Food. It's our sustenance. The reason we buy nice appliances and cookware. An excuse to gather with friends and family. A social-political debate. A primary delight of international travel. A hobby, a career, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Pancakes with maple syrup and a cuppa joe, anyone?
Speaking of travel… If you have had the pleasure of traveling to different parts of the world, then you know that mealtimes can be both a delight and a frightening experience, depending on where you are, what your palate's preferences are, and whether fried insects included--yikes!
Which Country Has The Best Food In The World?
Most people automatically answer Italy (for pizza, of course), but don't be too quick to settle on that before you read this guide. If Italy did indeed house the best food in the world, then I would expect to see Italy appear more than once on our list, with more than just pizza on offer. Italy does, however, make it onto our runner's up list a second time.
We've visited many countries across the world and tried some, let's say interesting nibbles, not always knowing what exactly we're eating. We've also enjoyed sampling foods that we immediately declared were the best we've ever eaten. But you know as well as we do, that's a superlative catchphrase impossible to attach to any one food for very long. There's always something yummier, crispier, juicier, doughier, spicier, nuttier, richer, smokier, zestier… you get the message. That sink-your-teeth-into kind of goodness qualifies far more than our good old-fashioned hamburger, after all!
Sharing our picks of the best food in the world wouldn't be very objective. So, instead, we chose a random sampling approach to our not-so-rigorous research. We hit up all the most recent foodie articles and plucked out those consistent across our samples. These comprise the following list (so we've essentially done the homework for you!). Certain foods were repeated in several, though not all, of the samples. We plucked out those with 80% representation and composed a secondary list (some were just too good to leave out, the chocolate chip cookie, for example).
The results were surprising but expected (and if that sounds oxymoronic, it is, but you'll understand what we mean as you encounter each one). You may recognize foods that you absolutely love but had completely forgotten about. The following list serves to remind you--you're welcome.
These choice bites also offer a few suggestions for the next time you're ordering in, eating out, or crossing international borders. Note: Popularity determines "best" according to North American culture.
Ready? Let's dig in!
Best Food In The World By Country
America
The American Hamburger
Aren't you proud? A German may argue that the hamburger is not American, but we argue that the classic hamburger is a gift of the USA. Not because it was born there, but because it evolved into the jaw buster delight it is today (in fact, a Dutchman named Louis Lassen conceptualized the hamburger at the turn of the 20th century).
America took a simple hamburger and turned it into a world-famous culture. It has become so popular that the term "burger" is applied to a whole smattering of sandwiches, which we argue, aren't really hamburgers, such as the veggie burger, the fish burger, and the beetroot burger, among others. We like its simple classic version: a beef patty on a sesame bun, topped with tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, onion, mustard, mayo, ketchup, and relish--hold the guac!
Canada
Poutine
While it sounds French, it's not. Rather, poutine comes from Quebec, a French-speaking province in Eastern Canada. While we won't report it as our favorite dish, it's certainly made an international name for itself. Though not incredibly authentic versions, we've spotted poutine in such countries such as Laos, Spain, and Indonesia. I guess it's no surprise then that it appeared consistently across our samples.
Poutine is a heap of crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside French fries, smothered in rich, meaty gravy and topped with cheese curds. It's not the best-looking dish on the block, but that's if you haven't tried it. Hard-core poutine lovers are apt to say it looks delicious, much like any of us about our favorite dish, even if it's entrails! The taste? It comes down to the quality of the cheese. But--and this is a significant but--it must hold a Goldilocks degree of "sog". In other words, don't let it sit for too long.
England
Fish n' Chips (& mushy peas!)
French fries make another appearance here, but any British person will argue that chips are not French fries. A less-discerning North American will just behold a fatter version of a deep-fried potato stick, equal in delight. Arguably, we think The Chip is more similar to the popular Potato Wedge, with cooking method as the primary difference. Chips, like French fries, are deep-fried; wedges are baked.
Douse this duo in malt vinegar, dust it with a good-quality salt, and put a little blob of both ketchup and tartar sauce on the side if you wish. As for the mushy peas… they taste like they sound, especially given that traditionally, they're made from dried marrowfat peas soaked in sodium bicarbonate. They're boring unless spiked with a bit of lemon juice or mint. They're much better as a side to our beloved fish n' chips than served up on their own.
