Have you ever wondered how some people manage to stay slim and healthy so well? Perhaps it’s all about the food traditions accepted in their country. Here are the best tips, collected from around the world, to help you stay fit.
1. India: spices and variety of tastes
About 40 percent of the Indian population follows a vegetarian diet and prefers a menu consisting of rice, pulses, vegetables and bread. And even those who do not give up fish and meat do not forget to eat many vegetable dishes.
Of course, Indian food is best known for its spices, which are added to almost all dishes. However, spicy food also has its benefits. So chili pepper, with its low calorie content and strong taste, increases the metabolic rate and helps burn fat.
Pulses such as lentils and chickpeas contain less fat and more protein, which helps us feel fuller longer.
According to the Ayurvedic tradition, the key to satiation is eating a mixture of the 6 basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent.
2. France: Eat a little of what you like
The secret to slim French women is to enjoy their food, but... by a little. Although their diet is high in fat and includes butter, cheeses and red meat, portion sizes remain quite small.
The French are also quite organized when it comes to eating, sticking to three meals a day, not snacking, and making every meal a social occasion. Lunch is the main meal of the day and people take time to really enjoy their food.
This helps with weight control, firstly because chewing food for a long time gives your stomach time to understand when you are full, and secondly, if your main meal occurs in the middle of the day, then you have more time to eat. that actively burn calories.
Also, do not forget that the French prefer home-cooked food rather than ready-made semi-finished products. Also in France, it is customary to drink one or two glasses of wine a day, which has a positive effect on health.
3. Japan: start with soup
Japan has the lowest obesity rate in the world, less than 5 percent. The traditional diet in Japan is one of natural, fresh foods such as rice, vegetables, fresh fish and soy, with very little meat and sugar.
The Japanese eat a variety of foods, up to 30 foods a day, and follow the saying “a dish without color is like going naked on the street.” By filling your dish with green, yellow, and red vegetables, you'll have less room for unhealthy foods.
The Japanese also start their meals with a light soup, which is very satiating and contains a small amount of calories. Studies have shown that those who ate soup during meals consumed 100 fewer calories.
Another rule that the Japanese follow is: " leave the table when you are 80 percent full"If you overeat, your stomach stretches by 20 percent, and this significantly undermines appetite control.
4. Greece: Enjoy the Mediterranean Diet
The Greek or Mediterranean diet has long won the title of healthiest in the world, being especially good for the heart.
Greeks tend to eat a lot of vegetables, fish, chicken and beans, as well as whole grains. Such food, being low in calories, is still rich in taste. And don't forget about olive oil, rich in unsaturated fats and good for health.
Just like the French, the Greeks like to make eating a real event by sharing dinner with family and friends, so if you want to get the most out of the Mediterranean diet, relax and enjoy your meal.
5. Iceland: Don't skimp on fish
Around the world, the average person eats about 15 kg of fish per year. If you think this is quite a lot, try to compare this figure with the amount consumed by real fish lovers - Icelanders, who eat about 90 kg of fish per year.
Experts believe that eating plenty of fish helps control weight in a variety of ways. First, fish is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, essential fats that block fat formation, control appetite, and activate fat-burning genes.
Some experts even claim that you can increase your chances of weight loss success by taking fish oil four times a week.
For those who still prefer the taste of fish, it is worth choosing fatty fish, such as herring, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce stress levels, which increases fat accumulation.
6. Brazil: Eat rice and beans
The Brazilian secret to slimness lies in your favorite dish - rice and beans. This traditional dish is low in fat and rich in protein and fiber, helping stabilize blood sugar levels and control appetite.
A diet rich in rice and beans reduces the risk of obesity by 14 percent when compared with a traditional Western diet.
Research shows that adding rice and beans as a side dish to your meals can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of weight gain by up to 23 % . These foods are best eaten with soup, salad, and stew.
Any country is an integral part of its culture, which has been formed over centuries or even centuries.
It’s hard to imagine Russia without cabbage soup or Georgia without khachapuri. Therefore, when visiting different countries, it is necessary to try the national dishes of these countries. This will allow you not only to completely immerse yourself in culture countries, but also bring home some interesting recipes.
