can be considered better. France is home to some of the greatest desserts, no doubt, but even Italy has many delicious pastries and cakes, too.
If Italian cuisine is NOT the world’s best, then why is it the most replicated in restaurants around the western world?
April 8th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I’m italian so I’m glad you guys put italian food in the second place.
Danish cuisine isn’t well known but you should definitely try it! yes, it’s not that great thing if you’re dieting but…wow!
some dishes are really delicious
squash with beef is one of my favourites, you should absolutely try this one
April 8th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
FRENCH CUISINE ORIGINATED FROM MASKING THE TASTE OF ROTTEN FOOD
AND ITS GROSS, LAMELY FLAVORED, AND THE PORTIONS
SUCK JUST LIKE THE FRENCH!
April 8th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
This is the most worthless list ever created. “Like, here’s my favorites, okay? French food is totally bitchin’!”
Famous Parmigianino (sic) Reggiano?
April 8th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Well, I have to disagree with most of the top 5 here.
French food is the most over-rated cuisine on the planet. They can’t cook, and they can’t make good wine at a sensible price, either.
For me, the top five are
1) Indian
2) Italian
3) Chinese
4) Thai
5) Mexican
Andy
April 9th, 2008 at 2:17 am
This article should be named, “top 10 most common foreign foods in western countries”
To call it “chinese food” is like to have 1 category lumping all European food together as the same.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:36 am
ok how about replacing indian cuisine with cajun/creole cuisine, sooo much better than indian…
April 9th, 2008 at 3:38 am
It’s all good anyway. You gotta love the food. Italian and Asian and French tops my list.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Where’s the burger and fries of American cuisine?
April 9th, 2008 at 5:07 am
I’ve tasted all cuisines above and French will always be the best. You just can’t deny it, they have the most refined and diversifed cuisine in the world. Italian for instance is all about pasta and pizza. It’s good for a movie night, but sorry, not refined…
April 9th, 2008 at 5:11 am
French cuisine is also about choosing good ingredients. they have the best ingredients in the world because French are concerned with quality. It may be more expensive some times but ask a French, eating good is 2nd priority in French people’s lives, after health…
April 9th, 2008 at 5:27 am
This list is disappointing. I live in Hong Kong, and I can tell you that there are at least six distinct types of Chinese food that I know of. And I’m a foreigner here. Choosing French as number one is a cop out. They hardly have the most interesting or flavorful cuisine, by any stretch of the imagination.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Lebanese cuisine should be in first place..That’s in my opinion and japanese second..
bon apetit
April 9th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Hooty: yeah, I’m surprised (and not, at the same time) that Korean food isn’t on the list. But for many people Korean food is still an enigma, because when you say Korean food most people think only of kimchi or [yuck] dog meat (trust me, I’m half Korean, I know).
Anyway, I agree with what most people here have said, that French food is overrated. Yes, they have some of the best quality of ingredients, but the execution for the most part is lackluster. Guaranteed you’ll find much richer flavor in many other cuisines around the world.
And as far as “Chinese” food goes, I think it’s funny that people still group all types of Chinese food into what most people see at a buffet (which it’s definitely not). If people tried real Szechuan cooking, they’d die and know better, or real Cantonese style.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
“French food is the most over-rated cuisine on the planet. They can’t cook, and they can’t make good wine at a sensible price, either.”
Priceless!
April 9th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Nice list.
Roy : can we really call american food cuisine ?
April 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I understand why people are so passionate about their food tastes, especially if you happen to be of that one nationality that wasn’t included in this list.
One can definitely argue that the list is flawed, for example the lumping generalization of Chinese food (of which several regional styles exist), or Mexican food (also of wide regional variation). But in general, I think the author made a valid point that these are definitely the tastiest (if not the “best”) cuisines in the world, although maybe not necessarily in that order, and unforgivably omitting the super tasty Cajun-style.
As a food lover, I enjoy almost all styles of cooking, with Mexican-Oaxaqueña and Michoacana-style being my absolute number one, followed closely by the deliciously hearty dishes of Italian Toscana-style.