In classic style, the whole deal is swathed in newspaper and served up piping hot.
Mexico
Tacos
This tasty wrap has an interesting history. Taco wasn't its original name; rather, it was tacos de minero or "miner's taco." According to one source, "gunpowder was wrapped in paper like a "taquito" and inserted into rocks before detonation. Eventually, an edible version made its way onto the dinner plates of the working class: a corn tortilla with a spicy filling. Tacos might be on the list of the most creative food conceptualizations!
As you know well, today's modern and culturized versions of the world's favorite wrap are available in a soft or hard shell made from either wheat or corn. Then, ground, seasoned meat, and fresh chopped salad fixings are added, and the whole enterprise is topped with salsa, sour cream, and often, guacamole.
Middle East
Hummus
Its true origin remains a source of controversy; however, the Middle East is a narrow enough geographical region to position it as the "home" of hummus. You've likely seen it served up at many Greek, Turkish, and Israeli restaurants. While it may present and taste differently from country to country, its classic recipe includes chickpeas, sesame seeds, garlic, lemon, and tahini.
In America, hummus is a popular vegetable dip, salad spread, and sandwich helper, but this thick paste is traditionally served with flatbread as part of a meze. It's also a tasty accompaniment to falafel, grilled chicken, fish, and grilled eggplant. In authentic restaurants, hummus may appear as a separate main dish on the menu. No matter how you choose to eat it, hummus is easy to make at home, and we highly recommend toasting the sesame seeds and roasting the garlic before blending.
Japan
Sushi
Like Chinese food, the sushi we get in North America is often a far cry from the traditional sushi served up in Japan. Certain preparations and displays of food adapt to cultural preferences for a particular food aesthetic. For example, rice on the outside of the roll rather than on the inside conceals the not-so-appetizing appearance of the dried seaweed that holds a maki roll together. Avocado roll is a more recent adaptation, created as a stand-in for expensive tuna that would deliver a comparable fatty texture (see this interesting sushi blog for more information).
Whether traditional or adapted for Western culture, we love our sushi! To be precise though, the term sushi is the overarching term that covers nigiri (fish served atop rice), sashimi (fish or shellfish served on its own, no rice), and maki (seaweed rolls of rice and different fillings). As with any cuisine, sushi gets more complex than this, but these three types cover the general offerings of any sushi restaurant.
Spain
Paella
The Spanish kitchen delivers some incredible eats. From jamon y queso bocadillos and tapas to sangria and some of the finest wine in the world. One of the most popular dishes in Spain originates from Valencia, a Mediterranean city situated on Spain's southeast coast.
Traditionally, paella is made with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood. If that sounds like an upgraded stir fry, believe us--this far surpasses your typical fried rice, veggies, and meat. Opinions about what makes paella so good vary. Some people argue it's the saffron; others say it's the rice that really matters. Still, others will say it's not a proper paella without the chorizo. In the end, taste is the deciding factor, and that's subjective!
That added kick of saffron does make a big difference, if it's good quality saffron, that is. Saffron has an earthy, sweet, floral taste, and it's usually a little on the pricey side. If it tastes metallic or bitter, it's likely an imitation.
We think the seafood holds the trophy for the prize ingredient. Fish, shrimp, squid, mussels, and clams texture the whole thing up quite nicely. And the taste? Divine, especially if eaten next to the Mediterranean with a glass of Spanish white wine!
Part of what makes paella world famous is the way it's cooked: every ingredient gets thrown into one pan, cooked to perfection, and served up in the same pan. Traditionally, Paella is meant to serve a crowd, so you can imagine that pan must be the size of a small house!
Italy
Pizza
Needless to say, pizza is typically rated the #1 food in the world, and for good reason. Few people who love pizza, and it's such an accommodating food. Carnivores and plant-based eaters alike can enjoy it. Even those who can't stomach gluten can find wheat-free crust alternatives.
Classic pizza, though, has some narrow boundaries, especially if you ask a Napoletano/a. Perhaps the most famous pizza of all is the Margherita, made with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a thin, chewy wheat crust. It really doesn't get any better than this, and if you want the full story on where to get the best pizza in the world, check out our Italian Kitchen blog.