National dishes
- Croatia: Pažski cheese
The famous Pag cheese is made from sheep's milk on the island of Pag. - Italy: pizza
Classic pizza is made from very thin dough. The filling is tomatoes, mozzarella, and various meat products, and the dish is seasoned with basil. - China: xiao long bao
These are dumplings that float in soup. They are shaped like khinkali, and are made from different types of meat and steamed in special bamboo baskets. - India: tandoori chicken
This dish consists of chicken pieces that are marinated in yogurt and spices. Tandoori chicken is baked over high heat in a clay oven, and the dish is served with vegetables and rice. - Canada: poutine
This incredibly high-calorie dish consists of French fries, cheese and a specially prepared sauce. - Belgium: mussels with fries
Mussels can be prepared in a variety of ways and are served with salty, crispy potatoes and washed down with a cold Belgian beer. - Austria: Wiener schnitzel
It is a thin piece of battered, breaded veal that is fried until golden brown in a large amount of fat or butter and served with potatoes or rice. - Argentina: asado
This is meat cooked over charcoal and served with bread, salad, chimichurri sauce and red wine. - Brazil: Feijoada
Feijoada consists of black beans, roasted pork, beef, spices and cassava flour. It is served with rice, cabbage, orange slices and hot sauce. - Australia: Pie Float
It's a meat pie that floats in a bowl of thick pea soup. - Egypt: Molochei
Molochey is made from the leaves of molokhey (a bitter-tasting vegetable), which are separated from the stems, chopped and boiled in a broth with coriander and garlic. Serve the dish with chicken or meat. - England: roast beef with Yorkshire pudding
This is fried beef with pudding dripping. - Georgia: khachapuri
Surely everyone knows this juicy, sticky flatbread stuffed with cheese or egg. - Malaysia: nasi lemak
This dish consists of rice cooked in coconut milk with pieces of pandanus leaves. And it is served wrapped in banana leaves with sambal sauce, anchovies, peanuts and boiled egg. - Netherlands: herring
The Dutch love to eat herring with a fresh bun and chopped onions. - Indonesia: Terang Bulan Pie
This dish is a sweet pie in the shape of a semicircle, filled with chocolate chips, grated cheese, pieces of peanuts and even bananas. - Saudi Arabia: Kasbah
Kasbah is prepared from rice with the addition of a large number of spices - cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg and bay leaf, and served with meat and vegetables. - Japan: katsudon
It's a thin pork chop with an egg that's placed on top of a bowl of rice. - Mexico: mole sauce
This sauce consists of about 100 ingredients, and it takes quite a long time to prepare - sometimes several days. - Norway: rakfisk
This is trout that is first salted, left to ferment for several months, and then served with onions and sour cream. - Philippines: adobo
These are pieces of chicken or pork that are stewed in a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. Pepper, garlic and bay leaf are also added here. - Portugal: Francesinha
This is a sandwich that consists of two square pieces of white bread, between which there is a piece of meat, a slice of ham stuffed with olives, and sausage. It is covered with melted cheese and placed on a plate with tomato sauce. - Ukraine: dumplings
Dumplings are usually prepared filled with potatoes, cottage cheese, cabbage or meat, and served with fried lard, onions and sour cream. - Romania: sarmale
This dish is similar to cabbage rolls. It is prepared from minced meat with rice, which is baked in small salted cabbage or grape leaves. - Russia: cabbage soup
Russians will be happy to treat a foreigner to a plate of tasty and filling cabbage soup. - Scotland: smoked salmon
It is served on toasted bread with butter or cottage cheese spread. - Slovakia: cheese dumplings
These are small potato dumplings topped with soft cheese and bacon. - Slovenia: Kranj sausage
These are small pork sausages to which salt, pepper, water and garlic are added. - South Africa: biltong
This is beef jerky that is marinated with various spices. - South Korea: Panchang
Panchang is a variety of appetizers and salads served with the main course and rice: kimchi, namul, jeon... - Spain: Jamon Iberico
This is ham from a special breed of Iberian pigs that are kept on a special diet of acorns. The meat is salted and then dried in well-ventilated cellars. - UAE: shawarma
In the UAE, this dish is prepared from pita bread stuffed with pieces of fried meat of various varieties and vegetables. Use tahini, hummus or hot sauce as a dressing.
Scientists have long drawn attention to the fact that different nations and peoples differ from each other not only in external features, language, culture and way of life, but also have differences in health, that is, they are characterized by various diseases. The determining role of this factor largely belongs to nutrition. It has long been known that residents of coastal countries suffer less from cardiovascular diseases, among the highlanders of the Caucasus there are many long-livers, and among residents of southern countries vitamin deficiency is less common, etc. All these features, according to scientists, are caused by the peculiarity of nutrition.