April 9th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
…Where is the Belgian cuisine !?
Hihi ok it’s a joke “mitraillette” “Moule frite” and “gaufre de Liège” didn’t make it.
End of story
April 9th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
this list is great but you forgot an important cuisine??? Turkey… Do you eat anything from Turkish cuisine? just try kuru-pilav-cacik and you will see what i mean. and baklava, dont miss it.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Just how different is Lebanese cuisine from Greek? How is it in Chinese food endangered species are mention, while under French, the endangered ortolan is not mentioned, nor is horse, and foie gras (liver from a force feed goose)
April 10th, 2008 at 9:38 am
indian cuisine is the best if someone likes spicy stuff then go for it well the people who r not used to it will find it spicy but after some time u will like it than no other food.
there r 3 types :
north indian
south indian
and goan food (mostly sea food).
my favourite is north indian
April 10th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Yeah, I’m running with Indian first, then Mexican with Italian getting the bronze. Thai can have forth.
This is a good reason to have Australian cuisine there though, as we’re pretty keen on a bit of everything and have been influenced by all on the list!
Great list anyway, I wouldn’t knock back a feed from all ten if it were offered to me!
April 10th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Sorry to disagree with all. I would like to make a question: does anyone know the Portuguese food? For sure, you don’t know it. That’s why our spanish neighbors like it very much. We are a little country with a big variety of food. I would suggest all to taste it and them make the classification!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Right on the button. French cuisine by far offers the best combination of diversity, flavor, and harmony. It integrated the cuisines of its Spanish and Italian neighbors, and it added it’s own vast heritage. Chinese cuisine is highly diversified as well, but it lacks the brilliance. Thai cuisine is very tasty, but not very diversified. Good list.
April 12th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Well, some dishes look delicious. But there is an interesting point in this list. The Greek cuisine which is stated GREATLY INFLUENCED by TURKISH CUISINE is in the list. So, where is the inspirational one?????
Objectively, Turkish cuisine should have been on top of this list. With variety and tastes of its foods.Such as kebaps, Turkish ravioli (manti) Pide, baklava, milky deserts…. Do not take from anybody the chance of tasting such great foods.
April 12th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
“Ere…you’re having a lend ain’t ya…..wot about good old British Fish n Chips, Tripe, Jellied Eels and Black puddins”….! And don’t forgit those excellent dishes from Scotland such as Haggis and deep fried Meat pies….
April 12th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
French Cuisine????
no way!! you dont know what tasty cuisine is!
1Greek Cuisine
2 spanish
3 portugueses
5 Italian Cuisine
6 brasilian cuisine
7 Mexican Cuisine
8. Chinese Cuisine
9 frech
mediterranian cuisine is the best, in the world!
April 12th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
you are all wrong. peruvian cuisine is the best in the world, you just have to give it a try. it’s far better than any of the above. it may not be as popular, but it’s far more tasty than italian and much more rich than french. trust me on this one.
April 13th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I wish you had mentioned Persian foods, most people think it’s like other middle eastern foods, but it’s different due to its cultural differences. I suggest you to try it once! There are many delicious foods that you can try such as “ghorme sabzi”, kebabs, different types of stews …
April 14th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Sheeesh…you provincials are amusing. Get out into the real world, explore, and discover the wonders of Maldives cusine.
Few who arrive ever bother leaving, even if here for a temporary vacation/holiday.
Wait, it IS getting rather crowded.
Just stay away. Scat. Don’t bother coming. Meteorite season is coming and you may get splattered.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:31 am
To the question “Why is Italian cuisine the most relicated in the world” the answer is simple…. Its inexpensive (please note, I did not say cheap) It costs about $0.5 to make a good pizza (depending on ingredients of course) and you can sell it for a few bucks.
It is good allright.
Now I cannot phantom how French food could be the first considering the abismal quality of french restaurants abroad. But, as Japanese food also did, french food has tremendeously benefited from foreign influence and therefore is extremely varied. Well done it is indeed one of the most exquisite and refined type of food. Familly style french food is also quite good. Yes the french love eating well, eating is their main social even.
