These 21 Global Foods Will Challenge—and Delight—American Taste Buds!

Ready to expand your palate and try something outside the ordinary? From familiar favorites to daring delicacies, these 21 international dishes have American foodies booking flights and stepping out of their culinary comfort zones.

1. Sushi in Japan

Dining on sushi in Tokyo offers an authentic taste of Japan’s culinary artistry, from hand-pressed nigiri to inventive fusion rolls.

2. Pizza in Naples, Italy

Tasting true Neapolitan pizza, with its charred crust and fresh toppings, right where it was invented is a pilgrimage for pizza lovers.

3. Street Tacos in Mexico City

Exploring the bustling streets of Mexico City for authentic tacos al pastor, topped with pineapple and served on handmade tortillas, is a must-do.

4. Tapas in Barcelona, Spain

Sampling a variety of tapas, from patatas bravas to gambas al ajillo, in a lively Barcelona bar reflects the social and savory delights of Spanish cuisine.

5. Poutine in Montreal, Canada

Indulging in poutine, a comforting dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, offers a taste of Quebec’s famed culinary invention.

6. Durian in Southeast Asia

Braving the notorious smell to try durian, the ‘King of Fruits’, in countries like Thailand or Malaysia, is a challenge eagerly accepted by adventurous foodies.

7. Dim Sum in Hong Kong

Enjoying dim sum in Hong Kong, where you can savor a myriad of bite-sized dishes from steamed buns to dumplings, is a cultural and culinary feast.

8. Haggis in Scotland

Sampling haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), mixed with oats and spices, offers a taste of Scotland’s rustic cuisine.

9. Snail Porridge in the UK

Trying snail porridge, a unique creation by chef Heston Blumenthal, mixes haute cuisine with an unconventional twist, intriguing curious palates.

10. Pho in Vietnam

Slurping a bowl of pho in Vietnam, where this aromatic noodle soup is made with a clear broth, herbs, and meat, is essential for understanding Vietnamese flavors.

11. Kangaroo in Australia

Grilling kangaroo meat, known for being lean and rich in flavor, offers a glimpse into Australia’s diverse and game-heavy culinary practices.

12. Bunny Chow in South Africa

Eating bunny chow, a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, is a hearty exploration of Indian influence on South African cuisine.

13. Ceviche in Peru

Tasting ceviche in Lima, where fresh fish is marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers, is a refreshing and quintessential Peruvian experience.

14. Smalahove in Norway

Sampling smalahove, a traditional Norwegian dish made from a sheep’s head, is a culinary adventure not for the faint of heart.

15. Stinky Tofu in Taiwan

Venturing to try stinky tofu, famous for its pungent odor but beloved for its taste, is a staple street food experience in Taiwan.

16. Balut in the Philippines

Eating balut, a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside, is one of the most challenging yet popular street foods in the Philippines.

17. Frog Legs in France

Dining on frog legs, prepared with garlic and parsley butter in France, offers a delicacy that is as traditional as it is exotic to many Americans.

18. Anticuchos in Peru

Trying anticuchos, skewered beef hearts marinated in spices and grilled, is a beloved street food in Peru known for its bold flavors.

19. Fugu in Japan

Experiencing fugu, or pufferfish, which must be expertly prepared to avoid its lethal poison, is a daring culinary venture popular among thrill-seeking foodies.

20. Chicha de Jora in Peru

Drinking chicha de jora, a traditional corn beer from Peru, provides a taste of ancient Incan brewing practices.

21. Sannakji in South Korea

Sampling sannakji, live octopus that is cut into small pieces and served immediately, is a slippery and sensory dining experience unique to Korean cuisine.

Open Your Mind and Mouth

These international culinary experiences offer American foodies not just a meal, but a doorway into the diverse cultures and traditions of the world, some of which may be a bit out of the ordinary but all are definitely memorable.

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / eldar nurkovic.

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