What are the main preferences of different peoples?
Russia. Traditionally, Russian people prefer sour dishes: rye bread, sauerkraut, cranberry kvass, etc. The Russian diet includes many soups: cabbage soup, borscht, solyanka, mushroom, fish, okroshka, botvinya. There is an extremely rich selection of cereals. Russian cuisine is characterized by dishes made from offal: jelly, dishes from the liver, tongue, kidneys. Fish, previously constantly present on the Russian table, is becoming an increasingly rare dish. Spices on the table usually include dill, parsley, celery, cilantro, onion, garlic, horseradish, and mustard. Among sweet dishes, thick jelly is considered traditionally Russian. Drinks include liquid jelly, kvass, fruit drink, as well as tea, once imported from China and very much loved by Russian people. Among flour dishes, Russian cuisine is famous for pancakes and pies with various fillings. Of course, the table of a modern Russian is not distinguished by a clear commitment to traditional nutrition; new products and new dishes have appeared, borrowed from the cuisine of other countries.
According to average statistics, the Russian diet lacks vitamins and many micro- and macroelements, and is dominated by carbohydrates, fats and sugars.
Great Britain. The basis of English cuisine is meat, fish, vegetables, and cereals. The most popular first courses are puree soups and broths. When it comes to meat, the British prefer beef, veal, and lean pork. Various sauces (usually tomato) are served with the meat, and potatoes or vegetables are served as a side dish. Various puddings occupy a large place in the British diet. Of the porridges, the British prefer porridge, the famous “oatmeal”. Among drinks, beer is especially popular (non-alcoholic, of course, is tea with milk).
Germany. German cuisine is distinguished by a wide variety of vegetable dishes. Among them, green beans, cauliflower, carrots, red cabbage, boiled potatoes, and legumes are especially popular. Germans eat a lot of pork, poultry, beef and fish, especially sausages and sausages. They consume a lot of eggs. Among the sweet dishes, fruit salads should be noted. Beer is considered the national German drink. Among non-alcoholic drinks, Germans prefer coffee with milk.
Spain. The basis of native Spanish cuisine is simple food: onions, garlic, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, herbs. When it comes to soups, Spaniards prefer cream soups; garlic soup is especially popular. Along with beef, veal, pork and young lamb, Spaniards enjoy eating poultry dishes. As for sweet dishes, the Spaniards are especially fond of pies filled with almond cream. The Spaniards drink a lot of natural low-alcohol wine.
Italy. The national dish of Italians is spaghetti, which is served with various sauces, grated cheese or butter. The Italian diet includes not only well-known vegetables - tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, artichokes, but also lesser known ones - chicory, lettuce, dandelion leaves. When it comes to soups, Italians prefer clear, pureed soups with pasta. They also eat a lot of cheese. Cheese is served with soups, and pizza is made with it. Rice is widely used in Italian cuisine. The national drink of Italians is grape wine.
China. Chinese cuisine is extremely rich. It includes a variety of products: cereals, vegetables, meat, fish, marine invertebrates, algae, poultry, young bamboo shoots. However, the palm in Chinese cuisine undoubtedly belongs to rice. The Chinese prepare many dishes from soybeans: soybean oil, soybean curd, soy milk, etc. Products made from flour are very popular: noodles, vermicelli, flatbreads, dumplings, sweet cookies. The Chinese eat a lot of vegetables: all types of cabbage, sweet potatoes, potatoes, radishes, onions, garlic, tomatoes. Chinese virtuoso chefs have learned to prepare incredibly tasty dishes from vegetables. The Chinese prefer pork when it comes to meat. Among poultry meats, preference is given to chickens and ducks. Both chicken and duck eggs are also eaten. Fish and seafood are extremely popular.
The most common drink is tea, not only black, but also green.
USA. Americans' favorite dishes are fruit and vegetable salads, meat and poultry with vegetable side dishes, and fruit desserts. Americans prefer broths and pureed soups as first courses. The most popular meats are beef, lean pork, chicken and turkey. The cuisine is not particularly spicy - all dishes are lightly salted and not too spicy. Vegetables are used as a side dish: beans, beans, peas, corn and potatoes. Americans don't like cereals and pasta. Fast food restaurants are popular in the USA, where you can buy hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and other fast food. Americans drink a lot of black coffee, which is usually not very strong. Ginger beer and iced lemon tea are also popular.
