They say the quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. But what if the quickest way around the world was also through your plate? Welcome to your edible adventure — where spices replace stamps and sauces become stories.
We explore 10 countries through 10 iconic dishes, capturing the culture, history, and essence of each bite. No visa needed — just one passport: your taste buds.
Italy – Pizza Margherita
We begin in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. The Pizza Margherita, with its simple toppings of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, represents the Italian flag — and Italy’s love for balance, freshness, and bold flavor.
It’s not just a dish; it’s a national symbol served hot and fresh with a drizzle of olive oil, centuries of tradition, and pride.
Japan – Ramen
Next stop: Japan, where culinary art meets soulful satisfaction. Ramen is more than just noodles — it’s a national obsession and a cultural phenomenon. From miso to tonkotsu, every region adds its own unique twist.
Served in steaming bowls with toppings like soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, dumplimgs, sausages, cheese, scallions, or bamboo shoots, it’s the ultimate comfort food for students, workers, and travelers alike. In Japan, slurping isn’t rude — it’s a form of respect and appreciation.
Mexico – Tacos al Pastor
In Mexico, food dances to the rhythm of heritage. Tacos al Pastor, inspired by Lebanese shawarma, features thinly sliced pork, cooked on a rotating spit, served with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. It’s street food with a story — a tale of migration, fusion, and fiery passion.
Spain – Paella Valenciana
From the sunny coast of Valencia comes Spain’s pride: Paella Valenciana. Cooked in a wide, shallow pan and traditionally made with rabbit, chicken, green beans, and fragrant saffron, this golden-hued dish represents community and tradition.
Paella is rarely made for one — it’s a festive, social feast, meant to be shared under the sun with friends and family.
China – Dumplings (Jiaozi)
China’s culinary heritage stretches over millennia, but few dishes match the cultural significance of Jiaozi. These crescent-shaped dumplings, often filled with pork, cabbage, and garlic chives, symbolize wealth, family, and reunion.
Eaten during Lunar New Year and special occasions, each bite is a wish for prosperity, luck, and a harmonious year ahead.
Argentina – Asado
Argentina doesn’t just serve meat — it celebrates it. Asado isn’t just barbecue; it’s an event, a weekly ritual. Beef ribs, sausages, and other cuts are grilled slowly over an open flame, often by a designated grill master.
Served with zesty chimichurri sauce, it’s where friendships are forged, stories are shared, and silence is filled with the sound of sizzling.
Lebanon – Falafel with Hummus
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — Falafel is a humble yet hearty dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. Often served with hummus, pickles, and pita, it reflects Lebanon’s rich Levantine palate. Plant-based, protein-packed, and universally loved.
France – Croque Monsieur
In Parisian cafés, elegance meets indulgence with the Croque Monsieur — a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, topped with béchamel sauce and grilled to golden perfection.
Crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, it’s French minimalism: refined yet accessible, charmingly simple yet irresistibly rich. A true café classic.
Thailand – Pad Thai
From the bustling night markets of Bangkok to cozy homes in Chiang Mai, Pad Thai tells the story of Thai street food at its finest.
A stir-fried noodle dish combining rice noodles, tamarind paste, eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, and lime — it’s a sweet-sour-savory balance that mirrors the complexity of Thai culture. Affordable, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Pakistan – Sindhi Biryani
Our final stop is Pakistan, where Sindhi Biryani truly steals the show. With layers of fragrant basmati rice, spicy marinated meat, tender potatoes, and crispy fried onions, it’s more than just food — it’s a celebration dish, a wedding essential, and a Sunday favorite across households. Each grain tells a rich story of spice, tradition, heritage, and home.
One World, One Table
Food connects us in ways no language can. It’s a universal love language that transcends borders. As you take this culinary journey through 10 countries, you’ve not just tasted dishes — you’ve tasted legacies. So next time you pick up a fork, remember: you don’t need a boarding pass to explore the world — just an appetite.
Bon voyage, and bon appétit!
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