As to basic French bashing….. Aheim… isn’t that getting abit old?
April 14th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Tripoli in Libya, and not Lebanon?
April 14th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Dan Says:
April 8th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
FRENCH CUISINE ORIGINATED FROM MASKING THE TASTE OF ROTTEN FOOD
Hilarious. Looking back through history, you’ll see that nearly every culture, especially poor ones, actually created their cuisine out of not only masking the taste of “less than fresh” foods, but utilizing flavors created in the preservation of foods (kimchi and the use of soy comes to mind), but using every single part of an animal. The use of spices clearly shows this. Ancient Romans had their “fish sauce” that was literally fermented fish guts - that would truly mask off flavors. To slam one single culture for this practice shows not only stupidity but a lack of understanding of where cuisines come from. The world is FULL of exciting food - it’s hardly a contest.
April 14th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Although I love “Mexican” and “Italian” cuisine - both suffer from 2 faults that put them lower in a more subjective, instead of preferencial,list of top cuisines. First is that they both suffer from stereotypes of what an average American, or any other non-resident non-vistor of that country assumes that cuisine is, and the huge variety and variations that locals prefer, is often something else entirely. And two, they tend to suffer from the same ingredients just in different shapes lack of true variety.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hello? Vietnamese, anyone?
April 14th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Considering China has several distinct cuisines (Hunan, Cantonese, Szechuan, etc.) the term “Chinese Cuisine” is about as vague as “European Cuisine”
April 14th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Tripoli is in Lybia
April 14th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
How about eastern european? My all time favourtie meal of perogies, cabbage rolls and garlic sausage… or honey wheat. Still, the list does make my mouth water (except for Chinese).
April 14th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I think that many of the French cuisine detractors here need to eat French food in France.
I have the mixed blessing of being a road warrior all over the world while only having time to visit the local restaurants outside of work (no other tourism); so I am somewhat wise in the ways of world food. In my opinion, the cuisine must be experienced within the culture. I have yet to experience a French restaurant in the US that was the equal of the smallest bistro in Lyon; the local milieu must match the meal.
Here is the tops in my book:
French, Korean, Indian, Thia, Lebanese, Turkish, Bulgarian, Danish (for the pastries) and then it starts to drop off.
Italian is an also ran. British is off the bottom of the chart. American food is OK, but it is largely designed to go down easy so that the patrons can scarf it as quickly as possible without tasting any of it.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
What about Peruvian food? It’s my favorite.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
hey… disappointing to say the least… I beg your pardon: spanish cuisine? 8th place? well if you want to eat watery soup with anything thrown into it, go ahead. it’s a poor cuisine, really, with an absolute lack of taste… try portuguese cuisine…
April 16th, 2008 at 2:58 am
please, no one even dare to mention u.s. food in here. that’s just a disgrace.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I can´t get it, what´s so great about italian food??? Bowl full of pasta? That is definetly not the food, that would satisfy my stomach. By the way every country has something deliciuos…
April 18th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
what about African cuisine???? Senegalese and Gambian food is tops, hands down. And indian is REALLY good too. and ethiopian is really where its at!!
April 25th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Shame that you didnt include PERUVIAN… check it out it should be a top 10.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:41 am
i’m half mexican half croatian. i’ve been to italy six times. in my humble opinion, italian food is absolutely the tastiest… the best!
1. Italian
2. Turkish
3. Thai
5. Mexican
6. Greek
April 28th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Mexican food in the top ten?!
Is this ranking of the Top Ten Cuisines based only on the Top Ten tourist destinations?
That can only be the reason why cuisines from Morocco or Peru are not included.
Including Spanish Cuisine DOES NOT cover the Latinamerican one. They are two worlds apart.
May 4th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
who made the list?
Mexican cuisine in the top ten in the top ten?
Greek?
Moroccan and Peruvian should definitely be included instead of the aforementioned!
May 11th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
this is weird…peruvian cuisine is the best american cuisine (on par with mexican, maybe better) and it’s not included =S… search in wikipedia “latin american cuisines” or “peruvian cuisine”