Scandinavian countries. The Scandinavian countries include Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Seafood is the basis of Scandinavian cuisine. Salads, first and second courses are prepared from fish, not to mention sandwiches, which are extremely popular in these countries. The sandwich is prepared in several rows from various products. Scandinavians consume a lot of meat, preferring beef, veal, and pork. Another feature of Scandinavian cuisine is the widespread use of milk and dairy products. Porridge and potato dishes are also traditional for them. Scandinavians prefer coffee as a drink.
France. A characteristic feature of French cuisine is the abundance of vegetables, especially root vegetables. French cuisine uses all types of meat. Fish and seafood dishes are very popular: shrimp, oysters, lobsters, scallops. As for drinks, the French prefer fruit juices and mineral waters; coffee is very popular.
Japan. The basis of Japanese cuisine is plant products, vegetables, rice, fish, and seafood. Meat is used, but is not the basis of nutrition. The Japanese's favorite food is rice. Great importance is attached to dishes made from legumes and soybeans. Most Japanese national dishes are served with spicy seasonings made from radishes, radishes and herbs. Salted and pickled vegetables are popular.
From the presented description we can conclude that not all nations eat properly balanced food. Even such a brief overview of the cuisine of different countries indicates the peculiarities of the lifestyle and health of the inhabitants of these countries. So, judging by nutrition, it can be said that Japanese and Mediterranean residents are less at risk of cardiovascular diseases than residents of Russia, Germany or the United States, since the Japanese diet contains a lot of rice, soy, seafood and fish, and Mediterranean residents consume a lot of vegetables , fruits, seafood and dry wine.
It is worth taking a closer look at the diet of the residents of these countries and using their nutritional experience. But the health of the people and each individual depends not only on the traditions of national nutrition. Much depends on proper, organized, balanced nutrition.
National traditions are a historically established set of customs, rituals, habits and skills passed down from generation to generation - something that clearly distinguishes us from representatives of other nations and, therefore, can serve as a subject of special pride and almost sacred veneration. Of course, the most important element of the traditions of all countries is national cuisine, which takes its origins practically from the time of the birth of peoples and ethnic groups.
The secrets of national cuisine, as an invaluable element of the culture of the people, are often not only carefully preserved, but also kept secret. In Italy, no one will tell you the real secret of making delicious pasta, the Chinese will not share with you the national recipe for preparing dishes from snake meat or shark fin, and there is no need to talk about French cuisine, which has long been considered the most aristocratic in the world.
Pasta formaggelle galluresi (culurgiones) with fresh tomato sauce, basil and pecorino cheese - a traditional dish in Sardinia
National cuisine is a set of dishes that are constantly prepared by residents of a certain territory or country. Historical preconditions are a feature of any national cuisine. Most of the dishes that are considered national in a particular area were prepared several centuries ago. As time passed, the recipes were improved and supplemented in order to pass on culinary secrets to future generations. Most often, national dishes consist of those products that are available in a given area. There are also conditions for preparing dishes from the national menu.
Culinary gourmets are ready to travel far to enjoy the national cuisine of a particular country. After all, it is possible to taste the taste of real sushi only in Japan, and you can enjoy roasted chestnuts prepared according to original recipes only in France. Those who do not have the opportunity to visit foreign countries can try to study some recipes and features of savory national dishes in their own kitchen.
Sushi ready to eat
All existing national cuisines of the world can be divided into several large groups, uniting them according to some common characteristics. Modern European cuisine developed under the influence of the national characteristics of various European countries. However, despite this, it is difficult to talk about a single European cuisine, since the territory of Europe is inhabited by many peoples, and their way of life and culture are determined not only by climatic, but also by geographical conditions. The cuisine of the southern countries of Western Europe differs in “temperament” from the cuisine of its northern countries, just as the character of a Spaniard or Italian differs from the Finns. Southern cuisine is spicy, aroma, and colorful compared to the simpler and more restrained cuisine of the north.
Spanish paella
Features of European cuisine include the abundance of vegetable dishes and the use of a large number of different sauces. Unlike the peoples of the East, Europeans use spices, seasonings and seasonings much less, focusing on preserving the taste of the original products.
