One of the best ways to immerse yourself in another culture is through food. Every dish tells a story and offers a taste of history.

Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a home cook looking to spice up your routine, this recipe roundup inspired by countries across the globe will delight your taste buds.

1. Canada: Comforting Poutine

Poutine is a quintessential Canadian comfort food originating from Quebec. It consists of crispy French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in rich brown gravy. The dish was created in the 1950s and has since become a symbol of Canadian cuisine.

Locals believe its name comes from a Quebecois slang word meaning “a mess,” reflecting its hearty, indulgent nature. Poutine has inspired numerous variations, including gourmet versions with additional toppings like pulled pork, bacon or truffles.

2. Vietnam: Heartwarming Pho

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat — usually beef or chicken. You simmer bones, star anise, cloves and other spices for hours to develop its deep, complex flavor. You can find pho on any street corner throughout the cities.

The soup originated in the early 20th century in Northern Vietnam and became popular nationwide in 1954 following the end of French colonial rule. Locals enjoy it as a breakfast food with a plate of fresh herbs, lime and chili on the side.

3. England: Convenient Cornish Pasty

The Cornish Pasty is a traditional English pastry filled with beef, potatoes, onions and rutabaga, seasoned and baked until golden brown. It has a distinctive D-shape and crimped edge with thick pastry. The dish has a storied history dating back to the 13th century, but it became popular among Cornish miners in the 19th century.

The crimped edges served as a handle miners could hold with their dirty hands and discard after eating the clean filling. In 2011, the European Union granted the Cornish Pasty Protected Geographical Indication status, meaning only pasties made in Cornwall following the traditional recipe can be called “Cornish Pasties.” You should refer to all other versions simply as “pasties.”

4. Mexico: Tasty Lobster Tacos

Tacos are a versatile and beloved Mexican dish featuring a tortilla filled with various ingredients, such as meat, beans, cheese and vegetables. They’re often garnished with salsa, cilantro and guacamole.

The word taco comes from the Mexican Spanish word meaning “plug” or “wad,” which describes the way fillings are wrapped in the tortilla. Tacos have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with roots tracing back to the ancient Aztec civilization.

Lobster tacos are a refreshing twist on the classic taco, offering luxurious and flavorful alternatives. The succulent, tender lobster meat pairs perfectly with fresh ingredients like lime and avocado, creating an indulging combination.

5. South Africa: Spicy Bunny Chow

Despite its name, Bunny Chow contains no rabbit. It’s a famous street food in Durban, South Africa. The dish consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spicy curry, traditionally made with mutton, chicken or beans for a vegetarian option.

The dish originated among Indian laborers who worked on sugar cane plantations in the early 20th century. The bread bowl was a convenient, portable way to carry and eat their curry without utensils. To eat, you tear off the sides of the bread and dip them into the curry mixture. Sometimes, the hollowed-out pieces are added back on top or served on the side, making it a great meal for carbo-loading.

6. France: Simple Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a traditional Provencal vegetable stew from Nice in the south of France. It features a medley of vegetables — including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers and onions — simmered with herbs like thyme and basil.

While many portray it as an elegant French dish, it was actually created as a solution to hunger in the 1700s. Poor farmers had so many mouths to feed that no food could go to waste. Peasants would cook their vegetables for hours, creating a warm stew.

Ratatouille gained international fame thanks to the 2007 animated film of the same name, which depicted the dish as a symbol of rustic French cooking. It’s a versatile dish you can enjoy hot or cold, as a main course or a side, and it’s often served with crusty bread or rice.

7. Nigeria, Senegal and Gambia: Rich Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot dish that’s a staple in many West African countries, especially Nigeria. It’s made with rice, tomatoes, onions and a spice blend, and is often accompanied by vegetables, meat or fish.

Jollof rice is actually the subject of friendly rivalry among West African nations, each claiming to make the best version of the dish. This competition has led to various regional adaptations, but the Nigerian version is particularly renowned for its rich, smoky flavor, achieved by cooking over an open flame.

Treats From Around the World

Each of these meals offers a unique glimpse into the culinary heritage of its country, showcasing the diversity and creativity of global cuisines. If you’re looking for new dishes, this list provides a delicious starting point for your culinary journey.