20 must-dos on your world food bucket list

Jun 18, 2016

Food is one of the greatest joys in our lives – it fills us up, it brings people together, and so many dishes taste amazing. But have you ever thought about how many world dishes you’ve tried? There’s surely so many you haven’t eaten due to location or accessibility, but may be missing out on.

The below are must-tries in your lifetime, as voted by travellers, locals and chefs around the world.

So go on! Dig in… here’s the top 20 world dishes to add to your food bucket list!

1. Steak and kidney pie in England

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A mix of slow-cooked beef, kidneys, vegetables and gravy in pastry, this British pub staple is an essential.

2. Mussels in Brussels

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Moules are the national dish of Belgium, traditionally served in a pot of broth with a side of Belgian frites and homemade mayonnaise.

3. Souvlaki in Athens

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You haven’t really tried souvlaki until you’ve tried it in Athens. This street food is skewered lamb rolled in pita bread with loads of haloumi, lettuce, tomato and tzatziki.

4. Paella in Valencia

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Traditionally considered a poor person’s meal, paella has taken the world by storm for its thrown together recipe, but amazing taste. This seafood and rice dish originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near on the east coast of Spain.

5. Bouillabaisse in Marseilles

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Love a good stew? Bouillabaisse is the ultimate stewed meal. Flavoured with olive oil, tomatoes, wine and saffron, you’ll love every spoonful.

6. Swedish meatballs in Stockholm

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You’ll never go back to IKEA meatballs after sampling the original type in Sweden. Locally called kottbullar, these delicious meatballs are made with a mix of ground beef and pork and served in a creamy sauce with boiled or mashed potatoes, with a side of lingonberry jam.

7. Pizza in Naples

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Everyone knows pizza is Italian but Naples is where it all began. A genuine wood-fired pizza is a must-try when in Rome (or near it!).

8. Portuguese egg tart in Lisbon

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You may be familiar with the little custard tart you see in bakeries but it really does taste better made fresh in Lisbon.

9. Pho in Hanoi

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The simmered broth with rice noodles and bean shoots is already adored across the world, but this street food is truly authentic when you go to Hanoi.

10. Masala Dosa in Bangalore

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This popular crisp pancake made from rice flour is filled with potatoes, onions, chilli and spices.

11. Peking Duck in Beijing

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We serve this in restaurants here in Australia, and it’s no wonder given how popular it is across the world. In Beijing the duck is crisp and the flesh succulent.

12. Sushi in Tokyo

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Sushi chefs train for years to perfect the art of sushi making, and Tokyo is the home of the sushi experience.

13. Pad Thai in Bangkok

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Aussies love their Pad Thai from the local Thai takeaway but in Bangkok, there is something special about the simple fried noodle dish.

14. Lobster roll in Maine

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The lobster has to be Maine lobster, freshly cooked and freshly picked. Then tossed with mayonnaise, salt and black pepper and then placed into a soft hot dog bun. Then you have truly had a lobster roll!

15. Poutine in Montreal

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We might like our fish and chips, but have you ever had fries with cheese curd and gravy? It’s called poutine and Canadians are crazy for it.

16. Southern fried chicken in Memphis

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Take away joints can try and replicate it but nothing tastes better than the real deal in Tennessee.

17. Feijoada in Rio de Janeiro

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Feijoada (fay-schoh-arda) is a hearty dish of beans and pork but is so much more than that. It is loved far and wide for its rich sauce and ability to leave people who eat it wanting more.

18. Ceviche in Lima

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This interesting dish comprises of raw fish cured in lime or lemon and seasoned with chilli, onion and coriander. It’s a favourite across the coast of Latin America!

19. Kebabs in Istanbul

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Cooked of hot coals on an open grill known and served on paper-thin grilled flatbreads, the long skewers of lamb are still sizzling and smoking as they reach your plate.

20. Marzipan in Berlin

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Chances are the marzipan you’ve tried isn’t authentic. You need the real stuff from Germany, which contains only ground almonds with sugar.