Serbian Givech
European cuisine originates in Greece. Later, together with chefs, the culinary art migrated to Ancient Rome. This is why modern Italian and Greek cuisine have so many similarities. Common features are also inherent in the cuisines of Italy, Spain, Portugal and France. First of all, this is the use of ginger, all types of pepper, thyme, fennel, sage, cinnamon, tarragon and vanilla. The menu always includes vegetables and fruits: tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, grapes, figs and oranges. Many fish and seafood dishes, as well as poultry, lamb, pork or beef.
Italian polenta with rabbit meat
However, it is not only the southern European countries that are the trendsetters of European cuisine. So, for example, Europeans learned about coffee from Austria, the Germans, Belgians and Czechs gave them a love of beer, and the British taught Europeans how to drink real tea.
Eastern cuisine combines gastronomic customs and traditions of Arab and Muslim countries, Asian countries, Turkish, as well as some Caucasian and Balkan countries. Just as in the case of the concept of “European cuisine,” the concept of “Oriental cuisine” is also very broad and relative, since it covers the culinary traditions of a wide variety of countries, sometimes completely opposite in customs and preferences. For example, in most countries of the Muslim world they prefer lamb, while in China and Japan they prefer fish and seafood.
Keema Kaleji is a dish of minced mutton, curry, peas or potatoes that Indian Muslims prepare for Eid.
The main products that are used to prepare oriental dishes are rice, lamb, fermented milk products, beans, vegetables and fruits, and flour products. With rare exceptions, fish and seafood, cheese, beef and eggs are consumed to a lesser extent. Oriental dishes are distinguished by their sharpness and spicy taste.
Another feature of oriental cuisine is the lack of soups in the European understanding. Many oriental cuisines offer characteristic soups such as “shurpa” - a fairly thick and fatty soup. In different countries it may be called differently (sorpo, shorpo, shorpa, chorpo), and consist of different ingredients. Mostly common foods are vegetables and fried meats. Cooking shurpa is a rather specific process, since its consistency is more like porridge. Local cereals, a lot of onions and vegetables are used for soups. The increased fat content of shurpa is associated with the use of ghee or fat tail fat during preparation. In addition, dishes typical of oriental cuisine are pilaf, dolma, shish kebab and shawarma. Lavash, flatbreads and pita are baked as bread.
Shurpa is a fairly thick and fatty soup
Oriental sweets made from nuts and dried fruits, baklava, Turkish delight, sherbet and halva are famous throughout the world. As drinks, residents of these countries prefer oriental coffee and ayran, while the Chinese, Japanese, people of Central Asia and Indians prefer tea.
Classic Turkish sweets - Turkish delight, halva, sherbet, baklava, nuts, dried fruits, marzipan
American cuisine is a bizarre mixture of a wide variety of national dishes. The traditions of the indigenous peoples and tribes of America are closely intertwined with the traditions of the Spaniards, English, Italians, French and Portuguese who came to these lands. In essence, American cuisine is the cuisine of immigrants. Perhaps this is why it is so loved all over the world and catering establishments offering American cuisine are among the most visited.
American cuisine is made up of the cuisine of many countries. The continent itself has a long history, and many peoples settled on its territory - all this had a direct impact on both the characteristics of food preparation and the national cuisine in general. Despite its diversity, North American cuisine is quite simple. Most of it is made up of cuisine from Mexico and the USA. Mexicans enjoy fiery and savory dishes based on the traditions of the Aztecs and Spaniards. And the United States is not averse to boasting of many dishes brought here from Europe and Asia.
Apple pie is one of America's most traditional dishes.
It is prepared from butter dough filled with apples mashed with sugar and other sweet ingredients.
Talking about South American cuisines, the dominant position of Brazilian cuisine should be highlighted. Brazilian gastronomy was formed under the influence of African, Portuguese, and Indian traditions and is a “puzzle” of regional cuisines. It is worth noting that often the dishes of one Brazilian region are strikingly different from another and have specific geographical location. The most revered and beloved dish of the entire nation is considered to be feijoada - beans with various types of meat, cassava flour and spices. The most typical products for Brazilian cuisine are beans, rice, seafood, fish, all types of meat, coconut milk, fruits. Brazilians cannot imagine their existence without coffee.
Feijoada - beans with various meats, cassava flour and spices
Of course, the cuisines of different nations are so diverse, multifaceted and, at the same time, unique that their classification according to the continental principle and even according to the principle of individual countries will be too narrow and incomplete. Often small regions within one country and even small towns, thanks to their special respect for their culinary traditions, and, perhaps, due to their unique climatic conditions, determine the direction of development not only of a certain national cuisine, but also of world culinary art and global beverage brands .
