Have you ever eaten something so good and so different that it literally changed your mind and your perception of food?
If so, that’s great! Welcome to the club. If not, it may be time for you to explore the cuisines of the world.
Every country has its own customs when it comes to food. Each country has its own food preparation customs, as well as certain dishes and traditions for which they are famous. In fact, the cuisine is diverse in its flavors and tastes. Not only does every country have its own national cuisine, but so does every region of that country, and even families are known to have a special recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation.
As human beings, we have an insatiable desire for food. Our fascination with cooking, coupled with easy access to culinary videos from all over the world on Youtube, Facebook (Meta), Instagram and TikTok, has given rise to the need for a little something extra to spice up our cooking.
After all, “variety is the spy of life”.
Here are just a few examples of the world’s most popular cuisines
French cuisine
It’s very diverse, as each region of the country has its own style of cuisine. The Provence region, very popular with tourists, grows and uses lavender in its cuisine. The region is also known for its olive cultivation and the production of a wonderful olive oil. Fish, chicken and lamb dishes are very popular, and herbs such as sage, rosemary and others are put to good use.
The region is also renowned for its delicious wines and rosés, which are perfect to accompany lunch or dinner with fish, caught locally in the area.
Italian cuisine
Italian cuisine is one of the most popular, and is best known for its many types of pasta. There are over a hundred different types of pasta. Sauces can be cream- or tomato-based. These meals can also appeal to vegetarians, as Italian cuisine often calls for at least one type of cheese. For those who prefer it, it can replace meat. Aromatic herbs are used, especially basil and oregano. Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, a popular pasta sauce.
Pizza is also a staple of Italian cuisine. Just like pasta, and according to those surveyed, there are many types of pizza, and you can add the best of them all, Pinsa Romana, to this list.
Gelato is a light, pleasant dessert. Tiramisu is a richer dessert, but also more delicious. These are layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee, a whipped mixture of Italian cheese and cocoa. It may also contain a liqueur such as rum.
Greek cuisine
Greek cuisine is influenced by its location on the Mediterranean Sea and the plants that grow there. It is also known for its excellent oils and is a common ingredient in many meals. Feta is often used, especially in Greek salads and spinach tarts. Pork or lamb cooked on a skewer, called Souvlaki, is a common dish. In other countries, chicken is sometimes used. The most popular Greek dessert is Baklava. These are thin layers of dough and nuts, covered with honey. It’s very sweet but delicious.
Chinese cuisine
Chinese cuisine is also very popular in other countries. Steamed rice is usually served with a main course, while soups may contain noodles, but usually not many ingredients other than broth. This cuisine is very healthy, with an emphasis on vegetables and sometimes fish or chicken. Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage found in stir-fry dishes, often with carrots, mushrooms and other vegetables. Soy sauce is the most widely used, but there are other sauces, such as oyster sauce and hoisin sauce. Desserts are often simple, like ice cream or jellies.
Japanese cuisine
It is characterized by the use of seafood and rice or noodles. Sashimi is one of the most delicate of dishes. This is raw seafood, which can be eaten as an appetizer or main course. They are served with a simple sauce, such as soy. Sushi is popular in Europe and North America, and can be quite different from that found in Japan. All include rice and are often wrapped in seaweed.
African cuisine
Africa is a great continent. Its cuisine is just as diverse as its different peoples and their respective cultures. Simply put, African cuisine is a blend of ingredients such as cereals, meat products and locally available fruit and vegetables.
The best-known African dishes are as follows:
Fried rice – Nigeria / Cameroon
Brochettes, known locally as Soya (a kind of barbecued kebab made from chicken, beef, mutton or goat) – Cameroon
Chicken piri piri – Mozambique
Couscous – Morocco