Vietnam
Pho
There's a bit of discrepancy about how exactly to pronounce Vietnam's signature noodle soup. In North America, we often hear it as FOH, but it's pronounced FUH in Vietnam. No matter how you say it, to try it is to love it!
As far as noodles soups go, Asia is #1 in the world, and Vietnam may be the grand finale if there were a contest. This slurpy sensation is made with beef stock, spices, slender rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef or pork. Optional accoutrements include fresh herbs and crisp bean sprouts (which we highly recommend!).
While it's best served up in its home country alongside bahn mi and thick, heavily sweetened Vietnamese coffee, you can find pho pretty much anywhere in the world.
Mexico
Fajitas
We don't completely agree with fajitas making it to the top 10 of the world's best foods, but according to our random sample, they're pretty popular! For us, fajitas are too similar to tacos or burritos or your standard wrap, but we know many people will argue with us on that point.
The primary difference between the fajita and its said cousins is the meat. The word fajita refers to meat from the skirt steak, a beefsteak cut from the diaphragm muscle. It's cut into strips and grilled or fried alongside strips of bell peppers and onion, rolled up in a tortilla wrap, and topped with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. If you're not into skirt steak, then chicken, pork, and beef strips are alternatives, and they're the usual variations found on restaurant menus. Fajitas are a quick and easy dinner to throw together, and they usually pass the "picky kids" test too!
The Runners Up
Our research produced far too many favorites to count, so after extracting the most popular 10, we hand-selected these runners up. Do you agree with our selections? Take a look:
Pad Thai
Thailand's signature noodle dish honoring it's a 4-taste flavor wheel of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour.
Churros con Chocolate
Deep-fried sticks of dough dipped in thick oozy chocolate sauce? Yes please! And they're a common breakfast choice in Spain, alongside coffee… delectable.
Ceviche
A South American seafood dish made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, often including tomatoes.
French Fries
While no explanation is required here, we are genuinely surprised they did not show up in each sample. Belgian in origin, and cultural differences have more to do with the dipping sauce than the fried potato stick itself.
Fondue
If you had to explain fondue to someone who'd never heard of it: melted cheese that you dip things into--where do I sign up? This Swiss delight is a fantastic dinner party inclusion.
Biryani
A dense, mouthwatering Indian fried rice made with meat, vegetables, and spices. A meal on its own or served up alongside any number of curries.
Risotto
Rice's doppelganger, classic Italian risotto is made with a high-starch, short-grain rice cooked in stock with other ingredients like meat, vegetables, and saffron.
Chocolate Chip Cookie
This American favorite only appeared on one list, but out of personal interest, we had to add it in! Best when homemade using proper bakeware and cooled on a stainless steel cooling rack to prevent burned bottoms.
Satay
Colloquially referred to as "meat on a stick" in Southeast Asia, satay is ubiquitous throughout the continent. It's seasoned, skewered and grilled, and often served with peanut sauce.
Our Pick on The World's #1 Best Food...
Although it was a runner up, the French fry appeared fourfold on our list (one its own, once in the form of poutine, as a natural sidekick to The American Hamburger, and as its fat brother "the chip", alongside fish n' chips). So, we may have to give the world's-best-food award to the French fry. We fully expect the pizza-lovers to argue!
Of course, there were so many more that didn't get a mention: mac n' cheese, the burrito, ramen, fried chicken, quiche, spaghetti, bibimbap, falafel, BBQ, and more. If you were scrounging for dinner ideas, you're surely not now! And if food motivates your travel, then you're likely adding to your list of countries to visit right now. So enjoy good times in your own kitchen or across the world!
We hope you enjoyed this free guide from Priority Chef. If you have questions, comments, or other feedback, please feel free to contact us, or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Are you on Facebook? We are too! Follow us here. And if you know someone who would also find this guide useful, feel free to pass it on.
Priority Chef: Quality You Can Trust
At Priority Chef, we think that food prep and cooking should be a fun and rewarding endeavor, but that's only possible with the right tools. That's why we're focused on creating functional, high-quality kitchenware that you and your family will rely on for years.
We design, source, craft, and rigorously test each of our products to ensure the highest quality and convenience. From our family to yours, enjoy convenience and novelty in the kitchen, always at your fingertips!