Champagne is a sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France from established grape varieties by secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle.
Almost every country has its own national dish - a cult dish, which is eaten and loved more often than others within that area. National dishes are part of the country’s culture, as well as a popular “attraction” for any tourist. When traveling abroad, you will obviously prefer to try the most famous dish in a foreign country. Well, in case you are going on a trip, save this list of national dishes from a variety of countries that are definitely worth trying. ©
Barbados: Peek-a-boo and the Flying Fish
Barbados has a lot of fish, such as opah, tuna, barracuda and redfish, but the country is called the “Land of the Flying Fish”. And this type of fish even made it to the most famous national dish of Barbados, which is called Coo-coo. Coo coo consists mainly of corn grits and okra fruit, and the flying fish served along with it is usually fried or steamed.
Canada: poutine (emphasis on second syllable)
Poutine arrived in Quebec in the late 1950s. This is the favorite dish of all Canadians. It's made from French fries, topped with brown gravy and served with chunks of cheese. Although the recipe is quite simple, there are many variations of poutine. Some restaurants offer this dish with toppings such as chicken, bacon or Montreal smoked meat, three pepper sauce or even caviar and truffles.
Syria: kebbe
This dish is also popular in Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan. A typical Syrian kebbe is made from bulgur (durum wheat), chopped onions and finely chopped pieces of beef, lamb, goat or camel meat. The best version of kebbe is these cutlets stuffed with beef or lamb. The cutlets can also be shaped into a ball or flatbread, and can be baked or boiled in broth.
Poland: bigus
Bigus is a traditional meat stew in Polish, Lithuanian and Belarusian cuisine, but only the Poles consider it a national dish. This very nourishing and tasty stew is made from a large number of ingredients - fresh and sauerkraut, various types of meat and sausages, tomatoes, honey, mushrooms, peppers, cumin, bay leaves, oregano, prunes and other ingredients. Bigus can be served in a plate or inside a bread roll.
Greece: souvlaki
Greece is a country with several well-known dishes around the world, such as keftedes, moussaka or tzatziki, but souvlaki is usually considered the most famous Greek dish. This popular “fast food” in Greece consists of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables on skewers. Souvlaki is usually made from pork, although chicken or lamb can also be used. Serve on skewers, on pita bread with side dishes and sauces, or with fried potatoes.
Italy: pizza
Pizza is famous all over the world, so there is no point in introducing this dish to you. Let’s better tell you how Margherita pizza came to be. According to legend, this pizza was invented in 1889, when the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito was ordered to create a pizza specifically in honor of the visit of Queen Margherita. Of the three pizzas he prepared, the queen preferred the one whose ingredients were dominated by the national colors of Italy: red (tomatoes), green (basil) and white (mozzarella). Then it was decided to name this pizza in honor of Queen Margherita.
Ireland: Irish stew
First recognized in 1800, Irish stew is the most common dish in this country and a staple on any pub menu. Originally it was a thick broth with boiled lamb, onions, potatoes and parsley, but now other vegetables are often added to the dish.
USA: hamburger
Like pizza or pasta, hamburgers are eaten all over the world, but the dish is usually associated primarily with the United States. The word "hamburger" comes from the German word "Hamburg", from where many emigrated to America in the 19th century. On July 27, 1900, American grocery store chef Louis Lessing sold the first hamburger in his hometown of New Haven.
Hungary: goulash
Goulash became the national dish of Hungary in the late 1800s, when Hungarians sought symbols of national unity to distinguish themselves from other peoples of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This hearty dish later spread throughout Central Europe, Scandinavia and Southern Europe. Goulash is a soup or stew made from beef (sometimes veal, pork, venison or lamb) and vegetables, generously seasoned with pepper and other spices.
Israel: falafel
This dish is common not only in Israel, but throughout the Middle East. These are deep-fried balls or cakes made from ground chickpeas, garden beans, or both. Usually served in pita or lafe. Falafel has become so popular that in some countries McDonald's has started serving McFalafel.
Jamaica: ackee and saltfish
Although this dish first originated in Jamaica, it is also eaten in the UK, Canada and the US. To prepare this dish, salted cod is sauteed in boiled akki (a local tropical fruit), onions, tomatoes and spices. Usually served for breakfast or dinner with breadfruit, bread, dumplings or boiled green plantains. Often the dish is washed with coconut milk.
Austria: Wiener schnitzel
This is a very thin and deeply fried veal schnitzel. The most popular Viennese and Austrian dish in general. It is made from lightly pounded veal, slightly salted and rolled in flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs. Traditionally, this dish is served with potato salad, cucumber salad, parsley potatoes, fries or fried potatoes and a wedge of lemon.
South Korea: Bulgogi
Translated as “fiery meat”. This is a typical South Korean dish that usually consists of fried marinated beef. The marinade is a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onion, ginger, sugar, wine, green onions and sometimes mushrooms. Many restaurants in South Korea have small barbecue kits built into their tables, allowing diners to grill their own meats.
France: thin pancakes
Very thin sweet pancakes, usually made from white flour. Served with a variety of fillings, they can be sweet (with sugar, fruit jam, strawberries, maple syrup, etc.) and savory (with cheese, ham, eggs, ratatouille, mushrooms, artichokes and various meat products).
China: Peking duck
The most famous dish from the capital of China and one of the most famous Chinese dishes around the world. Crispy-skinned duck served with green onions, cucumbers, sweet bean sauce and thin pancakes. Sometimes a bowl of hot sauce - such as hoisin - is added to the main plate.
Brazil: Feijoada
The main ingredients of this hearty and very tasty dish are beans and fresh pork or beef. This dish is made from black beans, various pork or beef products, such as bacon or smoked pork ribs, and at least two types of smoked sausages and beef jerky. Usually served with white rice and oranges - the latter help digestion.
Ukraine: borscht
Popular in many countries of Eastern and Central Europe. Should I explain to you what it is? Foreigners describe it as a thick and spicy soup with beets as the main ingredient. Beef or pork is almost always added, and pieces of meat, potatoes and beets are used for the broth. Sometimes carrots and peppers are added. They eat it with bread.
Thailand: Thai noodles
Deeply fried rice noodles. It is served in restaurants, but you can also buy it from a street stall. It is made from dry rice noodles moistened with water, which are fried with eggs and chopped tofu, and a huge number of different ingredients are used as seasonings: tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic, shallots, chili, etc. Serve with lime wedges and chopped roasted peanuts. Depending on region, may also contain fresh shrimp, crab, chicken, or other meats.
Czech Republic: creamed tenderloin
In the Czech Republic, there is an eternal debate about what is the national dish in the country - creamed tenderloin or shank. Let it be the first. The tenderloin is usually beef, which is served with a thick creamy sauce and dumplings. Sometimes the dish is served with lemon slices and cranberries.
Venezuela: arepa
These corn flour tortillas are sometimes considered the national dish of Colombia. Different regions of the country use different sizes, types of flour and additional ingredients. For example, in eastern Venezuela, arepas are typically 7-20 cm in diameter and about 2 cm thick. Today this dish is made in special electrical appliances, which takes about 7 minutes (and with the usual cooking method - 15-25 minutes).
Türkiye: kebab
Kebab originated on the streets of Turkey, where street vendors cut the meat from vertically hung pieces. Traditionally, kebab is made with lamb, but depending on local preferences or religious beliefs, kebab can also be made with beef, goat, chicken, pork or even fish. Usually served in pita bread or pita bread.
Singapore: Chilli crab
The main ingredient of this delicious seafood dish is, of course, crab. It is fried in a thick, sweet and spicy tomato and chili sauce. This dish was even included in the list of “50 most delicious dishes in the whole world” at number 35.
Serbia: Pljeskavica
This Balkan dish is made from different types of minced meat. Traditional Serbian pljeskavica is made from a mixture of minced lamb, pork or beef (sometimes veal), fried with onions and served on a plate with vegetables and side dishes - usually fried potatoes or bread. Recently, this hearty and delicious dish has begun to gain popularity in other parts of Europe.
New Zealand: Bacon and Egg Pie
This pie contains bacon, eggs, onions, peas, tomatoes and cheese, so it's quite high in calories. Sometimes served with ketchup. This dish is also popular in neighboring Australia.
Belgium: Moules-Frites
Translates to “mussels and fries.” This dish originated in Belgium and is considered national here, but is also popular in France and other Western European countries. The most unusual thing about Moules-Frites is its size. One serving of this dish per person in almost any restaurant in Belgium is 1.5 kg! Mussels and fries are usually served on separate plates to prevent the potatoes from becoming too soft.